5 Summer Style Sins
With temperatures soaring… we’re all are trying to keep cool and still look great, but it’s easy to let your summer style slide. Here’s some lapses in judgment that we’ve seen this summer.
1. Capri pants +socks & running shoes
Capris are a cute sassy look that shows off your lower legs. Yes, they do tend to make your leg look a little shorter because they stop at the calf, but this can be balanced out by wearing a lovely kitten heel sandal or low wedge in the same color as your Capris.
We’ve noticed a lot of gals on vacation who go on walking tours wearing Capris with socks and running shoes! This is a lethal combination that makes you look short, fat and frumpy. If you need practicality and comfort, then try a cushioned flip-flop or ballet flat with your Capris or instead wear shorts with running shoes for sporty look. Frump city!
2. Nude Hose with Sandals
If you are want to wear open toed shoes and are tempted to wear even the sheerest of hose with them, stop right there. Remember, nothing looks as tacky as this fashion faux pas. Many women are hesitant to use self tanners because they are worried about having orange legs, but let us assure you that they have come a long way and give the subtlest of result. Our pick for a fair-skinned gal who wants a little shimmer is L’Oreal’s Sublime Glow.
3. Short Shorts
Who wears short shorts? Not women after 40, unless you’ve been digging things out of your teenage daughter’s closet to wear. Short shorts (especially cut off jean shorts) that let it all hang out are tacky and cheap outside of your own backyard.Save them for sun tanning and try an above the knee cotton skirt or walking short for going out.
4. Visible Pockets
One of the freshest looks for summer is a pair of crisp white pants. But beware if those pants come with big visible pockets. That’s all anyone will notice! When shopping for a new white pant, take note if the pockets are taking center stage. Especially those made with lightweight or sheer fabric make sure to take the time to have the pockets taken out by a professional seamstress for a much cleaner look.
5.Crazy Crocs
Can you believe anyone is still wearing this outdated fad? We’ve seen a few! Ladies, please keep your crocks at home. Crocks were originally garden shoes and we think that’s where they need to stay. Wear them around the garden, the pool, the seaside or cottage, but don’t wear them out to a movie or anywhere else. These brightly colored, rubber shoes are a fad and scream childish. Do you really want to look like a kid when you are a grown woman?
I wear sheer hose with sandals all the time and love it, but I grew up in the seveties and eighties when everyone did, men love it!
Short shorts or “hooker shorts” as I call them are an atrocity on everyone over 12 years of age.
I concur ladies and it had to be said. All these pics are definitely fashion blunders.
Funny stuff! Brought me back to the Glamour mag Dos and Don’ts page I used to adore. The capri pants with running shoes cracks me up.
Good points all!
I too am reminded of Glamour Don’ts which I read wincingly for fear of finding myself behind that black anonymity rectangle! But good to see all from a different vantage point. Happy check mark next to all but the white pants pockets, a garment I only recently added to my wardrobe following a welcome weight loss. Happy to officially say for the first day of life, I’m now joining the Fabulous after 50 demographic.
All good choices for fashion blunders… But you forgot to mention the biggest summertime problem: bra straps hanging out of summer wear! At no time – unless you’re r on the runway in Paris – is it appropriate for a women’s bra straps to be exposed. Especially the 40+ crowd. Talk about frumpy! A good strapless bra is worth the investment; or accepting the fact that other fashions may be more appropriate for our bodies.
Hi Dodie,
Welcome to the club! We see these blunders across the board no matter what the age…Good to hear our tips were of help!
Hi Smiller,
The bra strap issue is a touchy one. There are a lot of variables for do’s and don’t. We certainly have seen women that have on a contrasting or colorful bra that have been able to pull that look off, but it really depends on a lot of things. You have to have the right bra first. A beige or white, ratty, thick strap will never work, however a pretty, fresh thin strap can look just fine.
However, the strapless bra is really a wonderful inventions and can be worn more than one might think. Thanks for bringing this topic up. It is one worth discussing a little more!
