The Best Spring and Summer Casual Outfits for Women over 40


Disclosure: AD, this is a sponsored post, however all opinions are 100% my own.


What you wear this summer will depend on several factors such as your personal style, the weather, and the occasion. I'm guilty of always sticking to my same trusty items (khaki pants and my blue denim jacket) when actually there are so many lovely, new stylish outfits available. 

With the arrival of the Spring season and with Summer around the corner could you embrace a little bit of colour and pattern? These always brighten your day and are a great way to give us all a boost of confidence, whatever your body shape and style. 

This month I'm working with Cotton Traders as they have launched a beautiful collection of clothing called #PatternPark to celebrate the start of spring fashion. We look forward to wearing lighter fabrics, bolder hues and trying new styles at this time of year. So here are our best spring outfits from their collection...

Seersucker embroidered Blouse

We love this pretty embroidered blouse with gorgeous summery lemons. A white seersucker, sheer sleeves top is the perfect wardrobe staple and will keep you cool and comfortable with minimal effort. 

With front fastening buttons and long sleeves for early spring, this a great piece to be worn throughout the season. Wear with a vest or camisole underneath or throw on top of a bathing suit. 

This type of blouse can be worn in many different settings and occasions, it works well with every day skinny jeans or shorts. This could be for an easy but stylish combination at a casual lunch with friends or running errands. It could be tucked into a midi skirt or trousers for a sophisticated look. The lushious lemon print would also be perfect for a wedding guest. Given the English weather it also would carry well under a blazer or jacket. 

We are a bit hooked on this item as lemons are such an iconic symbol of hot summers in Italy...

Credit: Cotton Traders.

Beautiful Burn Out Jersey Tunic

Made with eco-friendly burnout jersey, made with recycled materials, this flowy tunic is a perfect solution for spring date outfits. It works well for warmer weather and has a flattering notch neck and detailed pintucks. The longer length is comfortable, on-trend and works well with white jeans or under an oversized blazer on cooler evenings. 

Choosing clothing production methods that minimize waste can significantly reduce the environmental impact of fashion. Clothing that is designed for durability and can be recycled at the end of its life cycle, helps to keep resources in use for longer and reduce waste. This eco-friendly fashion item is clothing which has been designed and produced in a way that minimizes its environmental impact. 

Using a burnout fabric means items which are a combination of recycled materials and cotton, so you know you're making wise fashion choices for your spring wardrobe as well as looking wonderful. 

Credit: Cotton Traders.

Linen Floral Dresses

Not only is this lovely dress made with cotton and linen, it has pockets! We think this makes it the best option for your spring look! It has an elegant collar to take you from day to evening, a straight hem and a neat single button fastening. 

Another eco-friendly product, this versitile dress is made from linen which is the flax plant. A sustainable and renewable resource that requires less water and pesticides. It is also biodegradable and can be recycled.

Great in summer, linen is a lightweight and breathable fabric that allows air to circulate, making it comfortable to wear in hotter weather. The reason it's so popular in fashion circles is that the unique texture and drape of the material has a natural, relaxed look that is both stylish and timeless. We all know the lovely feeling of wearing linen against your skin. 

Available in pink floral or plain navy we clearly need both outfits to take us through to autumn. 

Credit: Cotton Traders.

Lace Pattern Top

If you prefer neutral colours and to keep your patterns to the textures of the materials, this Lucy Lace Trim Short Sleeve Jersey Top is for you. 

We haven't stopped wearing this gorgeous white shirt and the pure cotton jersey makes it our go to item for comfort. The fabric is incredibly soft and the lace insert to the yoke stands out well. I suspect it will look even better in the summer sun. 

The tiny buttons are mock shell and add a touch of extra quality. We all need classic white tops in our wardrobe and this one is extra special. 

Credit: Cotton Traders.


Nautical Nod

Every year certain styles pop up again and nautical fashion is always elegant. If you want to find a casual outfit idea which is easy to wear, packs well and goes with everything, you can't go wrong with navy and white. 

This tie front, V-neck blouse has caught our eye. Firstly because a tie front is always very flattering around your middle. The V-neck creates interest and the pattern is not bold if you aren't comfortable with big prints. 

The Tilly Short Sleeve Tie-Front Printed Top, is made from soft, lightweight woven fabric so is easy to wear on holiday or even at work when you need to feel cool in the warmer months. 

Team it with wide-leg jeans and trainers, or a pencil skirt and nude heels for the office. If you want to create an edgier look, then add a leather jacket on colder evenings, a long sleeve cardigan or the ultimate luxury, a cashmere sweater. 

This is a light, gently woven blouse with a modern geometric print and relaxed fit. The perfect combination to make your spring outings or even formal events comfortable. 

Credit: Cotton Traders.

Extra top tips when choosing new, warm weather clothing: 

  1. Summer weather can be hot and humid, so it's best to wear lightweight fabrics such as cotton, linen, and rayon. Opt for loose-fitting clothing to help you stay cool and comfortable.

  2. It's a great time to experiment with bold and vibrant colors and pattern or floral prints. Think tropical prints, florals, and pastels.

  3. If you'll be spending time at the beach or pool, make sure to pack some stylish swimwear. This season, classic look, high-waisted bikinis, one-piece swimsuits, and retro-inspired styles with elegant black pants are on-trend.

  4. Shorts and skirts are perfect for summer and come in a variety of styles and lengths. Denim shorts and midi skirts are particularly popular this season.

  5. Sandals and flip-flops are go to summer footwear options, but the latest fashion trends are for chunky sandals, espadrilles, American white sneakers and platform style trainers.

  6. Complete your summer look with accessories such as sunglasses in unusual shapes for a modern twist, chic look hats, and statement jewelry. This season, oversized sunglasses, bucket hats, and chunky gold jewelry are all in style. The main thing is wear what you feel comfortable with so give these new spring trends a try and see what works for you. 

We hope this has helped inspire you to wear more pattern and cheery colour this Spring and Summer. These both lift moods and build confidence. They are also a great combination when in the glorious sunshine we're hoping for this year!