5 Easy Tips to Dress Age Appropriate and Nail the Trends - Summer 2019 + Bonus Hints
I’ve loved fashion since I first discovered Vogue magazine in junior high. Decades later I, still, enjoy keeping up with the latest styles.
But here’s the dilemma… I don’t want to, nor can I, any longer dress like my daughter. How does a seasoned fashionista, like me, look good for my age, be on trend but not appear like I’m desperately trying to cling to youth.
Perusing the latest fashion magazines won’t help. Seasonal looks are modeled by 20 somethings who have no idea about peri- or current menopause and its havoc on the body and skin.
I no longer fool anyone that I’m my 40’s but I don’t mind knocking a few years off my age by any reasonable means. One easy way to do this is by keeping my wardrobe fresh.
As a seasoned fashionista who does not want to look dowdy or “maw maw”, I aim for an age appropriate, on trend, wardrobe.
How is it that some women always manage to look classic in every decade of their lives? Audrey Hepburn, Maye Musk, Iman, Helen Mirren, Angela Bassett. Glenda Bailey and, of course, Anna Wintour, come to mind. They always look fashionable but also age appropriate.
Don’t get me wrong, I think a women can dress anyway that makes her feel good. If someone wants to rock a miniskirt well into their 60’s I say go for it. But, speaking for myself, I’ve gotten more conservative with each passing year. The list of what I won’t wear gets longer, and the list of what I will grows shorter. These are a few of the pieces I’ve dropped from my wardrobe:
Super short hemlines.
Bikinis
Short shorts
Big bows and large ruffles
Crop tops
No one wants to add years to their look with the wrong fashion choices.
Social media has been dominated by youngster influencers. But, today, there are more and more posts and blogs by cool, fashion-savvy women in every age bracket. Here are a few go to’s you can check out for inspiration and how to go bold in our best years.
Kudos to Harper’s Bazaar Magazine for their regular coverage on the latest looks for all ages. Thank you Glenda Bailey, Editor-in-Chief and fashion forward style maker in her 60s.
So, if most fashion media features trends on someone over half your age - how can you know what to incorporate into your wardrobe now? I decided to research the best tips for LIVING BETTER and looking great for Summer 2019.
Here’s how to be on trend for those of us who embrace our age but don’t want to emphasize it!
5 Solid Trends Summer 2019 Edit… for that fresh, youthful yet not-desperate-for-youth look.
Here’s what on shopping list now:
WHITE TENNIS SHOES: A low profile, slim silhouette mostly white tennis shoe. I saw this everywhere in Italy this Spring.
SLIDES: Another enduring look from last Summer that keeps on working now
ANKLE LENGTH JEANS STYLE #1: Boyfriend cuffed jeans in any color. Still hot for a few seasons now and going strong into Summer 2019
ANKLE LENGTH JEANS STYLE #2: Cropped, flared jeans in pale blue and white. Also a strong contender for a few seasons and again this Summer
FAUX FRENCH TUCK TEES: Tee shirts that mimic a “french tuck” look
Bonus Hints:
A white linen blazer - for restaurants who keep thermostats on Siberia
Slim cropped slacks in black, beige and white - not a new trend but a must have for every season. I’d go with a cropped version for warm weather.
*This is not an e-commerce blog… yet. Any ideas I share are for inspiration only. I do not receive any compensation from my posts. I aim to serve, not to benefit at this point in my blogging journey.
A special shout out to my gorgeous, ever stylish friend, Sandy, who encouraged me to persevere in blogging and write this post.
TREND #1: WHITE TENNIS SHOES
A huge trend that continues for Summer 2019 is athleisure footwear. Specifically, this year, a slim profile, mostly white sneaker. Wear this look with sundresses, leggings, shorts, jeans. In other words, your entire Summer wardrobe.
Golden Goose Superstar
For those with unlimited funds - this is the holy grail of sneakerdome. For those of us, unable or unwilling to splurge $495 for tennis shoes, you can use this image to choose a more budget conscious style. Shown here in beige, white and black. This is the perfect color combo in my book.
In the Comment Section below give us your favorite white sneaks. And if you are looking for more footwear information THE most versatile shoe you can have in your wardrobe - read this post on booties. Plus, it includes some hilarious photos of me in high school.
This is the pair I purchased. Born Tamara Perforated Sneaker. Usually it goes for 99.95, but right now its on sale, at Nordstrom, for $69.90. A huge thanks to my beautiful neighbor, Stephanie. I saw these on her and had to have a pair.
Adidas Superstar
A classic returns. I saw tons of this brand in Italy this Spring. This style is $80. It comes in several options. I love the black stripe accent and this blush. There’s a solid white choice as well. I’m torn between the black stripe to coordinate with my mostly black legging wardrobe or the trendy pink shade. But solid white is THE strong piece for now.
