Summer dressing presents unique challenges, particularly for women over 50, according to fashion expert Shane Watson. Watson has identified 11 common summer trends that can add years to a woman's appearance, offering alternative styling advice to maintain a youthful look.
Fabric and Fit Pitfalls
Linen, often favored for its coolness, can become a sartorial pitfall. While appealing on the hanger, its tendency to crease can create a disheveled look, especially as smooth skin and a youthful complexion fade. Watson advises against oversized white linen shirts, likening them to a "lazy spa attendant" look, and tailored linen trousers, which he associates with an "elderly travel programme presenter" aesthetic. Instead, he suggests opting for creaseless linen or a boyfriend shirt style.
Another fabric to approach with caution is crochet. Watson notes that while crochet dresses can be flattering, they can also evoke a "whiff of Woodstock" or resemble a "granny's tea cosy" if not styled carefully. He also points out the potential for see-through issues with crochet, suggesting that "open white work tops that call themselves crochet but are really heavy duty lace" offer a more refined alternative.
Tight white jeans, often associated with the "Hot Hurley" look, are also flagged as aging. Watson recommends looser, off-white jeans paired with a tucked-in or cropped black top for a chicer ensemble. Similarly, he cautions against body-conscious white denim skirts, suggesting that an A-line skirt finishing below the knee with a vent is a more flattering choice.
Silhouette and Style Choices
Certain silhouettes and shoe styles can also contribute to an aged appearance. Watson warns against upper foot exposure through styles like skinny-strapped sandals or low-cut ballet pumps, which can emphasize veiny or puffy feet. He advocates for shoe styles offering more coverage, citing the enduring appeal of wide, double-strapped sandals.
Mary Jane flats, while trending, can appear "twee" or reminiscent of a children's presenter when worn with dresses, jumpsuits, or jeans by women over 50. A soft leather pump with a high vamp is offered as a more sophisticated alternative.
Capri pants, or pedal pushers, are identified as a key component of "festival mum style," which can be aging. Watson advises steering clear of these unless they finish well below the knee, are tailored rather than clinging, and are not pastel-colored. He also cautions against floral print dresses paired with trainers, deeming it a "frumpy summer uniform." Instead, he suggests vibrant, clashing prints and suede sandals or low slingbacks.
Color and Detailing
While summer often calls for bright colors, Watson suggests that women over 50 need to "up their colors" to appear healthy but should limit "brilliant tropical shades" to avoid looking like a "Miami retiree." He recommends softer hues like aqua green or sherbet tones such as ice pink and apricot sorbet, advising against bright prints unless on holiday.
Vests with cutaway shoulders are recommended for those with "Mobama arms," but women with "normal civilian arms" should avoid them. A white vest worn under an open shirt or cardigan is presented as a versatile styling option. Half-sheer garments are also flagged as a potential "midlife fashion trap," often appearing "apologetic and Miss Havisham" on women over 50. Watson suggests opting for dresses or skirts with a sheer layer over a solid color for added movement and interest.