Best End-of-Summer Fashion Buys Worth Getting Now

2. Boatneck tees with sleeves

Women over 50 know the neck-lengthening, hip-balancing power of a V-neck tee. When it comes to end-of-summer buys, though, it’s the long-sleeve boatneck you’ll want to snap up instead. You’ll get some of the same shape-making benefits, plus extra coverage for sun-damaged or crepey cleavage and incoming chilly weather alike.

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Stock up on neutral solids with long sleeves, like the J.Jill Relaxed Jersey Tee in Black and White ($59, jjill.com); the Croft & Barrow Women’s Boatneck Top in Mineral Black or Seattle Navy ($12, kohls.com); and the Gap Women Modern Boatneck T-Shirt in Black, Terra Brown or Navy Blue ($40, gap.com), before they sell out.

Super shopping tip: When trying on, check that the neckline aligns perfectly with your bra straps. Some boatnecks are more extended than others, and you don’t want to be pushing your bra straps out of the way of the neckline all day.

(From left) A New Day Women’s Knit Woven Midi Dress in Black; J.Crew Women Lina Smocked Midi Dress in Navy; Gap Women Cotton Gauze Maxi Shirtdress in Cool Brown; Simply Vera Vera Wang Women’s Mixed Media Midi Dress in Beige Leopard Spots.

AARP (Target, J.Crew, Gap, Kohl’s)

3. Dark, neutral midi and maxi dresses

Women who have come to love and count on the breezy, leg-covering freedom of midi and maxi dresses in the summer wonder if they’ll vanish the following year. The answer is no. While you may not find the exact same dresses again, the style itself is enduring.

The best dresses to stock up on are simple, pared-down midis in dark neutrals like brown, navy and black — even sleeveless styles. (And no, brown is not leaving.) They’ll provide a perfect base for accessories come summer 2027, no matter the trends, and adapt to cold-weather wear with knee-high boots and a sweater or cardigan. Take a look at A New Day Women’s Knit Woven Midi Dress in Black ($26, target.com), a scoop-neck, sleeveless style; the Quince Women Cotton Mixed Media Tank Dress in Navy or Black ($60, quince.com); the J.Crew Women Lina Smocked Midi Dress in Navy ($168, jcrew.com); the Simply Vera Vera Wang Women’s Mixed Media Midi Dress in Beige Leopard Spots ($42, kohls.com) and the Gap Women Cotton Gauze Maxi Shirtdress in Cool Brown or True Black ($100, gap.com), for example.

Super shopping tip: Make mixed media (combinations of different textures and fabrics), smocked tops, trim shirtdresses and knit styles with a fit-and-flare shape your first choice. Avoid styles with short or long sleeves that are overly voluminous or puffy, as they can be difficult to layer under a sweater or jacket.

(From left) J.Jill Belted Denim Jacket in Camden Blue Wash; Everlane Women’s Denim Chore Jacket in Dark Indigo; Old Navy Women Chore Jacket in Medium Wash; Quince Women 100% Organic Cotton Denim Chore Jacket in Indigo Blue.

AARP (J.Jill, Everlane, Old Navy, Quince)

4. Elevated denim jackets

Many women say, “A denim jacket is still my go-to, throw-on piece.” Like a leather jacket, a denim style projects a cool image. Do your body and wardrobe a favor and switch from a cropped, trucker-style jean jacket to a more body-friendly, polished one. Some of the best are denim chore jackets, like the Old Navy Women Chore Jacket in Medium Wash ($30, oldnavy.gap.com); the Quince Women 100% Organic Cotton Denim Chore Jacket in Dark Indigo, Washed Black or Indigo Blue ($60, quince.com); and the Everlane Women’s Denim Chore Jacket in Mid Indigo or Dark Indigo ($178, everlane.com). These have a longer, relaxed cut that offers more coverage at the waist and belly, a roomier fit for larger chests, more functional pockets and a sophisticated look. Women also say they feel less “juvenile.”

