10 Summer Staples My Mom Wears, From $40

As a shopping writer that spends hours a day sourcing deals, investigating new trends, and scouring the internet for the hottest new finds, I play the role of personal shopper for many different people in my life. For my friends, it’s a given, for my boyfriend, it’s never-ending and typically met with some hesitation (don’t worry, I always win!), and for my mom, it’s a gift to her that will never come close to all that she’s done for me. 

Nonetheless, my mom is one of my favorite people to shop for because I feel like it’s my responsibility to push her out of her comfort zone and introduce her to new wardrobe pieces she wouldn’t necessarily reach for on her own. From ballet sneakers to wide-leg overalls and travel-friendly totes, here are all the summer wardrobe staples my 61-year-old mom is loving right now. 

10 Summer Fashions Staples for My 61-Year-Old Mom

• Summer Must-Have: Levi’s Baggy High-Waist Mid-Thigh Denim Shorts, $70; nordstrom.com
• Sam Edelman Tiffanie Woven Two-Strap Sandal, $60 (Originally $100); nordstrom.com 
• Closet Staple: Quince 100% European Linen Wide-Leg Pants, $40; quince.com
• Summer ‘It’ Shoe: Adidas Originals Samba Jane, $100; footlocker.com
• Keeps You Cool: Cinq à Sept Lorainne Ruched Dolman-Sleeve Silk Top, $325; nordstrom.com 
• Zara Pintuck Mini Dress, $60; zara.com 
• Editor’s Pick: PrettyGarden Matching V-Neck Vest and Pockets Shorts Set, $49; amazon.com
• Swimsuit With Coverage: B2prity Mesh Tankini Swimsuit, $40; amazon.com
• Stylish Carryall: MZ Wallace Apple Small Metro City Tote, $225; mzwallace.com
• Gap UltraSoft Denim Horseshoe Overalls, $98; gap.com

Levi’s Baggy High-Waist Mid-Thigh Denim Shorts

Bermuda shorts may be trending once again, but my mom has never stopped wearing them. She loves the longer hem, and her Levi’s are her most-worn pair because they’re comfortable and never go out of style. She dresses them up with silk tops and ballet flats or down with ribbed tees and Adidas sneakers. 

Sam Edelman Tiffanie Woven Two-Strap Sanda

I bought these shoes for my mom in silver, and grabbed the gold pair for myself. They remind me of elevated Birkenstocks. We have the same shoe size, so we’ve switched shades a few times to match our outfits. She loves to wear hers with lightweight summer dresses. 

Quince 100% European Linen Wide-Leg Pants

My mom lives in linen during the summer months and has a collection of black linen tops, shorts, and pants she switches up regularly to create her own matching sets. It’s quite genius if you ask me, and these Quince linen pants are such a great staple. 

Adidas Originals Samba Jane

I talk about my love for sneakerinas quite often, so my mom has developed a liking for the summer ‘It’ shoe as well. We’ve both been on the hunt for the right pair to embrace the trend, and this girly pair of Sambas is it. The black pair is en route to us both, and I know we’ll be living in them all summer long.

Cinq à Sept Lorainne Ruched Dolman-Sleeve Silk Top

Silk blouses are its own category in my mom’s closet, and she frequents them in the summer months because the lightweight fabric keeps you cool. She sticks to simple silhouettes and this short-sleeve blouse with ruched sleeves is elevated just enough to make it feel chic and effortless. 

Zara Pintuck Mini Dress 

My mom’s work uniform consists of breezy linen dresses paired with flat sandals or ballet flats. This white Zara dress is low-key, but my mom will love the collar and button-front. It’s like a summer-coded shirt dress. 

PrettyGarden Matching V-Neck Vest and Pockets Shorts Set

I bought this set in gray, which convinced my mom to buy it in navy and green. It’s so versatile, and the fabric feels much more luxe than the price tag reads. When summer has passed, she can easily pair the vest with her favorite pair of jeans. 

B2prity Mesh Tankini Swimsuit

My mom texted me for help picking out a swimsuit with “more coverage” than a bikini, and I immediately sent her this. She ordered it on the spot, in peacock green and wine. It’s a great swimsuit option if you don’t want to show tons of skin, but don’t want to wear a one-piece, either. 

MZ Wallace Apple Small Metro City Tote

My mom has always had an affinity for the MZ Wallace Metro Totes. She owns several in different colors and sizes, and has even influenced me to buy a few. This latest style is wider than the original, and I love the interior pockets to keep all your belongings organized. 

Gap UltraSoft Denim Horseshoe Overalls 

While out of her comfort zone, my mom would look so good in overalls, and I can’t stop thinking about this barrel-leg option. It’s slouchy, low-key, and the medium wash denim is perfection for summer.