When the temperatures rise, staying cool is tricky – but that doesn’t mean style has to take a back seat. If you’re over 40 and, like us, you’re tired of squeezing into clingy fabrics or sweltering in styles that don’t serve you, this is for you. The good news is that summer fashion can be effortless, elegant, and incredibly comfortable – all at once. Take a look below at what to wear in hot weather – how to beat the heat and still look put together.
We’re going to show you a capsule wardrobe featuring breathable fabrics, no-cling cuts, and flattering silhouettes. But first, what are the key factors to consider when selecting your summer outfits?
1. Fabrics that breathe, not suffocate
Let’s start with the foundation of any summer wardrobe: the fabric. Rather than synthetics that cling and trap heat, choose natural, breathable options like linen, cotton, silk, and bamboo. The other option is to opt for a synthetic blend, but choose sporty fabrics that are designed to wick away sweat. We will be focusing on natural materials for our capsule wardrobe.
Kimba @kimbalikes above opts for a cool striped top with her lightweight pants and sandals.
Recreate her outfit with this similar top (another option here), pants, sandals and sunglasses.
2. Floaty, not clingy
When thinking about what to wear in hot weather, the last thing you want is clothing that sticks to your skin. Choosing floaty, loose silhouettes is key to staying cool and comfortable in hot weather. Think lightweight maxi dresses, wide-leg trousers, or oversized linen shirts that allow air to circulate and keep your skin cool and breathable. Asymmetric hems and relaxed tailoring not only add a modern edge but also help prevent fabric from clinging in unwanted places. Natural fibers, such as cotton, linen, and bamboo, enhance this effect, providing softness and breathability.
3. Pale colors
Darker colors absorb heat, while lighter shades reflect it—so when the mercury climbs, pale hues become your best friend. Whites, soft pastels, sandy neutrals, and breezy blues not only feel seasonally appropriate but also help you stay noticeably cooler. These tones lend themselves perfectly to summer’s relaxed aesthetic, pairing well with natural textures like crinkled cotton or washed-out linen. Of course, that’s not to say you can’t add a pop of color to your warm weather outfits.
4. Don’t forget your jewelry and accessories
The right accessories can elevate your hot-weather look while also serving a practical purpose. Wide-brimmed hats not only add instant glamour but offer crucial sun protection, while oversized sunglasses bring both shade and style. Swap heavy leather bags for lighter options, such as woven totes or canvas crossbodies, that feel seasonally appropriate. When it comes to jewelry, this won’t make you any warmer, but it can make you much more stylish. And don’t underestimate the power of a silk or cotton scarf: tied around your neck, bag, or hair, it’s a versatile finishing touch that keeps your summer style effortlessly polished.
Emms @beautifuleveryday_uk above chooses a coordinated two-piece and adds summer-ready accessories.
Check out this similar top and pants (coord option here), sandals, handbag, necklace, earrings and sunglasses.
Where to look for cooling stylish clothes
If you’re looking to beat the heat while staying effortlessly stylish, these are some of our favorite stores to shop.
Hot weather, cool style capsule
Okay, let’s move on to a capsule wardrobe that will see you through warm weather, whether you’re vacationing or staycationing.
what to wear in hot weather – tops
Starting with your tops, look for a variety of cool options with short sleeves, tie-waist details, and tank tops. We love the flattering diagonal stripes on the red, belted tank (below).
Frank & Eileen Patty Short Sleeve Henley – Theory Geometric Tie Front Button-Up Shirt – FARM Rio Richelieu Eyelet Embroidered Linen Blend Camisole – Faithfull the Brand Miel Tie Waist Sleeveless Top
Faithfull the Brand Miel Tie Waist Sleeveless Top – Open Edit Everyday Pleated Linen Blend Shorts – FLY London Bexy Wedge Sandals – MODA LUXE Camilla Crossbody – Lele Sadoughi Double Drop Pearl Earrings
Jackets and cover-ups
When it comes to your jackets, you won’t want anything too warm, but you may want a cover-up for cooler evenings, or if you want to cover a belly or your upper arms. Look for a lightweight blazer in linen or a linen blend, sleeveless draped vests, ponchos, and wraps you can wear over your shoulders.
J.Crew Alexandra Stretch Linen Blend Blazer – Made By Johnny Lightweight Sleeveless Draped Open Cardigan – Eileen Fisher System Sheer Silk Georgette Wrap – Nordstrom Metallic Lightweight Wrap
Nora @juststylela above pops a poncho over her white jeans and sliders. She adds a pop of color with her handbag.
