Do These Capri Pants Look Good On Me?

December 29, 2011 | By Deborah Boland | 10 Comments

Dear Glam Gals,

I realize the season has passed for these but am wondering if I “can or should” be wearing Capris.

Yes. Cathy Capris are still in style and you look FAB! (pants from K Mart)

They are made of a stretchy material and about the only thing that fits me because of my super skinny legs.  Is this appropriate for my age. (59)  And as long as I look like this, is it ok to still wear them or should I forget the Capris and start wearing pants.  (shorts do NOT look good on me because of my skinny legs)

Cathy S.

Hi Cathy,

Actually, people read our Fabulous After 4o blog from all over the world, so for some it IS  summer, so thanks for sending in this question!

Yes, Capris are very much still in style and absolutely age-appropriate. You are so youthful looking and in great shape! (Just look at those lovely arms!!!!)

And your legs are gorgeous!! Please let us know the brand of your pants, they certainly are flattering on your type of body!

  • The top you have chosen is nice too because it is long enough and hits you at a good spot.
  • Your necklace is perfect to fill in the scoop neck
  • Your sandals are updated and the thickness of the straps balance out the print in the top.

Keep up the great work at looking Age-mazing™, the word we use for looking amazing for your age!

 

5 Summer Style Sins

July 27, 2011 | By Deborah Boland | 22 Comments

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

no

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

no1

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?



Updating last year’s Capris…can it be done?

March 9, 2011 | By Deborah Boland | Leave a Comment

Hello Glam Gals –

I continue to enjoy your blog … and I have a question. Am leaving for Florida next week and would like to know what’s the verdict on the wider-leg capri pants we were all wearing last summer. I see that wider (long) pants are in, but I not sure about the one that hit above the ankle. I have several pairs in flattering black crepe; they were a staple last year, and so easy/comfortable to wear. I do like the straight leg, snug fitting Capris — but do I have to put my wider ones away this year?

Thank you, Cindy

These types of capris are out of style, too short and the cuff is a no no.

These types of capris are out of style, too short and the cuff is a no no.

Great to hear from you! Your question is a good one. We recently wrote a post about  the new Spring 2011 version of the Capri and it is definitely different than last year’s, however if your old Capris are still in good shape you should feel fine wearing them.  Just don’t buy anymore like them on your next shopping trip!

If you still want to wear them, try updating them by wearing one of the new clunky wedges.

 

 

 

Can you wear cropped pants?

May 26, 2010 | By Deborah Boland | 16 Comments

When pants are too hot, shorts make you feel to exposed, or you aren’t in the mood for wearing a dress, cropped pants are the perfect answer.

They’re chic and playful, and can be dressed up or down depending on the whether you’re  the beach, at the mall or out to dinner with friends.

Remember Mary on the Dick Van Dyke show, and how darling she always looked?

…..Of course, Mary had a perfect body but no matter …..

…..you can look great in cropped pants too.

It’s all about finding the right style of cropped pant to suit your body type.

Here’s a few example of what to look for and what to avoid depending on your particular shape:

Drawstring-disastrous or delightful?

These drawstring cargo cropped pants  look great on this gal because of her gorgeous pancake belly and thin legs, however, if you have a midlife mommy tummy the drawstring waist, massive pockets and baggy legs will make you look like you are wearing a laundry bag. Choose something that doesn’t put all the attention at the tummy. (Nordstrom)
Wide Waisted and Wonderful :

Black is always Audrey Hepburn elegant, and also figure flattering to a woman’s bottom half.  We love the wide waistband which pulls in and camoflages that midlife tummy bulge we are all too familiar with. The tapered leg is sexy too. (Nordstrom)
Heading South:

When everything else is sagging at 40, 50 and beyond.. why would you want these pants to drag you down too? Instead of looking fashion forward, you run the risk of looking like you are wearing diapers underneath. ( Nordstrom)
Cautious wIth Cuffs:

Short? Don’t want to looks shorter? Then don’t wear pants with a cuff. You may think the roll up look cute but it will only cut you down and make you look stubby, and if you have a extra few pounds on you, wide too. These pants are best for med-tall gals with average legs. Any gal with bulky thighs should definitely stay from these as the huge pockets will only accentuate them. (Nordstrom)
Zipper free…Yippee!:

Let’s face it. For a lot of us the answer to wearing pants and looking good in them is to wear your shirt tucked out, and these stretchy cropped pants are perfect for that. There’s no buttons, zippers or stuff to get in the way, so you have a seamless tower of white for which to place a pretty top over.(Nordstrom)
Low:

O.K. loose and slouchy, but cool on the right gal. You need a flat tummy (thank you liposuction) and a low waist to pull these off. Very fashion forward and all over Paris JoJami says, based on her recent trip. (Nordstrom)

And finally, Here is JoJami in her new Parisian cropped pants..kinda of that loose, boyfriend style. They work for her because she is slim with no hips. So if you have that kind of slim sporty body, they’d probably work for you too!