Must-Have Summer Outfits for Those Super Hot and Humid Days

If your summer weather is anything like what we have in Chicago, you may be familiar with temperatures going from 65 degrees to 95 degrees (with super high humidity) without any warning! That’s why I have always found it imperative to have a few extremely lightweight summer outfits on hand for super hot and humid days. Over the last few years, I had to retire my go-to white eyelet spaghetti strap above-the knee hot summer dress because it stopped looking appropriate to me. I no longer like the tiny straps and and short length on me now that I’m well over 50. But I do have a few new outfits ready for those dog days of summer.

Summer Outfits For Hot and Humid Weather

It always seems that the hottest day of the year is when you have a family reunion or business event to attend, so you can’t get away with showing up in your swimsuit (as much as wish you could). Here are a few outfit ideas to have on hand in your wardrobe arsenal. They will make you look and feel cool as a cucumber. If you have one or two of these outfits ready, I guarantee you will avoid a lot of fashion anxiety and wardrobe stress when those hot and humid days creep up. Here are some of the best options for women over 50, and one of them is bound to be best to flatter your body-type.

The Wide Leg Linen Pants Summer Outfit

This is one outfit that I will be wearing on hot summer days! This works well if you have heavier legs and a smaller bust and torso. Start with lightweight linen or cotton pants. These Caslon linen blend pants are perfect because they have an elastic waist. You don’t want to wear pants that are too heavy or constructed with zippers, buttons or bulky drawstrings or sashes. I like this pair because they are wide-legged, lightweight and a light color – which is best to keep cool in the heat. I recommend linen pants in white, cream, tan, light grey, a floral, geometric print, or an elongating stripe.

A simple lightweight white short sleeve t-shirt tucked into the pants will keep you cool. Find a variety of t-shirt styles with different necklines and sleeve lengths at Old Navy. Grab a small lightweight handbag like this crossbody from Madewell that comes in a bunch of fun summer colors. And be sure to wear a pair of comfortable slide sandals like these padded ones from Coach because tight shoes can make you cranky in hot weather too!

Caslon® Linen Blend Wide Leg Pants, $59

Old Navy Short-Sleeve Luxe V-Neck T-Shirt for Women, $16

Coach Georgie Slide Sandal, $165

Madewell Mini The Leather Carabiner Crossbody Bag, $110

The Sophisticated Sundress Summer Outfit

Just because I gave up wearing my white sun dress, it does not mean women over 50 can’t wear one. There are many style options that will work. Go with the lightest fabric that is not see-through or clingy and find a flattering style. This midi dress from Madewell is flattering for most body-types (it runs large so size down one size). It is easy to wear because it is sleeveless but you can still wear a bra. The fabric is very lightweight but is lined so you don’t have to worry about sheerness. And the midi-length is ideal because you don’t have to worry about any leg flaws, but it will still keep you cool.

Pair this dress with a neutral colored flat or an espadrille wedge sandal like this one from André Assous. A straw bag with a little embellishment like this BTB Los Angeles will add interest to your all white pallet. And if you are going to be in the sun, add some chic protection with a wide brim straw sun hat from H&M.

Madewell Sophia Smocked Midi Dress in Windowpane, $138

André Assous Aria Espadrille Wedge Sandal, $149

BTB Los Angeles Mason Clutch, $158

H&M Straw Hat, now $10.39

The Tunic Shirt and Shorts or Skirt Outfit

A white cotton shirt or tunic is one of the best ways to protect your skin from the hot summer sun. This Foxcroft cotton gauze tunic is super flattering and will keep you cool. This outfit works well for women who are larger in the torso or bust and slimmer in the hips or legs. Show off those legs in a pair of cotton Burmuda shorts in cotton like this pair from Vince.

Another option is to wear a slim-fitting pencil skirt instead of the shorts. A solid colored skirt just to the knee will look chic with the tunic top, or try a print like this floral pencil skirt from Boden. Add a shot of color with these J. Crew canvas espadrille flats and carry this light as a feather straw mini bag from Bembien.

Foxcroft Vena Cotton Gauze Tunic, $79

Vince Bermuda Shorts, $175

Boden Textured Pencil Skirt, Exotic Paradise, $98

J. Crew Canvas Espadrille Flats, $99

Bembien Chloe Bag, $185.00

 

Which one of these summer outfits is your favorite? Are you prepared for a hot and humid day?

You may also like to read Wonderful White Dresses for Spring and Summer: Splurge vs Steal! and How To Style A Fabulous Swimsuit and Coverup Outfit High and Low.

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