Summer party dressing, Part 1: Cool Colors

We got a doozy of a question from a reader about how to dress for a summer party:

“What do you wear to an outdoor party in July when the weather is 95 degrees and humid, and you are pushing sixty years old?  How does one look cool and stylish and not frumpy?  I like to be comfortable too, so I can forget about myself and focus on enjoying the company of others.  I am 5’1″ and overweight.”

Summer weather poses quite a problem for women in their 40s and up, who are constantly concerned with coverage.  It is a challenge to find a cool (literally and colloquially), age-appropriate outfit for summer gatherings.   However, summer heat and humidity does not mean you have to throw sophistication and age-appropriateness out the open, screened-in window.

We find that many women, when faced with what to wear to an event, will generally choose an all-black getup over something colorful.  We get it – we love black.  It’s safe, it’s flattering…but it’s also hot as heck!  Instead, try white as your go-to neutral this summer.  It’s much cooler in the sun, and can be just as flattering when worn correctly. One of our favorite looks for a wider woman is a monotone top and bottom.  This “column of color” look makes you look taller and thinner, while evening out your proportions.  Pair a white linen or gauze tunic with a white pant, and dress it up with embellished flats and a lightweight cotton scarf  that are all the rage this summer!

(*for another, all-white outfit, please refer to JoJami’s outfit when she went to NYC)

Here’s an important tip to pulling off this outfit: wear nude colored undergarments that match your skin tone!  There’s nothing worse than an obvious white panty under white slacks…have someone check you in full daylight to make sure there are no glaring panty lines before leaving for your party!

(This style from Saks.)

Summer party dressing, Part 2: Fresh Fabrics

Using thin materials in natural fibers will also keep you fresh and breezy.  Fabrics like linen, cotton, and silk are infinitely more breathable than synthetics that make up some summer clothes. This summer, we love that the long peasant skirt is back in style, beware these can make you look matronly. A much better option is a maxi dress, paired with some flat sandals.  For ladies who are tall enough to pull it off, try a long, flow-y patterned skirt with a sleeveless scoop- or v-neck top. Just make sure you opt for wider straps if you choose to show off your arms – it will cover your bra straps and look much more age-appropriate.

(These styles are from Kohl’s.)

Summer party dressing, Part 3: Add Accessories

Finally, add some accessories to formalize and freshen up your outfit. You can wear all those stylish, clunky jewelry pieces to really add some flair!  Wear a signature jewelry piece like a strand of chunky jade, a stretchy stone bracelet, or dangling earrings depending on the formality of the affair.

Layering these pieces can be fun too.

Here is a woman we met recently. She has on coral necklace that she bought years ago and has layered it with a thin crystal necklace.

A splash of bright color works well with grey and white!

layering necklaces can help spice up an outfit

Don’t forget your feet! No matter what your size or shape, any woman can have fun with her shoes.  Summer is the best time to find colorful heels or embellished sandals.  Don’t forget the toes!  Look elegant from head to toe by getting a great pedicure.  In summer when you’re wearing less clothing, every detail counts!

(Accessories from Nordstrom’s)

Have fun, and stay cool!