2023 Spring Outfits for Women Over 50

The spring and summer seasons started early in Florida this year.  While most are still battling the last winter snowstorms, I am already beginning to wear my spring and summer wardrobe.  We’ve been hitting the high 80 degrees and even a few days have gone up to 90.  That usually doesn’t happen until May.  So I’ve been doing some planning and a little shopping. I’ve written a lot about wardrobe planning as I am a big planner and love curating my wardrobe over time, so I thought I’d share my thoughts and what I purchased so far this season.  

I spend a fair amount of time watching fashion shows and some of the influencers I admire to get a taste for trends and how looks are being put together.  I discovered we often have many of the components of modern outfits in our closets, so I take a little time to go through my closet and try to create the looks I like.  As I do this, I begin making a list of things I don’t have.

At the end of each season, I set aside a few pieces I am not sure of.  I try on those pieces and evaluate them on the basis of whether they fit, and whether they work with where I see my style going in the current season.  

My Love of a Good Dress

I don’t know how people can stand wearing anything but dresses in ninty degree heat and humidity. When I lived up north, I did wear pants and shorts, but not here in Florida. I put everything pant related away except linen trousers which I just recently added to my wardrobe two years ago. Naturally, I began the season by adding two dresses to my collection. I have been wearing my new blue and white silk dress on repeat since I got it in February, and the light orange dress which is currently on sale at Nordstrom received lots of compliments when I wore it to Bok Tower recently.

Dresses are a great one and done look, just add shoes and a bag and you are out the door. If you want more versitility, add a denim jacket, a sweater or a blouse. Changing shoes also changes the look so don’t forget to spend some time trying your dress with different accessories.

Foundational Pieces:

I build my wardrobe around foundational pieces that I wear frequently, such as denim, linen trousers, skirts, and sundresses.  In the spring and summer, I also look for lightweight sweaters and jackets that I wear in air-conditioned spaces.  I make sure they work together so I can create lots of different outfits.  

Adding to my wardrobe:

I build out my wardrobe based on color and silhouette.  To keep my “modern classic” style current, I add a few trend-driven pieces to my wardrobe each season and replace older classic pieces that might be showing some wear with new styles

I make lists of pieces that are missing from my wardrobe.  Two years ago, it was denim, last year I built out my dress collection and this year, I am replenishing my summer tops; handbags, and shoes.

Fewer Better Items:

It surprises people that while I love fashion, I keep a relatively small closet.  I focus on adding clothing that works with pieces I already have.  I limit impulse buying and only add pieces that go with what I already have.

Upcoming Events:

Activities such as travel and special events such as graduations, weddings, and other parties figure into my plans.  I decide what I want to wear and whether I want or need something new.  

Mood:

I have to confess that mood drives my choices for the season and my day-to-day outfit choices. If it’s sunny, hot, and humid, a pretty sundress is top of the list for comfort and to help me feel pretty even in the heat. If I am indoors working, I often go for something cozy, especially if I am doing creative work. My mood for lunches out depends on the restaurant and who I am going with. Linen trousers and a chic top is often my choice.

This season:

We don’t have any big plans, but we are considering travel this summer, but it’s too early to make purchases related to travel, so I will let that be for now and focus on rounding out my wardrobe based on what I will likely spend most of my time doing.  I work from home and have focused on polishing my work-from-home look by choosing some comfortable but flattering joggers, wide-leg pants, and yoga pants.  I will be pairing these pieces with more tailored pieces.

The button-down is having a moment, so I have added two more to my collection—I have six now.  They are versatile, and comfortable, and are long-term wardrobe additions.

I’ve been loving the knit tank top look with wide-leg trousers.  Knit pieces are a fresh and elevated treatment for tank tops, which I plan to wear with my wide-leg trousers.  I added  two washable cashmere tank tops from Garnett Hill (I’ve never shopped at Garnett Hill, but when I saw their washable cashmere tanks, I had to give them a try) 

I splurged on a lightweight sweater jacket from St. John and am eyeing a Chanel-style denim jacket—you’ll have to watch my Instagram Stories to find out whether that is a keep or return.

I splurged on a Chloe Marcie bag.  I almost returned it, but in the end, I decided to keep it, and I am glad I did, as it is great for going to the coffee shop with a book or my laptop, and it’s great for picnics.  I often take a sweater or light jacket, during the summer, and there is room in the Marcie for that as well.

I’d love to hear what you’ve chosen, and if you’d like more inspiration, be sure to stop by my friends at Coast to Coast Style Collective.  One of the cool things about the ladies in our group is that we all approach our wardrobes differently. Visit Suzanne, Andy, and Julie and see what they have planned and be sure and say hi!