The 3/4 length sleeves on winter coats seem to be popular, but what do you do with your sleeves of dress, shirt, etc? Would it be appropriate to wear long gloves?
Thanks, Ellen
Dear Ellen,
With all the rage of the 3/4 sleeve jacket, there are lots of options on how to wear this look.
I (JoJami) just bought this plaid jacket from a local resale shop, and have found it a great transition piece into fall. I have worn it with some black slim pants, with a black turtleneck with tall boots tucked into them, as well as more casual with a pair of straight legged jeans.
I even wore it with a black pencil skirt and black tights and black pumps and a thick belt to a networking event.
This big question is: Is it OK that my sleeves hang out the bottom? Yes, we have seen them with the sleeves hanging out the bottom (like this hounds tooth jacket below from Nordstrom’s), but feel it looks best if you choose a top that you can push up the sleeves or are sleeveless.
This 3/4 sleeve jacket is from Nordstroms
Moreover we agree that this jacket would look great with a pair of long leather gloves when the weather gets cooler.
It is also looks great with different shells. Here I have a sleeveless turtle neck, and a 3/4 sleeve scoop necked shell.
The options are endless, however I really like to keep it simple with all black underneath or pop it with a white blouse.
There is a bit of tan in the plaid as well, and would work nicely with a column of tan underneath as well. Since I bought it used, I would not attempt to try to put red with it, since it would be probably next to impossible to get the red right.
One more note, we both agree that we would not invest in a piece like this if it was pricey, since this is more of a trendy look. However this one was only $40.00 and so I felt like it was a good buy for how much I will be wearing it.
If you have a 3/4 jacket, please send us your photo in it with permission to use it on our blog. It is always fun to see how others put their looks together!
Are leggings age appropriate for us ladies 40 and beyond? We say,YES!
So, how can you pull off this falls biggest fashion trend, like these slouch leggings from Nordstroms?
Read our article over at More Magazine, and find out some of the do and don’ts of this fun and easy look!
I am so glad I found your wonderful website. I have a question that relates to what is “age-appropriate”. I am 43 and very petite. I am in love with a trend jacket that is big for the Fall, although I usually stay away from trends. The jacket I am talking about is the Alice + Olivia shrunken military jacket, a picture of which is attached.
My only concern is the age-appropriate perception of this jacket due to the adornment? My idea would be to wear it with some nice fitting jeans, a simple white top underneath and simple sleek black or metallic heels. No excessive accessories. I have tried the jacket on and it fits beautifully.
Your thoughts on the age-appropriateness of this ensemble is greatly appreciated!
Sincerely,
Gail
Hi Gail,
We have been seeing this look around and we agree it is so FUN!… but here it the thing… this is definitely a trend and what we call a “statement piece”. That means that you really will not wear it all the time and if you do, people will definitely remember that specific jacket.
Also, we know that this piece is rather expensive and is in the price range that we would call an “investment piece”. We suggest that you keep looking and find one that is similar with the military look, but perhaps not so dramatic as this one.
Moreover, if you buy it, because it is so trendy you might get tired of it soon and wish you had put your money in a high quality coat that is still fun, but one that you feel good in and can enjoy for a long time. An example of this would be this one we’re showing by Tory Burch.
To answer your question if it is age appropriate, we say that yes, someone over 40 can pull this off, but it is almost “costume-like”… so you would really have to be in a funky, fun job or live in a very cosmopolitan city or environment to wear it enough to get your moneys worth.
BTW… we think it would great left open with a red plaid flannel shirt under it with blue jeans.
Have you ever looked at something in the store and thought, “Nah,I’m not going to try it on. It’s probably not for me..I don’t think?”…. and then you walked away?
Well, this summer I (Deborah) nearly walked away from two winners.
Looked kind of baggy on the hanger
Deborah in her new favorite comfy dress!
The first was a simple navy blue Diane Von Furstenberg dress with a nautical feel. It had a cute scoop neckline, billowy sleeves and a darling rope belt. I liked it, but I was sure it would be too loose and billowy, and would make me like I was wearing a big old bag.
But then I thought…. what the heck, I’ll try it.
To my surprise, it was actually very fitted through the waist and hips and looked really cute on me. It’s so comfortable too, and looks great with my red canvas Ralph Lauren wedges.
I wasn't sure about this one
Deborah says, "You can still feel glam even going casual!"
The second near miss was another Diane Von Furstenberg dress…..this one had a simple cut and the material had a wild colorful pattern. Now, normally I don’t wear many patterns, but I was really attracted to the colors in this dress. I also like things that nip in at the waist and this looked more just a straight up and down style. It didn’t have the greatest rack appeal but, but I just had a feeling.
