How do you decide what to wear each day? I first consider the weather, where I’m going, who I’ll meet, and the impression I want to give. How I want to be seen. Sometimes I want to dress up a teeny bit more than usual, while still wearing everyday casual. Sometimes I want to feel slightly more polished and ladylike.
Welcome to this week’s Hit Your Style Sweet Spot, my weekly collaboration with Pamela Lutrell from Over 50 Feeling 40!
Your Style Sweet Spot is when you know your appearance is sending the message you intend and feel confident you look your best. Last week Pam and I shared how we dressed for a for weight fluctuations, this week we’re dressing for summer outings.
This week my husband (my new photographer ) and I decided to go for lunch alfresco and a stroll through a great local plaza. Playing tourist in our own backyard was fun.
You know I love a great white shirt…and that’s where I started with this look. This effortless, no-iron, Lenae shirt is terrific…and is on sale in several colors!
This is most outstanding No-iron shirt. It came out of my washer and dryer looking freshly ironed! I’m very particular about my white shirts and usually touch them up with my iron a bit. This one doesn’t need it. I’m thrilled!
For years, I rolled my sleeves the obvious way. I started at the bottom…folding up the cuff…then continued by turning the lower section. I never liked the poor result.
Yup, this looks sloppy to me and always tries to unfold itself. Let me share a better way to roll your sleeves.
Rather than starting at the bottom with a cuff roll…fold your sleeve to the half way point of where you want it to end. Then fold once again, to enclose the entire cuff. The cuff and sleeve slit end, inside the fold, which results in a crisper looking cuffed sleeve. A small detail yes! But one that keeps your look polished. I use this technique for knit tops and sweaters too!
Style Tip: 3/4 sleeves help you appear taller.
I wore my So Slimming Brigitte Ankle Pants, which are beyond perfect for my lifestyle. They have a wide elastic (no roll) waistband and the perfect amount of stretch to fit and flatter my midlife body.
These are not the petite version, so I shortened them by one hem length.
This outfit could have had a very casual feel, but I wanted to dress it up. I wanted to feel dressier for lunch out, so upped my look with my accessories.
I wore my wide-brimmed black straw hat which always adds drama. Perhaps because so few women wear large hats?
I wore my faux pearl necklace which feels as elegant as my real pearls. That’s the magic of pearls! Whether real or faux, they add elegance to any look and a glow to our complexion.
After lunch, we had some fun sightseeing.
I haven’t been to the Blackhawk Plaza for years!!
We wandered over to the Blackhawk Museum for a peek. This life-sized elephant sculpture was magnificent!
I felt confident and stylish in this outfit. This is how I hit my Style Sweet Spot for lunch out and some sightseeing!
How about you? What helps you feel confident?
What helps you hit your Stye Sweet Spot? I want to know. My goal is always to inspire and help you.
Now let’s go over to see how Pam hits her Style Sweet Spot.
Have a great week ahead.
Chico’s Effortless shirt// Chico’s Slimming pants // Franco Sarto block heel sandal // Ray Ban sunglasses
Disclaimer: Chico’s provided the blouse and pants, all opinions are my own. Affiliate links in this post may provide income for AWSL. Please see my complete disclosure statement here.
Great sleeve tip. I’ve been making them sloppy for years!
So great to get the tip on rolling ones sleeves! I am from the sloppy camp! I love that Lenae shirt. I must try those pants they sure look fabulous on you!!
Thanks Cindy. I love the pants and think you will too!
I am not a very stylish person, I am trying to do better though. My thought process on what I wear is usually what’s clean and what the closest.
I find fixing myself up a bit makes a huge improvement in how I feel about myself. Take time for yourself. You deserve it!
This is a great look. Inspired by you I started wearing my hats. Now I have to get out my summer purses too. I can’t wear a white shirt for very long even though I would love to because I love my coffee and I am a pig with my coffee. Put me in a color and I seem not to have any problems. Go figure!
White tops have magic attraction powers!! I have the same problem but still love them.
