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.
Watch my short video summer shopping haul
In the video below, you can see some of the outfits I picked to bring to my daughter’s wedding in San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico.
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 seem to attract mosquitoes, which run rampant in the summer. If mosquitoes love you, like 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 wear sleeves?
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 blends like terry-rayon or jersey. Other fabrics that stay cool in warm weather include viscose, made from natural fibers.
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 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.
I found this comfy summer dress on Amazon by PrettyGarden. It’s 86% cotton and comes in several colors. I chose navy because it is always flattering.
I bought this Fit and Flare Sundress from Old Navy and love that it has a smooth and figure-flattering A-line design. It is a linen blend, stretches in the back, and is perfect for a summer party. It comes in various colors. The neckline is lovely too.
Cool cotton summer dresses
Here are some more cotton dresses that are flattering for women over 50.
Jersey dresses
These are soft jersey blend dresses that do not require ironing.
What are your favorite dress styles to wear in the summer? Please leave a comment below.
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