In this blog post, I want to talk about fashion trends for summer 2026, but particularly for women over the age of 50. You don’t have to follow trends to be fashionable. In fact, I think the most fashionable people are those who wear what they love regardless of what’s trending. But, I always like to know what’s trending because that will shape what we see in stores and online (including pattern selection). So this will not be all-inclusive, just some of the main things I’ve noticed.
Vests
If you’ve looked at any magazine or any online retailer, you’ve most likely seen a multitude of vests. They range in style from more traditional to long, almost floor length.
This is one that I made a year ago using Simplicity 3108.
But I also found these ready-to-wear (RTW) versions online.
This is a look I love that is easy to make yourself. I used the shorts from Collette Patterns/Seamwork Iris.
Wide-leg Pants/Jeans
I’ve also noticed a lot of wide-leg jeans and pants. I used M8408 for these, but there’s also another pattern that’s current (and almost exactly the same style silhouette. That is McCall’s 8630.
This is a look that is modern and vintage (circa 1970’s). A lot of people like them because they balance out the body, they are comfortable to wear, and can give a very classy/classic look.
The pattern above also features another trend that’s in these days…
Capris
I’ve seen capri pants in various lengths and fabrics. There is truly something for everyone with this style. They can also be wide-legged like the pattern above, or skinny like leggings.
I haven’t made any capris, so I don’t have any examples of patterns I’ve used.
To add to the pants theme, there are also barrel-leg jeans. Personally, I’m not much a jeans wearer during the summer because it’s too hot and humid where I live. But I have made a pair before. I used a Seamwork pattern for mine (Iggy pants), but there is also a pattern form Vogue that I have (but haven’t made yet).
Elevated Loungewear
This is the last category I’ll cover in this post. There are so many other garments but I wanted to keep this to just a few items.
For elevated loungewear, imagine yourself relaxing in something soft and comfortable. You could wear these to bed, but they can also be worn as a vacation or weekend outfit at home.
I recently made these from some designer fabric from Mood Fabrics.
This set was made from two different patterns.
Conclusion
Overall, summer is a time of cool comfort, at least for me. Summer dressing takes on a more relaxing feel with bold, bright colors or cool nature tones. Either way, I hope you are inspired to try something new and perhaps, sew up something that you might want to try.
