Well, I think it’s safe to say we’ve officially hit the dog days of summer! Our weather has been all over the place these past two weeks—hot and humid, then rainy for days, and now we’re in the middle of a full-blown heat wave (along with the rest of the East Coast, apparently). Not surprisingly, my outfits have been just as unpredictable.
This roundup from the past two weeks includes a mix of breezy summer staples, a few repeat looks I threw on when I wasn’t feeling especially inspired, and a couple of outfits I wore for special events. Without further ado, here’s What I Wore Lately!
Two Weeks of Everyday Summer Outfits for Women Over 40
SIZING NOTES: I’m 5’5″ and I usually wear a small or medium in tops and dresses, a 29 or 30 in jeans and pants, and a size 8 shoe. Gifted items are indicated by c/o; everything else I purchased myself.
I wore this casual outfit for part of a weekday working from home. I had a Zoom call, and then I did some try-ons after that. I love this lightweight striped hoodie with the muscle sleeves and boxy silhouette. I paired it with comfy light-wash flares and my new adidas Sambas for an easy, casual look, and added some silver-tone jewelry to finish it off.
EVEREVE Cruz Sleeveless Hoodie (M) // MOTHER Weekender in Layover (more sizes here) (29) (budget option) // adidas Samba (8) // similar earrings // similar necklace // LAGOS bracelets one & two
After wrapping up the try-ons, I swapped the hoodie for a graphic tee and slipped on my Birks instead of lacing up my sneakers again before heading to a hair appointment. This exact Clare V. tee is sold out, but there are several other color options and designs available HERE. Fit tip: Size up; I have the large.
Clare V. Classic Tee (L) // MOTHER Weekender in Layover (more sizes here) (29) (budget option) // similar Birks (39) // similar earrings
The next day, I had a photo shoot in the morning, and I wore this outfit to get my nails done afterward. It’s another simple jeans-and-tee combo, but this time I paired wide-leg ankle jeans in a soft light blue wash with front patch pockets and a bright red slub tee with gathered shoulder details. Neutral t-strap sandals and simple silver jewelry finished off the look.
EVEREVE Elsa Shoulder Detail Slub Tee (M) // KUT from the Kloth Meg w Patch Pockets (6) // Dolce Vita Lorene (7.5) // similar earrings // similar necklace
This muscle tee is from last year and almost sold out, but there are still a few sizes left. I love the gold button detail on the shoulders—it’s made of a nice thick fabric and hits at just the right length.
Bear with me… I promise I didn’t wear blue jeans every day for the past two weeks—it just started out that way! These jeans are an old standby, and I like how they pair with the brown strappy sandals with the molded footbed.
Nation LTD Marina Muscle Tee (M) // similar MOTHER Weekender Fray (29) (budget option) // Dolce Vita Dallen (8) // similar earrings & bangle
That night, we went out to dinner for Father’s Day. I kept on the black top, swapped the blue jeans for white ones, and added a heel. I was debating between the gold Reformation Eleonora Slingbacks and my new nude Dolce Vita Mylee Heels with the gold metal detail.
I decided the Dolce Vitas felt a little too bare, especially for a rainy night, so I went with the gold pair. I finished the look with gold jewelry and a white bag with gold hardware.
Nation LTD Marina Muscle Tee (M) // MOTHER Weekender in Totally Innocent (30) (budget option) // Reformation Eleonora Slingback (8) // similar earrings & bangle // similar bag
I went with a similar look for church the next day, this time with white wide-leg crop jeans and a navy textured sweater tee. Once again, I debated my shoe choices and tried on the same two pairs of heels—the gold Reformation Eleonora and the nude Dolce Vita Mylee. They both felt like a bit much for the outfit, although I’m not sure why. Looking at these photos now, I kind of like both options.
In the end, I went with raffia slides with an oversized tortoiseshell buckle, and I carried the brown Mulberry bag I picked up in England. I like how the warm tones of the shoes and bag contrast with the cool navy-and-white outfit.
EVEREVE Taylor Sweater (S) // PAIGE Nellie (30) (similar option/budget option)) // Sam Edelman Bambi Raffia Buckle Slide (8) // similar earrings & bangle // Mulberry Amberley Crossbody
I spent most of the next day at home catching up on work. It was still rainy, but I must have been warm since I wore a sleeveless top. These comfy but flattering pieces help me feel put together, even when I’m not leaving the house—and the bright pink felt cheerful on such a gloomy day.
LNA Dessa Muscle Tee (M) // MOTHER Insider (29) // Marc Fisher Glynne Slides (8) // LAGOS earrings // similar pendant
My new Gola sneakers arrived that afternoon, and I couldn’t resist trying them on. I love how the red and pink accents complement the tee.
LNA Dessa Muscle Tee (M) // MOTHER Insider (29) // Gola Cyclone (8) // LAGOS earrings // similar pendant
I had a workout last Wednesday morning, and I snapped a quick photo in some of my favorite warm-weather workout gear.
