Style Mistakes Not to Make This Summer

With Memorial Day being the unofficial kickoff to Summer, and everyone shopping for warm weather clothes, it’s a good time to start talking about summer style!

Summer style can be a bit of a balancing act. The goal is to look pulled together and fresh without sweating your way through every outfit—or looking like you tried too hard. But even the most stylish among us can slip into habits that age us or make us feel frumpy, especially when the temperatures soar. Luckily, I’m sharing a few of the most common summer style mistakes I see—and what to do instead.

Style Mistakes Not to Make This Summer

STYLE MISTAKES TO AVOID OVER 40, WEARING CLOTHES THAT ARE TOO TIGHT OR TOO LOOSE, MAKE SURE YOUR CLOTHING FITS

Wearing Clothes That Are Too Tight—or Way Too Loose

When the temperature rises, it’s tempting to either squeeze into something skin-tight or throw on a giant flowy tent to hide everything. Neither option flatters. Tight fabrics cling and show every bump, especially in heat and humidity. Oversized pieces, while comfy, can make you look shapeless and swallowed up.

The fix? Aim for balance. Choose clothing that skims your body—not hugs or hides it. Look for structure with ease. A-line dresses, straight-leg linen pants, and tops that nip in at the waist give you shape while keeping things cool.

SUMMER STYLE MISTAKE, CHOOSING THE WRONG FABRIC, PICK COOL NATURAL FABRICS TO KEEP YOU COOL OVER 40

Choosing the Wrong Fabrics

If you’re still reaching for polyester on a 90-degree day, we need to talk. Synthetic fabrics trap heat and moisture, leaving you sweaty and uncomfortable—and nobody feels stylish when their clothes stick to them. This is one of the biggest summer style mistakes I see, mostly because fast fashion relies on cheap materials that don’t breathe.

Wondering what fabrics to reach for instead? Stick to natural materials like linen, cotton, and lightweight rayon. They breathe better and keep you cooler. Bonus points for textured weaves that don’t cling, even when you’re moving (or melting) through the day.

Want some tips on my favorite summer fabrics? Check out Are Linen Pants in Style in 2025? and How to Wear Linen in Summer (and Not Look Like a Wrinkled Mess)

SUMMER STYLE MISTAKE, SHOWING TOO MUCH SKIN, COVERING UP TOO MUCH SKIN

Showing Too Much Skin—or Not Enough

Summer is the season of skin, but there’s a fine line between showing just enough and revealing too much. At the same time, I see women hiding behind long sleeves and heavy layers, even when it’s sweltering—usually out of insecurity.

Instead of covering everything or baring it all, highlight one area you love. Try a sleeveless top if you like your arms, or a knee-length skirt to show off your legs. Confidence comes through when you feel good in your clothes—and that doesn’t require showing it all.

STYLE MISTAKES TO AVOID, PANTYLINES, BRA BULGES, UNDERGARMENTS, SHAPEWEAR

Neglecting Your Undergarments

You’ve found the perfect white summer dress… until you step outside and realize it’s completely see-through. The wrong bra, VPL (visible panty line), or see-through situation can derail an otherwise great outfit.

Choose nude-toned, seamless undergarments that match your skin tone. Skip heavy shapewear and go for light, breathable layers underneath. Always check your outfit in natural light before heading out the door.

Going Overboard on Trends

Every summer comes with a parade of new trends—some fun, some… not so much. But just because raffia totes, fringe skirts, and sheer blouses are trending doesn’t mean you need to wear all three at once.

Pick one or two trends that feel like you, and balance them with classic pieces. A gauzy tunic, a fun straw bag, or a bright sandal can update your look without making you feel like you’re playing dress-up.

WHAT SHOES SHOULD YOU WEAR OVER 40, SUMMER SUPPORTIVE SANDALS

Living in Unsupportive Sandals

I know the ease of slipping into flip-flops is hard to beat, but they offer little to no support. The same goes for flat sandals with paper-thin soles. If your feet are aching by lunchtime, it’s time to upgrade.

Look for sandals that combine style with comfort—cushioned footbeds, arch support, and secure straps that hold your foot in place. Brands like Vionic, Sofft, and Naot get it right. You don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort.

If you’re looking for more comfortable stylish sandals for summer, you can find my favorites here: Casual Spring Shoes for Women Over 40 and Best Comfortable Walking Sandals for Travel

Dressing in Dark Colors All Summer Long

Black might be slimming, but it absorbs heat—and doesn’t exactly scream summer. Dark colors also don’t reflect light the way brighter or lighter shades do, which can leave you looking and feeling a bit heavy.

Try soft whites, pale neutrals, or pastels instead. If you’re not ready to give up your black jeans, pair them with a lightweight ivory blouse or a bright accessory to freshen things up.

Curious about adding some color to your wardrobe? Check out What Is Dopamine Dressing and How Do You Do It Right? for easy tips on how to brighten up your closet and boost your mood!

THE BEST SUNGLASSES FOR WOMEN OVER 40, GET RID OF DAMAGED SCRATCHED OUTDATED GLASSES

Wearing Outdated or Damaged Sunglasses

Sunglasses do more than block the sun—they complete your outfit. But if yours are scratched, stretched out, or leftover from a decade ago, they could be dating your look.

Treat yourself to a new pair that flatters your face shape and feels modern. Cat-eyes, oversized square frames, and updated aviators are all stylish and timeless.

STYLE MISTAKE WEARING AN OLD UGLY SWIMSUIT, BEST SWIMSUITS FOR WOMEN OVER 40

Holding Onto the Same Swimsuit (Forever)

Many women over 40 dread swimsuit season. But sometimes the problem isn’t your body—it’s the swimsuit you’ve been wearing for the last 10 years. If it sags, bunches, or flattens your shape, it’s time to let it go.

Invest in a swimsuit that fits your body today. Look for ruching, tummy control, underwire support, or adjustable straps—whatever helps you feel confident. And don’t forget the finishing touches: a stylish cover-up, a big hat, and a little SPF glow.

If you need more help finding the perfect bathing suit, you’ll love these posts!:

Skipping Accessories Entirely

I get it. When it’s hot, the last thing you want to add is more stuff. But skipping accessories altogether can leave your outfit feeling unfinished. Even a simple summer look benefits from a little something extra.

Try a woven tote, a stack of bracelets, or colorful earrings. A scarf in your hair or a fun nail polish color can do the trick, too. The goal is not to overdo it—just add a hint of personality.

Wearing the Same Makeup as Winter

Your makeup routine needs to change with the season. Heavy foundations, dark lipsticks, and matte powders can look harsh and melt away in the summer sun. And going bare-faced isn’t always the answer either—you might just feel washed out.

Swap to lighter formulas—tinted SPF moisturizer, cream blush, and waterproof mascara are your friends. A little bronzer and a sheer lip color can brighten your whole face without looking overdone.

Summer (and life!) is too short to waste on style mistakes! Stick with what flatters, skip the rest, and show up feeling fabulous every time!

Wondering what you should wear this summer? Head here to get more style tips for women over 40!

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