Other chic denim choices — though harder to find — include blazers, like the Gloria Vanderbilt Women’s Denim One-Button Blazer in Columbus ($85, macys.com); multipocket utility styles, like the Foxcroft Women Stella Belted Denim Utility Jacket in Dark Wash or Medium Wash ($158, nordstrom.com); and the J.Jill Belted Denim Jacket in Camden Blue Wash ($159, jjill.com).

Super shopping tip: Stick with medium-to-dark washes rather than light or distressed ones for a more upscale, pulled-together effect, even when paired with sporty-casual leggings or joggers.

5. Classy mules

We’ll be leaving sandals behind shortly, but shoes that leave the heels bare while covering the toes have longer wearability, right into early winter. Polished mules with an almond or tapered toe are one of the best buys to bridge the gap. Luxury brands like Saint Laurent, Gucci and Prada are all on board with the style. Equally elegant but more affordable loafer mules include the Lucky Brand Women’s Adenia Loafer Mule in Chocolate, Porcini or Black ($62, 6pm.com), all in suede with a super stylish knotted detail; A New Day Women’s Ginger Mule Loafers in Chocolate or Black ($35, target.com), with a rounded toe-box; the Old Navy Women Loafer Mule Shoes in Olive, Crocodile or Black Jack ($17–$20, oldnavy.gap.com), totally refined modern classics; and the Marc Fisher Ltd Jaynie Almond-Toe Loafer Mule in Medium Natural, Dark Brown and Black ($150, nordstrom.com), with an on-trend scrunched look at the toes. You’ll be kicking yourself for not stocking up.

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Super shopping tip: Choose suede for an extra fashion-forward finish, or leather or faux leather for an always-posh look.

(From left) J.Crew Women 2025 Rollneck Sweater in Brilliant Indigo; Gap Factory Women Relaxed Jersey Boatneck Sweater in Army Jacket Green; Old Navy Women Seaside Cotton Shaker Tunic Sweater in Earthen.

AARP (J.Crew, Gap Factory, Old Navy)

6. Lightweight cotton sweaters in your favorite neutrals

Want a pullover that’s not too heavy in August and still wearable in November and February? How about one that’s also machine-washable? Cotton may not have the aesthetic appeal of cashmere, but it performs like a wardrobe hero. Have a look at the Gap Factory Women Relaxed Jersey Boatneck Sweater in Woodsy Brown, Army Jacket Green, Light Heather Gray or Black Stripe ($20, gapfactory.com), with that neck-lengthening neckline; the J.Crew Women 2025 Rollneck Sweater in Navy, Black or Brilliant Indigo ($98, jcrew.com), a soft and slouchy style; or the Old Navy Women Seaside Cotton Shaker Tunic Sweater in Black Jack, Earthen and Sea Salt ($40, oldnavy.gap.com), a generous belly-banisher. All layer easily over tees but are not too bulky to slip under a denim jacket, an anorak or a trench.

Super shopping tip: Choose colors that are in tune with your wardrobe’s most-worn colors to create trim, monochromatic outfits. Or opt for any shade of blue or white for an instant brightening effect.

(From left) Privé Revaux Women’s The Hepburn 57mm Cat-Eye Polarized Sunglasses in Black; Madewell Women The Norah Sunglasses in True Black and Dark Tortoise.

AARP (Kohl’s; Madewell, 2)

7. Year-round sunglasses

Sunglasses are now a year-round accessory, so put an extra pair (along with a refresh of SPF 30+ sunscreen) on your shopping list. No need for a showy, big-name designer label. Chic styles like the J.Crew Factory Women Cat-Eye Sunglasses in Tortoise ($20, factory.jcrew.com); the Madewell Women The Norah Sunglasses in Dark Tortoise or True Black ($70, madewell.com), with angular frames; the Quay All In 56mm Gradient Aviator Sunglasses in Dark Brown/Brown Rose ($80, nordstrom.com); and the Privé Revaux Women’s The Hepburn 57mm Cat-Eye Polarized Sunglasses in Black ($34, kohls.com) all offer 100 percent UV protection in frames large enough to cover the entire eye area.

Super shopping tip: The lightweight frames of aviator glasses are easy to wear and flatter everyone; cat-eye styles lift the face; and angular styles restore a firm, structured look.