Mix-and-match items that suit women in their 60s: Summer-to-Autumn outfit ideas [Mimi's Fashion Class]

Although the lingering summer heat seems to be getting more intense each year, wearing a "full-on summer" outfit after the Obon festival can feel a little out of season. But it's still hot! So, choosing what to wear every day is a difficult task during this season. Therefore, we asked Mimi, a stylish YouTuber in her 60s, to come up with two outfit ideas using versatile items that can be worn in both summer and autumn: one for "what to wear now" and another for "when it gets cooler"!

First, the versatile item Mimi chose is a sleeveless all-in-one jumpsuit. Not only does this one piece give you a trendy look, but the vertical lines of the jumpsuit create a slimming effect, which is a great bonus.

"The easiest way to get a head start on autumn is to switch the color of the T-shirt you wear underneath—white in the middle of summer, dark colors in late summer, and so on. At this time of year, you can get through the lingering summer heat by using colors that evoke autumn while also relying on T-shirts made of cool, dry-touch fabrics."

(Left) The armholes are large, making it easy to put on and take off, even as an all-in-one. You can also pair it with a dolman-sleeved top in the fall.
(Right) Clothes with large pockets and gathered waists that create a three-dimensional effect at the back are a great option for women in their 60s who want to go out without worrying about the size or shape of their hips. The high waistline also makes your legs look longer, which is another great benefit.

"If you unbutton the front and let the bodice hang down, you can change the look a bit. Plus, it covers your hips, which is a bonus!"

When the mornings and evenings start to get cooler, add an extra layer. A button-front dress worn like a coat instantly creates a more dressed-up look.
"Wearing a long-length top further emphasizes the vertical lines of the all-in-one outfit, making you look slimmer."

For quick trips around the neighborhood, add a cardigan that looks like it's been remade from a sweatshirt.
"With the temperature fluctuating so much throughout the day this season, you might find yourself taking off your cardigan when you're out and about because it gets too hot, so you have to be careful about what you wear underneath too (laughs)."

Items to wear
トップス:Fun Animals T-Shirt Club¥ 3,960 (tax included)Click here for product details
All-in-one:Adult jumpsuit¥ 7,590 (tax included)Click here for product details
ワンピース:Turquoise checkered dress¥ 7,590 (tax included)Click here for product details

"Dungarees, a trendy item right now, can also be useful for transitioning outfits from summer to autumn."According to Mimi, this outfit features a dark-colored T-shirt to get a head start on autumn, and the combination of oversized pieces allows for good airflow, making it a cool and comfortable look.

This back-print T-shirt pairs perfectly with the crossed shoulder straps. The charcoal gray color, which looks like faded black, and the oversized fit that gives it a worn-in, relaxed look from repeated washings, give it a vintage feel that significantly elevates its style.

When the signs of autumn become more pronounced, switch to long-sleeved shirts.
"Choosing off-white or beige instead of pure white makes a big difference in the overall impression. Even though it's a combination of light colors, don't you think it looks very autumnal?"

If you look closely at the bread print, you'll see that it's embroidered with black beans, which is so cute!
"If I wore this shirt to meet up with a friend, it would probably spark a lively conversation about our favorite breads!"

The black buckles at the base of the shoulder straps and on both sides of the overalls have the effect of subtly tightening up a monochrome outfit.

Actually, this jumpsuit is also available in a men's version with a different shoulder strap design and a looser fit.
"Overalls can easily look childish, and it's difficult to strike a balance between casual and polished. If you want to pair them with a blouse or something similar, choosing a men's S size might be a good option for a more casual look."

Items to wear
Overalls (Men's):Fisherman's Overalls (Men's)¥ 8,690 (tax included)Click here for product details

The last item Mimi picked out for her versatile styling was a skirt with a design that looks like it's made up of layered aprons.
"Because black long skirts cover a large area, simple shapes tend to look flat. But this skirt is double-layered, and it has large pockets and fine pleats, so even though it's all black, it adds rhythm to the outfit. It doesn't get overshadowed by tops in striking colors."

She paired a black skirt with a pullover in autumnal colors reminiscent of Kyoho grapes or sweet potatoes. A wood necklace that looks like pearls further brightens her complexion and adds a touch of elegance.
"Clothes in eye-catching colors brighten the complexion, which is a blessing for women in their 60s. However, I'm not a fan of pink, and red is a bit too intense. But even though they're bright, these deeper colors are easier to incorporate into my wardrobe."

The pointed sides are the secret to the flattering silhouette from both the front and the back. The crisp fabric allows for plenty of airflow, making it comfortable to wear even in the still-warm season.

Mimi's style is to bring in autumn with accessories. Pair a cardigan with a hint of glitter with a black skirt, and tie a silk mini-scarf tightly around your neck for a Parisian look.

(Left) "The impression of a scarf changes depending on how you tie it, so it might be a good idea to try out different ways in front of a mirror while checking how it balances with your outfit." The pearl-like buttons on the cardigan also act as an accessory, adding a touch of glamour to the chic beige and black outfit.
(Right) The design, which combines an apron and a skirt, looks just like vintage European clothing.

Items to wear
skirt:Tablier skirt¥ 5,940 (tax included)Click here for product details

[Mimi's Fashion Class] Retrospective Interview

—As is the case every year, even though it's officially autumn, the intense heat continues, making it difficult to decide what to wear.

"That's so true. Back in the day, they used to say 'fashion is about enduring discomfort,' but that's absolutely impossible now (laughs). When you're in your 60s, you have to take proper precautions against the heat, or it's a real struggle. That said, if you keep dressing like it's the middle of summer, you'll look not just out of date, but 'out of season.' Looking 'behind the times' is a no-no in your 60s. So what I focus on is incorporating autumn colors first. 'Summer clothes in autumn colors' come in very handy."

—So, during transitional seasons, the key is choosing items that can be worn in any season and selecting colors to match them. Also, I was impressed by the vintage-style items that appeared in Mimi's outfits this time.

"Actually, I used to think, 'What's the point of a 60-year-old wearing vintage clothes?' (laughs), and I was resistant to secondhand clothing. But when I looked through Felissimo's catalog and online shop, I found items that looked like vintage clothing or remade items but were actually brand new, and that seemed easy for our generation to incorporate into our wardrobe, so I was happy and decided to try them out."

—However, it seems a bit difficult to incorporate it into everyday wear…

"That's true. To be honest, for example, with T-shirts, I recommend something that's made of a thicker fabric that doesn't cling to the body and has a neat fit, rather than something baggy, for women in their 60s. But if you're going to try trendy clothes like overalls or jumpsuits, I think it's fun to be a little more open-minded and try clothes that go with them. If you focus on creating a clean and neat look, you can wear vintage-style clothing in a cool way too."

Profile

Mimi

64 years old, 167cm tall. Lives with cats in an apartment in the suburbs of Kochi Prefecture. Started a YouTube channel at age 61."Mimi's life"She runs a website where she shares ideas about daily life, including clothing, food, and shelter. She has also authored numerous books on fashion and styling, including her latest work, "Rethinking Fashion in Your 60s: Wear Clothes That Let You Enjoy the Present" (Shufu to Seikatsu Sha).


*Items without a credit listed are Mimi's personal belongings.
*Unless otherwise stated, the size Mimi is wearing is MT.

Plan:Lifestyle and Fashion Editorial Office
Photo: Hiroshi Kiyonaga

For those of you struggling with fashion in your 60s.
This article is also recommended

▶The perfect fashion for women in their 60s. Styling tips and outfit ideas for spring, summer, autumn, and winter, taught by fashion experts.

recommend You might also like this article.

Top