Looking for wearable summer fashion inspiration?  These posts show the latest summer fashion trends translated into real life outfits for the average women over 40.

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GINGHAM

If you’re looking for something fresh for your summer wardrobe, you’ll be pleased to know that gingham was a major trend on the runways.

SHOP THE LOOK:

4th of July Fashion!

If you are in the market for some great independence day looks but don’t want to break the bank check out what FTF found for you!  Bathing suits, cover ups, tops & tees and even a great beach bag!  All from Venus all at great prices.   If you see something you like we recommend you place your order soon as these are seasonal pieces that sell out quickly.  Visit Venus online for all the details!

5 Trends for Summer 2017

 White mules, corset belts, bracelet bags, baseball caps, feminist tee’s

How to Style your Converse

I love my cons!  They come hi and low and in all kinds of colors and designs.  I wear mine with jeans but you can wear them with shorts, skirts and dresses too!  They are so versatile and fun.  If you are looking to add a pair or two to your wardrobe check out the selection below.  Special thanks to Sophie James for modeling her classic white high-tops!

#howtostyleyourconverse

#converse

Booties, Booties, Booties, Booties, Booties Everywhere!

Ankle booties are the most versatile footwear ever.  They look great with shorts, skirts, dresses and jeans!  And they are the perfect way to transition an outfit from summer to fall.  Below are some of my favorite looks.  If you are looking to add booties to your wardrobe I’ve picked out a great selection for you!

Lace Up…Everything 

A current trend is lace up everything (tops, skirts, shorts)…This trend will continue well into the fall/winter.  We like the simple detail of the laces, which can be the focus of a top, skirt or shorts.  This trend will look great on all ages!

Shop the look:

The Bold Shoulder!

A big trend this summer is off the shoulder shirts.  Bare shoulder shirts are fun, sexy and look great on all body types.   I wanted to add one to my wardrobe so when I found this one from American Eagle Outfitter I ordered it right away.

It was as adorable as I thought it would be!  However, when I put it on I wasn’t convinced it looked good on me.   I immediately went downstairs to model it for my husband, Mark, who is the self- appointed fashion police in the McCaffrey household!  “Can I pull this off?”  I asked him.  “You know how you are always looking for things that hide your sins?” he said with a smirk, “that shirt is acknowledging them.”  After we both stopped laughing (you have to admit that was a pretty funny line) I had to agree with him.  The shirt didn’t look awful on me but it wasn’t doing me any favors either.  My chubby middle, which I am forever trying to camouflage, was actually being accentuated by this shirt for two reasons.  First it has a short torso and second it has a banded elastic waist. Both of which were accentuating my middle.  It is an adorable shirt but it is better suited for petite women with tiny waists as you can see below thanks to my models Lynn and Annie!

I still wanted to add an off the shoulder top to my wardrobe so I started my search over.  This time I looked for shirts that flowed away from my waist.   The good news was there were a lot of great choices. I purchased one from Charlotte Russe and loved it the minute I put it on.  It also got an enthusiastic thumbs up from my husband!

I think the lesson learned here is that if you aren’t thrilled with how something looks take a step back, figure out why it doesn’t look good, and then adjust.  You’ll be happy with the result!

If your looking to add an off the shoulder shirt to your wardrobe check out the selection below!

#offtheshoulder

#boldshoulder

Bell Sleeve Tops to Wear Now And All The Way Into Fall!

Bell sleeves; a 70’s fashion look that is on trend right now. What we like about this trend is that it’s a bit romantic, a little bit boho and flattering.   They pair well with any summer outfit and the best part is that buying one now assures you on-trend come fall. Insider info: these sleeves are not going away any time soon. It’s a great buy now/wear now and later item! So check out some of our picks available to shop right now.

Shorts:  One Style Multiple Colors And Prints

Is it wrong to purchase the same pair of anything in different colors and sizes?  I think not!  If I find something that fits great, looks terrific and is comfortable, I buy them in multiples!  My favorite shorts are from Kohl’s.  The brand is Elle.  The reason I think they’re terrific is because they fit my curvy figure – hips, thighs and derrière.  Additionally, the price point is excellent!  Remember spend less if you intend to switch them out next season!

