Normally I would advise against raiding your teenage daughter’s closet. There is nothing worse than a ‘forty something’ mom trying desperately to look young and hip… but today I am breaking that rule.
My 16 year old is away at camp in Canada this week, so I ‘borrowed’ her camo skirt to try out some outfit ideas. To avoid looking like a teenager, I am wearing the skirt low on my hips to add length. One less inch and I’d be in trouble! I also have kept things really simple by pairing the skirt with with a plain tank or graphic t shirt. My daughter would probably wear this with a tube or cropped top- but no thanks! Simple black slides or sandals complete the casual look.
I’d love to hear from you on which top you like best?!
For my outfit today I am wearing my favorite pants- my comfy joggers paired with a simple black tank.
As you can see in the before and after photos (and as I’ve been mentioning over and over) details matter! In the before, the tank is cotton and has a regular scoop neck. Nothing wrong with this look, but isn’t the one on the right more fun? This cute camisole from Uniqlo is made of polyester, and has a draped front which hangs better and doesn’t cling. I also like the neckline better, and the black lacy bralette underneath adds bit of sass and edge to the outfit. Changing the shoes from Birkenstocks to the peep toe wedges completes the overall look. If I get chilly, I can throw on a cute black Moto jacket. Have a great day!
Today I’m not doing a before and after outfit post, instead I’m asking for your help. I was shopping at Value Village looking for jeans for my demonstration on distressing jeans, and I stumbled across this floral skirt (with the tags still on it), so I bought it. It’s a bit of a risk for me, but I kinda like it. However, my husband said, where on earth would you wear that?
So, that’s where you all come in. Is this a keeper? And if so, what else should I wear it with? I like the black tank (although I may need to add a long necklace) and I think the denim jacket looks cute, but what else? When buying something new, I always try to think of at least 3 different ways that I can wear it, but in this case I am stumped! And if you hate it, that’s ok too! It won’t hurt my feelings! This is a learning process for me more than anything! That’s the whole reason I do this blog, not because I am an expert on style (I’m clearly not), but because it forces me to try new things, experiment with my clothes and have a little fun! Thanks for being a part of it!
You may notice that I took these photos before I went on vacation- a girl’s gotta plan her outfits, right? One thing I like to do when traveling is pick a few basic colors to build outfits around- then I can mix and match as needed. I usually stick to black, white and denim. They all compliment each other well, and it’s easy to come up with several different looks from just a few key pieces.
In my before look, the black t shirt’s neckline is too high- notice how in the after look the lower V neckline of my camisole shows a little skin (but not too much!). This is a great camisole as it has a cute little fold detail (see photo), which causes it to hang really well. I got this at Uniqlo, and it also comes in a bright orange color. Adding a necklace to the tank also gives it a little interest.
To change up the jacket, I rolled the sleeves, giving it a casual vibe. Lastly, I changed out my Birkenstocks for these cute summary wedges. These are from Clarks, and they are old- but what a great shoe. The color is so versatile, it goes with everything! I usually have a hard time wearing heels, but wedges are so comfy you can wear them all day. And look how much longer my legs look! Now I just need the desert weather to warm up a bit! It rained all day yesterday. Guess I shouldn’t complain, it’s better than snow!
I like this casual- perfect for running errands or attending weekend sporting events- type outfit.
I’m wearing my black skinny pants (these are not leggings- these are actually pants) worn layered over a black tank, then a denim shirt, then a black puffy vest.
It’s warm, comfy, and sort of stylish!
On the right, I’m showing a before picture of how not to wear denim! While I love the denim on denim look- this is too much!
Here’s another tough reader’s request! The reason this is tough is that the answer will totally depend on where you live!
Here in Seattle, it is unseasonably cold- so I would suggest a jacket or sweatshirt for the market.
Whatever you do, please don’t wear the outfit on the right.
