Fashion Trends For Summer 2026

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.

Woman wearing button up vest — *Open Edit vest*

Woman wearing v-neck button up vest — *Open Edit Icon vest*

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

Woman wearing McCall's 8408 pants — *McCall’s 8408*

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.

Stretch twill capris — *Open Edit Stretch Twill Capris*

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).

Seamwork Iggy pattern picture — *Seamwork Iggy*

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.

Woman wearing green leaf print top and pants

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.

Paige Joggers By Minerva

The Paige Joggers by Minerva are what I refer to as elevated loungewear. And I think that this is a pattern you’ll want to make again (and again). I’m a Minerva brand ambassador so I was gifted this pattern. I did use my own fabric from my fabric stash in order to make these. When I say elevated loungewear, I mean relaxed, but not sloppy, effortless and easy to wear. While you can wear these around the house all day, you may not want to. So, here’s my review.

*This post is not sponsored but may contain affiliate links. I will earn a small commission if you shop through those links and there’s no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!

About the Paige Joggers Pattern

This is a paper pattern that includes a range of sizes from US size 00-16 and 14w-32w. This corresponds to EU sizes 28-46 and 44w-62w. The pattern is described as a pull-on pant, relaxed through the hips with softly tapered legs.

There are also in-seam pockets. It’s designed for medium to heavy weight knit fabrics. I believe the rating for the pattern is for confident beginner/easy. In fact, these can be made in a couple of hours, particularly if you have a serger.

The instruction booklet has a lot if information, not just about this pattern but about sewing garments in general. There’s also a place at the back of the book where you can write your own notes on sewing the pattern.

My Version

For these, I used a fabric called Telio yoga knit. The fabric is similar to a medium weight ponte knit. I think the fabric was specifically made for making yoga wear and leggings (I’ve actually used it for leggings before). Unfortunately, this fabric is no longer available.

This pattern is really easy to put together. The only change I made was to shorten the center front seam. It took me only a few hours to complete this project. I did as much as I could on the serger. And when I tell you these are super comfortable, believe me, they are! These are nice enough to wear out and could be a perfectly cute and comfortable look with the Lamma Sweatshirt and Hoodie pattern I made earlier.

I think these could be made from a lighter weight knit fabric that’s not clingy to wear in the Spring/Summer. I always enjoy a pattern that can be made from a variety of fabrics for year-round, or mostly year-round, use.

And if you want to elevate the look even more, a textured sweater knit set can be made. That will give you a matching, perhaps monochrome look that will be perfect for travel and lounging.

However you choose to wear these and from whatever material you choose, this is a great and easy pattern to make.

Why The Lamma Sweatshirt & Hoodie Is Not The Average Sweatshirt

When I had the opportunity to get this fabulous fabric from Minerva I knew that the Itch-To-Stitch Lamma pattern was what I wanted to make. Now, let me tell you, and show you, why the Lamma Sweatshirt & Hoodie is not the average sweatshirt. You might just want to make one (or two) for yourself.

*This post is not sponsored but may contain affiliate links. I will earn a small commission if you shop through those links and there’s no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!

The Pattern

This pattern is described as being perfect when you want comfort and style. I can totally agree with that. There are princess seams, pockets and numerous opportunities for color-blocking which can make it a really fun and unique project. Sizing ranges from 00-40 so that means 22 sizes as well as full bust options. For those who may have fabric scraps left over from previous projects, this can be a way to use some of those knit scraps you didn’t know what to do with.

While the pattern is rated as “Intermediate”, I believe that any confident beginner is capable of making this. In fact, I always believe you have to challenge yourself in order to improve your skill level, whether it’s sewing, knitting, or playing an instrument.

For those wondering about Itch-To-Stitch Patterns, they are well drafted PDF patterns and the instructions are easy to follow with great illustrations. In fact, here’s another one of my favorite patterns by them.

The Fabric

As a Minerva brand ambassador, I was gifted this fabric. It’s a Minerva exclusive with a print designed by Terrance Williams. The name is Tropic Terrazzo cotton fleece back sweatshirt stretch knit. When I tell you this is a substantial sweatshirt fleece, believe me! It is also POD (print on demand) which makes it more sustainable for both Minerva and the customers.

Easy to cut and easy to sew is what I love about this as well. While I did use the serger for most of the construction, you could make this easily with a zigzag stitch and a regular sewing machine.

More To Love About This

More on why the Lamma sweatshirt & hoodie is not the average sweatshirt is because this one just seems more intentional. There is a time a place for a plain, boxy top, but this isn’t that. When you make this, especially with the color blocking, think about what it can be paired with and how you would wear it. I’m thinking of making another for spring out of a lighter knit fabric and short sleeves. That gives the pattern more versatility and more year-round capability.

If you really want a more elevated and stylish look, you can do a monochrome version made from a textured knit, like a sweater knit.

Conclusion

This is the perfect out of the ordinary top that can be made to suit your lifestyle. The Itch-To-Stitch Lamma Sweatshirt & Hoodie is that top to wear when you want to be comfortable and stylish. I definitely recommend this pattern!