I am joining my friend Jennifer from a Well Styled Life for our monthly Over 50 Style Edit. Black clothes and accessories don’t need to be considered des riguer in the summer months. Why not? Black is known for it’s elegance and versatility, and it’s endless wearability. It is not always the most likely pick for a summer days or the most obvious summer wardrobe staple. Apparently black is enjoying a moment this summer according to those in the know. This month in our Over 50 Style Edit Jennifer and I are discussing how to style black for Summer. Let’s talk about Five Effortlessly Chic Ways to Wear Black this Summer.
Here are my favorite ways to wear black stylishly and comfortably in summer.
Wear Lightweight Breathable Materials
Do you love black outfits in summer? The most comfortable way to wear black in summer is to choose lightweight breathable materials like cotton linen and gauze.Here am wearing a favorite pair of J Jill linen pants, Michael Stars tee, Target accessories, and Olukai flip flops.
SHOP THE LOOK
I am wearing my favorite black linen pants from Eileen Fisher and her cotton poncho, with Artemis smoking shoes dressed up for an evening out.
SHOP THE LOOK
Add a Pop of Color
I found this great lightweight wrap/scarf on Etsy. I am wearing it with a t shirt dress (purchased locally but similar linked below), bueno sandals and a fun necklace from Paula Carvalho.
SHOP THE LOOK
Same shawl with Eileen Fisher pants, Laidback London Sandals similar here, and a Michael Stars tee.
SHOP THE LOOK
I might wear this on the plane traveling. Leggings from Athleta, hot pink shirt from Anthro,, bag from Etsy and Dolce Vita slides.
SHOP THE LOOK
Accessorize with Rattan and Straw
I love this Janessa Leone bag. Here I am wearing it with the Cynthia Ashby mesh tee, Eileen Fisher linen pants, and Dolce Vita slides. Here is the link for the Janessa Leone hat
SHOP THE LOOK
Did I mention the Janessa Leone bag stores your straw hat? How many times do you go somewhere and want to shed your hat? Problem solved. I am wearing simple leggings and a black and white tunic (no longer available but similar on eBay here) This could be the travel outfit on the other end of the trip.
SHOP THE LOOK
Love this rattan cap from Anthro with my Michael Stars tee, Bryn Walker pants and Olukai flip flops, and the fabulous Janessa Leone bag.
SHOP THE LOOK
Wear Open Shoes/Sandals
I love this older Frank and Eileen shirt dress (newer linked below) with strappy Sam Edelman sandals and Dragon Diffusion bag.
SHOP THE LOOK
I am wearing a Helen Kaminski hat with a no longer available dress from Lily Pulitzer (similar from Gap here) with ankle wrap sandals and a Dragon Diffusion tote.
SHOP THE LOOK
Wear flowy styles that Allow Air Movement
I am wearing the lightweight cotton silk lily skirt from CP Shades with one of my favorite summer wardrobe staples the cynthia ashby mesh shirt t shirt, mer sea wrap, and Olukai flip flops. Necklace is from Paula Carvalho Designs. Bracelets are vintage.
SHOP THE LOOK
You have asked me about Quince. Here I am wearing one of their cotton maxi dresses with the Janessa Leone accessories and Dolce Vita sandals.
SHOP THE LOOK
Here I am wearing the Eileen Fisher pants with a cotton top (similar from Etsy linked below) and LaidBack London sandals (old) you can find similar here, and a necklace from Parham Studio.
SHOP THE LOOK
Informative articles on How to Wear Black in Summer
NET A PORTER HOW TO WEAR BLACK IN SUMMER
YES YOU CAN WEAR BLACK IN SUMMER-THE ZOE REPORT
You might also enjoy my post 10 Fresh Ways to Style Black and White after 50, or, Six Tips for Looking Chic and Confident in Color after 50.
Do black summer outfits, a little black dress, sneakers, straw accessories, a lightweight jacket, leather sandals and bare legs bring meaning to a summer day for you? I would love to hear if you wear black looks in summer. Thank you so much for reading Five Effortlessly Chic Ways to Wear Black this Summer. Now let’s pop over and visit Jennifer for her favorite black looks.
A WELL STYLED LIFE
SO CHIC….and so much great inspiration.
Hi Cindy, You look wonderful in every image. If I convert it all to navy, I’d wear every single look. I have silver white hair and freckled/slightly tanned skin and unless I’m off to the theatre in the evenings, with a more dramatic makeup, black would drain me and make me look tired. So navy it is – but not a problem. As I said, converting the black looks to navy is easy…
I love black and every one of these outfits. Thanks for all the great ideas and all the links!
