It’s smart to have a few go-to outfit formulas for each season. These formulas make it easy to get dressed when you’re in a rush, just don’t know what to wear or want to look your absolute best with the least effort. I’m teaming up today with two dear friends to share a favorite summer outfit formula worn three ways. My favorite formula for summer? Keep reading…
After I share with you my favorite summer outfit formula and the three ways I’ve styled it, be sure to check out the blog posts by Jennifer at A Well Styled Life and Tania at 50 is Not Old. These sweet friends and seasoned fashion bloggers will provide you with two more summer outfit formulas and some great style tips for working them like a pro.
If you have come my way from Jennifer or Tania’s blogs, welcome! My name is Kay and I’m a 61-year-old, happily married empty-nester. I’ve been sharing style tips, outfit formulas, shopping tips and more here at Dressed for My Day since 2018. I also have a YouTube channel where I upload new videos focused on the woman over 50 every Wednesday. You can learn more about me HERE. We need to move on to this style formula, but, since we may not know each other very well, I did want to let you know that I’m 5’8″, weigh about 160 pounds, have even proportions and have an hourglass shape. I generally wear a misses medium and I’m in between an 8 and a 10 right now.
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Can you tell from the collage above what my favorite summer outfit formula is? It’s simple, but oh so chic and effective. And each summer I make sure I stock my closet with easy to mix-and-match pieces that work in this formula effortlessly.
- white up top
- + flax or soft taupe below
- + sandals
- + straw handbag
- = easy, breezy summer style
Working the Favorite Summer Outfit Formula with Pants
I like to lean into linen when I work my favorite summer outfit formula, choosing pieces that are lightweight, breathable and loose-fitting for hot and humid summer days. But some of the pieces I’m showing today are a linen blend. And, of course, you could also swap in cotton gauze or poplin if you prefer.
The first way I’ve worked this formula is with flax wide-leg crop pants in washed linen. By the way, you may be able to duplicate these very classic looks with items from your closet. But if you’re shopping and you like something you see, just click through the highlighted text here or in the captions under my photos. I have a few shopping widgets for you to browse, too.
These washed linen wide-leg crop pants are very comfortable and run slightly roomy. I’m wearing an 8, which is my lower of two sizes these days.
PRO TIP: You absolutely can switch up this summer outfit formula and wear the flax on top and the white below. However, I suggest considering which neutral you prefer to wear near your face. If you look best in cool tones, I suggest wearing the white up top (or a cool flax shade). But if you look better in warm tones, look for warm flax shades to wear in your top and jacket and wear the white below.
For this first outfit, I topped the wide-leg crop pants with a white tank from my closet and a new organic handkerchief linen high collar jacket. The jacket is luxe and versatile, but it is a little pricey. You can use code BREEZY25 to get $25 off your order just through the weekend. But I know that’s a drop in the bucket! So I’m providing lots of additional options for white tops and jackets in a shopping widget below. Just click on the picture for more info and to shop.
I completed this first “equation” with my favorite T-strap cognac sandals, a straw clutch that features cognac trim and a slim cognac belt. I think the rich reddish-brown accessories add depth and interest to this almost monochromatic look.
Working the Favorite Summer Outfit Formula with Shorts
Since we’re talking summer, I thought it only appropriate to work my favorite summer outfit formula with shorts. Again, the formula is simply flax on bottom + white on top + sandals + straw bag = easy, breezy summer style. And I’m still working the formula in linen, which is what I wear nine days out of ten during the summer.
My organic linen shorts feature a zip and closure fly with welt front pockets and patch back pockets. This brand typically runs large, so I sized down as usual to a small. You can also use that code BREEZY25 for $25 off, but I’ve rounded up a lot of other shorts, pants and skirt options in linen and linen blends in the shopping widget below. Scroll for all the options.
I topped my flax linen shorts with a white organic linen and cotton blend square sweater. It’s lightweight and cool. It does come in other colors, too, including flax.
Looking at these photographs now, I wish I had just left the top untucked completely. I didn’t have a mirror handy on this photo shoot and I guess I forgot how I had intended to style this with the square sweater untucked. It is a loose fit, but it works nicely for an easy, breezy look. I completed the outfit with simple gold jewelry and my gold Naot sandals, perfect for a day filled with walking. I carried my favorite large straw tote.
Working the Favorite Summer Outfit Formula with a Skirt
I truly enjoy wearing skirts and dresses in the summer, so I was eager to try this favorite summer outfit formula with a skirt. Here I chose a linen blend skirt at a really nice price point.
This linen and rayon blend pull-on skirt features a flirty flounce hemline and it’s fully lined. I’m very impressed with it. It’s marked down and you get extra savings at checkout. Unfortunately it is selling out fast in some sizes. But it does come in other colors, too.
