Summer Must-Haves for Women Over 50: Top 10 Picks for 2025

Here’s the truth: summer doesn’t care if you’re hot, tired, or halfway through a hot flash. The sun’s coming whether we’re ready or not. But that doesn’t mean we can’t meet it on our own terms— cool, collected, and comfortably chic.

For women over 50, summer is all about embracing the season with practical, beautiful things that make our lives easier. Whether you're jetting off on vacation or just trying to survive the backyard humidity, these 10 must-haves for 2025 are here to make sure you do it all in style.

1. A Real Sunscreen (Not the Goopy Stuff from the Back of the Cabinet)

Gone are the days of skipping sunscreen because it felt like spackle. Today's formulas are light, breathable, and actually designed with mature skin in mind. Look for broad-spectrum SPF 50 with antioxidants (yes, it matters).

We love Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch: matte finish, no white streaks, and doesn’t interfere with your makeup.

🧴 Tip: Put a small bottle in your handbag. Your hands, neck, and chest deserve protection too.

2. Moisturizer That Doesn’t Melt

The wrong moisturizer in summer is like wearing a wool sweater to the beach. You want hydration - yes - but not heaviness. The trick is finding one that soaks in fast and plays nice with sweat.

Olay Regenerist Whip is a standout: airy, effective, and doesn’t slide off your face by noon.

💧 Bonus: It doubles as a primer under makeup.

3. A Hat That Actually Works

Let’s be honest... floppy sun hats are adorable until the wind picks up and you’re chasing yours down the street. Instead, go for a wide-brim hat with a structured shape and UPF protection.

Brands like Wallaroo and San Diego Hat Company make styles that stay put and look polished.

👒 Style meets sun safety— because we’ve already earned those crow’s feet, thank you very much.

4. Sunglasses That Pull Their Weight

It’s not exclusively about blocking glare. It’s about protecting the delicate skin around your eyes. A solid pair of polarized, UV-blocking sunglasses helps prevent squint lines (and lets you people-watch in peace).

Try frames that are oversized but not overpowering—soft squares or slight cat-eyes work beautifully on most face shapes.

🕶️ Good sunglasses are anti-aging tools. Truly.

5. Sandals That Don’t Make You Choose Between Arch Support and Style

If you’ve ever walked 10 minutes in the wrong sandals, you know the pain. Thankfully, brands like Vionic, Ecco, and Clarks have cracked the code: cushioned soles, real arch support, and designs that won’t ruin your outfit. Look for adjustable straps and wide toe boxes for all-day comfort.

👡 Trust us: your feet will thank you halfway through the farmer’s market.

6. An Insulated Tumbler That Feels Like a Treat

Hydration is essential especially if you’re managing hot flashes or on a summer medication that dries you out. But let’s be real, you’re more likely to sip regularly if your water feels like a treat.

Stanley’s Quencher (yes, still trendy) keeps drinks icy for hours and fits in your car cupholder. Done.

🥤 Water that stays cold = more water consumed. It’s simple math.

7. A Secret Weapon for Staying Cool

If summer heat tends to hit you like a wall, it’s time to carry a little back-up. Neck fans, cooling scarves, or pop-in-the-freezer wraps are perfect for hot days or surprise hot flashes. Keep one in your bag, one in your car.

🌬️ Is it a little nerdy? Sure. But we’re prioritizing function over fashion when the thermostat hits 90.

8. A Trusty E-Reader for Poolside or Porch Time

There’s nothing better than a good book and a breeze, until the sun glares off the page or your paperback flutters into the pool. Kindle Paperwhite is waterproof, light, and easier on the eyes than your phone. Plus, you can bump up the font size on days when your reading glasses go missing (again).

📚 Finally— less squinting, more relaxing.

9. A Weekender Bag That Doesn't Look Like It’s Seen the 90s

Whether you’re heading to the lake house or just bringing an overnight change for Grandma duty, a well-made weekender bag makes life easier. Look for lightweight fabric, smart pockets, and a trolley sleeve for sliding over your suitcase. Bonus points if it doesn’t scream “diaper bag.”

👜 Style and practicality can coexist. We promise.

10. A Swimsuit That Feels Like a Hug, Not a Struggle

Let’s stop pretending swimsuit shopping is fun. But when you find one that fits, really fits, it changes everything. Look for one-pieces with built-in shaping, ruching, and underwire if needed. Tankinis are great too, especially if you prefer more coverage or need easy bathroom access.

🏖️ You deserve to feel amazing at the pool. Period.

Take on Summer with Comfort and Confidence

This summer is supposed to be a scorcher, so make your comfort a priority. Lean into products that work for you, not against you.

Whether you’re road-tripping, gardening, or just enjoying a slower pace, these summer picks are here to keep you cool, confident, and completely in your element.