I’m a fashion editor in my 40s and Gap’s new summer collection is perfect for midlife women. The clothes are affordable and not too revealing. Trust me, these pieces starting at £30 will go first
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I was negotiating with myself about a dress. One in particular that has been catching my eye since last summer is a bright red dress from Reformation.
It hugs the body tightly and extends towards the A-line skirt; easy, flattering, elegant. The only catch? It has a price tag of £198. I was finally ready to give in and order, until I walked into the Gap and got distracted by something resembling £40. It’s similar except for the price. There had to be a catch. It doesn’t suit that well, it doesn’t suit.
I was visiting the Gap store in London’s Covent Garden with the intention of buying some clothes for my kids, but before I knew it I was in the dressing room with the aforementioned dress and an armful of other clothes; all inspired by the clean, minimalist style of the ’90s, Gap’s heyday, but in a way that felt fresh rather than nostalgic.
The more I tried it, the more impressed I became. The proportions are well thought out, the fabrics feel sturdy and the majority of the pieces are made from 100% natural fibres, are lined and have pockets.
It’s all thanks to creative director and vice president Zac Posen. Before joining Gap in 2024, the acclaimed designer dressed everyone from Rihanna to Cameron Diaz, from Reese Witherspoon to Rita Ora, to Princess Eugenie, whose wedding dress she designed at her night reception in 2018.
Posen was a major signing for Gap, and one of their smartest moves was to include Victoria Beckham in their Spring/Summer collaboration; The autumn arrangement will be held later this year.
From the summer collection, chocolate brown linen trousers Set with (£60) tall white mosque (£45) is one of my favorite looks: effortless and chic. The pants have a comfortable drawstring waist and are cut to allow plenty of movement; The long white top keeps everything stylish. Both items look set to last, with the hook-and-loop closure and concealed zipper showing real attention to design.
These Victoria Beckham’s white jeans (£85) was something I would have loved in my late teens but still felt great about: relaxed with just the right amount of sag. Paired with: colorful knit vest (£30), they reference the decade without trying too hard. They are young but still suitable for those of us who are wearing this trend for the first time!
Another standout denim dress (£45): sophisticated and beautifully fitted at the waist, with lovely ruching across the bust, a slightly dropped waist and a full skirt. The sheer amount of fabric means it moves nicely, and the wide straps mean you can wear a fitting bra. It feels quite premium; especially considering its price has dropped from £90 to £45.
The linen shorts set is probably the most wearable outfit of the collection. The shorts (£40) are a dazzling length, and the cropped shirt (£70) would also work well worn over jeans or a swimsuit. Its neutral colorway makes it endlessly versatile.
What about that dress? It was perfect. It was lacy, created shape without revealing too much, the color was striking in every way, and it had pockets. A few days later I wore it to an event and have never received so many compliments.
The void is back. Zac Posen cleverly reminds us exactly why we fell in love with the brand.
Shoes worn throughout, £170, ancient-greek-sandals.com
