Creating a capsule wardrobe each season is a fantastic way to use what you already have in your closet in different ways. You can pinpoint the clothes, shoes and accessories you want to add to your existing choices. In this article, we’ve created lots of summer outfits in a new summer capsule using many of the latest trends. Let’s take a look at how to create summer outfits for women over 40, 50 or whatever age you are now.

Summer outfits for women - Dawn Lucy wears sandals with her jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Dawn Lucy @fashionshouldbefun above (read her style interview here) shows how you can transition into warmer weather by changing up your shoes and bag for a pair of sandals and rattan tote.

Get her look with this similar tee, cardigan, jeans, sandals, tote, earrings and sunglasses.

summer capsule

Let’s delve into how to create a capsule of beautiful summer outfits. Our choices include many new season trends, including stripes, florals, ruching, cargo styles, denim, and graphic prints.

Summer tops for women

Look out for tops featuring ruching and asymmetry. You’ll want a mixture of sleeved and sleeveless tops for the summer season. Prints that are particularly on trend inlcude florals and stripes.

Summer tops for women | 40plusstyle.com

Derek Lam 10 Crosby Alya Asymmetric Draped Toprag & bone Fiona Stripe Cotton TopLoveappella Faux Tie Wrap TopHevron Ivy Stripe Wrap Shirt

Angela wears shorts and a tank top with silver shoes | 40plusstyle.com

Angela @angelamashelle above (read her style interview here) shows how you can take a simple shorts and tank top outfit and elevate it with a pair of silver shoes.

Steal her look with this similar top (another option here), shorts, sneakers, belt, bag and earrings.

You’ll find lots more silver shoe inspiration in this article on the best metallic shoes for a hipper look.

Jackets and coats

Even in warmer weather, you’re likely to want a cover-up of some sort—for cooler evenings or just to add some interesting layers. A denim jacket or moto is perfect for popping over your summer dresses. Waistcoats are particularly on trend, and you can layer them without adding too much extra warmth.

Also take a look at lightweight jackets for summer.

Jackets for summer | 40plusstyle.com

M.M.LaFleur The Anh JardiganJ.Crew Linen Blend VestVeronica Beard Holden Cropped Denim JacketBLANKNYC Suede Motorcycle Jacket

Denim jacket and dress outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Veronica Beard Holden Cropped Denim JacketMilly Irene Zebra Pleated DressBueno Clare Slingback HeelsHOBO Reeva Crossbody BagKenneth Jay Lane Chubby Tapered Hoop Earrings

Jeans and pants

Update your jeans styles this summer by choosing denim with cargo pockets. Plus, choose loose, wide-leg pants with on-trend prints. Perfect to pack for your summer vacation.

Jeans and pants for summer | 40plusstyle.com

Cinq à Sept Zola Denim Cargo PantsAG Jeans Gatina Cotton-Blend Cargo PantsStaud Luke Striped Wide-Leg PantsMANGO Flowy Printed Trousers

Jas wears print pants | 40plusstyle.com

Jas @thefashionstylefile above chooses a pair of floaty summer pants and a plain top.

Check out this similar top (another option here), pants (another option here), sandals, clutch and sunglasses.

Dresses and skirts

Summer is the perfect time to wear dresses and skirts, even if you are usually a jeans and pants person. Depending on the formality of the occasion, you can wear your dresses with sneakers, sandals, or heels. Simply pop one of the summer jackets on from above if you need extra warmth.

Dresses and skirts for summer | 40plusstyle.com

Weekend Max Mara Manche Draped Cotton DressTanya Taylor Cody Striped Short-Sleeve DressMilly Irene Zebra Pleated DressFree People Come As You Are Denim Maxi Skirt

Diane wears a yellow shirt and denim skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Diane @fashiononthe4thfloor above (read her style interview here) wears an on-trend maxi skirt with her shirt and sneakers.

Recreate her outfit with this similar shirt (another option here), skirt and sneakers.

shoes to go with your summer outfits

Choose a pair of chunky-soled sandals to be on trend for summer, or wear your summer shorts and dresses with a pair of sneakers.

Shoes for summer | 40plusstyle.com

FLY London Tull SandalsBueno Clare Slingback HeelsFranco Sarto Florence Slide SandalsNew Balance® 327 Sneakers

Tank top and denim skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Derek Lam 10 Crosby Alya Asymmetric Draped TopFree People Come As You Are Denim Maxi SkirtNew Balance® 327 SneakersMarc Jacobs The Mini Shoulder BagAdriana Orsini Naomi Deco J-Hoop Earrings

accessories for summer

Simply switching up your accessories can make a big difference to the season your outfit looks like it belongs to. Look for raffia and print bags as well as practical totes. Don’t forget to add a statement necklace or pair of earrings to give your outfits added impact.

Accessories for summer | 40plusstyle.com

HOBO Reeva Crossbody BagDragon Diffusion Pom Pom Woven Leather Bucket BagMarc Jacobs The Mini Shoulder BagCOS Freshwater Pearl Chain NecklaceKenneth Jay Lane Chubby Tapered Hoop EarringsAdriana Orsini Naomi Deco J-Hoop Earrings

Summer outfit ideas to wear this year for women over 50, 40, or any age above | 40plusstyle.com

Karen @styledbykaren above shows how you could layer a white shirt over your summer dresses, by knotting it at your waist.

Get her look with this similar dress (another option here), shirt, sandals, handbag and sunglasses.

Your summer outfits together in one capsule

Below, you can see the outfits from above together in one capsule, so you can think about how you would mix and match everything to create lots of summer outfits to last the whole season.

You could easily wear the waistcoats, moto or denim jacket over anything. You could team the yellow or floral shirt with the denim skirt, or wear the white tank top with the cargo pants for an all-neutral look.

Summer capsule wardrobe | 40plusstyle.com

Continue reading:

  1. How To Choose Flattering Summer Tops
  2. Lightweight Summer Jackets For Women That Are Perfect For Summer Layering
  3. Summer Suiting: Taking Your Summer Suits For Women Beyond Workwear

Like these summer outfits? Share it on Pinterest!

Summer outfit ideas to wear this year for women over 50, 40, or any age above | 40plusstyle.com

Feature image by Karen @styledbykaren

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