It took me several years once I’d entered my seventies to gain the confidence to wear hot weather outfits. But as each year seems to bring a new heatwave I’ve had to adjust my ideas.
This has meant showing areas of myself I prefer to camouflage! So, in case you too stress over showing your upper arms or your legs here’s a small capsule wardrobe of hot weather outfits that I live in, once the temperature goes above 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit).
I hope it encourages you to worry less about what you look like in sleeveless tops and shorts. I’m 77, short, and square with heavy kegs and swollen ankles, flabby upper arms and a large belly. So hardly an ideal model! But if I can show myself online in these outfits so can you!
These cotton shorts from M&S were bought a few years ago. They are basically a short version of chinos. So they have belt loops which are useful on cooler summer days when I want to look smarter with a belt. But on hot days I never wear a belt or, indeed, anything constricting.
This linen short-sleeved top is breezy, lightweight and hangs away from my tummy without dragging against those belt loops. This gives me a reasonably modest outfit whether I’m relaxing at home or out and about.
I’ve added an F&F summery overshirt bought from Tesco supermarket last year, (link is to similar available now) to illustrate how I look if I need more protection against the sun, or from the mosquitos in the evening. I find that by adding more interest to my top half it detracts from my legs – which now have visible veins at the ankle. I often buy supermarket clothes for hot weather because they don’t get worn as often as most other items. Most summer tops need to be washed after each wearing so this non-iron shirt works well.
Here’s one of my less covered-up hot weather outfits. The sleeveless linen top from Boden is something I use as an under layer throughout the year. Sure, it shows my upper arms, which these days lack any semblance of tone. But if I’m with friends or other people of a similar age to me, I have learnt to stop obsessing over these signs of aging. They happens to us all.
The washed-out look shorts are from Poetry a few years back (link to current similar item). They are ideal for walks with handy pockets and a relaxed shape. I like the British Coastal look of pale sea-washed cotton. There are no belt loops so these shorts work well with a toning tee shirt even if I don’t tuck in.
I love the bright intense hue of this linen shirt by Boden. I can wear if with most items because it stands out as a statement piece rather than part of a planned outfit. I usually roll up the sleeves to keep the eye focused away from my legs. Collars, folds and strong colors all attract the gaze so I wear this outfit when I’m shopping or feel the need to cover up but still stay cool.
Before a heatwave really sets in, pushing the temperature up to middle thirties to forties (95-105F), as this year here in France, I find I can tolerate trousers as long as they are linen, wide and floaty. These M&S pants I bought a few years ago, are pull-ons with an easy elasticated waist. The belt loops are wide and flat which makes it easier to wear a top over the waist instead of tucked or belted. The sleeveless Boden linen top is a favorite of mine – I’ve always been a push-over for stripes, checks and spots!
Here are the same linen pants with my F&F cover-up. Ideal for an evening drink with neighbors.
OK, so here’s my least covered up of all the outfits I wear in summer. The shorts are part of a play suit. Very occasionally I wear the bra top if I’m off to the swimming pool but usually I feel cool enough with these shorter shorts.
The vest I bought larger than my usual size as I wanted it to drape over the shorts elastic waistband without showing too much of the gathering there. I feel comfortable with this outfit when I’m with family or walking my dog. But mainly I wear it when I’m relaxing on my own.
I really like capri pants in theory but their tight fit around the hips and thighs need a bit of thought. Generally I look for a longer top like this one that covers my widest part. This look is fine for when I’m out and about. The sleeves and the trouser legs cover all my insecurities!
I have a few simple, wide-cut dresses for hot weather. I’d normally add jewelry to this plain cotton shift dress but Not when the weather is too hot. Metal jewelry can heat up fast and even non-metallic accessories can get annoying in the heat.
This sleeveless shift is cool and easy to wear. It is much better than a midi dress in the height of summer. I find that extra length of most of my Spring and summer dresses simply too much when the weather is very hot. The les fabric the better to stay comfortable.
If you also worry about showing more of yourself in very hot weather let me know in the Comments below. Tell me how you cope and if you think shorts are appropriate at 77!
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