Summer outfits for women in their 60s: Relaxed yet neat [Mimi's Fashion Class]

"I think the most important thing for fashion in your 60s is to look neat and tidy without appearing sloppy," says fashion YouTuber Mimi. In this season when it's easy to succumb to the heat and rely on casual clothes, she says that with a little ingenuity and careful selection, you can achieve a "put-together look" even with a relaxed silhouette.

For days when you want to dress up a little, such as going to an art museum or a concert, Mimi chose a black lace top and wide-leg pants with a scarf print. Even though both the top and bottom have a relaxed silhouette, how does she manage to look so polished?

"The key is to minimize skin exposure without feeling too hot. It depends on the balance, but when I wear a collared shirt, I often button it all the way up to the top to cover my décolletage and neck."

The longer sleeve length is another secret to its elegant look. The sheer lace fabric makes it both visually appealing and comfortable to wear. To ensure the lace pattern is beautifully showcased, a white tank top was deliberately chosen for the inner layer.

Moreover, this lace fabric is actually incredibly stretchy.


"My shoulder joints are getting harder to lift, so honestly, I'd prefer to avoid pullover-style tops if possible. But if they're made of a loose-fitting, stretchy material, I think even women in their 60s can wear them with confidence. I wish there were more clothes like that!"

The cotton pants have a textured, seersucker-like feel that's smooth against the skin. Their wide leg gives them a skirt-like appearance, creating a casual yet polished look. The white tank top peeking out from under the top adds a touch of lightness.

Items to wear

Next, Mimi chose a cotton mesh knit sweater with a beautiful, eye-catching color. It has a relaxed silhouette, but the V-neck and vertical knit pattern give it a neat and tidy look.

"I like that mesh knitwear hides and obscures the lines of my body, so it's great for camouflaging my figure."

"What's really amazing about this knit is the diagonal line at the cuff. It creates an optical illusion that makes your upper arms look slimmer."

The cotton pants that go with it also feature cutwork lace, giving them a cool and refreshing look.

Another feature of this knit is that it comes with a matching inner tank top. The pistachio-colored knit comes with a deep khaki green tank top.

"Choosing the right innerwear to show from a V-neck top is actually quite difficult. It's great to have a set with perfectly matched colors from the start."

Incidentally, the ivory version of the knit sweater comes with a brown tank top. Pairing it with crisp, monochrome bottoms would further enhance its neat and tidy look.

Items to wear

"While a loose-fitting, resort-style dress is cool and breezy, it can also leave you feeling a bit uneasy around your hips because of the draft..."

So, Mimi paired it with the same lace pants she used in the No. 2 outfit we just saw.

"When you walk, I think it looks cool and sophisticated when your pants peek out from under the maxi length. This dress comes in 10 different sizes, so it would be fun to choose a slightly shorter length and adjust the balance with your pants!"

(Left) The back also has plenty of gathers, which effectively covers your figure.

(Right) The sleeves have raw-edge fringe detailing. The neckline is a slightly deep V-neck, so it's a good idea to wear a tank top underneath.

"The brown version is also lovely and has a sophisticated feel. It would go well layered with brown lace pants, or you could wear white petticoats underneath for an accent."

Items to wear

"Under the scorching sun, I feel like I'm less hot wearing long sleeves than short sleeves. So, when going out in the summer, choosing a cool, long-sleeved item like a sheer cardigan is a good idea."

This is a high-quality, fine-gauge knit made from a blend of domestically produced organic cotton and recycled polyester. Its soft and smooth texture makes it incredibly comfortable against the skin, and it would be perfect for keeping warm in air-conditioned environments.

I paired a smart-looking cardigan with some slightly unique botanical print easy pants.

"For a simple summer two-piece outfit, choosing a patterned item for either the top or bottom prevents it from looking bland. However, it's difficult for women in their 60s to pull off patterned tops, so they often rely on patterned pants. These easy-to-wear pants instantly give off a sophisticated vibe, making them convenient not only for dressing up but also as casual loungewear."

Items to wear

[Mimi's Fashion Class] Retrospective Interview

--On hot days, we tend to wear casual clothes, don't we?

"I remember when we were younger, we'd say things like, 'Last year was a cool summer, so I wonder if this year will be hot,' but lately, it's been scorching hot every single year without exception! However, I feel like if our generation wears loose clothes that prioritize comfort above all else just because it's hot, it can look sloppy. So, it's important to be mindful of dressing in a clean and neat way while still maintaining comfort with a relaxed silhouette."

—Specifically, how should we go about doing that?

"When you reach your 60s, wrinkles tend to appear in areas that bend and stretch, such as the neck, elbows, and knees. But actually, simply covering these areas can create a much more refined impression. By cleverly concealing these areas with designs that are moderately fitted at the bust, longer sleeves, and sheer lace or fabrics, you can achieve a neat and tidy look without feeling stuffy in the heat."

Mimi
66 years old, 167cm tall. Lives with a cat in an apartment in the suburbs of Kochi Prefecture. Started a YouTube channel in her 60s."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

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