Last week, I was on a media trip to St. Augustine, which I’ll be sharing more of soon. Â It was hot, as Florida is known to be this time of year. Â It’s hot in Atlanta, but Florida seems to be even more intense during the summer months. Â When the heat rises like it is now, I do opt for casual summer shorts when I’m out and about and trying to stay cool. Â We were out every day in the sun and heat, on a boat, and walking around the city, so it was all about comfort and staying cool for me.
So, today I’m sharing some of my summer shorts and casual tops. Â I don’t spend a lot of money on summer clothes and buy things from all over, from Kohls, to Target to TJ Maxx.
Shorts and tank tops are very cool and I tend to wear clothes like this to combat the heat. Â The older I get, the worst summer heat and humidity is for me. I definitely wilt in the heat and it zaps my energy.
These white shorts are from C Wonder, again out of business. Â I find that having several pairs of shorts in different colors are great for mixing things up in the summer. Â I have white, gray, blue denim, and khaki shorts and mix them up with different tops.
Love these Bermuda shorts from Kut from the Kloth (affiliate link).Â
This print top is from Target a couple of seasons ago.  I layer it with a camisole which helps keep me comfortable and cool walking around outside.  If I can wear a cami instead of a bra, I’m all for it. 🙂
This shorts outfit came from Kohls. Â The shorts are from Lee and the top I found in the junior department last year. Â It has a built in bra, which I love during the summer too. It’s not too bare, but feels good on and it’s longer too with a crewel type embroidery. Â So, sometimes you can find something in the Juniors department that might work for over 50. Â You never know, I spotted this top just walking by in Kohls. The straps are adjustable too.
This is the kind of outfit I like to wear. Â Cool and comfortable, but not too bare. Â I wear my shorts longer these days, just a few inches above the knee and some of my shorts are knee length.
This was perfect for walking around in the heat. Â I ended up wearing these comfortable flip flops all over St. Augustine, as they were my most comfy shoes that I ended up taking with me.
We walked to dinner 2 nights along the historic streets and this outfit, gray jeans (from Loft) and the top came from Beall’s Outlet a few years ago. Â Again, comfortable and casual is my style in the summer. Â Add a few piece of jewelry and you’re set.
Not that my pedicure is perfect, but these are the flip flops I wore all around. Â Black goes with everything, these are made from zippers and I picked them up in FL a few years ago. Â Flip flops are definitely my go to summer shoe choice so many days.
The last couple of summers, I’ve started wearing aqua on my toes for a fun and different look and I’m still enjoying this color. Â It’s Essie Maximilian Strasse-her (yes, strange name!). This color isn’t for everyone, but I think it’s fun for summer.
Here’s a similar Essie color (affiliate link)
As far as laying out in the sun these days, I do that minimally. I do like to get a little sun and I wear a 30 SPF sunscreen for protection.  It still lets me get a little color, without burning. And I’m using those Loreal towelettes too to keep the color going.  They are my fave and they don’t have a strong smell like many of the lotions do.  I used lotions for a long time, but I love the ease of use and how fast the towelettes dry.
Here’s what I use: Â
L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Body Towelettes, 6 Count
Banana Boat 30 SPF Spray (affiliate link)
Here are a few shorts and tops that I found that I think are really cute. I would wear all of these!
How are you dressing cool for the summer?
Linking up with The Pleated Poppy What I Wore today.
Rhoda~
I love the tops with the little straps, but I am “blessed in the chest area” and it just looks like I am trying to hard, not a good look for me. Flip Flops as they say is the glass slipper of the South, I agree!
Stay cool!~Dana
Dana, I know we all have to wear what works for us. I am not busty at all, so can get away with barer tops. I do wear strapless bras too with certain things.
Well, Rhoda if you ever need extra in the top area, let me know.~Dana
We were in St. Augustine this last Saturday, Sunday and part of Monday. It would have been so cool for me to be able to meet you….. maybe next time.
So cute! My best friend (we are 51) and I were at Kohl’s yesterday trying on clothes. We were discussing the fact that camis with the built in bra are wonderful in the summer with all the strappy tops. Everything you showed today goes along with our ideas yesterday. 🙂
You are just so cute and talented and have such a wonderful testimony. You inspire me to do great things but, although the spirit is willing the body is weak (physically I have trouble walking due to an accident in which I broke my ankles…ouch!). God is gracious and has helped me to keep moving. Take care and keep doing all your wonderful work!
I wish I could bring myself to wearing the tops with built in bras, but they make me look way too saggy and flat. I have a great strapless bra for tops like these, and I love the tank tops from Chico’s that you can wear your bra with, and they’re great alone or for layering. I love all your looks, Rhoda! Stay cool in this Georgia heat!!
Penny
Love St. Augustine and your cool summer outfits. As I’ve aged I’ve gained weight in the middle. I find I wear lots of summer dresses now instead of shorts or capris just more comfortable for me.
Your arms look great! Do you do exercises for them??
HI, Holly, yes I do, have been lifting weights for 30 years. Toned arms are my thing. Here’s a post about my workout routine.
http://southernhospitalityblog.com/staying-fit-over-50/
I purchased Lee brand khaki shorts from Kohl’s years ago and they still look great. Even though the fabric is very light and crisp, it has held up incredibly well under lots of wear. Essie is the only polish that I use these days, with my color being a pink with a beige tone, “Eternal Optimist”. Love your sunglasses. Have you mentioned the brand in previous posts? I’d love to know.
You look great in all of these outfits!! I love my shorts in the summer, but I also love a great skirt…then I get a little more circulation all around!!! (of course, I also live where it’s not as humid) jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I have found that I do better in skirts and dresses in the summer but still love a good short. I bought some at Gap that are perfect. They have a 4″inseam which keeps me from looking too dumpy. I have bought several of the new shorts this year that are wide legged look a little like a skirt. I love them. They are light weight and can be dressed up or down. I live in Southern California where the temps today are supposed to be above 110, but as they say…. At least it’s a dry heat. 🙂
You look great