Fashion Over 50: Challenges of Summer Style

This is one of my favorite looks from last summer.  I began to look through the Summer 2017 folders seeking a little inspiration for Summer 2018.  Honestly, there were not that many outfits I was crazy about when looking at them now.  The photos I have put in this post are the ones I liked the best.  I have always considered summer dressing a challenge living here in South Texas.
The challenges for me are…
  1.  The heat outside and the cold air in some places inside.  We tend to over compensate with our air conditioning at times.
  2. My wardrobe has to work for so many different things…professional wear, casual wear, special event wear, grandmother wear…..it really does need to be a closet of separates which can be styled for many different lives.
  3. I wear more color in the summer, but still love my neutrals and look best in saturated color….not really pastels.
  4. I am not as inspired in the summer as I am in the fall and winter.  I am trying to work on it!
  5. My curvy figure makes lighter dressing more of a challenge to be flattering.
  6. It is very easy in the summer to cross that line into frumpy…if I do not watch out!
I would like to do some different looks this summer, but remain true to the messages I desire to send with my style and to re-fashion what I already own.  I have decided to challenge myself in new ways…particularly in the area of workwear.  Everyone here dresses down in the summer.  Some women allow capri pants and flip flops to rule even their professional wear.  But, I will not go there…even when it is over 100 degrees.

We will see what I come up with!  I am going to give it my best effort to try some new looks.  BTW….if you are new to the blog, these really are last year’s pictures and my hair was darker.  in the last four months, I have begun to get highlights and ligthen my hair…which makes it better in between appointments…the gray skunk stripe is gone!  I also changed my glasses from black to red frames.

Can anyone else identify with my challenges?  Does anyone love summer stye and have some wisdom to share?  You guys are the best…I love reading your reponses every week on Would You Wear It!

Now, if I were shopping…some of the styles below would be on my radar!  Look through the slide show and see what you think  Until then…..

KEEP SMILING!

If you are looking for some inspiration, check out my favorite Pinterest Boards Below:

Over 50 Feeling Fabulous

How to Look Chic in Flats

Midlife Style

Spring and Summer Style

 

 

19 Comments

  1. I feel all women look so much better with bright color around their face. The red blazer add so much brightness. A neutral bottom will carry through, save money to spend on colorful tops. To me at work or play it shows happiness.

  2. I’m liking the on-trend kimono jacket this summer. Still a challenge to find in natural fibers:linen, rayon, silk, cotton…Living in hot South Carolina, I can’t wear polyester anything. Just too sticky against my skin. The more I have to “cover up”, the more I reach for breathable fabrics.

    Much of my closet this summer is: white skinny jeans and cool linen, flowy tops.The dresses are linen as well. I’m a huge fan of JJill, and still have pieces from several years ago!

  3. I agree with Cindy on JJill for summer. I am not inspired by winter but love summer. All of your looks here are winners Pam! I tend to wear cool gauze ir linen pants at home with flowy tops or tank tops. For work my staples are sleeveless dresses with a cover up for the a/c. On cooler days I’ll wear tailored pants and a jacket. I also like denim or twill skirts and skirts for casual wear. I’ve been inspired by your style over the years. In spite of your intense heat,you always look cool and classy!

  4. Thank you for the encouragement, Karen. You shared some excellent tips here!

  5. My office runs towards skirts and dresses in the summer. That’s fine with me, but it does bring my tube of Jergen’s Natural Glow out. A little color goes a long way towards making my legs look good.

  6. You are so right, Rose. I have to do that when I wear summer dresses and skirts. Thanks for sharing!

  7. Bright colors suit you. It’s so nice to see you stepping away from dark colors and black during the playful summer months. Have fun!

  8. I’m with you the heat outside and cool a/c inside. Sometimes the contrast is too much and hard to take! I usually keep a jacket or lightweight cardigan in my office if the a/c gets too cold. As I’ve aged, I’m not so comfortable wearing sleeveless tops out in public, so I like those lightweight cardigans.

    That all-navy outfit you are wearing is stunning! Love that look and color on you!

  9. Living in the hot & humid Midwest, I face some of your same summer challenges. I am retired so I no longer need professional clothing, but I do like to look nice while running errands, dining out for lunch or dinner & going to church. Capris do not look good on my short chubby legs, & I abhor flip flops.

    I find it easier to dress for cooler weather. Dark jeans & slacks with long sleeved blouses, sweaters or sleeveless tops & cardigans look put together & polished. In summer, I usually end up feeling wrinkled, rumpled, grumpy & leaning towards frumpy.

  10. I hear you, Becky! In August and September, I will have the same feelings…but since Life Is Short…I am striving to enjoy summer dress more!

  11. I too dislike summer fashion … I find manufacturers, using the excuse of “cooling,” use cheap and thin fabrics, which violates my personal style rule of trying to get multiple seasons out of my basics. And oh, do they tend to cling! Linen, an otherwise beautiful fabric, wrinkles. I also don’t enjoy (or look very good wearing) pastels. About the only good things, imo, about summer dressing are statement necklaces in pearls, glass, turquoise and other lighter weight concepts, and sandals. I do love me a good metallic sandal!

  12. I hate the summer and hot weather – I really find it hard to have any style at all. I’m really looking for inspiration to dress better in the hot weather. I’m 63, a full figured 1x (18) and large obvious scars on my both knees and legs from various replacement surgeries. I wil not wear sleeveless as my arms look terrible You’d think as a professional costume designer I could figure out my own look. It’s such a mishmash. I also like to not show too much as I’m often close up and personal with folks measuring and fitting. I need lots of clues!

  13. When I first moved to Florida, I thought I’d wear linen all the time. Hah! That does not always fall away from your skin as desired (never mind the ironing). I tried for a year and then turned to a fabric I’d formerly disdained-polyester. I bought sleeveless, flowing blouses in a tunic length to cover my flaws. I mostly wear polyester capris and am looking for some “long” shorts. For shoes, it’s various degrees of sandals. I throw on a bracelet or two, some earrings and off I go. I do make sure to keep my mani/pedi appointments up-to-date. Literally and figuratively, they keep me polished. Let me add, that I’m retired and don’t have to look too professional, but these outfits would have worked for teaching when I was doing that. The struggle is real in the south!

  14. Love your job, Kathleen! I think it would be such fun to dress for a creative industry like yours. We are almost the exact same size. I try not to focus on my challenges with aging…for example
    I have a ripped ear lobe…so I dont wear earrings, but love necklaces and bracelets
    I have hammer toes and mostly wear flats…but there are so many fun flats!
    I have “wisdom” spots all over me, but there are plenty of fun styles to cover them up.
    Feel free to email me at over50feeling40@gmail.com if you need some encouragment or ideas!

  15. Yes, it is Kathy! I feel it with you. Thanks so much for sharing what you are doing.

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