Casual
May 19, 2021

7 Summer Dresses To Make You Look Modern

Swing Dresses Rule!

A new color, a fresh style…It doesn’t take much to update your look. A cute summer dress is all you need.

This year we’re seeing many dresses with softer, looser shapes in bright, happy colors and vibrant pastels. There’s definitely a  feeling of optimism in fashion. –  a desire to look pretty after months of being cooped up. But we still want to feel comfy too. Here are some of this season’s best summer dresses for women who want an easy,  one-and-done way to look modern.

 

Love them or hate them, loose, flowy swing dresses (which are everywhere) are the ultimate in comfort! Slip one on, and you don’t have to worry about those extra few pounds you may have gained during Covid. I love the vibrant coral color of this flounce shift dress because it is cheery and energizing -just what we need to get us through this last stretch.

Always Lovely in Linen

When temperatures soar, you need something light and easy for the office. This pretty side tie-waist midi dress is relaxed and cool, with a hint of linen. This is a dress that proves less is more. It’s the perfect choice when you want to dress up or dress down. White accessories make this sky blue look dreamy.

That’s A Wrap!

Here’s a chic summer dress that is modern and minimalist.  I love the clean lines on the sleeveless mock neck wrap dress. The beautiful layered effect works wonders to conceal and flatter in all the right places. This butter yellow color is so fresh and summery too.

Beautiful Boho Maxi

Boho is always popular, especially in some, which is why a dress like this gets snapped up fast.  Some women past at a certain age may prefer not to show a lot of legs, which is why maxis are one the most popular styles of summer dresses for women over 40… This sleeveless gauze-tiered maxi dress is made from a breathable cotton gauze fabric that’s lighter-than-air! Wear it to a concert or save it for a backyard barbecue or pool party.

Great Day Dress

Summer dresses are often either very casual or very dressy. This floral print pleated flare dress has a versatility that’s often hard to find in summer dresses, in that you can easily dress it up or down. Toss on heels, a wrap or a cardigan, and pearl earrings for a dressy look. Or a denim jacket, flip flops, and rattan drop earrings for a look that’s on the casual side.

One-Shoulder Beauty

Not only is this bow one-shoulder maxi dress beautiful, but it’s also surprisingly comfortable thanks to soft and stretchy matte jersey fabric. A sleek one-shoulder and a pretty bow add a sexy touch give this dress a modern vibe.

Feminine Florals

‘Tis the season to bloom! A floral print comes alive on this delightful square neck flare midi dress. A cotton-linen blend makes this dress ultra-comfy, and a ruffle trim makes it romantic for summer.

I’m dying to try that orange dress #1. How about you?

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Dresses
March 24, 2021

Gorgeous Ideas for What to Wear To a Garden Wedding

Many couples are opting to be married outdoors, and the pandemic has increased those numbers even more. This may leave you wondering about what is appropriate outdoor wedding guest attire?

In past posts, I have talked about what to wear to a beach wedding and what to wear to a vineyard wedding. How about what to wear to a garden wedding? Here are a few ideas.

Floral Pleated Cocktail Dress

1.  Floral Prints are a Natural Choice

Garden weddings range from low-key affairs at home in the backyard, to elaborate spreads in large parks surrounded by lush gardens and fountains. They are pretty, romantic, and usually very traditional.

Naturally, the easiest way to fit in with the botanical theme is to wear feminine, floral wedding guest attire.  This pretty pleated floral dress is a great example.

Continue reading “Gorgeous Ideas for What to Wear To a Garden Wedding”

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Holiday Dressing
April 24, 2020

What To Wear To Mother’s Day Brunch When You Are Eating In!

Your Mother’s Day plans to go out for Sunday brunch may have gone out the window, but don’t let that stop you from dressing up and feeling pretty on your special day. Here are 3 cute, casually chic outfits when you are having Mother’s Day brunch.

 

Mothers Day - Yellow Skirt

Hello Yellow!

A pretty spring midi skirt in sunny yellow is a cheery way to brighten your day. Wear it with this feminine ruffle neck top (the latest trend) or your favorite V-neck tee for a more casual vibe. White accessories are always fresh and summery.

