Deb’s Dressing Room: What I Tried (and Loved!) at Loft This Summer
You’ve told me how much you’ve loved seeing my real-life try-ons (especially the ones from the Nordstrom Sale), and I’ve loved doing them. So I thought… why not make it a regular thing?
Welcome to Deb’s Dressing Room—my new series where I head into the fitting room, snap a few mirror pics, and give you my honest take. What flattered? What didn’t? What’s worth adding to your closet—and what’s better left on the rack?
This time, I popped into Loft to check out their latest summer arrivals and found a mix of casual staples, cute vacation outfits, and a few surprise hits. Some were definite yeses. Others? Not so much—and I’ll tell you why.
Think of this as your shortcut to smarter dressing room decisions. Let’s dive in!
Loft Summer Try for Women Over 50 – On Hits and Misses
Blue Eyelet Blouse | Cut off Denim shorts
Eyelet Blouson Sleeve Blouse + Fresh Cut High Rise Denim Shorts
This shorts outfit was a bit of a surprise—in the best way! I never thought I’d be into white denim cut-offs, but with my upcoming trip to Vietnam (hello, heat and humidity!), I figured I’d give them a try.
They’re actually really cute and comfy. The wide legs flare out slightly, almost like a little skirt, which makes them feel more feminine and flattering. And the raw-edge hem? It’s subtle enough—and if the threads get too dangly, I can just trim them for a cleaner look.
The eyelet top is another win. That gorgeous blue caught my eye right away and reminded me of something I’d wear in Greece. I was worried this top might be too long and baggy to pair with short shorts, but since it’s cropped, it works perfectly.
Style tip: If you want to wear shorts confidently after 50, try balancing the look—show some leg on the bottom, but keep things looser and more modest up top. It’s all about the right proportions!
Striped Racerback Midi Dress
It’s not hard to find a striped dress in summer, but this one felt really fresh. I love the burgundy stripes mixed with soft white. It’s a nice change from classic navy or black. The dress was stretchy and fitted but not tight. Still, I couldn’t bring myself to buy it because I have a bit of a mommy tummy, and I’d probably want to wear shapewear, which I can only hack for special occasions.
Wide Leg Legpped pants (curvy) | Sweater vest
Palmer Wide Leg Cropped Pants + Pointelle Sweater Vest
It’s tricky to find a pair of great-fitting pants, so if you find a pair you like, buy two. Remember the rust pair I wore in Florida? These are the exact same ones, but in this calming, classic jute color. I love the way these pants fit nicely across the hips and then gently flow out to a wide, cropped flare. The patch pockets are a sporty detail, and the textured knit vest is such a modern way to style them. I happened to be wearing some woven sandals that day that matched perfectly. This is a great, casually chic, monochromatic look.
Striped Drawstring Mini Pocket Dress
I always love to have a simple, throw-over-my-head kind of sundress in my closet in the summer, one that is soft like a t-shirt and comfy, no matter what I’m doing. This is a good one. I like the nice, wide straps, which make it easy to wear. The adjustable drawstring is perfect, especially if you are on holiday and are eating a little more.
The only thing I wish were different is the color. Yes, black is classic and versatile, but the older I get, the more it drains me. Other than that, it’s a winner.
Side Button Tank Top | Frayed Boyfriend shorts
Side Button Tank Top + Frayed Boyfriend Shorts
Here’s another outfit that made me do a double take. I was instantly attracted to this cool, minimalist tank top with the darling side buttons. It has a perky nautical vibe, and the burgundy adds a modern twist. I didn’t expect it to look so great with these shorts! The color combo feels fashion-forward, and I think the length of these lightwash denim shorts is perfect. They’re very soft and comfy too!
Linen Blend Halter Jumpsuit
This inky black jumpsuit made me feel very glam! I love the chic, shirt-style halter necklines and these wide, flowy pants, which made me feel like a movie star! But the best part of this outfit is the belt. It helps to whittle your waist and gives you a great shape!
I think this jumpsuit would be perfect to wear out to dinner or on vacation, but I’d definitely want to dress it up with some gold jewelry and bright lipstick so I wouldn’t get lost in all that black. Did I mention this jumpsuit is made from a linen blend, so nice and cool too!
Floral Blouse | Green Twill shorts
Floral Tie Cuff Blouse + Breezy Twill Shorts
I love green, and this is a cute look, but something about it feels a bit too sweet for this age and stage. Too many bows, on the tops and short, maybe? Puff sleeves are pretty, but honestly, I’m getting tired of them. How about you? I couldn’t make up my mind about this outfit, so I passed on it.
Bonjour Tee | Striped Cropped Pants
Bonjour Modern Tee + Striped Palmer Cropped Pants
Here’s an outfit that looked fabulous online, but I didn’t love it in person. The colors just aren’t me, but they could work for someone else. I thought the Bonjour graphic tee was kind of fun, but it’s a bit boxy, and since I have curves, it really didn’t do much for me. Also, something about these pants made me feel like a circus clown – lol! Pass.
Dotted Jacquard Top + Shorts
I hadn’t planned on trying on something like this, but it looked so darn cozy, I did. Talk about comfy and really cute for bopping around the house or lounging on vacation. I’m wearing a size small in both pieces, and while they fit, I think I should have sized up one size in the shorts.
