Don’t you love finding a fashion piece so special it feels like wearable art? A great statement piece can transform even the simplest outfit and instantly express your personality.
The best part is that you don’t need an entirely new wardrobe to make an impact. In fact, most women over 50 already own plenty of wardrobe basics. Adding (or rediscovering) just one statement piece can breathe new life into outfits you already wear.
Summer is the perfect season to showcase these special items. Without heavy layers, statement pieces can finally take center stage and get the attention they deserve.
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What Makes Something a Statement Piece?
A statement piece is any item that naturally draws attention and becomes the focal point of an outfit.
It might be:
- Oversized
- Boldly colorful
- Highly textured
- Shiny or embellished
- Intricately detailed
- Unusual in design
- Whimsical or artistic
- Made from unexpected materials
- Architecturally shaped
- Vintage or one-of-a-kind
A statement piece doesn’t have to be wildly neon-colored or oversized. There are many ways for a fashion item to stand out. The best statement pieces are often the ones that speak to your personal style, are something you genuinely love and can’t wait to wear.
Simply put, a statement piece is something that can’t be ignored.
How to Style Statement Fashion Pieces
The easiest way to showcase a statement piece is to let it be the star. Think of your clothing as a blank canvas. A monochromatic outfit creates the perfect backdrop and allows your statement piece to shine without competition.
For summer, try:
- Crisp all-white
- Chic all-black
- Soft bone or ivory
- Khaki or sand tones
- Chambray blue
I personally prefer sleek, simple fabrics such as cotton poplin, jersey or lightweight summer knits. However, texture can work beautifully too. Lace, ruching, puckered fabrics and tonal embroidery can add interest while still allowing your statement piece to remain the focus.
My Favorite Statement Fashion Pieces for Summer 2026
Now for the fun part. Statement pieces are often accessories, making them an easy and versatile way to elevate your look. If you find something that you love that stands out, go for it!
Here are some of my favorite statement-making pieces this season:
Statement Handbag
Staud offers a wide array of bold, whimsical and intricately beaded shoulder bags that are all the rage. This abstract shell design is my favorite.
Bold Print Belt
Make a statement with your belt! A big, bold, shiny buckle is one way to go, but I also love the simple punctuation of this textured black-and-white zebra-print belt.
Statement Shoes
Statement shoes for summer can range from frilly florals and shiny metallics to color-blocked designs. But if you want to take the whimsical route, these bright yellow taxi flats make a fun statement and are sure to spark conversation.
Wide Brim Hat
Make a statement with a hat that serves a purpose at the same time. Stay sun-safe under this wide-brim hat in a playful polka-dot print.
Statement Necklace
A chunky blue beaded necklace like this one is all you need to make your outfit sing. I adore the ombré shades that fade from seafoam to deep ocean blue.
Oversized Sunglasses
If colorful jewelry and accessories aren’t your thing, simply wear a pair of bold, interesting sunglasses. These cool blue round frames with color-blocked stripes are striking, modern and flattering too.
Whimsical Print Scarf
Scarves are trending this season, but they’ll always be a classic. They give you the opportunity to add color and express your personality through the print you choose. This statement scarf features an amusing merry-go-round-of-animals print that looks surprisingly sophisticated when draped or tied.
Colorful Embroidered Jacket
My final statement-making piece is this bold pink embroidered jacket, perfect for those cooler summer days and evenings. It adds color, texture and personality to even the simplest outfit.
Styling Inspiration
All-White Outfit
As you can see see, an all white outfit makes your statement piece pop. A gauzy white short sleeve shirt and midi skirt create a light and breezy summer canvas.
Caslon® Cotton Gauze Button-Up Shirt, $69.50 and
Caslon® Tiered Cotton Gauze Midi Skirt, $89.50
Styled with: Statement belt, Statement handbag, Statement shoes and Statement hat
All-Black Outfit
An all black outfit, like this sleeveless t-shirt with linen pants, makes an ideal backdrop for your statement piece while keeping you totally comfortable for summer.
Nic+Zoe Perfect Knit Layer Tank, $48 and
Eileen Fisher Pleated Organic Linen Lantern Pants, $178
Styled with: Statement necklace, Statement sunglasses, Statement scarf, Statement jacket
Do you own a statement piece that has been sitting in your closet waiting for the right occasion? Summer is the perfect time to bring it back into rotation. And if you don’t already have one, perhaps this is the season to add a special piece that is uniquely you.
What’s your favorite statement piece to wear?
You may also like to read Why We Love White Jeans for Summer for Women Over 50 (2026 Update) and Summer Handbags for Every Day, Every Outfit and Every Adventure.
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