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Can you believe anyone is still wearing this outdated fad?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?
In a recent post, I (JoJami) mentioned that my colorful skirt was a few years old and “not that in style any more.”
So that being said…you are probably asking the question, so what is in style?
Although we’ve seen a ton on pleated, circle skirts with a lot of volume that usually hit above the knee, that’s a style best left to younger ladies. As far as skirts go, if you’re ready for a new one, go with a pencil skirt or one that is a little straighter. The knee-length classic pencil or slimmer A-line skirt is flattering on most body types, and has been around for a few seasons now. The popularity is growing, so not only are they all over the place, but pencils don’t come in just black or gray anymore! Even though they have a more streamlined look, but you can go for fun colors and jazzy prints to liven them up a little.
Here are a few that we suggest: What we like about these are that you can start wearing them now with sandals and then as we transition into fall, you can add some tights and boots!
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Here’s one from Boden. It’s a slimmer A-line skirt with a bold pattern that can be worn with neutral wedges, or boot like in the picture. We love the colors in this, and it’s a great example of how you can transition from summer to fall with boots. |
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This skirt is from Nordstrom’s. In the picture, it’s dressed up with heels, but pair it with gladiator sandals for casual or brown knee-high boots in fall! The fact that it has a brown pattern in it makes it a no-brainer for choosing matching shoes. |
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Here’s another example from Nordstom’s. We usually find black and white to be a little boring, so make it more fun with a bright top! We’ve been seeing a lot of plaid in stores this season, so make sure you wear plaid in a sophisticated and feminine way (not those shrunken flannel shirts that are all the rage among teen girls). |
It is easy to feel frumpy after 40, especially when life in general is all about dressing casually. I (JoJami) was out on a group hike over the weekend, and was chatting with a fellow hiker about her frustrations with her everyday dressing techniques.
Dresses are a great summer option to shorts or capris
Hiker Sue: I am petite and my middle has spread, even though I exercise and eat moderately. I am not interested in looking fashionable, I just want to dress age appropriately.
JJ: I understand how you feel, we hear the same story from our FAF readers all the time who write us and complain that they can’t find anything at the store anymore.
Hiker Sue: What I do now is wear the same “uniform” that works for me. I love khaki pants and simple t-shirts. I also find that I don’t wear heels much anymore, because I like to be comfortable when I walk around town.
JJ: Well, have your tried putting little dresses into your casual wardrobe? They are so wonderful, you feel more feminine and you can wear flats or heels with them.
Hiker Sue: You know, a lot of women have given up wearing dresses because of chaffing! Their thighs rub together and it makes wearing dresses really uncomfortable!
JJ: Actually, I have not really thought about that!!! Thanks for bringing it up!!
Oh my, chaffing thighs under dresses is a terrible problem. But ladies, there is a solution!
If you find wearing dresses uncomfortable, we highly recommend that you wear some shapewear under your dress. The little “bike short” style is just perfect to go under any sundress and will totally eliminate the chaffing problem. We found a ton of these over at Bare Necessities in a variety of styles and sizes. Make sure you grab the thigh slimmers that have a flat band around the leg opening so they don’t roll up, and long enough for comfort (probably right above the knee). Not only will they stop your thighs from rubbing together, they will smooth out your legs and midsection too!
So we hope you will go out and try on a new dress and add it to your casual wardrobe. Find some cute flats and also some matching heels and see how you feel!
Then send it in and let us share it !!!
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.
Dear Glam Gals,
Two years ago I decided to go back to college. Most of my fellow students were the same age as my youngest child. I started looking for resources to help me update my look so that I could try to maneuver that area between not too young and not too old.
I have now graduated and am now at my new job in my new career. I have learned that wardrobes need constant updating and your emails give me ideas on how to do that successfully.
Several people I know are looking for new jobs or trying to hang on to current jobs. I am looking for ideas for summer – more stylish, career pieces that are easy on the pocketbook.
Thanks and keep up the great work.
Renee F.
San Marcos, Texas
Dear Renee,
We love the fact that you are making the effort to keep yourself updated, especially since you are competing for jobs in the workplace. Showing that you take pride in yourself and care about what is up-to-date makes you look even more like a go-getter in this tough economy!
That being said, there are a few trends popping up this summer that you can inexpensively add to basics you already have in your wardrobe. Some summer trends we see are: full skirts, splashy colors and prints, and flowy fabrics.
Of course, all together, these trends are not very age appropriate, unless you want to look like a little frilly girl playing dress-up in a nightgown. But, focusing on working one of these pieces into an outfit is totally acceptable, and will make you look very hip.