Sweater Vest |Striped Cropped Pants
Pointelle Sweater Vest + Striped, Cropped Wide Leg Pants
Finally, I wanted to give those cropped striped pants one more try, so I paired them with this sweater vest from earlier. However, it’s still not really my cup of tea. The texture of the sweater and the stripes seemed to compete with each other. Looking at this now, I think an all-black top would have really made these pants pop. Live and learn!
I hope you enjoyed my try-on. Let me know which ones you thought were hits and misses for me or yourself!
I like this type of post. It’s helpful to see the clothes on you. Especially because we have a similar build. :) I noticed that I am steering away from most prints these days. I used to love them. When I do buy them, I am choosing more subtle ones. Otherwise they seem to make me disappear, if that makes sense. Weighing in on the black striped pants…they made me think old fashioned prison garb.
Hi Kim, Hah!!… about the black striped pants. Isn’t it funny how other things or memories can affect us. I saw circus clown and you saw prison garb. Someone else may see royalty – so funny. Bottom line is that no matter how it looks on you, if it feels weird you will feel and look weird. I am enjoying the try ons although some more than others as some stores have the most horrible dressing rooms and lighting. Macy’s can you hear me? Please let me know what you mind be interested in and I’ll try to accomodate. Cheers, Deb
I think you looked great in most of the outfits because you are pretty very trim. Summer is a problem for me. I USED to be trim but no longer. I have white pasty legs full of veins that I will NEVER show. So I always have to wear things that cover my legs. Actually despite our very cold snowy winters. I almost feel like I have to wear more clothes in Summer to HIDE my body than I do in Winter! I’m too young for a kaftan! Most people think I’m 10 years younger than I am, but dressing in Summer, I always look like I’m in slacks. I also have no curves. So a belt will not do much to create shape….Any ideas? I’m a solid rectangle!!!haha! Oh well
Hi Mandy, I get you with the pasty, white legs. I have the same problem and I can’t be bothered to tan or use fake tanner all the time. So I wear a lot of white jeans, loose pants. When I do wear sundresses I usually plan and put on a bit of Jurgens GLOW on and I’m fine. See here:https://www.fabulousafter40.com/best-self-tanners-for-women-over-40/ As for your shape- faking a bit of a waist is all you need. Have you seen this post? https://www.fabulousafter40.com/5-tips-for-dressing-your-rectangle-body-type/
It may help. The key is to wear something, anything that defines your waist just a touch be it tapered shirt or peplum denim jacket. Also if you widen your shoulders with say a boat neck top that can make your waist looks smaller and give the illusion of more shape. The key is to try lots of things on until you teach yourself what works and what doesn’t. It takes time but follow those suggestions and you will figure it out. Have a great summer. Cheers, Deb
I love your looks…but for me unfinished “cut offs” scream teenager
You know Stacie, you’re not wrong. I felt it at the time, and had a lapse, as we all do now and then. I was attracted to the wide flare cut and still love that, but not the raw edge – not me, yet I bought them anyway. I’ve cut off the threads (which I had always planned to do) and wearing them in the backyard on a hot day when I’m reading on my lounger, or if I’m at my sister’s cottage. They’re super casual for poolside, and I’m good with that. Thanks for dropping by!
I love Deb’s Dressing Room! Love to hear the thought process of choosing an outfit. Thanks.
Hi Stephanie, This was my first one and I was a bit rushed to get it up but I can’t wait to really dig in and let you know more about what I’m thinking. I love to hear what you are thinking too because it’s fun it explore fashion. No heavy judgement, just friendly banter and a few laughs about what look fab and what’s kind of frumpy. Cheers! Deb
Great post! Deb’s Dressing Room is a fantastic idea!! Love that pointelle sweater vest! That’s my favorite of them all. But I don’t think those striped crop pants were the most flattering, regardless of how they were styled. As you said, they seemed to have a circus vibe. Blue eyelet top yes. Burgundy tank yes. Palmer crop pants yes. And agree, black just isn’t the most flattering for most women as we mature. It’s just so dark and harsh. I did NOT notice your mom-tum in the burgundy stripe tank dress. We tend to be our own worst critics. :) As for the green floral blouse and shorts, it just rang “The Golden Girls” to me. Thank you for being a friend… ;-)
Hi Carolyn, Thank for dropping by. The black striped pants were o.k. but there’s a lot of o.k. stuff and the fact that they made me think of a circus clown would have stuck in my head and made me feel weird. Love you comment about the Golden girls green outfit. You hit the nail on the head. Too sweetie pie for me. Glad you like the series idea. It’s fun to explore together my friend!
Hi, those striped pants look great on you, I thinks you just needed a solid simple top with them, maybe that burgundy shell. Also green shorts were cute on you, just needed a white, not patterned blouse and rattan accessories or gold. As I get older I find simpler looks the best.
Hi Elizabeth, I think you are dead on about wearing a solid color top like black or burgundy with those pants. I did like the idea of stripes, but I couldn’t get past the association of black and white striped cropped pants and circus. Isn’t it weird how we have certain associations in our head we can’t shake? Mom tum – I have a little jelly belly but it’s more from the side and I hadn’t eaten yet then this photo was taken! Visually it’s not a big deal but I feel frumpy with such a slim fitting dress and having bulge. Good ideas about the top choice for tops and accessories. Thanks! Deb