 

 

Mothers Day - Blue lace Top

Lovely in Lace

Add a delicate lace top to a pair of edgy, white fringe jeans to make a beautiful Mother’s Day outfit with a modern feel and a slight edge. How do you like the black floral bag? You can put it on your kitchen counter and stare at it like a piece of art (it’s so pretty) until the stay-at-home lockdown is over. Lol!

 

 

 

Mothers Day - Black and White Dress

Earned your Stripes

You’ve been there for the kids your whole life, from their very first step until you the time you saw them off to College. Yes, mom, you have certainly earned your stripes. So what more fitting for a Mother’s Day outfit than this chic, striped midi dress with the beautiful wrap front.

This classy, casual dress is perfect when you are celebrating Mother’s Day on the patio or by the pool and will make you feel like your style hasn’t gone down the drain during this crazy shut-in. Heck, those zebra stripes may even match the way your roots are looking these days! (Lol!)

 

 

Mothers Day - White Skirt

All Eyes on Eyelet

Anything eyelet, like this sweet skirt, is another way to look to create a relaxed, feminine look for Mother’s Day. Add a floral tee and a pair of colorful flats, and you are all set. Like the Kate Spade bag? So do I. I just bought it!  (See here)

 

Ruffles and Bows

Mothers Day - Striped Linen Pants

 

Ruffle sleeve tops and tie waist pants are two popular spring trends. This cute outfit brings the two together in a summery look that’s perfect for your role as Queen of the Day. Slip on these cute Tory Burch slides with these sporty linen pants,  and add a pair of cute earrings to feel fresh and lovely. Treat yourself to a Mother’s Day gift, and grab this darling bag to carry around later.

I hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day!! If you like these looks, be sure to order early, as many things are on sale, and also want to make sure you get delivery since it is a busy time for online retailers.

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SPECIAL OCCASION
April 11, 2018

What to Wear To A Baby Shower – A Complete Guide

It may have been a long time since you last attended a baby shower, but with friend’s children, nieces and maybe even your own kids starting to have babies, that’s probably about to change. What do you wear to a baby shower as a guest or even when you are the grandmother-to-be?

It can be a bit tricky to figure out because everyone is dressing so much more casually these days. However, a baby shower is still an important milestone in a mother-to-be’s life, so it is important to honor her by putting some effort into your baby shower guest attire.  Although there are no hard and fast rules about what to wear to a baby shower, these general guidelines will help you look lovely and appropriate.

  •  Dress Feminine for a Baby Shower: What could be more feminine than a baby shower outfit? This is the time to bring out your most girly self in pretty clothing that is feminine and flattering.
  •  Keep it Light and Cheery: The thought of a new baby makes us feel happy, excited, and positive. Keep your outfit light and cheery with pretty colors and style to match this mood.
  •  Be Understated: Dress up, but never outshine the mother-to-be who is the star of the event. Lean towards conservative and ladylike outfits, and steer clear of trying to look sexy or edgy.

Here Are Some Lovely Outfit Ideas for 3 different types of Spring/Summer Baby Showers.

White pants with orange top for what to wear to a baby shower guest as guest

What to Wear to a Baby Shower at Home? 

This is the most casual of baby showers. In the spring/summer you’ll usually find guests sitting around together in the backyard on lawn chairs on the grass, or the back patio, or around the pool. It can even be a family affair with the men off in one corner of the yard barbequing, as the women open gifts and chat to the mom-to-be about the little one on its way. Continue reading “What to Wear To A Baby Shower – A Complete Guide”

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Dresses
April 11, 2017

5 Ways To Look Modern in Floral Dresses

If you stay away from florals because you think they will make you look dated and matronly, then it’s time to open your eyes.  Bold colors and modern cuts make spring’s floral dresses a gorgeous and youthful addition to your wardrobe. Here are 5 Ways to Look Modern in a Floral Dress when you are over 40.

