If you are an older woman like me, you probably want to wear something breezy and cool when it’s hot outside. Nothing is cooler than a breathable and lightweight dress.
White and light-colored clothing rule!
When you think about summer clothing, white is always cool and chic. But if white washes you out, go for light-colored pastels or off-white tones. Dark colors store heat, making you feel like you’re in an oven, and attract mosquitoes, which run rampant in the summer. If mosquitoes love you, as they do me, it is suggested that you wear white, green, or blue instead.
Summertime and the living is easy!
I try to find clothing that does not need to be ironed and can be thrown on without worrying about wrinkles. I also want them to be affordable. Why worry about getting BBQ sauce all over them at a picnic or summer party?
To wear sleeves or not?
I’m a woman over 60, so I like summer dresses with sleeves because they are more flattering for my arms. If I wear something sleeveless, I might wear a light wrap to cover up my arm flaps. If it’s sweltering, I let it all hang out. I also have a tummy and can’t wear tight dresses because they make me look like a sausage.
The best fabrics to wear in summer
I find it difficult these days to find clothing in stores made of natural fabrics. Most are synthetic and get sticky when the weather is warm. The best fabrics for summer are cotton, chambray, linen, seersucker, silk, gauze, and some blends. Other fabrics that stay cool in warm weather include viscose, made from natural fibers.
One thing I’ve noticed is that some blends get tiny holes in them, especially T-shirts. You may have better luck with a classic tee or a light denim shirt
If you want to stay cool in hot weather, avoid clothing made with polyester, rayon (unless you are in dry heat), denim, leather, nylon, and acrylic. Some fabrics have moisture-wicking, which works well if you have hot flashes, such as bamboo and some polyester blends.
Styles that are cooling include shifts, shirt dresses, and some wrap dresses.
Don’t negate cool and breezy silk as a summer fabric. This striped sleeveless shirtdress from Lily Silk is flattering with its vertical stripes.
Quince is known for its natural fabrics. This 100% European linen button-down dress with short sleeves comes in several colors and patterns. It’s perfect for older women.
Summer is shorts weather
I found a pair of Santiny Bermuda shorts on Amazon that I like because they are lightweight, breathable, and great for walking. They are also easy to pack in a suitcase because they don’t take up much space. These shorts are perfect for cycling and other summer sports.
Linen is always so comfortable during the summer. In the photo below, I am wearing a linen-striped shirt and linen shorts by Quince, with a black cotton Hanes ribbed tank top and Archie orthopedic sandals.
These navy linen pants from Amazon are casual but super comfortable and slimming. I liked them so much, I bought another pair in gray!
What are your favorite dress styles to wear in the summer? Please leave a comment below.
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