Dress With Style & Confidence This Summer!

How does a 60 year old woman dress? However the heck she feels like it. My motto is to stay true to yourself and wear what YOU want. When I researched this on how should women over 60 dress, one of the things it said was to dress age appropriate and stay away from trendy clothing. I say ........

BAH-HUMBUG!

For me, dressing involves a mix of comfort and style. With that said, I do like to stay trendy. When I worked in retail, my clothing was a combination of business casual and everyday outfits. I was able to wear the clothing we sold and I loved that!

I wrote down 10 items that can all be found in my closet for the summer season. I live in Florida which tends to be quite hot year-round, except during winter when some days might feel a bit milder.

1. Shorts 

 For me, it's all about being comfortable. I typically go for "bike shorts" or some denim bermudas that are a bit longer on the leg since I've gained some weight recently.

2. Capris

 I do own a few pairs of capris, however, due to the sweltering temperatures in Florida I have opted for shorts instead

3. Sundresses

I've got an array of sundresses in my closet, perfect for when I'm needing something more dressy but want to stay comfortable in the heat.

4. Skirts 

I do have that one black skirt to wear when the occasion calls for one

5. Tops 

My favorite types of shirts are either capped sleeve or sleeveless. Caribbean Joe has a great range of these styles. I also find cotton t-shirts to be comfortable and Bealls in Florida is an excellent place to buy them, or you can purchase them online. Cato Fashions is another one of my favorite stores for shopping.

6. Shoes 

My go-to shoes are anything that slip on quickly - sandals, flats and my beloved Crocs Swiftwater Sandal.

7. Hats/handbags 

A few years ago, I bought a few hats while I was on a cruise. They still haven't seen the light of day in Florida yet, but I'm thinking of adding them to my wardrobe. More recently, instead of carrying a handbag, I've been using a crossbody style bag that stays close to me.

8. Sweaters 

My partner, Curtis, likes to keep the temperature low in our house, so I always make sure to wear my signature black sweater as I get chilled easily!

9. Jewelry 

I love to accessorize my outfits with pieces of jewelry that I made myself. I use wire and resin in a variety of colors to create earrings and rings that perfectly coordinate with my wardrobe.

10. Bathing suits 

I have a few on hand to keep it interesting since I can swim most everyday if I choose to. I do prefer the tankini with swim shorts.

Here are some simple tips I found for you to dress with confidence and style:

1. Know your body type.

The first step to dressing well is to know your body type. This will help you choose clothes that flatter your figure and make you feel your best. There are many different body types, so it's important to do some research to find out which one you have. Once you know your body type, you can start to look for clothes that are designed to accentuate your curves. They are out there ladies, even trendy clothing can flatter any body type if you choose wisely.

2. Choose clothes that fit well.

Well-fitting clothes are essential for looking your best. Clothes that are too tight or too loose will make you look frumpy and unkempt. When you're trying on clothes, make sure they fit you properly in the shoulders, chest, waist, and hips. You should also be able to move comfortably in your clothes. Like I said above, I prefer comfort. If my clothing is too tight, I am uncomfortable and it shows.

3. Emphasize your best features.

Everyone has their own unique beauty, so it's important to emphasize your best features when you're dressing. For example, if you have beautiful eyes, choose eye-catching jewelry or a scarf that will draw attention to them. If you have a great smile, wear clothes that show it off.

4. De-emphasize your least favorite features.

If there are certain features of your body that you're not happy with, you can de-emphasize them with your clothing choices. For example, if you have a large bust, choose tops that are fitted through the waist and have a bit of drape to them. If you have wide hips, choose pants or skirts that have a bit of a flare. Or if you are like me, I tend to wear a lot of black or dark bottoms. They say black is slimming? Although, you do you!

5. Don't be afraid to experiment.

The best way to find your own personal style is to experiment with different clothes and accessories. Try on different things and see what you feel most comfortable and confident in. There are no rules when it comes to style, so have fun and be creative. Wear the bright bold color tops!

6. Dress for the occasion.

When you're dressing, it's important to dress for the occasion. This means choosing clothes that are appropriate for the event you're attending. For example, if you're going to a formal event, you'll want to dress in something more elegant. If you're going to a casual event, you can get away with dressing more relaxed. Like my old standbys of a black skirt for funerals and more business like events, or for a summer party, a sundress or denim shorts with a bright flowery top.

7. Be confident.

The most important thing when it comes to dressing is to be confident. If you feel good about yourself, it will show in the way you carry yourself. So, put on your favorite outfit and strut your stuff! In my opinion, all women are beautiful in their own way. You don't need lots of money to dress confidently. There are so many second hand shops to purchase from that have gently worn clothing that you can rock. Also, look into making yourself a wardrobe capsule, where you have 10 items of clothing and interchange those pieces to make different outfits. You DON'T need a closet full of clothing to dress well and confidently if you choose to.

Additional Tips

• Accessorize wisely. The right accessories can add a touch of personality to any outfit. Choose accessories that complement your style and that make you feel like you can take on the world. The right accessories can be as simple as a pair of earrings! 
• Take care of your clothes. Invest in some good quality clothes that will last. Take care of your clothes by washing them properly and storing them in a cool, dry place. That is the best advice. I wash most of my clothes on delicate and hang dry all of my tops. I also wash my t-shirts inside out. Especially if they have a design on them.
• Have fun with fashion. Fashion should be fun! Experiment with different styles and see what you like. Don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and try something new!

Remember, dressing with style and confidence is all about feeling good about yourself. So, put on your favorite outfit and go out and show the world what you've got! Shake it baby!

YOU GOT THIS!