Happy Thursday, Ladies! We think ahead at Style at a Certain Age and while I am paying attention to all of the fall clothes making their way to our favorite retailers’ shelves, my mind is still firmly set on summer. Here in Georgia, we expect hot temperatures to last through September and into October. So today, I am sharing a dressier side of shorts. An elevated casual outfit that can go to brunch or for a warm evening out, dining al fresco.
Today, Kelly shares the dressier side of shorts
The outfit is shoppable via text and image widgets
Find shoppable outfit inspiration and a collection of dressy shorts
It all starts with the style of shorts. Start with a structured style that has a few details that take shorts from casual to dressy. The Cotton Blend Mini Short with Braided Trim from J.Crew does all the heavy lifting: the braided waist trim gives the look of a belt, while the gold buttons add a sophisticated shine.
I kept my top simple with a white ribbed tee, sizes are limited in this version from J.Crew, find similar ribbed tees here, here, and here. For transitioning to fall, this ensemble would be great with a lady jacket or a lady jacket cardigan popped over the top for a polished look. A cropped blazer would make another sophisticated ensemble.
I finally jumped on the mesh shoe bandwagon with the Quinn Embellished Removable Ankle-Strap Ballet Flats in Mesh, which I was a little unsure of at first, but after wearing them for an afternoon, they quickly became one of my favorite shoe purchases this summer. The ballet flat look combined with the mesh fabric makes them feel like slippers – so comfortable and breathable – for summer.
The Quinn Ballet Flats come with a removable ankle strap that looks like an anklet, which I assumed I wouldn’t wear, but once I tried them on, I really liked the touch of polish the ankle straps added to my overall outfit. It’s a fun detail that feels special and distinct.
For my handbag, I have the Dumpling Bag from Loft. I have had my eye on this bag all season long. It’s a great clutch that will go perfectly with virtually any summer outfit I can put together. And at 30% off right now, it’s a perfect summer bag to add to your collection. It also comes in blue and silver.
Yesterday, Beth shared why you should declutter your closet, with tips and tricks for successful decluttering. Make sure to click the title or image below to read the article.
is our 40s+ fashion & food contributor. She posts a Daily Look on Tuesdays, writes about Fashion on Thursdays, joins Beth for Fridays with Oscar and shares a new recipe Sunday evenings.
She’s 47, 5’0, and a petite 0/XS.
Kelly also has a food blog called Djalali Cooks, which you can find by clicking the world icon below.
So adorable, Kelly! From the shorts and top to the “dumpling” bag and beautiful mesh ballets — 12 out of 10! Thank you for the inspiration and product highlights. Stay sassy and classy, Athens!
Wow! 12 out of 10 – thanks so much, Carolina Girl! Good to “see” you today 🙂 xo Kelly
Kelly that look is very cute. You lighten your hair which is a very good look on you.
Thank you, Julie! I did recently add some highlights to my hair, it feels very summery! Thanks so much for stopping by today, xo Kelly
Classy outfit, Kelly! Love the whole look. I’m adding more dressy shorts to my summer wardrobe these days. I feel I look better even running errands in them. I save my beloved denim ones for stay at home days.
Thank you, Nancy! I too, have been upgrading my shorts game this summer. But I also love the more casual styles too! Thanks so much for stopping by today, xo Kelly