the three most controversial summer fashion items
we like breaking fashion rules over here on the blog. we’re not afraid to try new things—some work, and some don’t. however, we’re committed to not putting ourself in a fashion box. in that spirit, we’re talking the three most controversial summer fashion items for women over the age of 50. these are the items that create, well, “buzz”—both good and bad. granted, these items aren’t for everyone, and that’s fine. but if you find yourself wanting to give them a try and integrate them into your wardrobe, today’s post for you. it’s our goal to show you that you can in fact break fashion rules and still look good doing it!
shorts
linen drawstring shorts
i have my linen striped drawstring shorts (similar here) back in action today for a casual, cool outfit. perfect for lounging and taking care of things at home. today i am pairing my shorts with a crewneck and a linen cardigan. both are lightweight and so comfortable.
linen beach shorts | similar shorts | crewneck tee | cardigan | similar cardigan | similar cardigan 2 | gold sandals | similar sandal | similar sandal 2
girlfriend jean shorts
seaside chic is today’s theme. girlfriend denim shorts from Talbots paired with this oh-so-soft buttondown from Anthropologie. a very subtle pink and blue tie-dye pattern gives this collared shirt a casual, beachy feel. completing this seaside look is a woven self-tie belt with an arrow pattern and neon pink border. this one is sold out but the pink version of it is still available. the soft pale pink of the button up matches all too perfectly with my pink suede slide sandals (old, similar here, here).
button down | similar button down | belt | belt 2 | belt 3 | slide sandal | slide sandal 2 | girlfriend denim shorts | girlfriend denim shorts 2
distressed denim
straight leg jeans
today’s outfit is all about casual comfort. favorite outfits are like comfort food to me and y’all know i love a graphic tee! a few weeks ago, i wrote about how to style a graphic tee. this graphic tee (old similar here) sets the stage with its pink elephants. but i like to elevate my look by pairing it with something like a blazer or cardigan. so today i couldn’t resist pairing it with a navy sweater blazer (old similar here) with pink piping. straight leg jeans (old similar here) are perfect for a relaxed look and feel. sneakers complete my casual outfit today, but you could pair this outfit with loafers, ballet flats…it’s a very versatile outfit.
similar tee | similar tee 2 | similar tee 3 | similar tee 4 | similar tee 5 | similar blazer | similar blazer 2 | similar blazer 3 | similar jeans | similar jeans 2 | similar jeans 3 | similar shoes
girlfriend jeans
although the country is slowly starting to open back up, we’re still spending a lot, if not the majority of our time at home. and there’s nothing wrong with wearing blue jeans, tees, and sneakers. believe me; i’m reaching for that combination a lot more these days. last week, we revisited jeans after months of athleisure wear. today, we’re going to build on that post and talk five ways to elevate your blue jeans into a timeless and classic look. we’re gonna start with my base outfit below and build five new ones from it by addition, subtraction, and slight modification.
girlfriend jeans | shoes | similar shoes | similar tee | sweatshirt
sleeveless shirts
animal print tunic
we preach it all the time here on the blog: animal print is a neutral that can be paired with other neutrals for great visual effect. today, i pulled together this sleeveless animal print tunic and these slim ankle pants. they’re both from Chicos. (i’m loving their summer line this year!) animal print is fun. it’s exciting. and it puts a little pep in my step. if you’re looking for a little mid-week pick-me-up, then add some to your wardrobe.
animal print tunic | slim ankle pant | bracelet set | similar sandals | similar sandals 2 | bucket bag | similar bag
sleeveless blouse
i tend not to wear jeans during the summer. it gets hot here in Athens, which means i gravitate towards dresses, shorts, and skirts. but i couldn’t resist this pair of skinny cropped jeans from Ann Taylor. they’re chic, modern, and oh so comfortable. i love white denim, and as my regular readers know, i’m not shy about wearing it all year round. but if there’s ever a time to wear white jeans, it’s during the summer. what to pair with my jeans? a black blouse of course. i’m keeping it neutral today—a little more subdued than our bold and bright outfit from yesterday for sure. you can’t go wrong with black and white. neutral mixing always works. but even more than that, white denim is just so darn flexible—it’s the perfect neutral base to build your OOTD on.
sleeveless blouse | skinny jeans | tote bag
I especially like the black and white ensemble and I agree that everyone has to find what works for them. Honestly ALL of them work for you!
Have a great Sunday!
couldn’t agree more!
You have certainly had trials & tribulations for quite awhile now. You have been in my prayers and will continue to be. Its a comfort to have your family around you. And especially Oscar. And your hair looks great! Such blessings!
thanks so much for your kind words, Susan!
