Dressing Room Diaries: Casual Wear for Hot Days
Welcome to the Sunday edition of dressing room diaries. During this weeks try on session my hair took the usual beating, the lighting could have been better and my pictures could be in better focus. Here’s an opportunity to see some new things styled on a real woman over 50 who weights more than the models that brands show us clothes on.
This Check Boyfriend Shirt comes in several colors. I am wearing the Orchid, which is fresh looking.
The shirt looked boxy over straight legged pants so I tied it at the waist and prefer the proportion. These are the NYDJ linen trousers which I love…with a little hemming. They’re a stretch linen which is very comfy. The trouser style is slightly dressier than a 5 pocket or pull-on style.
This Linen Tee came in 12 colors and fits beautifully.
It’s available in petites and regular, this is a regular M. It’s got an organza type flounce at the bottom which feminizes and dresses it up a bit.
The tee is thin enough to tuck into these high waist pants by Emerson Rose which is described as 9-5 wear but I think they’re a great basic black pant with stretch. These have a higher than usual waist which I love!
I topped them with this fun knit peplum jacket which comes in 5 colors, regular and petite. I prefer the regular length on me. It puts the shaping at the right place for my long torso and I always roll my sleeves anyway.
Here is the same linen Tee in black, one size smaller which felt too tight.
Little House on the Prairie comes to mind with this skirt but I liked it. It’s 100% cotton and would be very cool on sweltering days.
Note- You can see how the proportion changes with the tee tucked in. My legs look longer and I appear taller. The V-neckline looks slightly deeper but I look stouter through the middle.
This linen dress was great!
I like the directional stripes which are figure flattering. It also comes in a warm coral stripe. The deep side slits make it easy to move in and it is totally opaque so no slip needed.
This great layered dress is on sale in plus size in indigo here and deep navy here. It’s a great dress but sale things go fast so I couldn’t link to the one I am wearing in my size. The striped cardigan is a linen blend and is perfect to toss over everything.
This blouse is a peasant shape which is not my best look but I was surprised to like it. The cutout V at the neckline and striped fabric save it from looking too boxy. It comes in petite and regular.
I tossed on these gauzy tie waist culottes because I loved the color and fabric.
I love the wide leg but the paper bag waist is too much for my short self. These would be fun on a thinner woman with a curvier shape.
I tossed my own dress back on and topped it with this cool denim jacket.
It’s a slightly distressed denim with stretch and a fitted silhouette. It comes in petite and medium. I am wearing the regular length so the waist shaping is in the correct place on me.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on yesterdays Would You Wear It. I give you my opinion on clothes all week so I enjoy hearing your opinion on Saturday.
Thanks for reading ladies and have a great day!
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Love your comparison examples! What a neat idea to show those different looks, side by side.
Could you please give me some insite into how a denim jacket should fit?? I desperately need / want one but have no idea where it should fall, and they all seem tight across the shoulders. Help!
Look for denim jackets with stretch built in. The shoulders will be snug because of the number of seams, construction and bulk of the denim. The stretch helps offset this. They come in various lengths depending on the style. If it’s a boxy cut it’s most flattering on the shorter side. Mine do close but it’s not mandatory because I seldom button mine all the way up. I hope this helps.
The blue linen tee with white pants…great summer look. The denim jacket and dress is a look that I really like. For the summer I would pair it with my J Jill white denim jacket. On cool evenings and nights with the denim jacket. Thanks for the dressing room diary. Always interesting to view your choices. Amelia
I liked your choices. The black pants with jacket is nice and flattering. The gathered pants not so much. The grey striped dress looked very nice, better on you than the model on the website. Thank you for the hyperlinks, I did not know Nordstrom had that large of a plus department. I found many things that I liked. Also saw the dresses from yesterdays post , still not liking them for myself. I need fitted at the shoulders. I enjoy your posts and pictures , they give me inspiration! Thank you
I am so happy I provide inspiration…that is my goal!! Thanks for being here Debbie
Jennifer, I love the stripped linen dress! I wonder what you could wear over it, as I don’t wear sleeveless and it gets really hot in Utah in the summer. Maybe a solid color & really light weight? Or would it make it look too bulky?
I’d wear a waist length lightweight linen cardigan.
I love seeing the styles you select. It helps me try something new and stay current.
I’m glad you’re encouraged to try new things! Staying current helps us remain visible which is important as we age.
I really like the peplum jacket and black pants on you. The outfit makes you look younger.
The linen striped A line dress is very nice on you.
Thanks for the posts, it helps me expand my thoughts on different styles. It’s great to see how different styling will make a difference. I need to look into this new linen. I always felt messy in traditional linen.
Linen comes in do many weaves now. They tougher ones can’t be pressed crisp and are so perfect for hot weather!! Try some!
I agree with Dorothy….love the different outfits. I also learn what might work on my body type and size. Encourages me to get out of my box!!!!
Yay!! It makes me happy to know I’ve encouraged you to try new things Janette
Love the long gingham skirt and the tee untucked!
I really like all the pieces here, except for the culottes. The linen dress is so cute but I would shorten it a few inches as well as the gingham skirt. I always look forward to your posts. They have helped me figure out how to dress and look nice at this time of my life (I’ll be 61 next month).
I often shorten clothes to make them
A more flattering length too. I’m glad you’re enjiying these. Early Happy Birthday wishes Dorian!
I so enjoy your Dressing Room posts. Even if I wouldn’t wear an outfit that you show us, I learn ideas from each one of them. The smile on your face when you feel comfortable in an outfit lets us know when you are comfortable in the styles you show. Thank you for continuing to share your ideas with us. I enjoy all of your posts.
I’m glad you like them. It’s fun and I hope helpful.
Love the fancier t-shirt and some of the dresses!
I appreciate you showing different ways to style one piece. I do have a tendency to style things the same way all the time and this helps.My favourites on you are the linen dress and peplum jacket.
Changes in proportion make such a difference with the same garments.
The long dresses looked great although I would shorten the prarie skirt 3 inches to show ankles. Like the peplum jacket. I will look into these!!