Summer has always been a tricky season to dress for, but it can feel especially tricky once you hit your 40s. You want to stay cool and comfortable in the heat, but you also want to look polished, modern, and put together — all while looking like you’re not trying too hard but like you’ve not given up either. Ahhh, so many things! Plus, as I continue into my 40s (I’m 43 at the moment), my body just feels different, and things that I liked to wear in my 30s aren’t cutting it anymore.
If you’re looking for casual summer outfits for over 40 that feel comfortable, modern, and easy to wear, you don’t have to follow every trend or try to squeeze into outfits that no longer work. With a few right pieces and some simple outfit ideas, you can feel confident and stylish this summer.
Today I’ll talk about the key building blocks for summer outfits over 40 and how to keep casual outfits polished (without feeling overdone), and I’ll share some easy outfit ideas you can try right away.
Why Dressing Casually Over 40 Feels Different (and How to Nail It)
In your 40s, your lifestyle, body, and preferences often shift. You may need outfits that can take you from school drop-offs to work calls, to weekend get-togethers, to your kids’ extracurricular activities where you’ll be chatting with other parents — all while feeling good in changing temperatures and on changing bodies. 🤪
Speaking of changing bodies, one of the most important things is choosing clothes with a little structure. When I say “structure,” I don’t mean stiff or stuffy pieces (unless that’s your style!). You know I love clothes that are soft, stretchy, and COMFORTABLE, but “structure” means they still need to have shape. Pieces made from thin, slinky fabrics that lack form don’t create that polished, effortless look we’re after.
If you want that easy-but-put-together vibe, your summer wardrobe needs items that hold some shape and provide a bit of structure while still feeling breezy and soft. I’ll show several examples in the outfits below — all of which balance comfort, breathability, and polish.
For a deeper dive into breaking down structure in outfits, check out my blog post How to Fix 8 of the Most Common Style Struggles.
Key Pieces for Casual Summer Outfits Over 40
A few well-chosen staples make putting together casual summer outfits much easier. Look for pieces that mix and match, suit your lifestyle, and can be dressed up or down. And of course, aim for items with structure or subtle details that make them look elevated rather than basic.
For a further breakdown on the types of tops to include AND specific clothing recommendations, check out my 11 Must-Have Summer Wardrobe Essentials!
SIZING: I’m 5’6″ and usually S/M or 6 in clothes and 8.5 to 9 in shoes.
14 Casual Summer Outfits for Women Over 40
(and Why They Work)
Now let’s talk outfit inspiration! Below you’ll find casual summer outfits for over 40 along with why each outfit works so you can see how to make them feel polished, comfortable, and confidence-boosting.
1. Denim Shorts + Eyelet or Gauze Top
Gauze, eyelet, and crochet tops are summer staples! They look airy and light, fitting those summer vibes.
A gauze top like this one is a summer wardrobe staple and makes such a difference in staying cooler in hot weather! SO MUCH cooler than a t-shirt, and it looks more elevated.
An eyelet top is another great option that feels summery and totally elevates casual summer outfits with denim shorts.
This top is a huge favorite new find from this summer. Eyelet gives it a light feel, perfect for summer. And, the shorter length means you can wear it untucked for an outfit that feels effortless to wear all day. Find the top HERE. Wearing size S.
Shop Outfit #1:
Gauze Top: (similar)
Shorts: Gap Factory (wearing size S)
Sandals: (similar)
Shop Outfit #2:
Eyelet Top: Nordstrom (wearing size S)
Shorts: (similar)
Sandals: Crocs (wearing size 8)
2. Denim Shorts + Graphic Tee
While you can totally go for a basic outfit with denim shorts and a plain t-shirt, you can add so much style so easily by simply wearing a graphic print tee instead!
Isn’t this yellow tee fun for summer? While I absolutely love the color yellow, I like even more that this top is a great length to not have to tuck! 🙌
Shop the Outfit:
Tee: Target (wearing size S)
Shorts: (similar)
Sandals: Crocs (wearing size 8)
3. Denim Shorts + Blouse
You can totally dress up your denim shorts by pairing them with a blouse!
I prefer blouses that are really lightweight to stay cooler, of course. This one is one of my go-to summer blouses because it’s so breathable and keeps you so cool in the summer. I got this exact one last year, so sadly it’s out of stock, but there’s a similar one HERE.
I got these shorts last year and am so glad they’re back! They’re soft and comfortable and have elastic in the back for a comfortable fit. Available in __ washes, HERE. I’m wearing size S.
Shop the Outfit:
Top: (similar)
Shorts: Gap Factory (wearing size S)
Sandals: Crocs (wearing size 8)
Earrings: Amazon
4. Denim Shorts + Tank + White Gauze Long Sleeve Top
This is a great, cute summer outfit formula that is full of basic pieces but still looks stylish and not boring.