This probably doesn’t even need any explanation- but just in case…
The cropped jeans are too short. By ending right below my knee- they make my legs look awkward and goofy. The cut of these jeans is also too loose, which is hard to see in the photos, but there is no shape to them. The gray fleece is so dull and boring, and lacks shape. As for the tennis shoes- you all know how I feel about them!
The outfit on the left is an improvement. The cropped jeans are a better fit, the cute quilted jacket will keep me warm, and the small details of the leopard belt and cute necklace give the impression that I made some effort.
I’ll be the first to admit, it isn’t the most fashionable outfit you’ll ever see- but keep in mind- this is for the market! Keeping is casual is key!
There are a few more important things to consider when choosing an outfit for a farmer’s market. One is that you want to be comfy, this means wearing supportive shoes (no flip flops or heels). You’ll also probably get dirty – so wear something that can handle a little dirt (those fruits and veggies come with the dirt on them), if it’s sunny- bring a hat to protect your face and lastly, you’ll need a great bag to carry your purchases in.
I’ve put together a few more looks below of suggested outfits, but please comment with your suggestions!
This fleece is a good alternative to the gray one- it’s a bright eye catching color, and has a little more shape to it.
This black fitted one is also flattering, it defines my shape and has an interesting collar.
If you’re lucky enough to live somewhere warm- this would be a cute outfit. It is Jennifer Aniston inspired- just a simple tank and jeans- but notice the small details (belt, necklace, fitted tank).
Jeans: Old Navy, Tank: Gap, Jacket: Nordstrom, Fleece: Old Navy, Black Sweatshirt: Lululemon, Shoes: Puma, Sandals: Dansko
I have gotten really into trench coats this year- as seen here and here.
Part of the reason- and I discussed a bit of this yesterday- is that it is perfect for hiding a not so flat tummy. I also love jackets because I am always cold- and a trench helps keep me nice and warm.
Today I’m sporting a cute cropped & belted trench. It can also be called a safari jacket. I have no idea if this is even still in style, I bought it a while ago at the Gap and just found it in my closet (love it when that happens!).
Some would advise against wearing this type of jacket- simply because all the pockets on the front add bulk- so if you’re big breasted, you may want to avoid this look.
However, being a B cup, I can use the extra padding up there.
On the right I am showing it with a black turtleneck, which just seems a little too buttoned up to me. It’s cute- but maybe too safe?
On the left I have replaced it with a tank- which shows a little more skin. On the bottom I’ve simply paired it with my dark skinny jeans and black ballet flats. Again, nothing earth shattering, nothing you’ll see on a runway- but a simple outfit that works in real life.
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Swing by Monday Mingle at Glamamom to see lots of other style ideas!
One way to look skinnier is to dress from head to toe in one color, then add a jacket.
Zipped up seems so stuffy!
Now that I’m doing this style experiment, I’m noticing that for fall/winter my shoes options are pathetic. Basically, I own black and brown boots- BORING! In order to expand my options, I made a little emergency trip to Marshalls last Friday and picked up a few new pairs. I wore one on Sat (the fur lined hiker boot seen here) and today I’m sporting another- introducing my new black booties!
I’ve paired them with skinny black pants (wardrobe staple), a black tank and a Chanel inspired jacket. I’ve accessorized with this cool necklace that I got at Forever 21. I like the way the beads play off the colors in the jacket.
On the right is my ‘before’ look. With the jacket zipped and the traditional trousers, I think I look a little dated. On my feet I have my trusty old boots- and to be honest, if I had to do a ton of walking, I’d probably say ‘screw fashion’ and wear these boots. They are really so much more comfortable.
But, in the name of style, I will thrust my feet into these silly booties and hope I don’t have to walk far!
Thanks for all the comments- please keep them coming! I rely on advice and tips from you more fashionable people!
While I love these trousers, they aren't doing much to make this outfit look young and fresh.
The skinny pant makes this look more modern.
These were $30 at Marshalls. Love them or hate them?
Everyday Mom Style 