For example, here we took the full, colorful patterned skirt trend, and dressed it up for work with a modern, sleek short sleeve blazer. On the weekend, choose one of the colors from the pattern to wear on top, and wear it with a flat sandal. The idea is to use these pieces sparingly in a sophisticated way.
By using the new splashy summer prints, you can breath life into old separates. Look how this plain khaki blazer looks instantly more chic with a flowy, colorful skirt!
As far as staples for this season, invest in modern classics like a great fitting pencil skirt and cardigan sweater set. You will be surprised at just how many outfits you can create by mixing in fun items with these staples!
Adding touches of in-style items here and there not only makes your wardrobe look up to date, but it can save you money as well. All these pieces came from Kohl’s and KMart….and each piece is under $30 (it’s true!)! Mixing these inexpensive pieces with your quality basics will give you a great bang for your buck. Let’s face it — they’re probably only going to be popular for one year anyway!
Linen, it’s such a great fabric. It’s all natural, breathable and cool, but the thought of looking wrinkled in it has given it a bad rap!
This Age-mazing woman is looking classy and feeling comfortable her linen outfit
Have you ever thought to yourself, “I’d love to wear linen but I can’t because it wrinkles so much.” We spotted this Age-Mazing© woman, Stacey Inglis at the airport recently traveling with her daughter and could not take our eyes off her. Wow… in the sea of hurried travelers this woman was looking radiant in what seemed to be a linen outfit. Could this be? We stopped her for a quick chat!
Stacey, do you wear linen often?
Yes! I have had this jacket for several years and it’s one of my favorites!
Where did you get it?
It’s an Anne Klein…so probably at Macy’s.
What about your skirt and blouse and shoes?
The skirt is Carole Little and this blouse came from Express! (the blouse is a halter wrap around, so you you don’t have to tuck it in!)
The shoes are Via Spiga…they are so comfortable!!!
This Fab statement piece is by Stephanie Greenfield
Your necklace really makes your outfit! Is there a story behind it?
LOL… Well I just bought it on my trip and the funny thing is, I was reading Cosmopolitan Magazine on the plane just now, and here it is featured on page 65!
Oh my… is that a Lalique bracelet?
Well, I love Paris and last time I went I treated myself to one special thing… you know this bracelet probably cost more than my entire outfit, but I like to mix things up!
Lalique bracelet...a treat from Paris
One last question, do you always dress nice like this?
You know, I find that it is just as easy to put on something like this on than a pair of jeans, and I’m actually more comfortable. You don’t have to spend a lot on clothes to look nice!
Well you look terrific!
So ladies… the proof is in the pictures! By injecting some linen and wonderful accessories into your wardrobe, you may be a little wrinkled but you can still look FAB!
We got a doozy of a question from a reader about how to dress for a summer party:
“What do you wear to an outdoor party in July when the weather is 95 degrees and humid, and you are pushing sixty years old? How does one look cool and stylish and not frumpy? I like to be comfortable too, so I can forget about myself and focus on enjoying the company of others. I am 5’1″ and overweight.”
Summer weather poses quite a problem for women in their 40s and up, who are constantly concerned with coverage. It is a challenge to find a cool (literally and colloquially), age-appropriate outfit for summer gatherings. However, summer heat and humidity does not mean you have to throw sophistication and age-appropriateness out the open, screened-in window.
Example of a nice, white, lightweight top with some coverage.
We find that many women, when faced with what to wear to an event, will generally choose an all-black getup over something colorful. We get it – we love black. It’s safe, it’s flattering…but it’s also hot as heck! Instead, try white as your go-to neutral this summer. It’s much cooler in the sun, and can be just as flattering when worn correctly. One of our favorite looks for a wider woman is a monotone top and bottom. This “column of color” look makes you look taller and thinner, while evening out your proportions. Pair a white linen or gauze tunic with a white pant, and dress it up with embellished flats and a lightweight cotton scarf that are all the rage this summer!
(*for another, all-white outfit, please refer to JoJami’s outfit when she went to NYC)
Here’s an important tip to pulling off this outfit: wear nude colored undergarments that match your skin tone! There’s nothing worse than an obvious white panty under white slacks…have someone check you in full daylight to make sure there are no glaring panty lines before leaving for your party!
(This style from Saks.)
Using thin materials in natural fibers will also keep you fresh and breezy. Fabrics like linen, cotton, and silk are infinitely more breathable than synthetics that make up some summer clothes. This summer, we love that the long peasant skirt is back in style, beware these can make you look matronly. A much better option is a maxi dress, paired with some flat sandals. For ladies who are tall enough to pull it off, try a long, flow-y patterned skirt with a sleeveless scoop- or v-neck top. Just make sure you opt for wider straps if you choose to show off your arms – it will cover your bra straps and look much more age-appropriate.
(These styles are from Kohl’s.)
