Fashion Over 40: Tips to Stay Cool This Summer

Heather Anderson
by Heather Anderson

Are you tired of being so hot in the summertime but just have no idea what to wear?


In this fashion over 40 tutorial, I’ll show you what to wear to beat the heat without compromising on your style. Let’s jump on in!

1. Wear the right bra

The number one thing you should definitely not wear when it's super hot out are bras with underwires or bras made from thick uncomfortable material.

Beige bra

You want to find a bra that has no underwire or seams and feels like a second skin on you. 

Beige bra and a white t-shirt

A white t-shirt is a great summer top, and wearing a nude bra underneath means that nothing will show through.

Wearing a blue dress

2. Avoid tight clothing

The second thing you should not wear in the heat is long tight dresses because there's nothing more uncomfortable and they will definitely make you sweat.

Loose-fabric dress

Instead, opt for shorter, flowier, looser dresses. This is a great cotton dress that is breathable. It’s also very thin and lightweight, making it a perfect choice for summer.


3. Avoid thick fabrics

The third thing you don’t want to be wearing in the summer is thick fabrics like wool, thick denim, and any type of knit. Instead, choose breathable, natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and silk.

Summer outfit idea

This is a great blue button-up shirt made from gauze material. The sleeves help to keep the sun off your skin, and it’s really flattering and lightweight. I also love leaving a few of the buttons unbuttoned at the top, as this will also allow the air to get in.


4. Stay away from denim

You want to avoid wearing denim in the heat because jeans are super hot. 

Summer outfit idea

Denim shorts and mini skirts can be an option, as they obviously let you show a lot of skin and don’t cover you up so much.


I love this strapless white top paired with these fabulous denim shorts. The shorts are also quite loose fitting which allows for a nice amount of air flow.


5. Don’t wear all black

Dark colors like black, navy, and chocolate brown attract the sun. So, when you're really trying to be intentional about being cool, you want to avoid dark colors and wear lighter colors instead.

Summer outfit idea

This is a fabulous gold lightweight top, and I love the super-thin material. I paired it with the same beautiful denim shorts that I showed you before.


6. Don’t wear your hair down

The sixth thing that you should avoid is wearing your hair down. I recommend wearing your hair up in a ponytail as this will get your hair off your neck. The back of our necks is somewhere that will definitely hold in the heat which can become very uncomfortable.


7. Opt out of enclosed-toe shoes

The next thing you don’t want to wear is sneakers and other enclosed-toe shoes. These will just make your feet sweat, and who wants that? 

Summer shoes

These open-toe nude slides are one of my all-time favorite pieces of footwear to wear in the summer. The shoes' bottoms are cushioned, making them super comfortable for walking in.

Summer shoes

I also love my gold slides, and I wear them a ton. Gold is such a pretty neutral color for summertime.

Summer shoes

Another pair of flat, open-toe sandals that I absolutely love are these silver lace-up sandals. They are super chic and give that Roman gladiator aesthetic. 

Summer outfit idea

8. Don’t wear tight shorts

The eighth thing you should avoid wearing in the summertime is capris or long, tight shorts. Capris are back in style, but I wouldn’t wear them when you're trying to be cooler because they're tight, constricting, and made of denim.

Summer outfit idea

Instead, you want to go for a pair of shorts. Here are my favorite ones yet again and this time I paired them with a fabulous gold chain belt which really elevates the look.


9. Remember a hat

If you want to keep the sun off your face - don't forget to wear a hat. This is important for protecting your skin from UV rays.

Summer outfit idea

A wide-brim hat is always a good choice and I love this brown one with some gold stud detail.


10. Ditch your jacket

The last thing not to wear in the heat is a jacket or a third layer.

Summer outfit idea

This is a great outfit that's very stylish but will also keep you really cool in the heat of the summer. The top is a light color, made from a light material, and doesn’t have sleeves, so it really ticks all the boxes.


Fashion over 40

There we have ten things you should never wear in the summertime and what to wear instead. I hope you found this style guide helpful.


Next, check out these 8 Wearable Fashion Trends for Women Over 50.

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