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Summer Wardrobe Essentials for Women 50 and Over
Make the most of these 6 trends that flatter
(From left) These trendy essentials can take your wardrobe from practical to wow. J.Jill Easy-Care Woven Crops in Black Graphic Ferns; Banana Republic Factory Women Poplin Eyelet-Hem Midi Dress in White; A New Day Women’s Open-Work Oversized Pullover Sweater in Black; Lands’ End Women’s Starfish High-Rise Pintuck Capri Pants in Dark Walnut Brown.
AARP (J.Jill, Banana Republic Factory, Target, Lands’ End)
Key takeaways
- Trying new trends can help refresh a wardrobe beyond basic, practical pieces.
- Flattering styling often comes from balancing proportions and keeping looks simple.
- Modern summer fashion blends comfort, versatility and a polished feel.
Let’s face it: Basics can be boring. Women are tired of wearing purely practical clothes. Inspired by celebrities, Gen Z and millennials — who all make fashion trends look appealing — mature women are eager to try the newest looks, too. However, they hesitate and wonder, “Can I really get away with a tank that has a built-in bra?” “Aren’t ruffles a little too girlish for me?” “What would I wear with a loud print like that?” I should know. As a beauty and style editor with a side gig as a personal shopper for women over 50, I hear questions like these every day. Clearly, it’s time for a style intervention. Here are six trendy summer essentials and how to make them work for you.
(From left) Bravissimo Square-Neck Tank Top With Built-In Bra in Black; Duluth Trading Co. Women’s No-Yank Wireless Built-In Bra Tank in Gray Heather.
AARP (Bravissimo, Duluth Trading Co.)
1. Tank tops with built-in bras
Women over 50 are intrigued by hybrid tops with built-in bras that eliminate the need to wear a separate bra. The appeal is all about feeling cooler, comfier and not stressed by bulges around the bra band or straps. These tops are typically made from a stretchy spandex-blend fabric that hugs the body and features a shelf bra and removable or, in some cases, sewn-in permanent cups. Most offer light support and shaping, while the cups provide a gently rounded look and modesty (with no nipple show-through). However, the fit is more than a bralette, less than a T-shirt bra and suits smaller A, B and relatively firm C-cup breasts, so don’t expect any major lifting or support. Watch out for cropped styles that reveal a sliver of midriff and those so short they barely reach the waist (you’ll be tugging them down all day). Also, skip bra tops with compression panels that look more like shapewear than clothing (too hot for summer, too underwear-like for show). Flattering choices include sporty tanks like the Athleta Transcend Scoop Built-In Bra Tan A-C in Bright White or Black ($35, athleta.gap.com); the Lululemon Ebb to Street Tank Top Light Support, B/C Cup in Black, White, True Navy, Sweet Sorbet or Citrus Sizzle Tone ($68, shop.lululemon.com); and the CRZ Yoga Butterluxe Built-In Bra Scoop-Neck Tank in True Navy, Black, Deep Purple or Hot Fudge Brown ($32, us.crzyoga.com). Though they are designed primarily for yoga, barre and Pilates, they easily transition to streetwear.
If you have a D+ cup or larger breasts, look for bra tops with more lift and structure. The best have design details and fabrics that flatter larger busts and a polished look that says “wardrobe” rather than “workout.” And yes, they work on smaller busts, too. For example, take a look at the Duluth Trading Co. Women’s No-Yank Wireless Built-In Bra Tank in Gray Heather, Black, Navy or Vibrant Yellow ($20, duluthtrading.com), in soft, stretchy cotton with sewn-in cups and a cleavage-safe scoop neck in the front and back; the OGL Stretch Linen Cowl-Neck Bra Tank in Olive Green, Dark Alabaster, Pink Pearl, Oatmeal Beige, Columbia Blue, Lilac Mist and Black ($49, oglmove.com), a moisture-wicking knit with built-in bra and removable cups; and the Bravissimo Square-Neck Tank Top With Built-In Bra in Black or Khaki ($107, bravissimo.com). This one comes in bra sizes (band 30-40, cups DD to J) and has a non-padded, built-in, full underwire bra with adjustable straps at the rear of the tank.
Super tip: No matter your size or shape, pair close-fitting bra tops with roomier bottoms such as loose, wide-leg pants or a breezy midi skirt. Know that any of these bra tops is ideal for travel, too, especially on long flights or road trips.
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(From left) Banana Republic Factory Women Poplin Eyelet-Hem Midi Dress in White; Lane Bryant Ruffled Square-Neck Eyelet Maxi Dress in White; Quince 100% Organic Cotton Eyelet Smocked Midi Dress in White; Nine West Women’s Flutter-Sleeve Maxi Dress in White Knight.
