Other than white blouses and t-shirts—you can never have enough—white isn’t a color I’ve gravitated toward, but after I left the country and moved back to the city, I went all-in and bought a white sofa. Plus I got two puppies. . . What was I thinking? I wasn’t. It was love at first sight —the puppies, not the sofa. Now, 10 years later, I’m drawn to summer white clothes: white wide-leg jeans, white lace pants and a contrasting white lace blouse, a white dress and an assortment of white and off-white purses. A column of white looks elevated, plus it’s great to mix and match with other colors.

Here are some summer white clothes perfect for women over 50.

The white poplin maxi dress I bought last year from Banana Republic. It’s sleeveless and while it’s not fitted, it’s also not baggy. A lot of women wear baggy clothes—jeans, pants, shirts and dresses—like they’re trying to hide excess weight. But even if you’re not overweight, baggy clothes can make even a slender woman look heavy, so be careful.

I love to pair this dress with the black and white kaftan I bought in Greece two summers ago for $100. Since I tore the tendons in both feet on the second day there, couldn’t walk and had to keep them elevated for 10 days, it was the only thing I bought. It’s a relaxed, easy way to look chic and elegant, and it will never go out of style.

I also like to pair this dress with a three-quarter length Elie Tahari open jacket I’ve owned for 20 years. 

With both outfits, I’m wearing a silver sculptural piece on a black cord that was a “gift with purchase.” I’ve forgotten the brand, but I’ve had it forever, and this summer is the first time I’ve worn it. It’s beautiful. 

Here’s a similar piece you can find at Nordstrom’s, and it’s by Madewell, which is a wonderful brand. 

The lace on the white Kobi Halperin Gina Lace Pants (I used my Neiman’s points to purchase, so they were free… sort of. It’s one of those “use them or lose them points.”), and the pattern on the Mint Velvet Applique Petal Shirt ($99) don’t match, but they work well together. My dear friend, Vinetta Rosin, and my new friend, Oksana, both with Neiman Marcus, thought the blouse was from Akris Punto, a very expensive brand. This unexpected outfit has been a happy surprise.

The in-between size of my three summer bags is also from Madewell. It’s an off-white, woven leather clutch I bought a couple of years ago for about $60. I looked on their website, and don’t see one like it, but their “Signature Woven Mini Zip Shoulder Bag” has the same beautiful leather weave and sculpted gold-tone zipper pull. The leather and the gold-tone zipper pull on my bag still look brand new. 

If you’ve been reading BRENDA’S BLOG then you know I’ve never been a purse kind of girl. I used to carry only camera cases with room for credit cards, etc., but for the last few years, two girlfriends and I, we all live in different parts of the country, have been meeting every fall in New York City and that has changed. Our trips began as a way to get together, plus one has access to a private trunk show of uber chic Italian leather bags. And while I’ve never bought one of those bags, I’ve turned into a purse kind of girl.

Not long ago, I discovered what may be one of my favorite brands: HUNTING SEASON. Their top quality handwoven bags and jewelry are made by local artisans in Columbia who use natural Iraca palm and figue fibers and techniques passed down through generations. HUNTING SEASON also creates nappa leather bags from Spain and beautiful handcrafted homeware pieces. Their bags are more expensive, but take care of them, and you’ll have them forever. I lust after every single one, but I bought their Large Woven Shopper in the color, Natural Cognac, $495. It has an interior pocket, and the leather handles are beautifully stitched and close with a hidden magnet. Each bag features their signature “tagua charm” on a leather cord and comes with a removable leather crossbody strap and a dust bag for storage. This is by far the biggest bag I own. 

Just so you know, I purchase all the clothes and accessories I feature, and I don’t make any commissions. HUNTING SEASON doesn’t know I’m alive, but in my fantasies, should they want to gift me with another one of their bags, I’m gaga over their Small Soft Clutch in Oyster Nappa leather, or their Small Origami in Black Satin.

Oh, my stars!! I’m a minimalist, and they both hit all the right notes. 

Raffia and natural fiber bags will always be popular, but unless you buy a good one, like HUNTING SEASON, many are a waste of money. They look old and ratty pretty fast, plus some have a weird texture that makes them feel “damp” all the time. Eww!!

The smallest of my three bags has a crossbody strap and is from Strathberry. I also have one in black and bought them both on sale a few years ago. They hold a cellphone, credit cards and keys, just the essentials, and are the perfect size for concerts and sporting events that restrict bag sizes. BTW, Strathberry is having a sale now.

So that’s my roundup of summer white clothes perfect for women over 50 and ideas for how to switch them up and make them look like a totally different outfit. If you’ve been reading my blog, then you know I don’t buy a lot of clothes, but what I buy is nice. Someday, I may get up the nerve to tell you about the suit Lionel Richie “made me” buy. Only my friends, Vinetta and Oksana, know the details, and Vinetta has instructions to bury me in this gorgeous creation.