Top tips for creating a casual look for summer 2023

Getting older can take a bit of mastery when it comes to navigating the fashion highway. At what age do certain items become no longer suitable for you to wear? For some people, the answer is never, while for others altering your style of dress is something you’ll do naturally as you age (and that’s okay).

With summer well and truly on its way, now’s the time to chill and relax. You want to spend time with family and friends and you want to do it comfortably. In an effort to help you achieve all this, Starts at 60 has assembled three of the best tips for creating a casual look that will have you embracing the summer vibe.

 

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Wear clothes that flatter your frame

Summer colours are renowned for being fresh and bright, so keep that in mind if you’re choosing a new wardrobe this summer. You don’t want to be wearing the darker colours that a traditionally only worn in the cooler months. White says ‘crisp’ and ‘fresh’ in anyone’s language, but so does spring greens, fresh pinks and purples and sunny yellows.

Going monochromatic with bright colours can be incredibly flattering for a woman over 60. You can create long lines and elegance with very little effort. You can even smarten an outfit by adding a necklace or scarf. If you’ve embraced your grey, pink can be your best friend, as are orange, mango, turquoise and lemon. It almost always works on more mature women. Colours that can wash you out though include beige and blush.

For a lot of people, summer conjures up nautical images. Navy and white with red or yellow accessories always look classy and flattering. You can also look chic pairing grey with a bright colour, but you need to make sure you choose a grey that suits your skin tone — you want something that’s going to make your eyes sparkle and your skin glow. If grey just isn’t your colour (and for some people, it’s not) we’d recommend sticking to black or white. These will always give your look an air of sophistication.

 

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Wear shoes that look classy and refined

You want your shoes to be comfortable as well as stylish. You can use your footwear to make a statement about your outfit without having to try too hard. Some women over 60 can’t bear the idea of wearing heels if there is any sort of walking involved, while others find flats will aggravate their plantar fasciitis.

That’s why we recommend something with a low heel — it’s the best of both worlds. Bright-coloured shoes can work on many levels. They are a great statement piece for dining out, but they can also come in handy when you’re exploring the trends in the shops.

If you like to wear closed-in shoes or sneakers, consider something with a bit of flair.

 

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Flowing and breezy, not frumpy and baggy

If you’ve got clothes in your wardrobe that are baggy and making you feel frumpy, get rid of them. In summer, you want items the look you’re going for is flowing and breezy. It’s much more flattering.

You want tops that have a longer length, a bit of flair at the bottom and are looser and more lightweight. You can layer open and loose tops over other shirts, which also looks great.

Pants that are a little looser are great in summer. You want a fabric that is light and loose. Consider replacing your jeans with trousers, wide bottoms or cropped pants, or even capris.

If skirts and dresses are more your style, go for a pleated maxi skirt for a perfectly summery look (add a belt if you’ve got a waist you’d like to define). Alternatively, find yourself a nice flowing summer dress, perfect casual attire.