I actually created two different looks with the skirt, topping it with two different loose-fitting linen blend tops. First up, a linen collared top in white. I love how casual, but feminine and fresh this twosome looks with the top left untucked.
Again, I’ve used a blend of cognac and straw accessories to give the outfit depth and texture. My cognac crisscross slides are some of my favorite, so soft and comfortable at a reasonable price.
Then I switched in another top option. Sometimes, especially on hot, muggy days, you just have to go sleeveless! This linen and rayon blend pocket shirt feels and looks cool and casual, but the outfit is still pulled together and polished. I completed the look with beautiful, seasonal jewelry from Lisi Lurch. My Georgia beaded bracelet set (C/O) stacks nicely with the larger Georgia beaded bracelet (C/O), and my dainty Meeghan shell earrings (C/O) give a nod to the season.
I love that I can work this simple but effective style formula so many ways with the pieces in my closet. You could have a similar summer outfit formula with different neutrals or even colors in your wardrobe. The white and flax work together to create a uniquely fresh, soft and summer aesthetic, but you could use black and white, trending brown and white or even something like navy and buttery yellow. Let me know in the comments what your favorite summer outfit formula is. I’d love to hear from you!
But if you’re one of my regular readers, don’t forget to scoot on over to see Tania at 50 Is Not Old and Jennifer at A Well Style Life. They’re both so stylish, so I know they have something good prepared for you. Tell them I sent you!
And if this is your first time at Dressed for My Day, I hope you’ll either stay awhile and check out my website or come back soon. You can sign up for my daily or weekly email for the best experience. I share exclusive coupon codes, sale alerts, shopping guides, style boards and so much more with my subscribers. Have a lovely day!
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Blessed for My Day
When life feels like it is pulling at the seams or we are confronted with sudden hardship, we have a choice. We can either become bitter and act out in frustration or we can choose to find strength in the Lord. Obviously, seeking the Lord’s strength and guidance in the midst of mayhem is the preferred course, but that sounds easier than it sometimes is.
If you’re in one of those “push has come to shove” kind of situations right now, I encourage you to pause and pray. Seriously pray. Ask the Lord to slow your thoughts, calm your heart, clear your mind and focus your expectations on Him. Ask Him to strengthen you for the days to come, give you grace for the hurdles ahead of you and restore your joy…even in the midst of the problem. When we choose to turn to God instead of seeking revenge or finagling the circumstances, He honors that pursuit with peace and strength.
David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God. ~ 1 Samuel 30:6
I LOVE the way you styled all the linen pieces! Linen is such a great fabric for summer, and these neutral pieces will go with everything!
Thanks Tania. It looks like we all have a love for white in the summer. 🤍
Thank you Kay for another great post. What an excellent idea to collaborate this one with Jennifer and Tania. I have looked at their posts too and will spend more time later getting to know their work better.
The outfits you have shown today are lovely and you look so stylish. I do really like white and flax together for the spring and summer. The hard work you do for your subscribers and followers is so much appreciated and it’s obvious how much effort you put in to help us. Many thanks.
Thank you for your kind words. You ladies make it worth the hard work. It really is a pleasure. 🥰
Loving this team-up with your friends. What a great idea!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Lisa. We all used to do these a lot several years ago, but have gotten away from it in the past couple of years. Now sure why. 🤷🏼♀️ But I’m so glad you ladies seem to be liking it.
Outfit choices look cool and casual.
Yes! That’s definitely the goal. Thanks for reading, Sherry. 🩷
Wow what a fantastic blog! Thank you for all of the ideas and outfit combinations for summer! I appreciate all of your hard work and loved the BFMD. It was neat to see the other collaborators and how they styled their clothing.
Thank you, Alli. I’m so glad you enjoyed the party!
I love the linen skirt & the way you styled these outfits. I already follow Tania and Jennifer! Love their posts as well.
Wonderful! Thanks so much for being here, Darlene. 😊
I really enjoyed your post today! Linen and cotton get me through the summer. I clicked over today from Tania’s site. She said to tell you “hello”!🙂
Lovely! Thanks so much for stopping in. I’ve been following Tania myself even before I started my own blog. She’s a gem. 🥰
Thank you Kay for the message. I need it today. The styling tips I have the pieces to copy you. I didn’t know you knew Tania. I follow her too. She’s a lot of fun with her stories. I like her game of finding the smiley face. Sometimes it’s so hard I have to give up or go insane. Lol.
I’m so glad that spoke to you Terri. Thanks for sharing. 🥰
Flax and white is one of my very favorite summer combinations! You look fabulous Kay. Thanks for collaborating up with me today. You’re always so stylish!
It looks we all three love white for the summer. Thank you for doing this with me today. So fun!