AARP (Banana Republic Factory, Lane Bryant, Quince, Kohl’s)
2. The white dress
White tops are famous for their face-brightening benefits. This summer, the white dress joined the ranks and knocked its predecessor, the little black dress (or LBD), off its reigning pedestal as the go-anywhere dress to have.
Why would you want a white dress at 50? Lots of reasons. The head-to-toe radiance offers a whopping dose of pure “glow” that works like a giant filter to erase facial fatigue and optically blur discolorations and crepey texture on the décolletage, arms and legs. And white is cool to wear, no matter how hot or muggy the temperature. The dilemma is which white dress to choose in a category filled with lingerie-like looks. There are a lot of corset-topped styles, baby-doll minis and satin slip dresses. My advice? Ignore them. The best white dresses are feel-good, flow-y, lightweight midis and maxis in soft cotton with a romantic or vintage style. Options include the Uniqlo Women Linen-Blend Tiered Dress Stripe in 01 Off White ($50, uniqlo.com) and the Banana Republic Factory Women Poplin Eyelet-Hem Midi Dress in White ($140, bananarepublicfactory.gapfactory.com), both sleeveless tiered styles with adjustable waist ties; the Lane Bryant Ruffled Square-Neck Eyelet Maxi Dress in White ($50, lanebryant.com); and the Quince 100% Organic Cotton Eyelet Smocked Midi Dress in White ($80, quince.com), both with wide straps, square necklines, smocked bodices and waists, and eyelet embroidery. If you must have some sort of sleeve, try the elegant fit-and-flare Banana Republic Women Embroidered Cotton Maxi Dress in Ivory With Embroidery ($140, bananarepublic.gap.com); the Nine West Women’s Flutter Sleeve Maxi Dress in White Knight ($42, kohls.com); or the Tuckernuck Pomander Place Ivory Eyelet Griffin Dress in Ivory ($178, tnuck.com), a button-down with a scalloped hemline.
Super tip: White dresses look great with strappy sandals in black, nude, silver or gold; airy low espadrilles; or flats in perforated raffia. If you’re a wedding guest, leave your white dress at home to let the bride get the spotlight.
(From left) Woman Within 7-Day Knit Culotte in Chocolate; Lands’ End Women’s Starfish High-Rise Pintuck Capri Pants in Radiant Navy; Gloria Vanderbilt Amanda Capri Pants in Vintage White.
AARP (Target, Lands’ End, Kohl’s)
3. Capri pants
They’re back! Longer than Bermudas, shorter than ankle-cropped pants, capris are this year’s alternative to both. The abbreviated length and the vintage vibe are delighting women over 50. However, capris can be tricky to wear. To ensure flattery, check the length against your leg proportions. The bottom line should hit your leg in one of two spots: below the knee but above the calves, or just below the calves. You never want the hem to land mid-calf, where it highlights and exaggerates the widest point of your lower legs. Capris are typically a slim fit and come in a variety of looks, from stretch jeans such as the Gloria Vanderbilt Amanda Capri Pants in Vintage White or Stonewood ($25, kohls.com) to pull-ons such as the Lands’ End Women’s Starfish High-Rise Pintuck Capri Pants in Radiant Navy, Black, Deep Sea Navy or Dark Walnut Brown ($32, landsend.com); and A New Day Women’s High-Rise Scuba Knit Capri Pants in Dark Brown ($25, target.com). Both have a legging-like look but are more substantial in fabric and also have on-seam pockets.
Love the capri length but not the skinny-cling fit? Try culottes, the voluminous sister to capri pants. You get the same capri length but in a roomy, wide-leg style, like the jeans-inspired Uniqlo Women Denim Culottes in 65 Blue or 69 Navy ($50, uniqlo.com) and the Gap Women Mid-Rise Belted Culotte Barrel Pants in Wicker Tan or Black Moss Green ($80, gap.com), which sit at your waist; and knits like the Woman Within 7-Day Knit Culotte in New Khaki, Black, Chocolate, Heather Charcoal or Navy ($27, target.com). The latter ends below the widest part of the calf.
Super tip: Narrow capris look best with a relaxed or oversized top, while wider culottes benefit from some upper-body definition, like the bra tops in tip 1 or a half-tucked top. Add your favorite ballet flats, slides, mules or sneakers, and you’re good to go.