Zella Breathe Active Tank (M) // Vuori Clemintine 2.0 Performance Shorts (M) // similar On Cloud sneakers (9)
The weather was finally starting to warm up, so after my workout, I threw on jean shorts and a cheery tie-dye tank to tackle some unboxing and organizing.
EVEREVE Alicia Tie Dye Tank (M) // similar AG jean shorts // similar Birks (39)
I did some try-ons that afternoon, and afterward I put the tie-dye tank back on, but this time with white denim shorts and a different pair of sandals. We had some friends over that evening for a casual visit, so I wanted something easy but still put together.
EVEREVE Alicia Tie Dye Tank (M) // similar white shorts // Dolce Vita Lorene (7.5)
The next day was a busy one with a dentist appointment and a few errands to get the house ready to host family from out of town for the weekend. I kept it simple with another easy jeans-and-tee outfit.
Wit & Wisdom t-shirt (S) // MOTHER Insider (29) // Dolce Vita Dallen (8)
Then I wore this classic black knit tank dress last Friday for my mother-in-law’s memorial service and the luncheon that followed. I kept the look simple and elegant with gold jewelry, neutral sandals, and a coordinating bag with gold hardware.
I mentioned this dress in my 7 Wardrobe Essentials Worth Investing In. I always try to keep a conservative dark dress on hand for occasions like this, and this one is my current go-to.
Ming Wang Sleeveless Scoop Neck Tank Dress (S) (option/budget option) // SPANX bodysuit (L) // Dolce Vita Mylee Heels (7.5) // similar earrings, necklace & bangle // YSL Kate (option)
After we got home, I threw on shorts and a tee to relax by the pool with extended family who were staying with us for the weekend.
EVEREVE Teddy Washed V Neck Tee (M) // Sanctuary Renegade Shorts (29) // similar Birks (39) // similar necklace
We had the interment on Saturday, which was just a short service for immediate family, so I went with a more casual linen dress for that.
Tommy Bahama Palm A Dora Split Neck Dress (M) (budget option) // Wacoal shaping shorts (L) // YSL slides (39) (budget option) // similar earrings // similar necklace // Yurman bracelet // similar camera bag
After spending most of the afternoon in the pool, I threw on shorts and a t-shirt to run to the grocery store for dinner supplies. (We kept it casual with burgers and hot dogs on the grill.)
That was the day the temps soared and our A/C was on the blink, so it was hot. I just tossed my hair up in a clip and grabbed the lightest tee and shorts I could find—threw them on without much thought, but I actually kind of like the combo.
Wit & Wisdom Stripe Linen Blend T-Shirt (S) // KUT from the Kloth Linen Short (M) // beek flip flops (8) // similar camera bag
Then I wore another casual dress to church on Sunday. I was in a rush and knew I could just throw it on and go—and with how hot it was, it turned out to be the perfect choice. I love the easy fit, and the shade of blue is so pretty. I wore the raffia slides again, but this time I paired them with a raffia shoulder bag for a more coordinated look.
EVEREVE Nora dress (M) // SPANX bodysuit (L) // Sam Edelman Bambi Raffia Buckle Slides (8) // similar bag // similar earrings // Yurman bracelet
After church, I changed into these comfy clothes to relax at home for the rest of the afternoon. (There may or may not have been a nap involved.)
Athleta Getaway Linen Blend Muscle Tank (M) // Athleta Brooklyn Heights High Rise Cargo Pants (6) // similar Birks (39)
And that’s all I’ve got! I didn’t bother taking pictures the past two days since I’ve just been at home with the A/C on the fritz (it got replaced yesterday—yay for that!).
Between the heat, the rain, and everything in between, it’s definitely been an interesting couple of weeks for getting dressed. Thanks for following along—I’d love to hear what’s been on repeat in your wardrobe!
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32 Responses
The piece on repeat here is the 5″ shorts from gap factory. I have them in 2 washes, and have worn one or the other every day for almost a week now with this heat. So sorry to hear your A/C was on the fritz. Glad it’s fixed now!
I’ve been looking for some longer shorts that aren’t too long- 5″ sounds like a great length! Can you share which shorts they are?
Hey Katie, it’s this pair. They’re really comfy and true to size. I did not size up.
Those are really good! I think mine are in the wash.
Been wearing the old reliable Kut from the Kloth pork chop shorts from last season . They are just so easy to throw on . It’s been a heat wave here in the western part of PA as well .
Yes, love those. I still have them!
Do you find the Dolce Vita sandals run true to size? Thanks!
Yes, I have the 8, and I maybe could have gone with the 7.5 but I just tightened the back strap.
Really liking the Vinyard Vines shorts you recommened. I got the 5 inch length. Also wearing the Everlane Easy Shorts on repeat.
I’ll have to check out the Everlane ones!