I love linen but don’t love wrinkles, so I find myself not buying things in linen. Several years ago I bought the flowy light weight pants that have a cotton type blend….. I’d have to check now that look like linen but don’t it wrinkle. They are great. You look so great in all the outfit formulas and it’s a great idea. I tend to use white on top and black on the bottom for fast dressing.
Yes, there are definitely great alternatives to linen, including linen blends that don’t wrinkle as much. Thanks so much for reading and for sharing your thoughts.
I went back and read your Blessed for My Day and it’s perfect for what I needed to hear and I’ll share with my husband. He recently retired from the Fire district and at last nights board meeting there was a decision and vote that will not be good for the district and we both were angry. We did not attend the meeting, but He still feels after 49 years it’s his baby. He was the Fire Chief. He has to let go and now just let this play out. But his fear is young guys jobs now will be at stake due to not enough money in the budget now. Anyway, thanks Kay for sharing what’s on your heart and giving me(us) a reminder to put it all on pause and not let it fester.
Ahh, that’s where the rubber hits the road, isn’t it Kathy? Like I said, easier said than done. But in the end we always are so much better off if we do “put it all on pause” as you said, take a step back and pray about it rather than fuming. Bless you both! And thank your husband for me for his service. What a job of sacrifice!
This post is definitely one to save & refer back to! I do have a question – is the linen blend collared top still available? The top that is linked in the (br/gap factory) is different and has a lower V neck (also it isn’t a full button front). Thank you 🙂
You know what? You’re right! Oops. I’ve fixed that. I actually own both tops and they look so much alike that I got them confused as I was typing this up. I’m actually wearing this linen EF top. But the Banana Republic Factory linen blend top looks almost identical. It doesn’t have quite the same collar, but the effect is similar. And neither shirt buttons up all the way. They are both popovers with a pleat at the breastbone. Hope that helps.
Thanks for this inspo. It’s so simple & easily replicated too! Definitely putting this in my rotation.
Wonderful! I’m so glad you enjoyed the post.
Everything about this post was perfect timing for me. First, I loved the blessed for my day…well timed as I needed the encouragement. Second, just last night I was thinking that it’s time to leave Spring wardrobe refresh behind and move on to Summer. Of course, many of our wardrobe items are appropriate for both seasons. But where I live in New Jersey, we really have four distinct seasons and I do have a few pieces that are just summer…I love love the white and neutral combo. I wish I was a linen lover, but I can’t get past the wrinkles. BUT I’m going to try again with a blend and see how that goes. Thank you for a wonderful post and for recommendations to your friends’ blogs. I plan to check them out.
Sounds like a plan, Deb. I hope you find some linen blend items to your liking. Or you may want to try cotton gauze. Thanks for your kind comments.
I love this outfit formula! I live in South Florida where the summers are very hot and humid so linen is my go to. I ended up purchasing the J. Crew linen shorts in the flax color and the Banana Republic Factory white linen sleeveless shirt you modeled. Everything was on sale too. Thank you for the inspiration!
Score! 🙌🏻 I really think you’ll like both of those selections. 😊
I love this color combination for summer. I didn’t see you mention the size of the skirt. The reviews are making me second guess on what would be the right size.
I’m wearing my usual size medium. It runs true to size to me.
Thank you for another really informative post. I like how you explained the how/why of each outfit to make minor changes to have a whole new look. I often read from other sources “just wear linen in the summer, it’s so easy!” But most of us don’t know how to choose a quality linen, or that there are different blends of linen, or how to style linen with shoes and accessories. I think this post covers alot of that!
I love these posts where 2-3 of you team up! That’s how I found you several years ago! I enjoy these collab posts so much!
Thanks so much for sharing, Julie. I’m glad you found this informative and that you enjoyed the link-up. 🥰
Yea! You collaborated with my favorite influencers! I recently purchased a “lounge” set that I wore last evening and slept in overnight. I’m on a deadline and expected to wear it at least until noon while I worked at home. Waking up, I just couldn’t do it. I had to put on make-up, curl my hair and get “dressed for my day”… I couldn’t function without making my bed, too. I suppose some of us are just wired that way! Thanks for reinforcing my instincts with great style!
The lounge sets certainly make not getting dressed for our day tempting, don’t they? 😉 Thanks so much for sharing. 😊
How fun to find out my three favorite bloggers are friends! I enjoy your style and would wear everything you model.
Thanks so much, Nancy. It’s been a fun day!
I love outfit formulas, and these look cool and fresh!
Wonderful. I’m so glad you like them. 😊
I also wear a lot of linen and white in the summer. So comfortable and easy to style. It always looks good. Thank you for sharing these pretty style options.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the post, Rose. Thanks for letting me know. 🥰