Here are Casual Summer Wardrobe Essentials. Summer is the perfect time to simplify your wardrobe and focus on effortless, breathable pieces that still feel polished and put together.
Let’s face it, at our age (I’m 68), we have plenty of clothes. Some of these you probably already have. But sometimes, it just takes a few pieces to refresh your whole closet.
For women over 50, the goal is chic comfort—items that work in a variety of settings, keep you cool, and flatter your lifestyle and figure.
Here are eight must-have pieces to create a casually stylish summer wardrobe:
1. White Linen Shirt For Your Summer Outfit
Nothing says “summer ease” quite like linen. This is a nice breezy short sleeved one from J. Jill’s new collection. I’m 5’1″ and like to buy petite sizes when available. This is a Petite Small and comes in regular and tall, too.
Style tip: Wear with a white cotton camisole underneath like this one from Amazon. And remember accessories, like this wooden and glass bead necklace (great for travel).
2. Casual Summer Wardrobe Essential: Wide-Leg Cropped Pants
This trend offers the comfort of lounge pants but with more style. Linen or gauzy cotton pairs in navy, olive, or white are great for warm days and can be easily dressed up or down.
These cropped indigo wide-leg pants by J. Jill are sized petite medium. They are 30% off for a limited time.
My personal style: I don’t look good in shorts so I wear more light trousers, skirts or dresses to stay cool.
3. Neutral Slide Sandals
Comfortable, stylish slides in leather or a woven raffia are a summer essential. Look for supportive footbeds and versatile colors like tan, metallic, or white that go with everything.
These leather Born sandals are so comfortable.
4. Well-Fitting White Jean As A Key Piece For Your Casual Summer Wardrobe
White jeans are summer wardrobe staples that instantly brighten up any outfit. Choose a pair with a mid or high rise and a little stretch to flatter your shape. Straight-leg, ankle-length or flair styles look fresh and modern.
These high rise boot jeans are on sale now.
Style tip: Pair with neutral sandals and a lightweight top for a clean and elevated look. I’m enjoying these well-priced black criss-cross flat sandals.
5. Thicker Knit White Tank Top or White T-shirt
You can never have too many breathable, flattering tanks or tees in the summer. Choose sleeveless for layering or short sleeve styles in quality cotton or modal blends.
I admired the above white tee on and friend and she told me she got it at Old Navy. So I bought it in a Petite medium for $12. It’s cropped so you don’t have to tuck it in but it’s not so short that skin shows.
6. Lightweight Jacket
This lightweight jacket by J. Jill is unlined and actually cooler than denim. It’s a new favorite.
7. Casual Summer Wardrobe Essentials: Flowy Midi or Maxi Dress
Look for easy, throw-on-and-go dresses in breathable cotton or linen. A flattering A-line or tiered style with a subtle print or solid color can take you from brunch to beach walks to dinner al fresco.
I’m wearing this linen J. Jill dress with some comfortable wedges and a scarf that I’ve had for several years. I like to pull out scarves for chilly restaurants and to cover my arms. (Although this cream helps with crepey skin).
Style tip: Layer this dress under a light jacket or wear solo with statement earrings for a fresh daytime look.
You may also like: Cool Summer Linen by Cindy Hattersley.
8. A White Cotton Maxi or Midi Skirt For An Instant Closet Update
A white skirt can update your wardrobe this season…and they are so comfortable.
I like this smocked waist one from Madewell. It has pockets. I’m wearing it with a mid-weight premium black tee-shirt (size small) from Banana Republic with sunglasses from Quince (similar).
And isn’t great how flip flops are so in style? These are by Havaiana’s with back straps (similar) so they stay on well. This is another nice white skirt by J. Crew.
More Great White Skirts
Those are summer wardrobe essentials right now. What are yours in your own closet?
You may also like: What To Pack for A Week In Southern California!
You look great Mary Ann! Like you said, I too have zero control if sweets are in the house. They call my name.
Love your summer picks! I’m 5’2.5 (can’t forget the .5, HA) so I love checking out your petite picks.
Stay cool in this NE Florida heat!
~Scarlett
You always look great and you mentioned you lost weight. I am an inch or two less in height than you and would love to lose about 10 lbs. How did you lose your weight?
Well, it took several months…but I stopped baking/making desserts (no control when they are in the house) and eating after 7 pm (and about half the portion I used to have for dinner). I kept exercising but ate less. Good luck!
I’d love a post on your preferred undergarments!
ok…but I am not very glamorous.
No way you are 68! Maybe 48?!
Ha! Thanks. Just look a little closer.
I love when you feature fashion on your blog, because I am also 5’1″. You look great in all of these suggestions and you’re right, I have all of them in my closet already! Love J Jill too.
It’s fun to see how you put things together with jewelry and shoes. Thanks for the tips!
Hi Mary Ann,
We are similar in height and build, and close in age. I’ve been following you for a couple of months now and love your postings. I read an older post where you listed the points/design you keep in mind when choosing clothes, ie belt, defined waist etc. I can’t find it again and wanted to make a note of it. Would you mind posting it again? Thanks
I’m not sure about that post. I will look into it.
Hi Mary Ann,
You look chic in these cute pieces! I love linen and when it’s really hot wide legged linen pants feel like you’re not wearing anything!
Thanks for the reminder, I have one of each of these essential pieces in my wardrobe already! And so much more! The weather is finally warming up here so I’ll be wearing them more often.
Xo Heidi
That’s great that you are all set, Heidi!
All are lovely choices for a cool and casual summer wardrobe. I need to go to JJill to try a few of the options you’ve shown. Thank you for putting this all together for us. Such flair and thought in all that you do.
Yes…head over there. They have a cute dress in the store that I have been eyeing.
Mary Ann! Love every one of your looks! So fresh and summery! That breezy linen top is the best!!
These are all great summer essentials. Thank you for sharing!
Your choices are great…so classic & more affordable than many labels!!! I am at a crossroad with my summer wardrobe & your suggestions will help me get it in better shape. Thank you, thank you!
Thank you, Sue…good luck!
These clothes are so pretty. I’m 5’8″ so I don’t think they would look as good on me (unless you may have a petite size). You look pretty anyway!
Lucky you, TJ! J. Jill has regular and tall sizes…you will look even better than I do.
In Florida flip flops are never out of style 🥰
I know…but now they are wearing them in Paris.
Good morning Mary Ann,
I love all of these summer looks and you look so beautiful in all of them. I will be checking out several of these pieces to add to my summer wardrobe. Thank you for always inspiring those of us who are “over 50” with stylish and fun suggestions to make us look so fashionable.
You are so sweet, Gail!
Hi Mary Ann
I like every one of these outfits on you! They are classic and fresh. I particularly like the sleeveless maxi dress. I wish we had a J Jill here. Thanks for the link to my post as well!
I do love that maxi dress, Cindy! It would look great on you.
You look great!!! Wondering if you lost some weight. I know on us petit gals a few pounds either way shows. Really enjoy your posts. Mary in sonoma wine country
Thanks, Mary. I lost some weight for Tommy’s wedding…hope I can keep it off.