6 Easy Trends My 60-Year-Old Mom Is Jazzed to Try This Summer

On one of my many Zoom calls with my mother, Nancy, our conversation ended with a style discussion. Given my job as a fashion editor, she loves using me as her own personal stylist (despite her heightened sartorial interest) and wanted to discuss summer shopping. While she already had a few items on her list (including this re-worked Madewell shirt), she wanted my thoughts on a few more chic yet simple items that could fit within her more classic wardrobe.

I basically rattled off a smattering of my favorite easy trends and she stopped me when something piqued her interest. In the end, there were six strong looks she noted and wants to consider testing out at some point this summer.

One of the key reasons she’s into the said trends is that they all seemed incredibly versatile to her and would work for anyone at any age, including her at age 60. Of course, remembering that age has nothing to do with what you should or shouldn’t wear.

Without further ado, keep scrolling to check out the summer trends my mom is jazzed to try—complete with her notes—and a bit of visual inspiration from fashion people. And if you’re shopping at the moment, you’ll find product recommendations below as well.

Tailored Shorts

summer-basic-clothing-over-50-287386-1590073776629-image

(Image credit: @greceghanem)

Nancy’s Notes: "I typically wear denim shorts in the summer, but I’m into those more sophisticated styles that feel polished and fancy to dress up my tees.”

Elevated Flip-Flops

summer-basic-clothing-over-50-287386-1590073779323-image

(Image credit: @monikh)

Nancy’s Notes: "I kind of gave up flip-flops awhile ago and I find it so intriguing that they’re back as a fashion shoe. Definitely going to try a sleek pair.”

Ribbed Tees

summer-basic-clothing-over-50-287386-1590073778667-image

(Image credit: @littleblackboots)

Nancy’s Notes: "A ribbed tee feels like a nice update to my standard T-shirts I wear all summer long.”

Short-Sleeve Cardigans

summer-basic-clothing-over-50-287386-1590073778126-image

(Image credit: @lefevrediary)

Nancy’s Notes: "I’ve been wearing cardigans all year and am curious to try those shorter-sleeve silhouettes for something different.”

Polka-Dot Dresses

summer-basic-clothing-over-50-287386-1590073777357-image

(Image credit: @kimair)

Nancy’s notes: "While I’m currently spending my time at home, I’m dreaming of an occasion to wear a fun, pretty dress like those cute and easy polka-dot styles.”

One-Shoulder Tops

summer-basic-clothing-over-50-287386-1590073779653-image

(Image credit: @susie.wright)

Nancy’s Notes: "One-shoulder blouses feel different and statement-making. I’d love to find a beautiful style to wear with jeans or shorts.”

Next, check out the flat shoe styles a woman over 50 loves to wear.

Explore More:
Market Director

Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent over seven years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retailers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises. He has also worked across a variety of other media brands and fashion retailers like Refinery29, PureWow, Men's Health, and Gilt covering commerce, trend reporting, women's and men's fashion, home, and lifestyle.