Casual Summer Outfits for Women over 40: Trendy & Stylish for 2024!

If you’re a woman over 40 and you need a few outfit ideas for summer, ones that won’t make you look like a teenager or a grandma, you’ve come to the right place! Come see what’s trending for the summer of 2024 – styles and outfit ideas that will leave you feeling current, comfortable, and confident in your own skin.

Latest Update: April 2024

Casual Summer Outfits for Over 40 – Enter the Busy Woman

It can be intimidating to think of fashion when you’re in your 40s. Most of us are in some stage of motherhood, juggling jobs and kids, driving said kids to every extra-curricular, running a house, cooking dinner… it can be hard to think about fashion.

Hopefully, as the spring season ends and summer rolls around, the schedules are less rigid, opening up the door for summer fashion.

As women with busy lives, you can look still look fashionable even when you’re on the go, when the focus is on real life, not necessarily on your wardrobe.

And summer is the perfect time to have a little fun with the clothes we wear, even in the midst of the busyness.

The Biggest Fashion Considerations for Women Over 40

I’m not a fan of ‘rules’ when it comes to things like fashion. There are no fashion police.

And while there are no hard fast laws you’re obligated to follow, it’s smart to at least give a nod to age and body type, as they play a role to varying degrees in what I think should be your 3 main guidelines.

My three biggest tips for women when it comes to fashion are:

1| You should feel comfortable in it (physically, but emotionally, too).

2| You should feel confident in it.

3| It should flatter your body type.

Are you sucked into tight clothes where it hurts to wear them? That’s a miserable experience.

Do you like what you see when you look in the mirror? Do you feel good about how you look?

Your body is unique and holds a life full of experiences. Does this outfit accentuate your best self and your best features?

Body shape and age factor into that to a degree – sure – but it’s not as much about following the trends as how you feel when you wear trends. That combination will be a safe guide to your own personal style.

It’s a fine balance between being age-appropriate and feeling like there are things you can’t or shouldn’t wear because of your age or body type.

It’s OK to bend the rules to a point, but go back to your 3 main considerations. You don’t want to look like a granny –  but you also don’t want to look like your teenage daughter’s peers either.

You can be mature AND stylish.

And personally, if you feel like your legs aren’t your best feature, I think it’s totally OK to wear longer shorts or skirts, etc. You get the idea. YOU want to feel comfortable, confident, like your best self.

There’s nothing shameful or self-deprecating about covering some of your flaws to highlight some of your better features. We all have things we love about ourselves and things we wish we can change.

If you feel more comfortable and prettier in a longer skirt, go for it!

There is nothing wrong with you deciding there are things you shouldn’t wear because you don’t feel comfortable or confident in them.

Your comfort zone might be different than someone else’s and that’s OK. The important thing is to feel comfortable and confident!

10 Casual Summer Outfit Ideas for Women over 40

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If you’re not really sure what to wear this summer to feel like you are current with the trends, here are casual outfits for mature women who want to keep their fashion upgraded this summer as well as some styling and fashion tips.

Also, underneath each item is a buyer’s guide if you’d like to check out some fabulous choices grab any of these staple pieces!

1. Cut-off Denim Shorts and Platform Sandals

 

As summer has arrived, you must have seen teenage girls sporting their crop tops with cut-off shorts. There’s a way to style this look in a way that works better for a grown woman rather than a teenager.

The best way is to wear this an age-appropriate top – a trendy peasant shirt, a graphic tee, or even a kimono with a pair of these cut off shorts.

The shorts are fun and youthful. The top is what keeps it within appropriate boundaries for a mature woman!

The length is going to be a little subjective. If you are comfortable showing more of your legs, that’s fine (within reason! Keep the booty hidden!).

But you can wear them a little longer if you feel more comfortable with that.

There’s even a ‘mom version’ of these shorts – narrow at the waist and a little baggy at the thighs. The length is not too long and not too uncomfortable for your age.

This can be a super laid-back look or a stylish casual summer outfit, depending on how you dress it up or down. Throw on a pair of platform sandals with a linen button-down for a casual-chic look. 

2. Button Down and White Jeans

 

Cotton button down shirts are a timeless classic and great for dressing up a simple outfit. They are lightweight and always classy. White jeans are one of your wardrobe essentials in the summer – a must-have staple.

The combination of white jeans with linen looks stunning.

You can wear a cropped version of white jeans or ankle length for the summer. Pair them with flip-flops or flat sandals for a casual night out – or enhance your look with accessories like bags, belts and glasses for a night out.

 

3. White Jeans with Denim Jacket

 

Another way to wear those white jeans is with a denim jacket.

You can pair it with a sleeveless top or a striped top. This is a great look for business casual, date night, or a girls’ night out.

It’s an easy way to use capsule wardrobe pieces together and dress it up.

Layering may seem like it’s for winters, but if done right, layering could be your new style these summers, especially on those cool nights.

There’s a space for long sleeves, even in the summer, and a jean jacket is the perfect choice.

There are all types of jeans to choose from this season – wide-legged, skinny or straight fit, boyfriend jeans. Always go with our top 2 rules: what you feel comfortable and confident in.

This classic style looks great with anything from flip flops to sandals to mules to ankle shoes!

 

4. Cargo Jogger Pants with White Tank Top

 

This look is great when you’re relaxing with friends or need to get dressed for casual outings.