I actually liked them all Beth! I don’t see any controversy – I don’t get it. I may not have paired the black purse with the black sleeveless blouse or worn the brown belt with the animal print, BUT all your outfits were tasteful and age appropriate for us older gals. My mom use to say, you can’t please everyone all the time. I for one, find your blog inspirational – A BIG THANK YOU FROM ROCKY RIVER, OH!
Blessings to you and your family!
you’re so very welcome, chris!
Hi Beth,
I smiled all the way through this post…I love and wear all of these things all summer long. In fact, I am wearing my jean shorts and a sleeveless top as I write this. Seems like your blog has set me on the right style path.
Thank you, Julie
what a lovely compliment, julie!
Chic and unique. Some people are just rude. If something is not to one’s taste, then just don’t wear it, or modify it to suit one’s individuality. It’s inspiring to see all the different pairings available to choose from. Thanks for the inspiration🥂
and thank you for reading the blog!
Do not find any of your outfits controversial nor inappropriate. I personally dislike distressed denim. Why spend hard earned funds on denim with holes?
distressed jeans are only another style choice. and long live choices!
Some of my favorites. I’ve copied a lot of these looks to my files to try. I love your graphic tee outfits. The navy with pink trim jacket and graphic tee is one of my favorite looks you have shown. Keep safe and cool.
graphic tees are just so fun to wear! i never tire of them.
The sleeveless black top and white jeans are my favorite! Lovely! It’s too hot here is S.C. to think of wearing a blazer or sweater anytime soon. 🌞
blazers are for inside only these days. so we’ll enjoy the sunshine and hot temps while they last.
I like the way you pair new items with clothes from previous posts. I just received the yellow jacket from Ann Taylor. I love to wear yellow especially on rainy gloomy days. As I was hanging it in my closet i realized it went well with the peasant blouse you featured last summer. I think it was from anthropology. It also goes well with a skirt from Talbot s. Now all I have to do is find somewhere to wear it Thank you for all your wardrobe ideas
i just love that yellow jacket! it will bring a smile to your face everytime you wear it.
I like and wear all of the clothing items pictured – and I’m 71! We live at a lake & golf course and these clothes are staples for us – regardless of age 🤗
couldn’t agree more, janie!
I think all these outfits look great on you Beth. I personally don’t show my legs a lot as they are not my best feature but I love my girlfriend denim shorts and wear them a lot when the weather is hot.
I love that your blog inspires me to think about my wardrobe. I am intentional about what I wear because it does affect my mood to some degree.
Thank you for your thoughts and encouragement.
thanks so much for stopping by, leslie!
The last outfit, black tunic, white Jeans is TA-Da !!!!!!
you can never go wrong with black and white!
Simply elegant
thanks so much!
I love all 3 summer fashion pieces! I have them all too!
you know what they say about great minds, Gwen?!
I have always enjoyed reading your blog. Unfortunately lately it is almost impossible to read because of all the pop ups. I accept the cookies then a pop up comes up to subscribe. I already subscribe so I X out. Then the accept cookies comes up again! After doing this a few times I give up and stop reading. I am not sure what has changed but it should be fixed. If not I will unsubscribe
thanks for the feedback. my tech team is looking into this. what browser are you using?
I love the white ankle jeans and black top on you. Question: Where did you get those darling rabbits on your porch?
the rabbits are from GrandinRoad.
Hi Beth,
I loved all of these posts! I think it is always good to go back and question why you do what you do and whether it continues to be a good idea. I have made a number of changes with regard to my weight, fitness and surgically taking care of some foot issues that were holding me back. However, I was still practicing my “in the box” thinking from a fashion perspective. Your posts really got me thinking and got me “out of my box”. I am grateful and today it is shorts and sleeveless for me!
good for you, pam! it’s important to stay modern and relevant as we age.
Beth, I recently read an article called “Age Appropriate is so Over” and I couldn’t agree more. Women need to stop shaming each other and putting ourselves and others in a box. I say wear what you want and embrace your wrinkles, lumps and bumps as signs of character.
couldn’t agree more about age-appropriate. i have a YouTube video coming out that talks about that very subject. thanks for stopping by.
I love all your stylish outfits, and with your hair you can wear absolutely everything and look stunning. Except…..I am not a fan of showing too much leg after a certain age. I like the longer denim shorts a lot and just bought a pair like that only knee length. Keep sharing…..
I just turned 63 on July 14. I have kept off weight. I am not as slim as I would like, but am at my target weight as suggested by doctor. I like all these. I probably would not wear the shorter shorts just because… although they would be fine on me as my legs are one of my best features. The rest I see no problem with and see no reason for people to question. You look great and stylish. I’m not wearing “old” until I have too. My mother never had to do that and she died at 93.
I am surprised that girlfriend denim shorts and sleeveless tops are controversial. I thought they looked good on you.
Love this! Rock it!
Love the black top with the white jeans simple and elegant. Please can you tell me the where your black top is from? 👍