A Chic Summer-to-Fall Outfit for Women Over 50: High or Low?

I guess it’s time to start thinking about it: What will you be wearing this fall? Even though it is still summer and the temperatures will stay high for a few more months, I like to have a few outfits on hand that can make a smooth transition from summer to fall.

I recently bought a chambray shirt, and I love how crisp it looks with white or natural-colored denim jeans. This combination makes an ideal summer-to-fall outfit. Wear the shirt over a tee or tank, then remove it like a jacket and tie it over your shoulders when the day gets warmer.

A comfortable, flat woven closed-toe slide works well for both seasons, too. It keeps your feet comfortable during the summer but feels substantial enough as we move into fall. Grab an unstructured tan leather bag, add a gold cuff bracelet and you are good to go in a casual-chic way.

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Summer-to-Fall Outfit Tips

Add Lightweight Layers

Think vacation style or long day-to-evening looks when you need to be ready for a change in weather. Layering a chambray shirt or lightweight jacket over a tee is a perfect example. You can wear the layer open, button it up when the temperature drops or remove it and tie it over your shoulders when it gets warmer.

Choose Cool, Woven Fabrics

Cotton, lightweight denim and other woven fabrics are airy and comfortable during warm weather, but they work well in fall, too. The key is to choose pieces that are substantial enough to layer without feeling heavy.

Start With Year-Round Wardrobe Basics

Think about the core pieces you wear throughout the year when building your summer-to-fall outfits. Denim jeans, cotton shirts, T-shirts, khaki pants and jean jackets can all make the transition from summer to fall. Even lightweight suede and leather can work well between seasons.

Closed-toe shoes, such as woven slides, loafers and sneakers, are year-round staples, too.

Use Neutrals to Bridge the Seasons

You are free to wear any colors you like, but I personally prefer neutral or darker colors as fall approaches rather than tropical prints, neons or pastels. With lightweight fabrics, even black can work beautifully in summer. Cream, tan, chocolate brown, denim blue and soft white are especially easy colors to wear from summer into fall.

summer-to-fall outfit for women over 50 fountainof30

Style It High or Low

You can go all out with designer pieces to get this look, as shown on the left, but I also found lower-priced, good-quality alternatives so you can get the look for less.

If you love one or two of the designer pieces, you can also mix them with a few of the lower-priced options. That is high-low styling at its finest.

Here’s the breakdown.

The Denim Shirt

A medium-wash, oversized denim shirt is something I think every woman should have in her wardrobe. It is incredibly versatile because you can tuck it in, wear it loose or layer it unbuttoned over another top like a lightweight jacket.

Invest in this super-stylish Loewe denim shirt or get a similar look for a fraction of the cost from Gap.

LOEWE Logo-Embroidered Denim Shirt, $1,250
Gap Denim Big Shirt, $69.95

Cream V-Neck T-Shirt

A short-sleeve V-neck T-shirt makes an ideal base layer under the denim shirt. Choose an organic cotton option from The Standard Stitch or pick up a similar tee for less from Lands’ End.

The Standard Stitch The Organic Cotton V-Neck Tee, $60
Lands’ End Supima Cotton V-Neck T-Shirt, now $23.97

Natural-Colored Jeans

A pair of relaxed, boyfriend-style jeans will give you an instant fashion update. They are comfortable enough for warmer weather and will keep you covered on chillier days ahead. Cream or off-white jeans will serve you well throughout the year. These AGOLDE jeans are a stylish investment, or you may prefer this similar pair from Lands’ End.

AGOLDE Low Slung Baggy Organic Boyfriend Jeans, $240
Lands’ End High Rise Wide Leg Denim Jeans, $99.95

Brown Woven Closed-Toe Mules

A flat, closed-toe mule or loafer in chocolate brown will keep your feet comfortable from summer into fall. These gorgeous St. Agni slip-ons are an investment you may keep for years, or you can save with these equally beautiful brown FRANKIE4 mules.

St. Agni Bunto Woven Leather Slip-Ons, $375
FRANKIE4 Wallace Mule, $204

Tan Shoulder Bag

Add to the casual vibe with a bucket or hobo-style handbag in a warm tan shade. This Proenza Schouler bucket bag is now on sale, but you can spend considerably less on this Tory Burch small hobo bag, which is also on sale.

Proenza Schouler Brant Leather Bucket Bag, now $756
Tory Burch Small Hobo Bag, now $296.25

Gold Cuff Bracelet

One large statement piece of jewelry is all you need to finish this summer-to-fall outfit. Choose this polished Shashi bangle or save with the sculptural gold-tone cuff from Nordstrom.

Shashi Cameron Bangle Bracelet, $90
Nordstrom Organic Metal Cuff Bracelet, now $32.99

How Much Does Each Outfit Cost?

High Outfit Total: $2,771
Low Outfit Total: $727.11

Would you wear this summer-to-fall outfit? How would you style it? High, low or a mix of both?

Carol Calacci

You may also like to read Lace for Days: How to Wear The Lace Trend, Plus Styling Tips and How to Dress for Hot and Humid Weather: Summer Style for Women Over 50.

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