Keep it cool and comfy. Get a pair of drawstring cargo or beach pants and pair them up with tank tops for casual looks.

Don’t be afraid to also try some fun patterns like camo!

As for the trends, a white cotton top is for a calmer and more relaxed look; a linen top is a little more refined and dressed up. You can upgrade this look by going for linen pants.

This is another casual look that can be upgraded with the right accessories.

 

5. Monochromatic Black Dress with Black Sandals

 

Although wearing black in the summer can feel counter-intuitive, you’ll get a lot of mileage out of a black dress, even in the summer. And we all know that black is a naturally slimming color.

Style tip: To take it up a few notches, throw in a straw hat or a fedora to save your skin and hair from the heat.

A hat instantly ups your style quotient and makes you look more elegant. Throw in a tote bag for the whole look.

A beachy-type cover up or a long maxi dress both look amazing and stylish in black.

6. Chambray Shirt Dress and Wedges

 

Shirt dresses have been a fan favorite for a few seasons now, and it’s obvious why that’s the case: they are comfortable, look great on everyone, and are so forgiving of our body imperfections.

You can wear them loose and flowing or add a belt to create a waistline and add to your height – everything a woman wants, right?

Chambray shirt dresses are such lovely cool choice in summer. Pair your chambray dress with pop color wedges, which are a great choice to dress it up!

There are different hues of blue available. Before buying a chambray shirt dress, consider your skin color – the color you choose actually makes a lot of difference!

If you have darker skin tones, a lighter chambray would look gorgeous. If your skin is on the lighter side, play up the contrasts and go for a darker hue! 

7. Long Oversized Button-Down with Leggings

 

My love for long T-shirts is unexplainable. They are great for any time of year and are so comfy for the summer heat, especially a lightweight button down that won’t cling to you when you’re hot!

Now go grab your leggings – ankle or capri length – these are a staple for any casual wear.

Pair them up with a long t-shirt and you’ve got a put-together summer outfit that comfy and stylish.

Button-downs and V-necks make you look taller and crew neck suits for the broad shoulder body types. 

Any type of shoe looks amazing with leggings – leopard print loafers, white sneakers, heels, sandals, flip flops – they all work.

This look is perfect for the ultra casual chic – wear a messy bun or leave it free and flowing as beach hair. One of my favorite everyday looks. 

8. Cover-up Maxi Dress with Sandals

 

Summer is all about being casual.

If you’re in and out of the pool, in and out of the car, a loose-fitting maxi coverup dress is a totally acceptable go-to outfit.

You’ll look cute and trendy wearing a dress, but it’s super convenient when you just need to throw it on over a bathing suit for a quick trip to the store.

Wear it with sandals, flip flops, or slides, and you’ll be easy breezy all summer long.

 

9. Maxi Skirt with Denim Jacket

 

There is something so fresh and natural about flowing, print summer skirt.

The maxi skirts come in different lengths and styles – totally up to you!

There’s nothing wrong with keeping it loose and long for comfort.

Here’s where your denim jacket comes in again, and it looks just as wonderful with a skirt as it does with jeans.

If you like long and flowy but skirts aren’t your thing, a flowy dress has the same appeal.

For a fun and funky look, wear it with cowboy boots for the whole look. Otherwise, you know the routine –  sandals, flip flops or even cute sneakers. 

10. Denim with Kimono

 

Grab your pair of denim shorts or blue jeans – any kind you like – and pair them with a soft t-shirt and kimono in a beautiful color.

The kimonos are lightweight and are the summer version of a cardigan – they add style while camouflaging some of our more unflattering areas.

There are a host of styles to choose from – bright colors, fun patterns, tropicals, florals, and neutral themes.

You can also get them in different lengths – ones that fall right around the hips, mid-thigh, and ankle length!

Wear sandals or flip flops for a casual look or throw on a pair of heels for a fun night out.

 

Casual Outfit Ideas for Busy Ladies

Most women in their 40s don’t know too much about having a sedentary lifestyle. We are busy, in charge, with lots of people and things to take care of.

Summer should be a down season for most of us, although it’s still a different kind of busy.

The casual shift should definitely be reflecting on our clothing – easy-going but easily styled up, low maintenance but doesn’t look like it, trendy and fun but not inappropriate.

Yup, you can check off all the boxes with this list! Make choice where you feel comfortable and confident, and you’ll be on your way to a fabulous summer in casual style.

If you try any of these outfits, I’d love to see them! Please tag me on Instagram @100affections or leave a comment on Pinterest!

If you’re looking to create more of a summer capsule wardrobe, with lots of possibilities, be sure to check this out!

And if you’re looking ahead for a fall photoshoot with the family, check out these outfit ideas!

For More Fashion Posts:

Spring Fashion Style Guide for Women Over 40 {2024}

Must-Have Fall Fashion for Stylish Mom Outfits

11 Essentials Every Mom Needs in Her Spring Wardrobe in 2024

40 Best Patriotic T-Shirts (for Women, Men, and Kids)

The 10 Best Mommy and Me Outfits for Spring

For Summer Fun and Activities with Your Family (while you’re looking so cute):

Life-Saving Summer Schedule for Kids Printable Templates

75 Fun Summer Bucket List Ideas (+ free printable!)

7 Easy Scavenger Hunts for Kids

Creative Ways Your Kids Can Give Back

 

Thoughts? I’d love to hear them! Leave a comment below!