TREND #2: FLAT SLIDES
Fresher than a toe-thong or gladiator look is a flat slide. Starting last Summer and continuing big in 2019 this is an easy, updated sandal look. Know any other cute slides? Let us know or post pics in the Comment Section below.
Visual Inspiration: Slides
SAM EDELMAN
My version, Sam Edelman. It comes in 9 colors and goes for $89.95
My Sam Edelman slides in silver. Also shown is my safety pin clutch by Sarahs Bag (this bag also owned by Amal Clooney) found HERE. Its a work of accessory art made of tiny gold and silver safety pins
HERMES
Like Golden Goose for sneakers, Hermes has the ultimate slide. At $650 this version is an investment piece. OR you can use this for inspiration in choosing something, less pricey, but equally stylish.
TORY BURCH
This great option by Tory Burch comes in a variety of colors at $228. It also comes in a versatile yellow, shown here, red and multi raffia version on sale for $152.76 at Nordstrom.
TREND #3 ANKLE LENGTH JEANS - BOYFRIEND STYLE
Every season has its jeans. To freshen your look go for a boyfriend jean. I like the cuffed version, it balances a chunkier shoe or sneaker. Go with a straight, slightly fuller cut leg. OR, cuff a pair of straight or flared long jeans you already own - instant boyfriend jeans! Below are a few examples. If you have a pair of BF jeans you love post your ideas or photos below in Comments.
Visual Inspiration: Jeans - Even When it’s Hot to Make You Look Hotter
AG The Ex-Boyfriend Slim Jeans
At $225, your splurge option. Note the white sneakers! Would I steer you wrong?
Wit & Wisdom Flex-cellent Boyfriend Jeans
For my curvy friends. These can be found at Nordstrom for $88
Kut From the Kloth Catherine Slim Boyfriend Jeans
Usually priced at $89, now 40% off at Nordstrom for $53.40. Once again, shown with low profile mostly white tennis shoes. I like the stripe detail on this pair.
Boyfriend jeans and heels
TREND #4: CROPPED AND FLARED JEANS
A frayed edge is in. AND, you can cut, fray or cuff any pair already in your closet for instant cache! I cut off a pair of boring jeans, I was about to send to resale, now they are my new favs. I have Paige Jeans in light blue from a local boutique, Amor and Koral in white. What are your favorite cropped jeans? Share in the Comment Section below.
My pair of Paige cropped flare high waist jeans are comfortable, trendy AND appropriate for any age. Here, seen getting the hems wet in the Mediterranean Sea in Taormina, Sicily, Italy this May. The little bit of stretch makes for ingesting lots of wine, pasta, pizza and still travel comfortably.
Prosperity Denim High Waist Crop Flare Jeans
For the budget conscious formerly $79 now on sale at Nordstrom for $43.20.Prosperity. Note the slides
Frame Le Bardot Patch pocket crop flare at $240 a pricier option. More slides
Visual Inspiration: Faux French Tuck Tee Shirts
All of the style with none of the rearranging. A french tuck is when you tuck the front of a shirt into the front or side of your pants leaving the back to hang loose. No tuck needed with these styles. Share your ideas for summer tees in Comments below. Post your pics too!
A huge thanks to my stylish friend, Rachel - and for the tip on styling tees, tennis shoes and boyfriend jeans.
Here are a few styles a quick search uncovered on the Nordstrom website. If none of these options intrigue you don’t hesitate to french tuck any tee or button down shirt already in your closet.
Caslon Embroidered Twist Front Top Usually goes for $49 now on sale at Nordstrom for $23.40. Budget friendly, similar to mine.
Bobeau Side Tie Tee $38
Zella Square Up Boxy Tee $49
Treasure and Bond Knot Front Cotton Blend Tee $49
How To Do a French tuck
Using a french tuck is an easy way to update your look. Tuck in the front of any tee or button down and let the back hang free. For more ideas and inspiration go to your favorite clothing website and search for tee shirts. Here’s an example from Nordstrom’s website below.
Doing a French tuck with flared and cropped jeans
Living Better & Feeling Better with Better Fashion
Low profile white sneakers, slides, cool tees, and an updated pair of jeans are all you need to boost your style. These simple tips work for any women, at any age. You can find them in wallet friendly choices or designer prices. OR, you can add a french tuck or DIY/alter your current jean wardrobe for a fresh look without spending a dime!
What are your style tips for Summer 2019. Let us know how you nailed the trends. Share your ideas and post photos for how to nail the trends for Summer. Share your flair!
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