I’ve really liked having a long sleeve gauze top as a lightweight layer in the summer. It’s perfect when jackets feel suffocating — even light ones — but you still need a layer.
I love this white gauze top. It’s super soft. It’s also not oversized and fits close to the body, so it doesn’t overwhelm you. It’s available HERE. I wear size S.
It also helps to do this formula with a pair of high waisted denim shorts and a fitted tank top tucked all the way in because the high waist lengthens your leg line.
Shop the Outfit:
Tank: Kohl’s (wearing size M)
Shorts: Gap Factory (wearing size S)
Gauze Layer: J.Crew Factory (wearing size S)
Sandals: Crocs (wearing size 8)
Earrings: Amazon
Necklace: Electric Picks (20% off w/ code TAKE20)
5. Olive Shorts + Black Top
This formula is quite specific compared to the others I mention, but olive and black just create such a timeless combination! That said, you can use any colored shorts or pants + a neutral top.
Shop the Outfit:
Gauze Top: (similar)
Shorts: (similar)
Sandals: Crocs (wearing size 8)
Earrings: Amazon
Necklace: Electric Picks (20% off w/ code TAKE20)
6. Colored Shorts or Pants + Better-Than-Basic Top
Colored pants always make outfits look more exciting — without putting in more effort.
The easiest pairing for colored pants is a neutral top. Here I’m showing two different colored pants with the same top. Choose any color pants you like. See how easy this formula is?
Both of these pants are linen and lighter weight for summer. You can find the red one HERE and the green one HERE. I’m wearing size 28 in the red pair and size 4 in the green pair.
Shop the Outfit:
Top: Nordstrom (wearing size S)
Red Pants: J.Crew Factory (wearing size 28)
Green Pants: Nordstrom (wearing size 4)
Sandals: Crocs (wearing size 8)
Earrings: Amazon
Necklace: Electric Picks (20% off w/ code TAKE20)
7. Dress With Defined Waist
A dress with a defined waist is a really easy go-to option to look pulled together in the summer in an instant. The waistband gives you a little shape to help you feel confident.
This dress has become a huge PMT community favorite. It has such great details that make it look extra stylish, yet it feels effortless to wear.
It’s made of poplin to keep you a little cooler in the summer. Find it in straight, petite, and plus sizes HERE. I wear size S.
Shop the Outfit:
Dress: Nordstrom (wearing size S)
Sandals: Crocs (wearing size 8)
Earrings: Amazon
Necklace: Electric Picks (20% off w/ code TAKE20)
Here’s another example of a dress with a defined waist, except this waistband is looser — it’s so nice to have some shape without anything being too tight.
This dress is another PMT community fave, by the way! It’s super comfy and soft and comes in a billion colors. And, it’s under $25! Find it HERE. I wear size S.
Shop the Outfit:
Dress: Amazon (wearing size S)
Sandals: (similar)
8. Linen Tank + Linen Pants
Matching sets are not only trending, but they are sooo easy to wear.
Wanna know a secret? The two pieces I’m wearing don’t even come as a set!
My tank is a breezy Amazon find that’s under $25 and so good! It’s another top that doesn’t require tucking. Find it in tons of colors HERE. I’m wearing size S.
Shop the Outfit:
Top: Amazon (wearing size S)
Pants: Gap Factory (similar)
Sandals: (similar)
Earrings: Amazon
Necklace: Electric Picks (20% off w/ code TAKE20)
9. Printed Pants + Tee or Tank
I loooove this outfit idea for summer! Just like how I said colored bottoms make outfits look so stylish without more effort, printed pants have the same effect!
To create a cohesive look, keep your top simple. Pair your printed pants with a basic tee or tank in any color that is also in the print of your pants. This style strategy is called color pulling, and it’s a super easy tip you can use with any print to instantly create a cohesive outfit.
These are two of my favorite lightweight printed pants, by the way. The first pair is a super affordable Amazon find that is so great in warm weather! They’re under $35 and available in LOTS of colorways, HERE. I’m wearing size S.
The second pair is a longtime favorite from Kohl’s. So, so breezy. They do have a wide waistband that can be tricky for some. But I love that they don’t wrinkle. Find them HERE. Wearing size S.
Both pairs are really great, super lightweight, and extremely breathable. And you don’t have to worry about wrinkling with either pair!
