The Easiest Way to Nail Summer Style Over 50? Have a Few Outfit Formulas Ready to Go.
This past weekend, I had the absolute joy of spending time with my daughter-in-law, Chelsea, and my sweet granddaughter, June. At just two months old, she’s already running the show—and I mean that in the most adorable, Bebe-melting way possible. Chelsea had a real estate appointment, so I was officially on duty. Just me, June, a baby bottle, and their English bulldog, Asher, watching from the sidelines.
But it wasn’t all burp cloths and baby coos—we squeezed in some much-needed girl time too. Lunch, a little shopping (okay, a lot), and not one, but two classic comfort movies: It’s Complicated and Terms of Endearment. Let’s just say there were laughs, a few tears, and some serious kitchen envy. Nancy Meyers always gets home interiors right—and the outside landscaping doesn’t look too bad either. We also explored West Broad Market, and I’m officially hooked. It’s kiosk after kiosk of fun finds—from handmade home goods to fashion-forward pieces—and I already know I’ll be stopping there every time I head to Atlanta.
Did I pass the mustard? Well, June didn’t cry, the bottle was on standby, and I even managed a diaper change without phoning a friend. I’d call that a win.
But here’s the thing—I still wanted to feel like myself. Yes, I’m a grandmother now, but I didn’t want to default to frumpy or fussy. I needed easy, breathable outfits that let me move, bend, bounce, and burp without sacrificing polish. Because whether I’m filming, blogging, or spending time with family, I always come back to the same style philosophy: comfort and confidence can absolutely coexist.
Through it all, I needed comfortable yet elevated outfits that could move from baby duty to brunch to movie night without missing a beat. That’s where my go-to summer outfit formulas for women over 50 come in. They’re the combinations I reach for when I want to feel stylish without trying too hard. Whether you’re wrangling grandbabies or brunching with girlfriends, these outfits always deliver.
Linen Shirt + White Jeans + Buckle Slides: A Summer Uniform for Women Over 50
There’s something so fresh and classic about a linen button-up paired with white denim. It’s the summer version of a power suit, minus the boardroom. It’s hot in Georgia, so jean shorts made sense this weekend, especially when paired with an easy breezy striped linen blouse from Lands’ End.
Beth Style Tip:
I love a light blue or striped linen shirt with a front tuck to define the waist. Add a straw bag or rattan earrings to channel effortless summer chic. If you’re curious about how I wear white denim year-round, I share a few tips in Fresh Summer Denim Tips
Striped Tee + Chinos + Slide Sandals: A No-Fail Summer Look Over 50
This is my version of “coastal chic”—stripes, soft structure, and a look that works from errands to an afternoon spritz on the patio. I always joke that I never met a stripe I didn’t like. And that’s the truth! I’m wearing a blue and white striped tee from Alice Walk, a new-to-me brand that I think I’m gonna like. A LOT! It’s on the pricey side, but a great alternative would be this mariner tee from Lands’ End or this one from Talbots.
Why Chinos Are a Summer Must-Have
Chinos are the underrated MVP of summer style. They offer more polish than shorts, more structure than linen pants, and they breathe better than denim. They move with you, hold their shape throughout the day, and work with everything from sneakers to sandals. Whether you’re heading to brunch or chasing grandbabies, chinos give you comfort and credibility. Consider them the grown-up’s answer to sweatpants—with style.
Beth Style Tip:
Cuff the chinos and swap the slides for white sneakers if you’re on the go. Add a red lip and hoops if you want to zhuzh it up. For more ideas, check out my post on What Not to Wear Over 50
Watch: My Easy Summer Makeup Routine for Women Over 50
Clothes are only part of the picture—summer beauty routines matter, too. In this week’s YouTube video, I’m sharing my easy, lightweight summer makeup look for women over 50. These are the products I trust when I’m on camera, on Bebe duty, or just out and about in Georgia humidity.