Steal her look with this similar poncho, white inner, jeans, sandals, handbag, necklace, earrings and sunglasses.
Pants and shorts
When dressing for heat, the right pants can make all the difference. Swap out anything tight or structured for relaxed styles in breathable fabrics. Wide-leg trousers in linen or cotton offer both airflow and elegance, moving with ease and keeping you cool from morning to evening. Elasticated waists are another summer win – comfortable, forgiving, and ideal for days when you’re in and out of the sun. For a more casual vibe, soft, tailored shorts or paperbag-waist styles provide shape without cling. Whether cropped or full-length, the key is to keep it loose, light, and easy to wear
Treasure & Bond Linen Blend Smocked Waist Wide Leg Pants – Reformation Olina Tie Waist Pants – FARM Rio Richelieu Embroidery Detail Linen Blend Pants – Open Edit Everyday Pleated Linen Blend Shorts
Eileen Fisher Organic Cotton Voile Box Band Collar Shirt – Treasure & Bond Linen Blend Smocked Waist Wide Leg Pants – Eileen Fisher Duet Metallic Suede Sandals – Mar Y Sol for EILEEN FISHER Color-Blocked Shopper Tote – Panacea Crystal Teardrop Earrings
Dresses and skirts
Dresses and skirts are summer staples for a reason – they allow air to circulate, require minimal effort, and instantly look put together. Look for A-line cuts, tiered skirts, and wrap styles that offer freedom of movement without hugging the body. Midi and maxi lengths in lightweight cotton, linen, or gauzy blends provide coverage without compromising on coolness, while subtle details like side slits or asymmetric hems add a modern edge.
Eileen Fisher Organic Cotton Voile Box Band Collar Shirt – COS Asymmetric Jersey Midi Dress – COS Wrap Midi Shirt Dress – Cinq à Sept Zelda Denim Asymmetric Midi Skirt
Elizabeth @whatlizzyloves above chooses a beautiful tiered yellow dress with her pearl sandals and rattan bag.
Get her look with this similar dress (another option here), sandals, handbag and sunglasses.
shoes
For your summer shoes, sandals will, of course, be the perfect choice when thinking about what to wear in hot weather. Choose a selection of different styles – flats, chunky heels, and smarter block heels. Plus, espadrilles, loafers, and sneakers are also great options. There’s lots more inspiration in our recent article on the best summer shoes this season.
Eileen Fisher Duet Metallic Suede Sandals – FLY London Bexy Wedge Sandals – Steve Madden Soleil Woven Sandals – Soludos Woven Leather Original Espadrilles
Eileen Fisher System Sheer Silk Georgette Wrap – COS Asymmetric Jersey Midi Dress – Steve Madden Soleil Woven Sandals – Longchamp Extra Small Épure Tote Bag – Panacea Crystal Teardrop Earrings
accessories
Accessories make all the difference to any outfit. For summer, ensure your accessories appear as light and fresh as the rest of your outfit. Look for handbags in paler shades, straw, rattan, woven styles, as well as earrings and jewelry to complement your warm weather outfits.
Mar Y Sol for EILEEN FISHER Color-Blocked Shopper Tote – MODA LUXE Camilla Crossbody – Longchamp Extra Small Épure Tote Bag – Panacea Crystal Teardrop Earrings – Lizzie Fortunato Mini Organic Hoop Earrings – Lele Sadoughi Double Drop Pearl Earrings – San Diego Hat Marina Crochet Raffia Straw Hat – DIFF Camila 55mm Gradient Square Sunglasses
Suzie @suzie.richetti above chooses a lovely neutral outfit. She adds interest with her shoes and accessories.
Check out this similar tank top, skirt, sandals, belt, sling bag, necklace, earrings and cap.
Here is an overview of all our selected pieces.
SUMMER CAPSULE WARDROBE
Below is an example of how to mix and match these items in a versatile capsule wardrobe. Mix & match to create many more amazing outfits!
What to wear in hot weather? What are your own tips for hot weather outfits? Let us know in the comments below!
Continue reading:
- From soft suiting to sheer: the best summer events outfits
- Think pink: how to wear the shade of the season
- Nature’s palette: how to wear earthy colors
Like this article on hot weather, cool style? Share it on Pinterest!
Feature image by Suzie @suzie.richetti
Want to get more articles from 40+style in your inbox, subscribe here.
You can also connect with 40+style on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest.
Support 40+style by using the links in our articles to shop. As an associate for Amazon and many other brands, we receive a small commission (at no cost to you) on qualifying purchases which enables us to keep creating amazing free content for you. Thanks!