Shop the Top from Chico’s:  Jacquard Fringe Top

One Sweater Worn Three Ways that Hides a Million Sins!

I was shopping with my besties, Lynn and Julie, which is always a great time!  I was looking for something I could wear with the fringed maxi dress I purchased from venus.com

If you read our blog, you know I am always on the hunt for pieces that will hide my upper arms.  It can be tricky because the piece has to compliment the outfit and also be very light weight in order to remain cool on hot summer days.

I was feeling defeated because I wasn’t finding anything; and I loved this maxi dress and wanted to wear it this summer but wasn’t comfortable wearing it bare armed.  Then we popped into Nordstrom.  I showed the sales associate my dress and asked for help.  When shopping for something to go with a piece I already own, I always bring that piece with me so I can see the complete look.  Within minutes she had me in a dressing room with 3 or 4 different options.  As soon as I tried the NIC + ZOE cardigan I knew I had a winner!   The color is perfect and the linen blend fabric is as light as a feather.  What I didn’t know was it can be worn three different ways, open, tied, and wrapped.  This sweater does so many things right.  It looks amazing on, hides my arms and chubby middle when tied or wrapped and comes in a variety of beautiful colors.  It is offered in misses, petite and plus sizes.  The price is a little steep but it is like getting 3 tops in one.  I think it is definitely worth the investment!

If you’d liked to add one to your wardrobe you can can find it at most major department stores, online or just click on one of the pictures below.

Every Girl Looks Better in a Sundress!

Maxi Dresses – A look for all Ages and Body Types

Does anything say summer like a maxi dress?  There are so many things to love about maxi dresses.  You can wear them to almost any occasion from a fourth of July BBQ to a wedding.  They never go out of style and they look as good on baby boomers as they do on millennials.  Maxi dresses also flatter all body types.  It doesn’t matter if you are tall or short, curvy or lean, have a boyish frame or an hour glass figure, you can rock a maxi dress!  And you can find them everywhere in tons of styles and at all price points.  What’s not to love?

This season geometric patterns, ombre, fringe and high low are some of the hottest trends.  FTF sourced some great Maxi dresses at great prices so let your fingers do the walking and peruse the selection below to find the one that is right for you!

Special thanks to my niece, Brittany Howle, and my neighbor, Liza Madden, for modeling their dresses!   Brittany bought her high low maxi from Kohl’s and her floral dress from Lulus.com.  Liza purchased her dress from the Loft and my fringe dress came from venus.com.

FTF thinks that lace tops and trendy floral pants are for all ages and here’s how we made it age appropriate.  When wearing floral pants, if you’re petite similar to our model Karen Ohan on the left, you should pick pants with a smaller floral print so as not to overwhelm your petite frame.  If you’re average to larger, similar to myself, you should choose a floral pant with a larger print.  This might seem counterintuitive.  However, the larger print will actually minimize your size.  I paired a lace top from Ann Taylor with my floral pants from Talbots and added a large, chunky pearl necklace, bracelet and earrings to complete the look. The lace top is lined and, therefore, doesn’t cling to my chest or midsection, which I prefer to minimize as well.

Mix and Match:

I recently went on a lunch date with my Aunt Mary Ann.  I decided to wear my lace top, which I purchased at Ann Taylor on a shopping spree with Cindy over spring break.  (I love my summer and spring breaks!)  I paired my lace top with my distressed jeans.  On another occasion, I paired a solid mint green top with my floral pants.  This keeps the floral pants the focus of the outfit!

