Summer is fast approaching and that means sundresses, shorts, and sandals. Bring it on! We here at Sixty and Me are pro-aging and all about body positivity.
Typically brands categorize their plus size range from size 14 on. The good news is that more and more plus-sized specialized retailers are being created. Brands are rising to the demand. Also, many big chain stores now have excellent selections in this category.
Top plus-size summer fashions:
- Lane Bryant Embroidered Boyfriend Fit Capri Jean – Features a relaxed boyfriend fit with a mid-rise waistband and a comfortable Flex Magic waistband for a no-gap, stretchy fit.
- Chambray Button-Front Shirt Dress from Lane Bryant – Offers a versatile and comfortable addition to any wardrobe. Made from 100% lyocell, this dress provides a soft and breathable feel, making it perfect for warmer days.
- Easy Fit Short Sleeve V-Neck Tee – This tee is designed from 100% cotton and offers a soft, breathable feel. It features a relaxed silhouette with a longer length, side slits, and a flattering V-neckline.
- Striped Modern Fit Crewneck Tee from Penningtons’ PENN. Essentials collection – Made from a soft cotton blend, this tee features a classic black and white striped pattern, providing a timeless look that pairs well with various outfits.
- Paperbag Wide Leg Pant – New Sandal Length from Lane Bryant – Offers a comfortable and stylish option for warmer days. Made from 100% rayon, these pants feature a breathable, smooth fabric that drapes elegantly.
Keep reading to discover more plus size summer fashions.
Our article Where Are The Plus Size Clothes For Women Over 60? rounds up the best plus size fashion brands in the USA, Europe, and elsewhere.
Below I’ve put together a list of some of the best summer plus-size fashion trends for women over 50.
Summer Plus Size Fashion Trends for Women Over 50
Plus-size fashion trends for women have evolved significantly over the years, with a greater emphasis on inclusivity, body positivity, and diverse style options. Designers and retailers have recognized the demand for fashionable clothing in extended sizes, leading to the development of a wide range of trendy options for women of all body types.
Body Positivity
The body positivity movement has had a significant impact on plus-size fashion, promoting self-acceptance and encouraging women to embrace their bodies. This has led to the emergence of styles that celebrate curves, such as form-fitting dresses, crop tops, and high-waisted bottoms.
Lane Bryant Embroidered Boyfriend Fit Capri Jean features a relaxed boyfriend fit with a mid-rise waistband and a comfortable Flex Magic waistband for a no-gap, stretchy fit.
Made from a soft cotton-spandex blend, these jeans are adorned with delicate embroidery along the side for a feminine touch. With five pockets and a button-zip fly, they’re perfect for casual outfits. Pair them with a tee and sneakers for a laid-back look or dress them up with a blouse and sandals.
The Chambray Button-Front Shirt Dress from Lane Bryant offers a versatile and comfortable addition to any wardrobe. Made from 100% lyocell, this dress provides a soft and breathable feel, making it perfect for warmer days. It features a button-front design with a notch neck, cap sleeves with stitched rolled cuffs, and a matching self-tie belt that allows you to cinch the waist for a more defined silhouette.
The dress is designed with convenient side pockets. With a front length of 45 inches, it hits at the upper calf, offering a flattering and modest length. This dress can be worn cinched with the belt for a more tailored look or loose and easy without it, providing versatility for various occasions.
Read more: Interview with a Plus-Size Fashion Designer – Her Styling Tips for Curvy Mature Women
Bold Prints and Patterns
Plus-size fashion has embraced vibrant prints and patterns, moving away from the notion that larger bodies should only wear dark, solid colors. Floral prints, animal prints, geometric patterns, and abstract designs can be found in various clothing items, including dresses, tops, and skirts.
The Donna Karan New York Plus Size Printed Tie-Waist Shirt Dress is a sophisticated and versatile piece, ideal for various occasions. Made from a soft, breathable fabric, it features a flattering A-line silhouette that gracefully skims the body.
The dress is adorned with a subtle print, adding a touch of elegance without overwhelming the design. A self-tie waist belt allows for an adjustable fit, enhancing the waistline and providing a customizable silhouette. With its button-front closure and classic shirt dress styling, this piece offers both comfort and style.
The Easy Fit Short Sleeve V-Neck Tee from Catherines is designed from 100% cotton and offers a soft, breathable feel. The tee features a relaxed silhouette with a longer length, side slits, and a flattering V-neckline. It’s available in sizes 0X to 6X and comes in various colors and patterns, including the Black Foliage print.
This tee pairs well with jeans, leggings, or yoga pants, making it a staple for everyday wear. Currently, Catherines offers promotions like “Buy 1 for $28 or 2 for $40,” and Perks Members can save an additional 10%.
The Anne Klein Plus Size Printed Keyhole Blouse from Macy’s offers a polished, versatile look for various occasions. Made from a soft, breathable fabric, this blouse features a flattering V-neckline with a keyhole detail, adding a touch of elegance.
Its relaxed silhouette provides comfort without compromising style. The pretty print enhances its versatility, making it suitable for both professional settings and casual outings. Pair it with tailored trousers or a pencil skirt for a sophisticated outfit, or with jeans for a more laid-back look. This blouse is available in sizes 14W to 24W, ensuring a comfortable fit for various body types.
Stripes: Bold and Playful
Stripes are making a significant comeback, with designers like Chanel and Proenza Schouler showcasing bold, colorful stripes in their collections. This trend adds a playful and dynamic element to summer wardrobes, offering a modern twist on a classic pattern.
The Striped Modern Fit Crewneck Tee from Penningtons’ PENN. Essentials collection offers a stylish and comfortable addition to any wardrobe. Made from a soft cotton blend, this tee features a classic black and white striped pattern, providing a timeless look that pairs well with various outfits. Its modern fit ensures a flattering silhouette, while the crewneck design adds a touch of casual elegance. Perfect for layering or wearing on its own, this piece is suitable for both relaxed and polished outfits.
