Who says style has an expiration date? Turning 60 doesn’t mean retiring your fashion sense—it’s about refining it! Summer brings the perfect opportunity to express yourself through breezy, age-appropriate outfits that celebrate your wisdom and confidence. Let me share my favorite summer looks that’ll have you turning heads at any garden party, beach outing, or casual lunch date.
1. Linen Palazzo Pants
Gracious heavens, these flowing wonders changed my life! Linen palazzo pants offer that magical combination of comfort and elegance without screaming ‘I’ve given up on style.’
Pair them with a tucked-in blouse, and you’ll float through summer gatherings like a sophisticated breeze. The wide-leg silhouette flatters every body type while keeping you cool.
2. Lightweight Maxi Dress
Nothing says ‘I’ve mastered summer style’ quite like a well-chosen maxi dress! The right one skims your body without clinging, creating that effortless silhouette we all crave.
Look for breathable fabrics in solid colors or subtle patterns. My clients consistently report feeling like goddesses when they slip into these floor-sweeping wonders.
3. Statement Sunglasses
Darling, your eyes deserve protection wrapped in glamour! Statement sunglasses aren’t just practical sun shields—they’re instant face-framers that elevate any outfit from ‘meh’ to marvelous.
Choose oversized frames if you’re feeling dramatic or cat-eye shapes for a touch of retro charm. Remember: confidence is wearing what makes you smile when you catch your reflection.
4. Cotton Shirt Dress
Where has this wardrobe workhorse been all your life? A crisp cotton shirt dress works harder than any other piece in your summer collection!
Button it up for lunch with the grandkids or leave a few buttons open over a cami for evening drinks. The structured collar frames your face beautifully while the A-line shape skims over any midlife curves.
5. Wide-Brimmed Sun Hat
Though I’m all for embracing fine lines earned through decades of laughter, why not protect your complexion with fabulous flair? A wide-brimmed sun hat isn’t merely practical—it’s the ultimate glamour accessory.
Channel your inner film star as you tilt it just so. Bonus: it creates mysterious shadows that add intrigue to your already fascinating face!
6. Cropped Linen Jacket
If you’ve been avoiding cropped jackets, honey, it’s time to reconsider! A lightly structured linen version creates the most flattering silhouette over summer dresses and pants alike.
The secret? Finding one that hits at your most slender point. Mine sits just at my waist, creating definition without constriction—perfect for those air-conditioned restaurants that feel like freezers!
7. Elevated Sandals
Whoever invented the slightly elevated sandal deserves a fashion Nobel Prize! These miracle workers add height without the torture of high heels, elongating your legs while remaining blissfully walkable.
Seek out cushioned footbeds with adjustable straps in metallic or neutral tones. My silver pair mysteriously coordinates with everything from jeans to fancy frocks!
8. Silk Scarf Collection
Why do French women always look so effortlessly chic? Two words: silk scarves! These versatile squares transform basic outfits into personal statements faster than you can say ‘je ne sais quoi.’
Tie one around your neck, weave it through belt loops, or wrap it on your handbag handle. My collection started with one inherited piece and grew into my signature accessory.
9. Lightweight Cardigan
How often have perfect summer evenings been ruined by unexpected chills? A featherweight cardigan is your secret weapon against summer’s temperature mood swings.
Unlike those bulky winter versions, these barely-there layers add warmth without bulk. I keep one in my tote at all times—they’re especially perfect for those overly air-conditioned museums and restaurants!
10. White Jeans
Forget that nonsense about white jeans being only for the young! When chosen in the right cut (straight or slightly bootcut), they become summer’s most versatile bottom.
Look for slightly thicker denim with a touch of stretch. My favorite pair has accompanied me to casual brunches and dressed-up evening events alike—just by changing my top and accessories.
11. Oversized Button-Down Shirt
Sometimes I steal my husband’s shirts, but honestly, the ones designed for women work better! An oversized button-down in crisp cotton or linen serves as the ultimate summer multitasker.
Wear it belted as a dress, open as a beach cover-up, or half-tucked into pants. The slight structure adds polish while the roominess keeps you cool and comfortable.
12. Statement Earrings
After decades of accessorizing, I’ve learned one crucial lesson: when summer heat makes layering impossible, statement earrings do the heavy lifting! These face-framing jewels instantly elevate even the simplest outfit.
Choose lightweight materials that won’t stretch your lobes. My colorful resin pairs have sparked more conversations than any other accessory I own!
13. Relaxed Linen Shirt
Whoever claimed linen’s wrinkles are problematic clearly missed the point! Those natural creases are what give this fabric its laid-back sophistication.
A slightly oversized linen shirt in white, soft blue, or pale pink becomes your summer uniform. Roll the sleeves, leave a few buttons undone, and embrace that perfectly imperfect look that whispers ‘I’m too stylish to fuss.’
14. Capri Pants
Though fashion editors occasionally try to declare them ‘out,’ capri pants remain my summer savior! The key is finding the right length—ideally hitting at the slimmest part of your calf.
Avoid tight fits; instead, opt for a slight flare or straight leg. My navy pair works with everything from striped tees for casual days to silky blouses for evening events.
15. Espadrille Wedges
If stilettos now feel like instruments of torture (they always were, honestly), meet your new summer shoe soulmate! Espadrille wedges offer height and stability—a rare combination in the footwear world.
The woven details add textural interest while the wedge shape provides balance. My neutral pair has danced at outdoor weddings and strolled through European vacations with equal aplomb.
16. Printed Kimono
When dramatic entrances are called for, nothing delivers quite like a flowing printed kimono! This open-front wonder transforms basic tanks and pants into bohemian rhapsodies with zero effort.
The vertical lines create a lengthening effect while the loose cut keeps you cool. Mine doubles as a beach cover-up, proving true style multitasks beautifully.
17. Classic Sheath Dress
Though trends come and go faster than my grandchildren’s attention spans, the sheath dress remains eternally chic! This knee-length wonder with its clean lines flatters every body type when properly fitted.
Look for stretchy, breathable fabrics with a bit of structure. My black version has taken me from funerals to gallery openings—just by changing accessories.
18. Straw Tote Bag
Summer demands a bag that speaks of seaside escapes, even if you’re just heading to the grocery store! A roomy straw tote carries all your essentials while adding textural interest to any outfit.
Leather handles elevate the look from purely casual to smartly sophisticated. Mine has accompanied me from farmers’ markets to impromptu lunch dates for several summers running.