About this time last year I snagged a pair of jeans shorts from GF with the porkchop pockets (I also got the cropped jeans of the same variety). So far this summer, those are the only jeans shorts I’ve worn when I leave the house. When I’m at home, if I’m not in my workout clothes I’ve been living in Athletic Works Women’s Performance Tank Top and Shorts from Walmart, each piece is $7.98, they updated the shorts this year to an internal drawstring (which I prefer for a smoother waist) and the shorts a bit longer. Tank: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Athletic-Works-Women-s-and-Women-s-Plus-ButterCore-Performance-Tank-Top-Sizes-XS-4X/10435469696 Shorts: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Athletic-Works-Women-s-and-Women-s-Plus-ButterCore-Performance-Shorts-Sizes-XS-4X/10505916147 The shorts run true to size, you might size up if you want a little more space at the waist and leg lenfth. This year I went with a S and last year’s M now look sloppy on me (I wear them for gardening) The tanks are really big so I sized down to an XS. I feel like I’m wearing elevated PJs but if I need to I can throw on my silver birks, a some jewelry and run to the store in a cute matching set. I now you don’t normally do Walmart (and I don’t either) but I can’t pass these up each year, so soft and affordable and they hold up extremely well to weekly wash/wears.
Thanks for the recommendations!
I’m thinking about that Ming wang dress. You’ve had it for a while! Is it pretty stretchy? I know some of your sizing has changed, but this dress has been flexible enough to change with you? Choosing a size is baffling me with what to order! I don’t want it too loose. Thank you!
Yes, very stretchy. It was a tad big on me at first, but now it fits perfectly, lol. The photo in the 7 summer wardrobe staples to invest in is from 2 years ago.
Hello! Fabulous looks!!!! I ordered a few things from a recent post of yours and they should arrive soon!
I ordered red slub tee and blue Nora dress from your links. I also did the Kut jeans with patch pockets.
Why did you choose to wear Spanx bodycon under the Nora dress versus the Wacoal or Spanx shorts? I was going to try the shorts (got these from your favorite foundations post that I go to when needing foundation pieces- such a great post) under dress when it arrived. I contemplated getting the bodycon too but wanted your thoughts. One more question….Do you do black or skin color for bodycon for your dresses?
I wanted something to smooth above the waist too. Oftentimes with body-con dresses, the shorts leave a line of demarcation at the “waist” or wherever the waistband sits. It’s a pain for bathroom visits, but I made do. It was very comfortable, way more comfortable than the shorts, which I’m always tugging at. I bought the Cafe Au Lait color, so it will work under darker or lighter colors.
Thanks
How would you compare your Sambas to your Handball Spezials? I LOVE how comfy the Handball Spezials are but have found other styles to be much less cushy and comfortable. I haven’t tried the Sambas yet, tho’.
I was afraid I wouldn’t like them as much, but I do. Very comfy! I can’t say I have a preference. I love them both.
Love all your fashion choices ❤️
Thank you!
Thanks, I just bought the Kut linen shorts yesterday and ordered the medium. We’re the same size, so I know I ordered right. I’m going to order the t-shirt your wearing with it. Also going to order the Tommy Bahama dress, unfortunately only blue, white and linen left. It has such good reviews and I love that it has a zipper. Nothing worse than putting a sheath dress on without one. I break out in a sweat just thinking about it.
Haha! Yes, I can pull it on from the bottom up, or sometimes I put it over my head, but it works well either way.
With the excessive heat and the very low tolerance my body has for the heat & humidity, I’ve had a pair of navy linen blend Croft & Barrow shorts on repeat. They are nice enough to wear out and about while keeping me more comfortable at home. And I can change them up by wearing different tops. My scuba knit short sets are also on repeat, along with my other linen blend items.
So sorry to hear about your mother in law passing. Will keep you, Paul, and the rest of the family in my prayers. Also I didn’t realize y’all were having a heat wave in Philly! Hope your AC is back up and running! I’ve found myself more susceptible to our hot humid summers lately (hormones I assume) and one thing that’s really helped my is drinking water with electrolytes- even if I’m not noticeably sweating it’s hard to hydrate fast enough to keep up with the heat. I discovered Liquid IV and add half a packet to a bottle or glass of water every day (I reserve using a full packet for times I’m seriously sweating). It’s made a big difference for me! My favorite is the pina colada flavor, but there’s a lot to pick from. Hope it helps and the heat wave passes soon!
Thanks for the tip! My daughter has electrolyte drops she was telling me about.
I have the Sanctuary Renegade shorts in 3 colors, including the color in your photo. I love those shorts! So those are on repeat.
They’re so good!
Is the necklace you have on with the Tommy Bahama dress still available? I really like it. Love all your choices!
It’s the Anna Beck Open Chain Necklace but mine is silver.
A question for you – you said you wore white full-length flares for a rainy Father’s Day dinner. How do you keep the hems of your jeans from getting wet & dirty?
They are about an inch off the ground and it wasn’t pouring by that time.