Spring Wedding - Floral Cold Shoulder

 

Dresses with tiny florals, boring colors, and dowdy styles that may be sitting at the back of your closet look dowdy, so instead, try a …..

1. Cold Shoulder Floral Dress

The cold shoulder trend has taken off like wildfire because so many women are sick of sleeveless dresses. With a cold shoulder style, you get the top part of your arm covered, but you still get a sexy peek-a-boo.

This dress is the best of both worlds. Made from chiffon, it’s soft, feminine, and flowy, but the high contrast coral color and big blooms give it a powerful, I am woman feel. Of course, that fabulous, bold clutch amps up the energy too. Continue reading “5 Ways To Look Modern in Floral Dresses”

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FALL & WINTER
September 13, 2016

Ease into Fall With Dark Florals

When the calendar says September but it doesn’t quite feel like fall, what can you wear to bridge the gap?  Dark florals are a good way to transition your wardrobe.  Here’s what to look for and how to wear dark florals this fall.

Dark Florals - Navy Wrap Dress

 

 

  1.  There’s more to Dark Florals than Black
  • Choose a bright floral against a black, inky navy, purple background, burgundy or dark green background.

 

  • Navy is becoming a popular background color, which is great because navy is less harsh against aging skin than black.

 

  • It helps to have the right coloring when wearing dark florals.  If you have light hair or fair skin and think that dark florals might be overpowering then:
    • Choose a dark floral dress with a V or scoop neck to expose more skin at your neckline and not make it so dark around your face.
    • Wear a pretty necklace to create more light and shine by your face.
    • Wear a dark floral on your bottom half only; a skirt, for example.
    • Find a floral print that is brighter and more powerful than the dark background it is on. ie: Bright yellow flowers on a navy background.

 

Dark Florals - Green Top

 

 

 

  • Dark florals often have a nostalgic and romantic feel to them.
  • Some very dark florals can add a feminine, but slightly rebellious touch to jeans.

Dark Florals - Clutch bag

 

  • A little dark floral in the way of an accessory such as a clutch can add a pretty dose of femininity.

 

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Do you think dark florals are glam or too gloomy for your taste? Have you worn them? How and where?

Dark floral prints are one of those love it or hate it kind of looks.  If it appeals to you, I  have plenty of style tips on how to wear winter florals that you’ll want to check out.

 

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Fashion bloggers over 40
August 9, 2016

Style Bloggers Bloom in Florals

There’s nothing more summery than a pretty floral outfit. Take a look these over 40 fashionistas I found on Instagram who bloom in their botanicals!

rachelhiddenmanifest

@rachel.hiddenmanifest 

Rachel is a Metro DC resident who calls herself a “chic fashion chaser”, and says she has a serious sweet tooth. No wonder her beautiful blue floral dress is pure eye candy! Continue reading “Style Bloggers Bloom in Florals”

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OUTFIT IDEAS
March 11, 2016

Spring Florals – A Walk on the Dark Side

Florals are an obvious choice in spring. In the last few years designer have gone down a  very interesting garden path with a type of floral print that is dark and interesting.

When the dark floral trend began a couple of years ago, we saw mostly muted florals on dark backgrounds. The average black floral dress was moody, mysterious and edgy. Now the trend is bright, colorful blooms set against inky black and blue backgrounds. The vibe is more dramatic, lively and fun.

What’s the best way to style a dark floral now? Here are a few ideas.

black floral pants

shop the look small

 

Continue reading “Spring Florals – A Walk on the Dark Side”

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FIND YOUR STYLE
January 23, 2015

British Style Made Easy

Love French fashion, sporty American style or the way the Italians dress? Welcome to part 2 of my Style Made Easy series where we dissect the elements of international style. Today: England.

Leave it to the Brits to rewrite all the fashion rules: there’s no nation that pulls off fashion “don’ts” quite as well. Call it the land of “more is more” and the birthplace of punk! Wallflowers need not apply.

Fabulous After 40 stylist Morgan Mullin breaks down this world-famous look.

 

British-style purple faux fur vest

Continue reading “British Style Made Easy”

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