In the video, I cover:
- Sweat-proof skin tints that look natural
- My go-to blush
- Lipsticks that don’t feather (even in 90 degrees)
Watch and subscribe while you’re at it!
Black Sleeveless Top + Linen Skirt + Strappy Sandals: Cool, Classic, and Chic
You can’t go wrong with black and white. It’s sharp, slimming, and always elegant. Perfect for date night, garden parties, or even a midweek Target run where you just might run into someone from high school. Y’all know I’m a big fan of Quince. Linen in the summer, cashmere in the winter. But I particularly like this easy breezy gingham linen skirt that can be dressed up or down. Today, I zhuzhed it up with a sleeveless button-up, patent leather belt, and strappy sandals. A petite lariat necklace from David Yurman and two-tone stud earrings from Lagos add that little extra something.
Beth Style Tip:
Add statement earrings or a cuff bracelet. You’ll look like you planned the outfit—even if it was your backup after the baby spit-up situation.
Striped Poplin Dress + Straw Tote + White Sandals: The One-and-Done Wonder
One and done. A poplin dress with good structure is a summer workhorse. And let’s be honest—it’s easier than coordinating separates when you’ve got 3 minutes and a baby on your hip. This Ralph Lauren striped dress is one of my summer favorites. Sizes are limited, so I chose this poplin dress from Lands’ End ‘cuz I know you can’t go wrong with this brand. Add a straw tote and sandals, and this outfit is out the door.
Beth Style Tip:
Belt it for waist definition or wear it loose for casual days. I love pairing mine with oversized sunglasses and a swipe of coral lipstick. For more summer styling inspiration, here’s my guide to Summer Style Tips
Linen Top + Linen Pants + Flat Sandals: My Favorite Summer Formula Over 50
Some days call for comfort—without compromise. Enter: linen-on-linen. Chic, breathable, and polished in that “she just stepped off a yacht” kind of way. I have these linen pants from Quince in navy and a striped pattern. Can you say comfy?! I paired them with a linen top (limited sizes similar here and here). A bamboo handle handbag is chef’s kiss! A petite lariat necklace from David Yurman and two-tone stud earrings from Lagos are back in action.
Why it Works
- Linen layers keep you cool.
- Matching tones elongate your silhouette.
- Flat sandals keep it grounded.
Beth Style Tip:
Go tonal with shades of beige, ivory, black, or navy. Add texture with accessories—think leather crossbody or a woven bracelet.
Read: Why Linen is the Ultimate Summer Fabric
Why Outfit Formulas Matter More After 50
Outfit formulas eliminate guesswork. They save time, reduce decision fatigue, and help you feel more like you—even on days when life feels like a whirlwind.
They’re timeless, flexible, and age-defying in all the best ways. Whether you’re packing for a trip, heading to brunch, or babysitting that brand-new grandbaby, these formulas help you show up as your most stylish, confident self.
FAQs
Q: Are these summer outfit ideas flattering for all body types?
A: Yes! Just tweak lengths and proportions—cropped pants, belted dresses, or shorter hems work beautifully. Kelly and I always try to show both regular and petite styling.
Q: Do linen pieces really work in high humidity?
A: Absolutely. I live in Georgia and swear by linen. Yes, it wrinkles, but that’s part of the charm. It’s breathable, timeless, and gets better with age—kind of like us.
Q: Can these outfits be dressed up or down?
A: Definitely. Add heels and jewelry for dinner, or keep it casual with slides and sunnies. Each look is versatile and easy to adapt.
Closing Thoughts from Bebe
Style at a certain age isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about knowing what works, leaning into quality, and dressing with intention. These summer outfit formulas for women over 50 help me feel like myself—on good days, hard days, and everything in between.
So here’s to getting dressed with ease, confidence, and a little joy in the details. Now if you’ll excuse me, June and I have a stroller walk to take…and I plan on doing it in linen.
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