Shop the Outfits:
Tank: Kohl’s (wearing size M)
Tee: Madewell
Pants 1: Amazon (wearing size S)
Pants 2: Kohl’s (wearing size S)
Sandals: Crocs (wearing size 8)
Sandals: (similar)
Earrings: Amazon
Necklace: Electric Picks (20% off w/ code TAKE20)
10. Flowy Pants + Gauzy Top
Timeless summer outfit formula! Stay cool with flowy pants and a gauzy top. I honestly sometimes like this better than wearing shorts because when you have the right pair of breezy pants, you can stay really, really cool.
This is the same pair of pants as the leopard print pants in the previous outfit. They are so, so breezy, and I love them! And, the waistband is fully elastic, so you’re EXTRA comfortable in the summer. Available in several colorways, HERE. Wearing size S.
Shop the Outfit:
Gauze Top: (similar)
Pants: Kohl’s (wearing size S)
Sandals: (similar)
11. Flowy Pants + Blouse
Flowy pants can also be dressed up, of course! Instead of wearing your flowy pants with a t-shirt, pair them with a blouse.
These pants are one of my favorite alternatives to linen pants — and they’re better. They’re super lightweight and breezy, with a streamline silhouette. Very, very comfortable! Available in several colorways, which switch every year, and in straight, petite, plus, and tall sizes, HERE. I’m wearing size S.
Do you notice that I’m color pulling here? My black pants and red earrings are echoing the black and red in my top.
12. Wide Leg Jeans + Gauze or Linen Top
I know it may seem crazy to wear jeans in the summer. Sometimes it’s legitimately too hot, and if so, you can swap jeans for denim shorts. 🥵
However, some jeans are really lightweight and are good for summer days that are slightly cooler.
I’m showing two pairs here that are very similar — from sister brands! They are both SO comfortable! Very, very lightweight. Super SOFT and very STRETCHY! And, both have a VERY STRETCHY waistband for extra comfort!
I love using these as a go-to summer jeans. And thanks to how soft they are, how stretchy they are, and how stretchy that waistband is, they feel just as comfy as my lightweight summer pants with the stretchy waistbands.
Find the darker pair HERE and the lighter pair HERE. I’m wearing size 6 in both.
Shop the Outfits:
Gauze Top: (similar)
Dark Jeans: Wit & Wisdom Nordstrom (wearing size 6)
Light Jeans: Democracy Amazon (wearing size 6)
Sandals: Crocs (wearing size 8)
13. Printed Skirt + Basic Tank or Tee
This is the same formula as the printed pants with a basic tee or tank, just with a skirt.
Use the same style strategy of color pulling for super easy breezy summer outfits — that look really cute!
Shop the Outfit:
Tank: Kohl’s (wearing size M)
Skirt: (similar, similar)
Sandals: Crocs (wearing size 8)
Earrings: Amazon
Necklace: Electric Picks (20% off w/ code TAKE20)
14. Skirt + Graphic Tee
You can also give your skirts a little spin by pairing them with a graphic tee!
You can keep it simple by wearing a solid colored skirt, or you can make it more interesting with a printed skirt.
Here I’m showing two versions to give you some ideas for how you can utilize this summer outfit formula with your own pieces.
The first outfit pairs a red and white spotted skirt with a white tee that has red writing. While the colors in the top and skirt don’t match exactly, they are close enough to create a consistent color scheme. This creates cohesion between two pieces with print.
The second outfit does the same thing, pairing a black and white giraffe print tee with a black and white-ish spotted skirt. The light color in the skirt is more of an ecru, but overall, it’s close enough to create a consistent color scheme.
The giraffe tee is so cute and really soft. And it’s so affordable at just $12! Find it HERE. I’m wearing size S.
And the Ciao tee is a fantastic shorter length that doesn’t need to be tucked with jeans. Available HERE. Wearing size S.
Shop the Outfits:
Giraffe Tee: Amazon (wearing size S)
Ciao Tee: Gap Factory (wearing size S)
Red & White Skirt: Amazon
Black and White Skirt: similar, similar
Sandals: Crocs (wearing size 8)
Bringing It All Together
All in all, to look polished in summer outfits for over 40, the most important things to look for are pieces with structure that are also made with breathable fabrics, pieces that have special details to make them look more elevated, and pieces that create clean lines down the body so that they look more polished.
Being more intentional about these elements will help you feel pulled together while staying comfortable and cool.
Take these principles and use them in your outfits throughout the remainder of the season. And, copy these outfit formulas above to make getting dressed easy through the back to school rush. I hope this helps you end the season strong, feeling confident!
More Summer Style Help
Remember to check out these blog posts for further help with your style, so you can feel as confident as possible!
➡️5 Tips for How to Wear Wide Leg Linen Pants
➡️14 Outfits With Black Linen Pants
➡️How to Fix 8 of the Most Common Summer Style Struggles
➡️How to Look Good in Wide Leg Jeans – 4 Tips for Finding the Right Pair
