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Can you believe anyone is still wearing this outdated fad?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?
Dear Glam Gals,
So boots are all the rage again my question is:
1) Do I match my tights to the color of my boots or to the outfit? In my mind if I’m wearing a skirt that hits above my knee I would wear a tight that matches my boot that hits mid-calf.
2)But what if I am wearing an ankle boot with a skirt or dress? Does the same rule apply?
Thanks,
Jennifer
Hi Jennifer,
1) Yes, do match your tights to the color of your boots not the outfit.
These black opaque tights are what to wear wtih a black short boot!
2) When wearing an ankle boot with a skirt or dress, it will look best if you do keep the tights the same color as the boot. (Notice how these boots from Nordstrom fit nicely around the ankle. Good fit, will make the short boot more flattering to the leg!)
The fashion magazines are showing the young gals wearing all sorts of fun colorful tights with these short boots and if you are daring you could try that.
Fishnets are fun to wear, but you will want ones that are more subtle than this.
But for most of us, it is just more sophisticated to go solid, black or brown.
P.S. Stay clear of sheer pantyhose with short or tall boots, they will look too fine and will not look right unless your outfit is on the dressy side.
These hose are too sheer with these boots!
Cheers!
JoJami and Deborah
Hi there G.G.’s!
Hose with sandals-a No No!
I’d love to know what you think about the whole tights/pantyhose/knee high dilemma. When is a woman too old to wear tights, as in black, opaque tights or colored opaque tights? If she is too old for tights, do you recommend pantyhose? To me these just look dated and frumpy. What’s the solution? And what are your thoughts about knee highs with pants? If a woman feels that she needs them is it best to go with more of a “trouser sock” in black or a color, or to wear nude knee highs (which, again, I think look quite dated)
Thanks.
Michele Little
Hi Michele,
That is certainly one of those “grey” areas that does not really get much press! Since we are coming into summer, this is even more relevant,so here’s our response:
- What is your take on pantyhose? Are pantyhose aging? Yes, we sure do think that! However, if you have to wear pantyhose, try to wear nude that matches the color of your skin as best as possible. Donna Karan makes a few good sheer nude shades. If you are in between shades, choose the darker, but really nude should look “nude”. A great alternative is a nude colored fishnet. These look terrific. Wolford makes a great one. One final point, never wear pantyhose with a peep toe shoe or mule!
- When is a women too old to wear tights? Never. We love tights and wear black or brown tights all fall and winter but come Spring/Summer we switch to no hose or nude hose. However, we think leggings are fine and can be worn at any age.
- What are your thoughts about knee highs with pants? No, yuck. Don’t do it. That’ s our first reaction. I (JoJami) do not even own a pair of knee highs. However, we hate to say the word “never”…so here’s what we suggest… really it all depends on the shoes and pants and how dressy you are going.
If you are wearing:
- jeans and flats. No socks or hose
- jeans and heels or sandals. No sock or hose
- jeans and a loafer. Thin dress socks are good but in a dark color. (no white ones) Barefoot O.K. Do not wear knee highs.
- Khakis. (same rules as for jeans…however do not wear heels or dress shoes with khakis) Never hose with khakis.
- Dress Pants. If wearing closed toed pumps or flats you can wear knee highs or hose or go barefoot. If wearing “peep toed” heels or flats NO HOSE. If wearing any type of sandal or mule, NO HOSE.
Hope this clears things up!
The little black dress… It’s a girl’s best friend! Loyal and true it comes to the rescue when you’re not sure what to wear. Always right, this classic wardrobe staple, makes you look instantly chic and never goes out of style.
