how they held up | Florida: an outfit retrospective

-bd
  1. Joy says:

    The panhandle sand and sea colors are glorious aren’t they- and unlike any other place
    The outfits are classics
    Thanks for such a good visual lesson o staying power of good taste

  2. Susan says:

    Beth all OOTD are classics and look perfect! They look like you just purchased yesterday!. We have always been Hilton Head Island lovers, spending the month of March for many years. We do love Sarasota and the beautiful beaches there.
    Thank you for sharing your vacation!

  3. Paula says:

    Many if not most women of a certain age would rather baste in their own perspiration than show off their upper arms. From mid-60 up, upper arm display isn’t going to happen. Additional, halter tops are going to require strapless bras. As we age, the ‘girls’ travel south. Again, living in Florida all my life, the idea of chafing with and tugging to keep in place just takes all the fun out of dressing for fun. Add to the above the fact the middle aged belly-spread might be contained after 60, but will always be an issue. America’s population is aging and we’re all living longer, active lives. My girl friends in their late 70s and early 80s are very much moving & shaking. Consider then than your readers are still stylish, but concerned about the realities of “that certain age”. Thanking you for taking the time to read this rather wording submission….Paula Weatherby, age 72, size 12P.

    • Violet L O'Brien says:

      Good points, Paula. Beth always looks gorgeous, fit and put together. You are right showing upper arms for me is a no no…I opt for 3/4 sleeves. As hard as we try to keep our shapes they do go haywire. We need to see some styles for those who aren’t able or who don’t want to show parts. Hopefully, Beth will consider this and give us a helping hand!

  4. N. Pattillo says:

    As Floridian, I agree completely! Our Gulf coast beaches are all like sugar! The Atlantic side is beautiful as well, though a little different. Sanibel and Captiva Islands, off the coast of Ft. Meyers are just beautiful with unbelievable shelling opportunities! We are very fortunate to live in such a beautiful state!!😍

  5. Teresa says:

    You look fabulous in everything you wear! You are so stylish and gorgeous! I enjoy your blogs so much!! Keep up the great work!

  6. Andrea says:

    They really do look current. Classic style is worth it, because as you have just proved, it stands the test of time.

    Even on a budget, if you shop the sales, and make your core pieces classic you will always look current, polished and put together. Accessories can pull classics into each new season and trend, with affordability. Thanks again, Beth, hope your toes are playing in the sand and sun.

  7. Linda Aulgur says:

    These outfits all still look ravishing Beth. Your style is about timeless rather than trendy. I just visited Sawgrass mills for first time in January, lovely place, loveL,y climate after Midwest.

  8. Lynn says:

    Beth, you are such a classy lady, so everything looks great on you. I love every outfit that you have shown us. You are an inspiration to me.

  9. Becky says:

    All firsts after the death of a loved one are very hard. I’m glad you have Jr. Style to share your memories. All your outfits look great on you which proves that classics never age.

  10. Carolyn says:

    Your past outfits look great. You definitely have timeless style. I imagine your trip is bittersweet, but I know you are enjoying your beach time with Junior Style! Enjoy the sunshine and beautiful beach time. Hugs

  11. Carol says:

    Agree that the Panhandle has some glorious beaches and the sandy really is all that ! Each of these OOTDs are timeless and I couldn’t “date” them without your notes. Thanks for the inspiration.

    As for showing my upper arms, I throw on some self-tanner and cherish feeling the sun on my skin. I’ve never had someone walk up to me and ask me to cover them up because they were a wee bit flabby and wiggling or because they were showing all 58 of my years. I am cool during a Texas summer, striving to be confident and still working to keep my arms strong. Now the permanent divots in my shoulders from bra straps…..those still make me uncomfortable. 🤦‍♀️ We all have something that makes us draw a line. Suggestions for improving the divots are welcome.

  12. Tami says:

    You inspire me with your timeless style. What alternatives would you suggest for those of us who do not have your gorgeous arms? I can still handle halters as I had reconstructive surgery after cancer – but my arms- now that is another story. I wear a lot of cold shoulder looks but I would like to expand my horizons as the cold-shoulder style is fading.

    • sharon says:

      All the outfits look current and great on you. I am happy you had a son to make the trip with you.

  13. Karen says:

    Hi Beth. FUNNY!
    I purchased the striped halter jumper from J. Crew too. I had to have about 2 feet cut off the legs to achieve the proper loo’ I wanted. I love this look. But you have to be mindful of where you’re going. Using the restroom is challenging! You do need strapless undergarments and that is tricky. I wore my beautiful jumper to dinner in Aruba and on a cruise so far. Loving that look!,

    P.S. I am a Talbots chick!

  14. Martina says:

    Hello Beth,

    Your pictures are magical. I immediately think of my numerous vacations in Florida. Thanks for the inspiration.
    XO Martina from Munich

  15. Karen says:

    All your a Florida outfits are very inspirational for me, I am heading to Florida this week for a couple of months and I always need help to dress appropriately and yet cool too. And by cool I mean not perspiring! At 58 my days of being Fonzie cool are gone LOL I definitely find myself wearing more sundresses as I have aged. Doing everything for the first time without your loved one is very very tough I am glad you have Junior Style with you, he sounds like a marvelous young man.

  16. Gwen Marie Ewing says:

    I love every single outfit Beth! But I especially love the blue and white stripe jumpsuit!! Adorable on you! And the bright green and colorful balloon blouse, with adorable straw tote with BAD monogram! Thanks for sharing these again!

  17. Patricia says:

    I share concerns about showing my rather full upper arms, but why? I’ll bet no one else notices them but me. So why not dress as comfortably and as stylish as I can? And just appreciate that I have arms that can lift and carry and help me enjoy my life. And not obsess that they’re aging.

  18. Charlie Mae Woods says:

    You look good

  19. Susan says:

    Try an open weave elbow length or 3/4 sleeve sweater shrug to cover “older upper arms”. Even in hot climates you need a little protection from air conditioning and easy to carry in tote or backpack.

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