Cindy, love this post as I typically do not wear black in our very hot Phoenix summers. But I do wear it when traveling to less severe environments. I still love that black Target dress you suggested a few years back! Will be sharing this on my Saturday Meanderings post tomorrow. Great info!
Oh Yaay! I love when I’m accidentally in style! I’ve worn mostly black for many years, mostly because it’s easy to find a skirt, top, and shoes that all match when I’m staring blearily at my closet at 5:00 in the morning! 🤣 You look fabulous in all the different styles! Thanks for the great suggestions, and stay cool out there!
Thank you for this wonderful post with all the photos and links. I love your outfits and your ideas. So appreciated!!!
Thank you so much Rita for reading!
Cindy, I just wanted to thank you for always giving us links to your fab outfits. It is much appreciated!
Of course Deb thank you for using them!
Cindy, you look good in everything as you always do. You’re a genius at putting your home together and the way you dress as well.
A beautiful gift that you have.
Hi Katherine
Thank you for always being so supportive.
You are such a classy lady‼️ I love all your looks. Love your blog❤️
Hi Carol
Thank you so much!
Would you just dress me and have done with it. I love everything you style for your home and your body!
Are you kidding me? You are my idol!
Great ideas, and you always look fabulous in black! I’m not seeing the Shop The Look links for two outfits: the off the shoulder dress and the CP shades skirt outfit following.
Thank you Cindy!
Hi Sarah
The off the shoulder dress is Lily Pulitzer from a few years back. I linked a similar one from Gap below the graphic. Thank you for reminding me! The CP Shades skirt outfit is linked in the description. They cannot be linked in the widget.
My oversight, thanks for clarifying!
I love these ideas. Still learning to dress for the humidity and not be too-uncovered at my age.
Hi Pat
Ahhh the lovely humidity! We will be there soon! Can’t wait to see you guys and your beautiful area!
Wow. I just love everything. Black is definitely your color! You look fabulous. Thank you for the time you put into this post. Definitely one of my favorites!
Hi Denise
Thank you for appreciating my efforts. I do put a lot of time into my posts!
Dear Cindy
Thank you for sharing so many inspiring ideas. Love black in the summer with straw/textured bags – perfect with fun summer hats. Black compliments silver hair – a striking compliment. Your maxi dresses are so elegant. I’m going on a river cruise birthday party next week. You’ve given me some great ideas!
Anna in Arizona…
Hi Anna
Straw is key with black I agree! Have a wonderful trip. Can’t wait to hear more about it!
I do wear black in the summer but always pair it with white. White jeans with a black & white top/black cropped pants with a white top Add white sandals and purse or caramel ones. Done! I love a column of black but not in the summer months.
Hi Joanna
I love black with white too,but I recently featured that combination on the blog. I tried to do more all black options this time.
You always look fab! You’re so creative in your outfits. I tend to have a uniform of sorts. I need to up my creativity in dress and not be so classic And unimaginative.
As usual, all of the looks are great but the one that is the winner, in my opinion, is the off the shoulder Lily Pulitzer. A different look for you and I wouldn’t guess it’s from LP either; very different from their usual colorful prints. You’re going to need those cooler clothes since summer has finally arrived here!
Hi Wren
That dress is great. I wish they would bring it back! I thought the small was a bit snug on me so I passed it on to my daughter in law. Would love a medium if one turns up!!
I also think it looks great and I loved the smoked top and off the shoulder sleeves – did not think I could do something like this, but it looks great on you –
Thank you for this — not only do you look fabulous, but you’ve affirmed my love of black clothing. I will never stop wearing it, no matter how often I read that it drains you of vitality or is unattractive on older women. That might be true for some women, but your photos are all the proof I need to keep right on wearing this color that I love.
Hi Bette
I will always love black as well. It is just flattering on many of us! Wear what you love Bette!
The long black dress by Quince on you is a smash!!Love the bag with it!
The off the shoulder look was a surprise look for you but you carry it off BEAUTIFULLY!You have great shoulders!
You have great everything!
Xxx
Hi Cindy, I wear black year round! For summer, love wearing black and white. Black goes with everything! Have a great weekend!
I love how you style black for the summer, Cindy. It always look so fabulous on you. Such chic looks! That bag is genius for holding your hat! I’m loving that pop of pink with it.