It’s smart to have a few go-to outfit formulas for each season. These formulas make it easy to get dressed when you’re in a rush, just don’t know what to wear or want to look your absolute best with the least effort. I’m teaming up today with two dear friends to share a favorite summer outfit formula worn three ways. My favorite formula for summer? Keep reading…

After I share with you my favorite summer outfit formula and the three ways I’ve styled it, be sure to check out the blog posts by Jennifer at A Well Styled Life and Tania at 50 is Not Old. These sweet friends and seasoned fashion bloggers will provide you with two more summer outfit formulas and some great style tips for working them like a pro.

If you have come my way from Jennifer or Tania’s blogs, welcome! My name is Kay and I’m a 61-year-old, happily married empty-nester. I’ve been sharing style tips, outfit formulas, shopping tips and more here at Dressed for My Day since 2018. I also have a YouTube channel where I upload new videos focused on the woman over 50 every Wednesday. You can learn more about me HERE. We need to move on to this style formula, but, since we may not know each other very well, I did want to let you know that I’m 5’8″, weigh about 160 pounds, have even proportions and have an hourglass shape. I generally wear a misses medium and I’m in between an 8 and a 10 right now.

This post contains affiliate links. When you shop through my links I potentially earn a commission on your purchases, but at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for supporting my work here by shopping my links.

Can you tell from the collage above what my favorite summer outfit formula is? It’s simple, but oh so chic and effective. And each summer I make sure I stock my closet with easy to mix-and-match pieces that work in this formula effortlessly.

I like to lean into linen when I work my favorite summer outfit formula, choosing pieces that are lightweight, breathable and loose-fitting for hot and humid summer days. But some of the pieces I’m showing today are a linen blend. And, of course, you could also swap in cotton gauze or poplin if you prefer.

The first way I’ve worked this formula is with flax wide-leg crop pants in washed linen. By the way, you may be able to duplicate these very classic looks with items from your closet. But if you’re shopping and you like something you see, just click through the highlighted text here or in the captions under my photos. I have a few shopping widgets for you to browse, too.

These washed linen wide-leg crop pants are very comfortable and run slightly roomy. I’m wearing an 8, which is my lower of two sizes these days.

You absolutely can switch up this summer outfit formula and wear the flax on top and the white below. However, I suggest considering which neutral you prefer to wear near your face. If you look best in cool tones, I suggest wearing the white up top (or a cool flax shade). But if you look better in warm tones, look for warm flax shades to wear in your top and jacket and wear the white below.

I completed this first “equation” with my favorite T-strap cognac sandals, a straw clutch that features cognac trim and a slim cognac belt. I think the rich reddish-brown accessories add depth and interest to this almost monochromatic look.

Since we’re talking summer, I thought it only appropriate to work my favorite summer outfit formula with shorts. Again, the formula is simply flax on bottom + white on top + sandals + straw bag = easy, breezy summer style. And I’m still working the formula in linen, which is what I wear nine days out of ten during the summer.

My organic linen shorts feature a zip and closure fly with welt front pockets and patch back pockets. This brand typically runs large, so I sized down as usual to a small. You can also use that code BREEZY25 for $25 off, but I’ve rounded up a lot of other shorts, pants and skirt options in linen and linen blends in the shopping widget below. Scroll for all the options.

I truly enjoy wearing skirts and dresses in the summer, so I was eager to try this favorite summer outfit formula with a skirt. Here I chose a linen blend skirt at a really nice price point.

This linen and rayon blend pull-on skirt features a flirty flounce hemline and it’s fully lined. I’m very impressed with it. It’s marked down and you get extra savings at checkout. Unfortunately it is selling out fast in some sizes. But it does come in other colors, too.

Again, I’ve used a blend of cognac and straw accessories to give the outfit depth and texture. My cognac crisscross slides are some of my favorite, so soft and comfortable at a reasonable price.

Then I switched in another top option. Sometimes, especially on hot, muggy days, you just have to go sleeveless! This linen and rayon blend pocket shirt feels and looks cool and casual, but the outfit is still pulled together and polished. I completed the look with beautiful, seasonal jewelry from Lisi Lurch. My Georgia beaded bracelet set (C/O) stacks nicely with the larger Georgia beaded bracelet (C/O), and my dainty Meeghan shell earrings (C/O) give a nod to the season.

When life feels like it is pulling at the seams or we are confronted with sudden hardship, we have a choice. We can either become bitter and act out in frustration or we can choose to find strength in the Lord. Obviously, seeking the Lord’s strength and guidance in the midst of mayhem is the preferred course, but that sounds easier than it sometimes is.

If you’re in one of those “push has come to shove” kind of situations right now, I encourage you to pause and pray. Seriously pray. Ask the Lord to slow your thoughts, calm your heart, clear your mind and focus your expectations on Him. Ask Him to strengthen you for the days to come, give you grace for the hurdles ahead of you and restore your joy…even in the midst of the problem. When we choose to turn to God instead of seeking revenge or finagling the circumstances, He honors that pursuit with peace and strength.

David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God. ~ 1 Samuel 30:6