I love your look, Jennifer. I also find I love an oxford shirt, white or other colors. I feel nicely dressed in them even though they’re casual. I love your shoes, too! The whole outfit is very inspiring 🙂
I agree Lisa. They feel so nice and crisp and polished while still staying casual.
Love that white shirt and the rolling cuff tip.
It’s a fabulous shirt!!
excellent post. needed that. never sure about collar up or down.
I like up in the back for my collars. It adds a little something.
I say this because I covet your style, because I covet your sartorial skill, and more than both of those because I’ve spent time with you off-line and I really mean it:
I need you to move in with me or at least come visit for a good long while 🙂
You’re darling Carla! I wish you lived nearer to me. Xx
I love the sleeve tip! Looking forward to the hat post. Thank you!
Sometimes it’s easier if you roll the sleeves prior to putting your shirt on! Try it.
Did I tell you I wore a huge, wide-brimmed, straw hat to an outdoor event. Can’t tell you how many women came up to me to tell me how great it looked; how they wished they had the courage to wear a hat, or they were jealous of my “shade.” xoxo, Brenda
So true Brenda…the shade factor is awesome:) I love the drama of wide-brimmed hats too!
I can’t wait to try the sleeving rolling tip! Such a simple thing, but I never would have thought of it. Thank you!
Sometimes it;s easier to do before you put your top on. Keep me posted!
Helpful post. You look great in hats. Do you have any tips for selecting hats and where to purchase?
I am writing a post on how to choose hat styles that flatter you. I love hat shops and also buy hats wherever I find them. Stay tuned.
I’m looking forward to the post- thank you.
I love your blog and the genius tip on rolling up a 3/4 sleeve is something I will definitely use and pass along. You have great style, thanks for sharing.
I’m glad you like it Julie! Thanks for reading.
Love a crisp white shirt. And no ironing you say??? Even better.
It came out of the washer and dryer looking brand new and freshly ironed!
Great sleeve-rolling tip. I always fought with sleeves, but no more!
Jen, you look fantastic in this outfit! I love your blog. Thanks for the tip regarding cuffs. I am always fighting getting my cuffs to stay neat. I will use this tip from now on. Thanks!
Thanks Marni! I use this for sweaters too:)
This looks fabulous!!
I think the shoes make a great difference also—I see so many people in dirty flip flops or teevas, which doesn’t seem polished to me!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I’m with you, Jodie. I totally agree about shoes. They can really make or break your outfit!
Would you share where you bought your hat?
I bought my hat in a hat shop in Napa several years ago. I’ll check for a link and see if they still carry it.
I love the tip on rolling up sleeves. You look great.
It takes some fiddling, depending on the sleeve, but is a slick trick!
Genius sleeve rolling idea! I’m definitely going to try it, as I am continually frustrated by the sloppiness of my roll up sleeves.
You look fab and polished as always!
Thanks Laurel. Sometimes it’s easier to do before you put your too on too.
Cute post and really helpful! I love these pants and top…and it is perfect for the occasion!
That too just came out of my washer and dryer looking brand new and freshly ironed! I’m in love. A true no iron white shirt!
Oh the pants are fabulous Pam. So comfy. And I’m crazy about this shirt! So crisp and washed like a dream.
Hi Jennifer,
Love your look today. I actually have this blouse from Chicos and love it.
I would like to ask your opinion on the sandals. I was wondering what you think of the “fit” on these? I have a fairly narrow foot and upon reading reviews on Nordstrom, a few people say order 1/2 size down. As I really need a 10 1/2 and these done come in that size I was wondering if you also think the length runs long or short?? Right now they are available so I was hoping you could comment!
Also, congrats on your new traveling adventures! My sister and her hubbiemhave. 45′ motor home which they live in all,winter in Florida and it is just a way of life they love!
Have a great day! Carol
I have a wide foot. I thought they did run a bit large too so you might be fine! If prefer them just to try. There’re so cute and comfy. Let me know!
Love it – and what a great tip on how to roll a cuff!
Works in all sleeves too Cathy:)