Fashion over 50: How I style a white topper

How to style a white topper on over 50 feeling 40

Let’s start the week off with a conversation about how I recently styled a white topper.  I have seen several different white toppers or summer jackets online lately and was attracted to the looks.  I was about to order one, but when looking closely at it, the garment resembled a tunic which was just left open and I thought…hmmm, I can do that!

Since spending more time at home, I have been playing in my closet more with an effort to spend less and make what I own work in different ways…especially since what I own is a wardrobe composed of 99% separates.

Everything I am wearing is previously owned but placed together with purpose.

How to style patterned jeans on over 50 feeling 40

Mr. B hates that I stood by our bedroom patio wall which is a buttery cream color, but I like the contrast.  What I did not like was trying this Foxcroft tunic on with a white tee underneath.  For me, it was too much white and too much like an oversized cotton ball…not what I am going for.

I am rapidly getting to a point where I only wear V neck tops…they are the most flattering on me.  They open up my face and elongate my body type.  I am hoping sometime this summer to do a MAJOR closet purge and there will be careful consideration given to other necklines.  I am not ready to send all of them along their way to a new home.  The closet purge I am looking toward will be major and difficult for me.  Each piece has a story…especially since I began the blog in 2010.  But, I digress.

Sterling silver cuff by James Avery on Over 50 Feeling 40

The patterned denim is very old, but I really like the pants for their fit more than anything.  However, the feather on the jeans and my James Avery feather cuff, sterling silver bracelet go nicely together ….don’t you think?

How to style a Chicos topper on over 50 feeling 40

I wore this outfit yesterday to run a few errands and felt very confident in it.  Though the tunic is a bit boxy, it has a row of buttons down the back which give it more shape than some of the other tunics I own. Foxcroft garments are typically high quality and will hold their shape.  One of my errands was to stop by Chico’s and the above look was in their window…same idea! (BTW, this tropical drink blouse is on sale and in the slideshow below).  Of course, a jacket usually provides more shape and fit, but is harder to wear in warmer summer climates.  Today and tomorrow in San Antonio, we will be in temperatures over 100.  Everyone keeps saying it is going to be a hotter summer…so sad but looks to be so true.   After my errand running, which I did early, I put on the walking shorts!  

Squirrel houses on over 50 feeling 40

Here I am checking to see if Sam, the squirrel is at home.  He was not, but there is remains a lot of food to chow down on in there.  His wife, Bertie, is usually around, but we did not see them this morning.  Mr. B is convinced of their sexes…I will not say why…but thus they are now Bertie and Sam.

I would like to thank everyone on the blog and on Facebook who participated with their thoughts yesterday.  If anyone would still like to share your own definition of elegance, please do.  They were fascinating to read and to ponder.  I am working on something with all of this and will share it soon. I am listening and processing your comments and doing a lot of reading!

Does anyone else use other garments as toppers?  Or would like to share how you style a white topper?  Please share…enjoy today’s slideshow and always

KEEP SMILING!!

JUST A NOTE:

Pamela Lutrell for Goli GummiesThere are several ways that I generate income through this blog in order to cover business expenses and give myself much needed income.  Purchases through the slideshow links is one way, ads on the page is one way and a new way is through ordering or re-ordering the GOLI Apple Cider Vinegar gummies through me with my GOLI LINK HERE.  Again, if you are not familiar with the benefits of apple cider vinegar, you should speak with your personal physician.  My husband and I are sold on the benefits and I am proud to represent this product.  I am going to leave this at the bottom of my posts so that when you, friends or family would like to order you can use my link.  Thanks for the support.  This is a great product; as well as, the ones below!

Mr. B and I love our meals from Sun Basket!

Sun Basket on Over 50 Feeling 40

 

Sun Basket is a delicious, easy, fun home delivery meal plan

 

My Complexion Loves Chamonix:

Chamonix on Over 50 Feeling 40

 

All natural, plant-cell technology skincare

 

By Pamela Lutrell

23 Comments

  1. Your topper was adorable! I need something for summer, maybe in linen, to throw over a tank top. Just long enough to cover my upper arm jiggle. My sister has a dry eye condition that makes it painful for air to blow directly on her, so a.c. is turned down around her. Any suggestion for a plus size?

  2. Any shirt makes a great topper in the summer. One way to beat the heat,but in and out doors. All your examples look good. Makes me want to get into my closet and purge. However with all the rain,I am just sleepy. So maybe tomorrow.