It’s now become my new favorite dress. It’s cute and comfy and I can dress it up and down. I have had a million compliments, and most important of all I feel fantastic in it. Here’s me on my way to my girlfriend’s new country house for a casual summer dinner.
So what’s the lesson here? If you’re not sure, try it on anyway. It sure worked for me! Oh, and do check out Diane Von Furstenberg. She’s on of my favorites. Saks carries a lot of her clothes.
Here’s the dilemma: I seem to have managed to pare my wardrobe down to good classics that fit me, an excellent assortment of accessories, jewelry and a few good purses…BUT…what to do about shoes? I find it hard to find ones that are comfortable!
Thanks for your help.
Laura
Hi Laura,
We do agree that it can be a challenge to find shoes that are both comfortable and have some style.
If you are trying to update your shoe wardrobe for fall, we have found that there are reliable brands out there likeNaturalizersthat have styles that can be both comfortable and stylish.
For a casual flat, try crocodile loafer under a pair of wide legged trousers:
Here is a two tone pump that would spice up your boring suit for work
JoJami and Deborah will be talking about fall trends!
If you are dying to hear what the new fashion trends will be for fall + How not to look Frumpy after 40, then you won’t want to miss The Glam Gals radio interview with the Three Tomatoes on their radio show called, Tomatoes in the Trenches.
What a relief to see that those old misconceptions about how a mother of the bride – or mature woman attending a special event – should look, are finally changing. America’s biggest bridal retailer, David’s Bridal, is forging the way for moms and wedding-goers to look hipper, younger and cooler!
Here are some trends we have seen in the bridal industry in the past few seasons that give us hope!
1) Color
It used to be that Mother of the Bride dresses only came in four colors: blah, boring, beige, and blech. Pastels and navy blue are only part of the selection nowadays! Finally, the industry is starting to show a spectrum of different colors, from spring greens to rich purples.
Whether you love bold jewel tones or rich earth tones, there should be something out there for you. Since more saturated colors are better for aging skin tones, liven up your look, and go for something with pizazz!
2) Bolero Jackets
We’re sick of those boring, frumpy jacket dresses too, but with the rising popularity of bolero jackets, there’s finally a fresh new take on them! Designers finally addressed the need for a removable, arm-covering piece that is also fashionable.
It’s a perfect combination of style (with different sleeve lengths, they can be very sharp), practicality (take it off when you’re hot, and you will still have a great dress underneath), and modesty (wear it to cover up during the ceremony – no one will guess you’re trying to cover those wobbly chicken wings under your arms!).
3) Variety of lengths
Say goodbye to floor length! We’re seeing plenty of different hemlines popping up, maybe due to the variety of different wedding styles and venues. We’re seeing plenty of cocktail-length, knee-length, handkerchief hems and hi-lo (high in the front, long in the back).
Just stay away from anything above the knee – that’s way too short. All these new hemlines give you one more reason to wear some killer shoes!
We love that David’s has come up with stylish, more age-appropriate ways to appeal to the new generation of boomers! To get more tips about how to dress for your son or daughter’s wedding, check out our eBook Tweak Your Chic: Mother of the Bride!
Spring Styles are starting to pop up in stores and there’s plenty of choice out there. What are this season’s latest trends, and how can you wear them without looking too old, too young, but just right?
Here are 7 Spring Fashion Trends and our take on how to wear them age-appropriately!
1. Asymmetrical Dresses and Blouses
Michelle Obama led the way by wearing a white crystal one shoulder dress by Jason Wu at the Inaugural Ball. Now this trend is everywhere. One shoulder dresses are an easy way for women over 40 to look sexy without having to reveal too much skin. Just make sure your arms are toned and you’ll look great.
Too Young
Steer clear of styles like this one that are more cavewoman than classy. This dress is just too short for a gal over 40, even if you do have good legs. Unattractive extras like the wide blue strap on the opposite shoulder also detract from the elegance of the dress and the chunky sandals are too extreme for a grown-up gal. This look needs to be cranked down a few notches for anyone over 40.
Age Appropriate
This David Meister one shoulder sheath is just the right length to be elegant but sexy. The dramatic shoulder cutout draws the eye upward and towards the face (and away from any other parts of your midlife body, you don’t want people to tune into). Notice how when the dress has sculptural simplicity you really don’t need to wear much jewelry. Some earrings, perhaps a cocktail ring and you are good to go. Keep your shoes very simple too so you are not competing with the details up top. Don’t forget to wear shapewear with this dress!
transition piece into fall. I have worn it with some black slim pants, with a black turtleneck with tall boots tucked into them, as well as more casual with a pair of straight legged jeans.