Shop the Look:

Floral Pants from Talbots sizes 2 – 24 (comes in petites, misses and woman’s)

Plus Size Floral Pants

Lace Top sizes extra small and small (similar to Karen’s)

Lace Top with Short Sleeves sizes small – extra large

Plus Size Lace Top

Petite Lace Top

White Pumps

Pearl Statement Necklace Gold

Pearl Statement Necklace Silver

Sunglasses

Camouflage Your Arms and Still Stay Cool

I am always on the hunt for trendy flattering tops that will conceal aging upper arm skin, hide my chubby middle and keep me cool in the hot summer heat. I hit the jackpot with the three tops below!  The tee in the middle is from Talbot’s.  I love the rolled tabbed button sleeve – it is just long enough to provide coverage and yet short enough to keep you cool.  It comes in a variety of colors, stripes and patterns and is currently on sale(see below).  The Navajo fringed paisley top is from Boston Proper and the hot pink cut out top is from Venus.

Wardrobe Essentials for Summer 2016

This post is certainly not a comprehensive list, but it should be a good starting point. These are pieces that are on trend this summer and should provide a basic foundation for your wardrobe.   We were excited to see that based on the trends, our closets have some of these items waiting to get worn!   You will need to determine which pieces you should add to your wardrobe based on your own lifestyle and needs, but here are some you might want to consider:

#1.   Basic White, Black and/or Gray T-Shirt

This probably goes without saying, everyone should have a few quality t-shirts that you can wear alone with a great accessory or layer under your jackets.  Be sure you choose the neckline that is most flattering on you.

You don’t need to break the bank on a good quality t-shirt.   We found a great Boyfriend Pocket Tee for $13 at Old Navy!

#2.  White Jeans

White jeans make a statement and goes well with everything from neutrals to pastels to all the brights that are out.  This season cream, eggshell and ivory are the new whites.   It’s a new spin on the traditional shade.   We’ve also seen them blended together for a head-to-toe look.  The most important thing is find a pair that fits well and make sure the material is thick enough that you can’t see through it!

We like NYDJ because they hide all the problem areas.  But you can certainly find decent white jeans for less if your budget is tight.

#3   A Denim Dress

Denim dresses are a huge trend this summer.  We all love our denim! If you saw our FB post, Cindy has it as a definite item on her spring shopping list.   While many of the spring trends are showing a short denim dresses, we still think we can make them age appropriate  by adding leggings underneath.   Make sure to check out Julie’s OOTD on our Pinterest board to see how she is wearing a short Denim dress with leggings.

#4  A Bright Jacket/Blazer

We love a good Jacket/Blazer!  They work well for work and can hide those problem areas!  But they are also great and on trend right now with a pair of boyfriend jeans or skinny jeans for a fun casual look.  With all the great colors out for spring, finding a bright jacket/blazer will be a great piece to add to your wardrobe.  Cindy is obsessed with this unstructured orange jacket from Cabi.

#5.  A Denim Jacket

We all have a denim jacket in our closet. In fact, we all have several denim jackets in our closet!  Black denim and white denim are other colors we own.  Because like shoes…you can never have too many!  We love how it dresses down a dress or skirt. It also looks great over a basic tee with white jeans and statement necklace.

#6  Stripes and Floral

It’s not spring without some sporty stripes, and this year you’ll be seeing many types of stripes and many of ways to wear them. We love a black and white striped jacket mixed with a floral top.  Also new for spring fashion 2016 – stripes, running up and down, sideways, corner to corner and every which way combined.  A striped piece is timeless, so its a great investment if you are on a budget. Here’s an example of Julie wearing the look.

#7  Wedge Sandals

Wedge Sandals are a must for spring and summer. If you’re only going to have one pair, go with a neutral tone.  We like this pair from Michael Kors.

#8  Layered or Statement Necklace

Statement pieces continue to a trend and always up levels an outfit.  If you struggle with the bold statement look, consider the more delicate layered looks that are a huge trend in jewelry this spring.

#9  Must Have Handbags

The simplest way to perk up even your most basic outfits this season is with a statement bag.   The best part?  The trend is offered in every style & color you can imagine, from mini bags (think iPhone Wallet) to straw totes, satchels and crossbodies; so you can certainly find one that speaks to your personal style and be practical at the same time.