How to Look Your Best for Big Summer Events

2. Be casual and fashionable.

Not every important summer event calls for a drop-dead dressy look. There are plenty of family reunions, community barbecues, major birthday bashes and backyard bridal showers that don’t require fancy clothes. 

One solution that’s working for many women is a breathable linen or gauze button-down shirt, like J.Crew Factory Women’s Double-Gauze Button Up Shirt in Bright Cerise, Sweet Fuchsia, Seaport Blue ($35, factory.jcrew.com), paired with wide-leg, pull-on pants like the Banana Republic Factory Women Wide Leg Linen Blend Cropped Pull-On Pant in White or Black ($32, bananarepublicfactory.gapfactory.com), or Simply Vera Vera Wang Pull-On Pleated Capri Pants in Black or Coconut Milk ($32, kohls.com). All you need is a ballet flat, low espadrille or strappy sandal to pull together the comfy but elevated look. And note: Even when an invitation says “come as you are,” don’t believe it for a second! There will be plenty of social media snaps; besides, you never know who will be there. My advice? Leave your comfy vintage-wash jeans (even those with a designer label) and yoga or sports clothes for another time.

(From left) Go for the glow: Tarte Key Largo Glow Serum Bronzing Drops in Bronze Glow; It’s a 10 Blow Dry Miracle Glossing Leave-In; OPI Nail Lacquer in Kyoto Pearl; Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Lip + Cheek Glow Bush Stick With Hyaluronic Acid in Peachy Glow.

AARP (Kohl’s; Target; Ulta, 2)

3. Emphasize a summer glow.

After 50, the more you glow at summer events, the better. But know the difference between sweat and glow. The former, which you want to avoid, shows up as greasy skin (especially in the T-zone), perspiration at the cleavage, and underarm stains on your top. A glow, on the other hand, erases fatigue, revives dry, sun-damaged skin, adds sparkle to nails and feet in sandals, brings a healthier look to dull hair, and a woke-up-like-this freshness to the face.

It’s all about four beauty products that enhance radiance, shimmer and shine. Start with bronzing drops like Tarte Key Largo Glow Serum Bronzing Drops ($35, kohls.com) or Milani Conceal + Perfect Sun Kissed Liquid Bronzing Drops in Light or Medium ($17, walgreens.com) to add to moisturizer or foundation for a temporary (wash-off) sunny warmth; a cheek-lip hybrid like Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Lip + Cheek Glow Bush Stick With Hyaluronic Acid ($42, sephora.com) for a maximum healthy look; and a leave-in conditioner/glossing treatment like It’s a 10 Blow Dry Miracle Glossing Leave-In ($26, ulta.com) to smooth frizz and add sheen (it’s especially great on pulled-back hair). Don’t forget a shimmery ivory nail enamel like OPI Nail Lacquer in Kyoto Pearl ($12, target.com) that complements every skin tone.

(From left) Eye-catching accessories: LifeStride Women’s Socialite Wedge Sandals in Black; J. Crew Women Disc Drop Earrings in Shiny Matte Gold; Casa Clara Siren Shell Drop Earrings in Gold; Ann Taylor Eyelet Off the Shoulder Top in Natural Green.

AARP (Kohl’s, J. Crew, Anthropologie, Ann Taylor)

4. Dress to stand out in a crowd.

Cocktail parties are everyone’s favorite, even if they drink nothing but mocktails or sparkling water with a twist of lemon. Milling around at a cocktail party is an ideal opportunity to socialize, mingle, network, make new friends and renew old friendships.

Keep the emphasis waist-up since you’re mostly face-to-face at these events. Wear an eye-catching, festive color, like the Ann Taylor Eyelet Off the Shoulder Top in Natural Green ($39, anntaylor.com), so people can find you (as in “Lois is in the bright green top, you can’t miss her”). And remember that off-the-shoulder tops and dresses are among the best dress-up choices for women over 50. Everyone has great shoulders, regardless of shape — something I learned from designer Donna Karan long ago. Make flats or very low wedges, like LifeStride Women’s Socialite Wedge Sandals in Black ($65, kohls.com), a must. No need to end the evening with blisters, burning soles and achy arches. This is also the time to slip on a can’t-take-your-eyes-off-it necklace, like the Talbots Organic Bead Layered Necklace in Vivid Turquoise ($75, talbots.com), or statement earrings like Casa Clara Siren Shell Drop Earrings in Gold ($68, anthropologie.com) or J.Crew Women Disc Drop Earrings in Shiny Matte Gold ($50, jcrew.com). They’ll make whatever you wear a conversation starter.

5. Dazzle for a big-deal night.

Many women over 50 secretly dread dressy after-dark events and the thought of shimmying into shapewear, a skintight sheath or a gown and heels. Here’s some good news. Pause before digging out your old beaded and sequined “occasion” dresses.

Whether the invitation reads “black tie” (or, more likely, “black tie optional”), “creative black tie” or just “gala garb,” lose the anxiety and treat yourself to an affordable update. Clever designs that reveal, conceal and solve body concerns with style and elegance work for a wide variety of shapes and sizes. 

Here’s what’s stealing the spotlight now: one-shoulder looks like The Occasion by Old Navy Women’s One-Shoulder Midi Dress in Black Jack, Earthen or Bright Coral ($23, oldnavy.gap.com) in body-skimming jersey that plays up curves, not cleavage; flowy styles like the Banana Republic Factory Voile Maxi Dress in Winter Sea ($60, bananarepublicfactory.gapfactory.com), with an elasticized waist and airy A-line sweep that lets you eat, dance, sit and walk in comfort; and chic jumpsuits like the Adrianna Papell Colorblocked Overlay Jumpsuit in Black/Ivory ($189, macys.com) — this one has a camouflaging A-line skirt overlay. The secret to a stress-free evening is testing the entire look head-to-toe at home, in front of your mirror, a few days before the event. This gives you a chance to choose the right bra and shoes without pressure. Speaking of shoes, a fancy occasion is no longer a mandate to wear stilettos. Opt for low kitten-heel sandals with a refined shape, like  Dolce Vita Mylee Heels in Black Leather, Light Tan Leather or Cream Leather ($135, nordstrom.com).

(From left) Be ready in a flash: Ann Taylor Ruffle Collar Maxi Flare Dress in Moroccan Red; J. Crew Factory Women Braided Strappy Sandals in Rich Gold.

AARP (Ann Taylor, J. Crew Factory)

6. Look fancy, fast.

Not every big summer event comes with advance notice. Add to that a busy schedule when you’re running late and barely have time for a quick shower, dab of makeup and change of clothes. So here’s my advice: Always have what I call a “go-anywhere” backup look hanging in your closet. It will get you through any situation. 

The best solution is always going to be a multitasking dress that’s loose, body-forgiving but super stylish, like the Ann Taylor Ruffle Collar Maxi Flare Dress in Moroccan Red ($99, anntaylor.com) — love that it has pockets — with a flattering V-portrait neckline, or Chico’s Off-Shoulder Tiered Maxi Dress in Blue and White ($84, chicos.com) with long sleeves. Both work day or night and can be elevated with the GOAT emergency accessory: metallic sandals, like J.Crew Factory Women Braided Strappy Sandals in Rich Gold ($40, factory.jcrew.com).