The Stripe Linen Wide Leg Pant from Lane Bryant offers a stylish and comfortable option for warm-weather dressing. Made from a soft-textured dobby stripe fabric, these pants are made of 80% cotton and 20% linen, providing breathability and a relaxed fit.
The modern wide-leg design ensures ease of movement, making them ideal for casual outings or laid-back gatherings. Featuring two front pockets, they combine functionality with fashion. These pants are machine washable, ensuring easy care.
Read more: 15 Plus Size Special Occasion Dresses for Older Ladies
Soft Pinks and Powder Pastels
Soft pinks, including petal and blush tones, have emerged as the dominant hues for summer. These shades are being embraced as neutrals, offering a gentle and romantic palette that complements various skin tones and is versatile for both casual and formal occasions.
The Linen Short-Sleeve Button-Down Shirt from Lane Bryant is a stylish and practical addition to any wardrobe. Made from a breathable blend of 55% linen and 45% viscose, this shirt offers comfort for warmer days.
It features a classic collar, short sleeves with rolled cuffs, and a button-front closure, giving it a polished yet relaxed look.
The SL Fashions Plus Size Overlay Sheath Dress from Macy’s is a sophisticated choice for formal occasions. Designed from a lightweight fabric, it features a flattering sheath silhouette complemented by a sheer overlay that adds elegance and movement.
The dress is designed with a scoop neckline and cap sleeves, offering a modest yet stylish look. Its knee-length cut makes it suitable for various events, from weddings to evening gatherings. Available in sizes 14W to 24W, this dress combines comfort with classic design.
Wide Leg Cuffed Bottoms
Wide-leg trousers and culottes have gained popularity among plus-size women due to their flattering silhouette and versatility. These bottoms provide comfort, enhance the figure, and can be dressed up or down for various occasions. This summer, we are seeing many jeans, capris, and shorts with large trendy cuffs.
The Responsible Light High-Rise Cropped Straight-Leg Jean from d/C JEANS at Penningtons combines eco-conscious design with contemporary style. Made from a blend of cotton, recycled cotton, and elastane, these jeans offer a comfortable fit with a touch of stretch. The light blue denim hue provides a trendy base for various outfits. Featuring a high-rise waist and cropped straight-leg cut, they offer a flattering silhouette suitable for both casual and semi-formal occasions.
The NYDJ Mona Wide Leg Trouser Jeans in Plus Size offer a blend of comfort, style, and eco-conscious design. Made from a soft denim blend of 50% cotton, 31% Tencel™ Lyocell, 17% polyester, and 2% Lycra® elastane, these jeans provide a flattering fit with a high-rise waist and dramatic wide-leg silhouette.
The side seam flocking detail adds a touch of sophistication, while the rich indigo wash enhances versatility. Designed with front slash pockets, back welt pockets, belt loops, and a zip fly with button closure, they combine classic styling with modern comfort. Made using earth-friendly methods that reduce water, chemical, and energy consumption, these jeans are both stylish and sustainable.
The Paperbag Wide Leg Pant – New Sandal Length from Lane Bryant offers a comfortable and stylish option for warmer days. Made from 100% rayon, these pants feature a breathable, smooth fabric that drapes elegantly.
The covered elastic waistband with a drawstring allows for an adjustable fit, while the wide-leg design provides ease of movement. The inseam measures 29 inches for regular length, designed to hit just above sandals or sneakers, making them ideal for casual outings.
Wrap Dresses
Wrap dresses are universally flattering and continue to be a staple in plus-size fashion. They accentuate the waist, create an hourglass shape, and are available in various prints, lengths, and sleeve styles.
The Journey Faux-Wrap Dress from Lane Bryant is a flattering piece designed to enhance your silhouette. Made from the brand’s signature Journey fabric, this dress offers a luxurious feel with its soft texture and 4-way stretch, ensuring comfort throughout the day.
The faux-wrap design features a surplice neckline and a self-tie waist, allowing for a customizable fit that accentuates the waistline. With a front length of approximately 46 inches, it falls to a midi length, making it suitable for various occasions.
Statement Accessories
Accessories play a crucial role in completing any outfit. Statement belts, chunky jewelry, oversized sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, and stylish handbags can add personality and flair to plus-size fashion looks.
The Red Cateye Sunglasses from Lane Bryant offer a bold and trendy accessory to style your summer wardrobe. These sunglasses feature a classic cat-eye shape, providing a flattering silhouette that complements various face shapes.
Designed with 100% UV protection, they shield your eyes from harmful sun rays while adding a touch of glamour to any outfit. The vibrant red color adds a pop of color, making them a statement piece for casual outings, beach days, or brunches.
The Straw Hat with Wide Leaf Print Rim from Penningtons is a chic accessory designed to add a touch of flair to your summer outfits. Made from natural straw, this hat features a wide brim adorned with a bold leaf print, offering both sun protection and a stylish statement. Its neutral color makes it easy to pair with various outfits, from casual beachwear to more polished looks.
Layering
One versatile technique in plus-size fashion that allows for creative outfit combinations is layering. Layering different textures, lengths, and colors can add depth and visual interest to a look, while also providing opportunities for personal style expression.
Chiffon Overpiece at Lane Bryant
Remember, fashion is subjective, and personal style varies from person to person. It’s important to wear what makes you feel confident, comfortable, and expresses your unique personality.
Read more: 5 Easy Ways for Plus Size Women in Their 60s to Embrace Fashion.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
What’s your favorite summer look? Where are your favorite places to shop for summer plus-size fashion for women over 50? Tell us all about it in the comments below.