  3. After a week with no technology (personal choice on vacation!), it’s good to be back to your posts! I have some catching up to do. I love those feather-pattern jeans! So cute! The white shirt as a topper is a great idea for summer when the temperatures are rising. I know the all white look is very big now, but I like your contrasts much better. This is definitely a way to get year round mileage out of our white shirts. I’m thinking that even the long-sleeved ones could be used with the sleeves rolled to get this look and stay cooler. So many things are changing for me too in my wardrobe. This year I got rid of all but one pair of shorts and when I buy new tops they have “V” or scoop necks. Like you said, it’s just more flattering. White toppers seem to be made for summer, and this post reminds me to keep the shirts in the rotation!

  4. I like the topper…always looking for cover ups for my upper arm. I, too, need V neck tees…but choices seem limited.

  5. I agree, Theresa, the choices are limited and I do not understand why that is. I am going to be searching for more options vigorously.

  6. I like your look today too. Your topper is a nice addition to a summer pulled together look. Ruanas look good on me and can be tossed over a tee or tank when running to a store for something. I do wear longish shirts 7-9 inch or Bermuda length, in summer heat, and usually khaki or white. The ruana adds some color and feels nice and cool, but I’m covered up.
    I can use my ruana as well, in evening , over lightweight white jeans too!

  7. I not over the white open.
    You just looked so good in the several kimonos that you posted in your text the past!

  8. Thanks Dianne….just presenting more options for the audience. I love kimonos…as you know, but wanted to show others another type of topper. Thanks for being here.

  9. I much prefer your outfit to the one in the Chico’s window — that one was just too much white for me. Yours is much more creative. I love your printed jeans, and matching the feather bracelet is a creative touch.

  10. Thank you, Cynthia! When I wear too much white all at once, it is not flattering on my curves!

  11. Side Note: Haines & Fruit of the Loom brands make mens & boys V-neck tee-shirts. Colourful ones, too 😊. Look for classic, tapered, or relaxed fit on the package.

    DH has mysteriously lost 😉 classic white button-downs on occasion. They’re great toppers or light jackets; especially with a smock/tuck-stitch here or there.

    Have also picked up boys/young mens pre-loved white button-downs. Yard sales are a great place to start! Some shirts I’d found were worn once or still in packages.

  12. Thanks, Beverly. You are not alone in suggesting the Men’s tee shirts!

  13. I like your white tunic left open over a tank. I have a couple of tops which are a bit too sheer to wear on their that I usually wear as a topper & a denim shirt that I wear that way in cooler weather. I also really like those patterned jeans.

  14. Great outfit, Pam! It looks cool and breezy and you look comfortable and confident. I often wear a longer or tunic blouse as a topper over a tank or tee with jeans or slacks. I live in Las Vegas so a blazer can be a bit much in the summer. But a cotton shirt is just right. I have a white one and a red one, purchased from Chico’s a couple of years ago on sale. I also have chambray shirt that I sometimes use as a topper. I also have 6 cascading vests from Covered Perfectly that are a great completer piece over a tank or tee in really hot weather.

  15. I just purchased a white blouse online and it was not as fitted as I thought it would be so your outfit inspired me on how to wear it. Thank you so much. And I really like your jeans. Great pattern. I tried your idea of a special bowl for my Mom squirrel and it is working. She has left my flower pots alone! Thank you for another great idea. Have a nice week.

  16. I really like that outfit on you, Pamela, it looks really great — flattering, cool & casual but very stylish. I, too, wear nothing but V-necks now after realizing a couple of years ago what a dramatic difference a seemingly simple thing like the shape of a neckline can make. I just won’t buy anything with a round neckline anymore, regardless of how much I otherwise love it because I know I won’t be happy wearing it. I also like those patterned jeans. I’m not usually keen on patterned pants of any type, but those really work. As for “toppers”, I wear open shirts with camis or tees all the time, usually with jeans. Our climate is such that layering, even in high summer when evenings can be very cool, is the only way to go. I especially like a simple white man’s shirt worn with jeans, either open over a tee or buttoned & just worn like a loose tunic. I buy them at the thrift store as my husband is 6’5″ in bare feet & has shoulders from here to there, so his shirts are way too big for me — something I suspect he’s grateful for or he’d be fighting me for them 🙂 It’s a great look that suits my style & lifestyle perfectly.

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