4. Boho crochet sweaters
Open-stitched cotton sweaters with a crochet look and a free-spirited, music-festival vibe are the trendiest way to deal with turned-up AC and chilly summer nights. The difference between these and more basic cotton pullovers and cardigans is the see-through texture that offers glimpses of skin. They range from hippie-inspired toppers, such as the Urban Outfitters Women Kimchi Blue Easy Days Tie-Front Crochet Top in Ivory ($40, urbanoutfitters.com), to airy hoodies, such as the J.Crew Factory Women Open-Stitch Hoodie in Ivory or Antique Navy ($50, factory.jcrew.com); and beachy boatnecks, such as the Banana Republic Factory Women Cotton Boatneck Crochet Sweater in Preppy Navy ($50, bananarepublicfactory.gapfactory.com); the Banana Republic Women Coastal Cotton Crochet Sweater in Merengue Off White or Khaki Beige ($100, bananarepublic.gap.com); and A New Day Women’s Open Work Oversized Pullover Sweater in Black ($26, target.com). The slouchy, almost lacy effect gives these crochet-like sweaters an essential laid-back attitude, so resist any styles with a high crew neck or a tightly woven look. Younger women wear crochet sweaters over bra tops and bikinis, but you can wear them over sleeveless dresses, tank tops, camisoles and bodysuits.
Super tip: Stick to light or dark neutrals for the most versatility, to keep the emphasis on texture, not color, and to create that peekaboo contrast with skin that makes the look work.
(From left) Madewell Women The Blaire Top in Jet Black; Loft Ruffled Off-the-Shoulder Blouse in Chai Latte; LC Lauren Conrad Ruffle-Front Blouse With Tucks in Stone White.
AARP (Madewell, Loft, Kohl’s)
5. Ruffled shirts and blouses
The romantic trend is responsible for long hair, midis, maxis, florals, updos and soft-blurred lipstick, and this summer, designers can’t get enough of ruffled tops. Whether cascading down the front of a blouse or quietly embellishing a sleeve or neckline, frills are making women think twice before buying another plain tee. Stick to solid white or ivory and other neutrals to keep the ruffled look sophisticated, even in the most vintage-inspired blouses. Some good choices include the LC Lauren Conrad Ruffle-Front Blouse With Tucks in Stone White ($40, kohls.com) and the Madewell Women The Blaire Top in Jet Black or Retro Blue ($70, madewell.com), two vintage-inspired V-necks; the sexy Loft Ruffled Off-the-Shoulder Blouse in Black or Chai Latte ($16, loft.com); and for minimalists, the classic but chic long-sleeved Foxcroft Tammy Ruffle-Collar Cotton-Blend Top in White ($128, nordstrom.com). Though available in pastels, brights and prints, ruffled tops can be too saccharine-sweet at 50, especially when combined with short, puffy sleeves, pin-tuck stitching or embroidery.
Super tip: Wear these attention-getting tops with simple, low-key bottoms such as your favorite worn-in blue jeans, a denim or chambray midi skirt or wide-leg trousers that don’t compete with the embellishment going on above. Rumored to be on the trend list for fall, you may want to test the ruffled look right now to decide whether the look is right for you.
(From left) J.Jill Easy-Care Woven Crops in Black Graphic Ferns; Simply Vera Vera Wang Cropped Wide-Leg Travel Pants in Black Floral; Lane Bryant Pull-On Printed Wide Leg Pant in Zebra.
AARP (J.Jill, Kohl’s, Lane Bryant)
6. Statement-print pants
Prints add personality to your clothes. They elevate even the simplest tops, dresses and midi skirts to “fashion” without resorting to style gimmicks. This summer, prints are the big thing to look for in the easy-wear, wide-leg pants that women over 50 have learned to love. While there are pants with delicate polka-dot and gingham prints, it’s bold, artsy prints and playful florals that are topping the most-wanted list. Take a look at elastic-waist pull-ons such as the J.Jill Easy-Care Woven Crops in Black Graphic Ferns ($99, jjill.com); the wide-leg pull-ons Simply Vera Vera Wang Cropped Wide-Leg Travel Pants in Black Inky Dye or Black Floral ($31, kohls.com); the Lane Bryant Pull-On Printed Wide Leg Pant in Zebra or Leaves Print ($54 and $38, lanebryant.com); and the Lands’ End Women’s Creaseless High-Rise Palazzo Crop Pants in Black Tropic Floral ($28, landsend.com).
Notice a theme? They’re all black-based statement prints. You can’t go wrong with them. Black prints, no matter how “loud” or oversized, look polished day or night. They mix and match with any black or white top you already own, hide stains (from sweat to coffee spills) and also optically blur away extra pounds and bulges. It doesn’t get better than that.
Super tip: Make sure your wide-leg pants have side-seam pockets. “Do they have pockets?” is the No. 1 question women ask me, after “Does it have an elastic waist?” All of the above options have both; however, pockets are important. They give women something to do with their hands, a place to stash a credit card or cellphone, and a glamorous, relaxed way to stand and walk.
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