Oh MY Goodness!! I am guilty as sin when it comes to wearing of the walking shoes with anklets and capris!!!! IF I am just out for the day- light shopping, movies, etc- I don’t do that. AND I make sure I hem my capris so they don’t fall quite as low as in that pic.
BUT- if I am doing something like an entire day of walking, like at the zoo, the State Fair, etc- I care more for my poor feet than looking totally glam! LOL My poor feet would KILL me if I tried to not wear supportive shoes on a strenuous day!
I’m guilty!!!!
Never mind the sandals with hosiery- in that pic, those shoes don’t even FIT that woman! now, THAT looks bad- she’s hanging over them everywhere!
Hi Gramma Deb,
The Glam Gals
We hear ya about walking all day and trying to look glam. No need to worry if you are at the State Fair or zoo…we are talking about going out to shop at the mall or store.
Thanks for your sense of humor! We never want to get “preachy” here…and you seem to take life with a wink and smile….we LOVE your kind!!!!!
Stockings with sandals. Ugh. Men don’t like stockings, period. Men also like thong underwear I hear. But I don’t think that is good with white pants. Men don’t like bra straps. But I’m not sure I care what men like or don’t. I don’t wear stockings because they are uncomfortable. I don’t have pockets that show, or short shorts, etc. My very own summer pet peeves are cut off jeans shorts with hanging pockets and low slung jeans with blubber hanging out over the top. I am all for comfort, but if it looks bad, don’t wear it.
About those crocs. Unfortunately I have a foot problem and alas CrocsRx are the only slip on shoe that really addresses the problem I have. I have tried everything and these are the only shoes that truly feel like heaven for me.
BUT wear the bright colored ones I will not do! They look ridiculous. So what I do is purchase only neutral and understated colored crocs and one’s that look more like a clog without those awful telltale holes. I will then wear them around the house and running to the store, driving. This works with me and spares my teenage daughter giving me a hard time! :=)
Hi Judy,
Good points… and boy, like you mentioned, have been seeing a lot of low slung jeans and shorts with the tummy hanging out this summer! YUCK!!!
Men are funny and have commented on our site before on what they like and don’t like. As you can imagine they have varying opinions. We assume that you will attract someone the type of person that have similar likes and dislikes. That is why we should be dressing authentically and be aware of how we are dressing. It sure says a lot about who you are!
Ladies – I think you missed the worst styling sin of all and that’s the tatoo lady. Guess I’m showing my age, but I’ve seen way too many girls, up and into their 40′s, covered in tatoos, and what might be a normally attractive woman is YUCK!!. Can’t wait until that skin starts to sag
You might get away with the hose if you’re waering a peep toe sandal, but not that full length one
Hi Tasi,
Well, that is one view that we know can be heavily debated. It does seem that tattoo’s are becoming very popular with all ages. The only problem is they are permanent. At least when a dress or shoe goes out of style we can give them away. Tattoos are forever or if you get tired of them you have to have to undergo painful lazer removal. We would say think twice before getting one, however if you do have one, enjoy!
These are fine examples of things NOT to do, may I add that I also dislike the sight of horrible looking toe nails on aged women. Some women get very gnarly discolored toe nails and it is an “ensemble killer” when you look down at the feet. Pedicures even if done at home is a must if open-toed shoes or flip flops and sandals are worn.
Hi Beacuz,
Great point!! Yes, good grooming is so important head to “toes”~
Hi Ladies!
I love your website and have just finished going through my closet and am in the process of updating my fall wardrobe. I have lost approximately 25 pounds and had to get rid of a lot of my last year’s fall and winter wardrobe. I am soon to be 58 and am 5′ 1/2″ tall and petite. I know it is important to wear solid color tops and slacks together in order to make me appear taller, but I was wondering if petite women can wear leggings with boots. If I wore them, it would be under a long top, but I’m not sure it would work for me. My style is
“Traditional”, but thought I might like to try something new and different.
Thanks so much for any suggestions and advise you may have.