A new season is approaching. Summer fashion can be a struggle for many reasons. It’s tough to battle the heat and stay age appropriate and modest. But it’s not impossible.
Step out with confidence and embrace the latest trends that perfectly suit your age and lifestyle. As we approach the summer of 2023, there are some key fashion trends that those over 40 can definitely wear.
Whether you’re looking for some inspiration for your next beach vacation or simply want to update your wardrobe for the warmer months ahead, this article will explore the top 2023 summer fashion trends that are perfect for women over 40. From bold color trends to basic black, these styles will help you look and feel your best all season long.
Summer trends don’t differ too much from spring trends, but a few things gain popularity and a few classic summer accessories make their way back every year.
Orange/ Red Sunset Hues
Orange is one of the top Pantone Spring/Summer 2023 colors and it isn’t letting up for summer. Fiery reds are also making their way into the mix. Embracing a trendy color is an easy way to be on trend. Remember that if a color isn’t your best color, you can wear it on bottom or in accessories.
Halter tops
Halter style tops and dresses are trending this summer. Sign me up!
This is my favorite type of sleeveless neckline to wear. I’ll pick a halter over a scoop neck tank any day. I love the balance of having a higher neckline when baring my shoulders. Halter necklines can also balance wide shoulders or draw the eye up and away from wider hips.
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One Shoulder tops
Another 2023 summer fashion trend is one shoulder tops.
These have been around for a couple of summer seasons but are still going strong. These are perfect for the over 40 woman who wants to remain on trend but modest. It’s okay to bare that one shoulder.
Pari them with shorts, jeans, skirts, or dress pants, depending on the level of formality required for an event. They work for a variety of body shapes, as they draw the eye up to the shoulders and collarbone. Perfect for those apple and pear shapes who want to take the focus off the bottom half.
Asymmetrical silhouettes
Flowy, asymmetrical silhouettes are popular for this summer. This silhouette uses hemlines, necklines, and sleeves that are off center or uneven to create unexpected shapes. Add some interest to your outfits with an asymmetrical piece.
Asymmetrical tops are great for camouflaging a belly and work great for apple body shapes. Skirts and dresses with an asymmetrical hem can elongate the leg for petites, and provide balance for pear shapes. Asymmetrical skirts and dresses are another perfect option for the woman over 40 to show some skin in a modest way.
An easy way to enjoy two trends in one is with a one shoulder top that instantly creates asymmetry. Asymmetrical skirts and dresses are pretty classic but you tend to see more during the summer.
Maxi dresses and skirts
Midi dresses and skirts have been popular and still are, but the hem is lengthening, and maxi skirts and dresses are beginning to take over. Dresses with cutouts in the back or waist are also popular. If these aren’t within your comfort level, you can still find many on trend maxi dresses. Maxi dresses and maxi skirts are ageless pieces for all to enjoy.
The hottest trend is a denim maxi skirt, but it’s very difficult to pull off. I’d recommend that the tall rectangle shapes try this trend, while us petite pears stick to the midi denim skirt or just above the knee.
Denim skirts
I just mentioned these with the maxi skirts, but they deserve their own category. Denim skirts are a classic item that is getting more attention this summer, making them trendy. The midi length seems to be the prevailing look in aline and pencil silhouettes.
I’m been shopping my heart out for one that works for me as a petite. I’ve found that a denim pencil skirt works best as the denim aline adds too much weight and is a quick recipe for frumpy.
Wide leg pants and jeans
Wide leg pants and jeans are carrying over from spring. They have a more flowy silhouette that can be cooler than straight leg or skinny jeans. There is no age associated with wide leg pants, so feel free to embrace them if they flatter your body. Just remember to create balance in your outfit. A tucked or fitted top will work best.
White Trousers
Flowy white trousers are popular this year. I have a couple of pairs of white pants but the perfect pair of flowy white trousers eludes me. Most have a high waist that doesn’t work for me.
A wide leg white trouser is a very chic look for women over 40.
Tennis Chic
I’m calling this trend tennis chic. Sporty dresses and tennis skirts are trending as mainstream outfit pieces, not just to be worn for playing tennis or sports. If it’s your thing you can certainly rock this 2023 summer fashion trend over 40.
Many sports dresses now come with built-in shorts or leggings for added coverage and functionality. Tennis skirts have been a popular fashion item for both athletes and non-athletes alike. They offer a sporty and feminine look and can be styled in various ways.
Rosettes
Got a romantic or boho side? Rosette embellishments are gaining in popularity. These are another carryover from spring. They seem to be gaining more ground for summer. A rosette is a decorative fabric flower that adds texture, dimension, and a touch of elegance to clothing and accessories. These embellishments can be found on a variety of garments, including dresses, tops, skirts, handbags, and even shoes.
Raffia
A classic that’s always trendy in the summer. An easy way to be on trend is to add a few trendy accessories to your classic outfit pieces. A woman of any age can be on trend with some up to date accessories.
Choose from belts, earrings, headbands, hats, purses, or sandals to indulge in this trend.
Patch Pockets
Cargo style pants are still pretty popular and the trending feature in pants and shorts for the summer are patch pockets or “utility” shorts. We are seeing flat front pockets quite a bit.
Graphic tank tops
Fun graphic tees are pretty classic. This summer they are trending in sleeveless versions and muscle tees.
Summer Sandals
Shoe trends are generally ageless and women of all ages can participate. Popular sandals for the 2023 summer season are wedges, wrap/ lace up sandals, and athletic style/ footbed sandals. The lace up sandal can be the hardest to pull off if you don’t want to show off chunky ankles.
Platforms and espadrilles are still trendy as well.
Summer trends are more about personal style than age. Women over 40 or any age can wear the 2023 summer fashion trends with ease. The key to any sophisticated look is to carefully choose one or two trends. Don’t pile them all into one outfit.
Which trend are you most excited about?
