Chances are, with summer here and fewer opportunities for heading out right now, you’re probably wearing some pretty basic clothing- maybe a tee shirt and shorts or a simple summer shift. If so, you’re in fact right on trend! A new fashion forecast from The Washington Post recently predicted that going forward, fashion is going to be all about basics and neutrals- and casual wear, even for those of us going back to an office. With everyone being more frugal and fewer outings planned, many are jettisoning stiff or high-heeled shoes or anything that screams “one season only.” 

There are, however, a few particular summer trends of note that older women might find of interest, as reported in a recent post from Who What Wear. Among the items? Tailored shorts and short-sleeved cardigans, if you’re looking to mix things up a bit but still keep it casual. As for footwear, beyond the basic flip-flops (which may not be so great for stability and balance) there are some new flat styled shoes that may give you style and stability if you do find yourself out and about this summer. And if you’re in the market for more upscale footwear, you may want to check out the new brand Bells and Becks, developed by fashion retail veteran Tamar Miller, whose mantra is “older women want something special with an element of style, but it must be wearable.”

And speaking of trends and style, many of you who were young and fashionable in the 1960s may still fondly recall the advent of the mini-skirt. While few of us are likely wearing them these days, many of us were ardent fans back in the day. And a new survey of 2,000 people in the United Kingdom found that the mini skirt remains to this day the most iconic fashion trend in history (followed closely by the little black dress and hot pants)! 

Finally, for those of you wondering if you’ll ever pull your fashionable finery back out of your closet, take note of the example of 91-year-old Betty McDonald of Georgia. Not wanting her glamorous wardrobe to go to waste during the pandemic, she’s taken to putting on a daily fashion show with items from her personal collection, complete with photographs and video to document her designs. She’s got no in-person audience to watch her down the runway, but she’s bringing herself some joy in an otherwise difficult time- a lesson all of us can appreciate.