If you don’t own one or feel fabulous in the one you’ve been wearing, then it’s time to buy a new one. Here are:
7 Top Tips for How to Buy and Wear the Perfect Little Black Dress
1. Look for a Dress with a Touch of Sizzle
The beauty of the ‘Little Black Dress’ lies in its simplicity; so make sure the one you choose has clean lines, not a lot of fussiness and frou frou. Do, be sure however, that your dress has a touch of sexiness, like elegant slit up the side, a deep V back, a lacy hemline or some sheer netting across the bust or arms for example. Details like buttons, sashes, cuffs, etc done in touches of velvets, silk tulle and other sumptuous fabrics will create a very rich look.
For example, this Anne Klein black silk dress is flattering to most women. Reminiscent of bygone Hollywood, it has a wonderful deep V-neck halter top and a tied waist with a long silk sash. The skirt is softly pleated and falls just below the knee. This dress can hide a woman’s flaws while subtly enhancing the female form.
2. Make Sure it Fits you Like a Glove
Fit is key to looking like a million in your little black dress. Don’t try to squeeze into a tight dress thinking it will make you look thinner. It will only make you look bigger. Throw away size tags and buy a dress that skims the body without pulling. A lined dress will smooth your figure and Spanx helps give you that sleek look too!
We think this dress hits the mark to show off a woman’s curves without being too sexy. It has a v neck which flatters the neckline and chest area with a cinched waist and softly pleated skirt. It flatters the pear shape body very nicely and with its longer length–hitting just slightly below the knee, most women can wear this dress beautifully!
3. Be Sure the Dress Plays up Your Best Features
For many of us 40+ teensy spaghetti straps and strapless dresses are not flattering. They highlight that midlife flabby flesh we often carry on our arms and underarms. Take a look at your best features and decide what else might work for you. V-necks flatter most body types, but if you have a really long neck, a rounded neckline will look good too. If it’s your legs that still look great, you can go a tad shorter on the skirt. If it’s your waist that‘s still looking wonderful, show that up with a great accent there like a ribbon tie or belt. Wherever you want the eye to go is where you want the detail to be!
For example, this simple, classic, black dress is a good one if your best features are well defined arms or a tiny waist. We love the capped sleeves and cinched waist. Moreover, the length hits just below the knee, which is a flattering stopping point for most figures.
4. Don’t Over-accessorize
Since a little black dress is like a blank canvas you can change the feel this way or by the way you accessorize. But be very careful to not over do it or you’ll detract from the look. The days of matching earrings and necklaces are over. It is much better to just wear a pair of great earrings with a smashing up-do, or a single item like a beautiful pin. Satin gloves with pearls will give you that timeless Audrey Hepburn look.
If you choose a lace dress like this, you won’t need to add much jewelry. There is a lot going on with this dress, so you would want to keep it simple with just earrings and perhaps a single bracelet.
5. Update your dress with Shoes
Shoes are the easiest way to update your dress and a great way to show off your personality. If you want to stray from the classically elegant black pump, try bright red heels, or leopard or metallic beauties.
TIP: Ankle straps on a shoe are not for everyone. Depending on your size, they can cut off your leg and make you look shorter. This woman is able to pull off the ankle strap, since she is tall with slim legs and ankles. (By the way, we like this dress too, since it is flattering on most body types and the fabric drapes nicely to make it comfortable to wear.)
6. Wear the Right Hose
Choose either a nude or black hose- ultrasheer to be sure! Fishnet stockings are a great way to add some glamour. You can go hoseless in the summertime if your legs still look good, and if you wear a self tanner. And, if you choose to wear sandals definitely go for the bare look! P.S. The right shade of “nude,” is one shade darker than your natural color. Avoid buying your hose that are dramatically too light or too dark. It should look as though you don’t have any hose on.
7. Top it Off with the Right Handbag
Yes, there is a right one! It’s this season’s favourite ~ a slim little clutch to tuck under your arm while you are sipping on your favourite cocktail. Your bag should not match your shoes exactly, but should have the same feel. Black always works and patent leather is in right now, but what’s even better, especially this season is a dazzling jewel toned clutch… a great way to give your little black dress a little oomph!.
