My Style Challenge was born from a bit of overwhelm. When I look in my closet, I have lots of clothes and shoes (I think I may have a problem) but I tend to wear the same outfits in the same way, every time I wear them. So, I decided to challenge myself for the months of July and August to shop my closet and to wear pieces in different ways. I also wanted to wear a different outfit every day of the week. You can see my daily outfits in my Instagram stories.
I would say that my style is dressy casual with a bit of the unexpected. I like pops of color and I also enjoy monochromatic looks. As for color, I choose colors that flatter my skin tone. One thing I don’t do is dress by society’s norms. I wear jeans, short skirts, shorts, and sometimes there is cleavage and bare shoulders – oh my!
I thought I would post some of my favorite outfits from July and I linked the items or the store. This will be my first blog post of this type so I would appreciate any comments or suggestions that you have.
I am a huge fan of White House Black Market Outlet, Loft Outlet, Marshall’s, and Old Navy. My shoe preferences are Blowfish Malibu, Nine West and random brands that I find at Marshall’s. As much as I can I like to shop at the outlet stores.
So here are several looks that I wore in July. I picked my four favorites and I will tell you why.
Business Casual for the Office
Skirt – Loft Outlet
Top – Marshall’s
Jacket – Loft Outlet – the link takes you to the denim jacket. Stores have it in white!
Shoes – Target
This outfit made me feel stylish and a bit sassy. I purchased the top and shoes last year. The jacket and skirt were recent purchases from our beach trip.
I love how clothes can make you feel a certain way. This outfit made me feel very confident and was business casual appropriate for the office.
Another outfit that made me feel super sassy!
Dress – Old Navy
Jacket – Loft Outlet
Shoes – I opted out of shoes for this photo!
Friday Business Casual
Love the stripes and the ease of this dress. I have had it for two years and it still looks as good as the day I purchased it.
You will notice a theme in my outfits – always a jacket, sweater or some sort of cover-up. I freeze most of the time.
The jewelry in this photo is from the She Tris that I did in Charleston, South Carolina a few years back. Another outfit I wore to the office that is totally appropriate.
A trendy and stylish outfit
Wide Leg Pants – Loft Outlet
Top – White House Black Market
Cardigan – Loft Outlet
Shoes – GH Bass & Co from several years ago
I went shopping on my birthday and found these fabulous wide leg pants with a paperbag waist that ties and pockets. I was really unsure about the wide legs on me but what I found is that it balances me and I have one long, lean looking line. The cardigan is one of my favorites. I wear it with green and khaki or jeans. I love the neckline and detail on this one.
Casual Birthday Outfit
Shorts – Gloria Vanderbilt
Top – Old Navy
Kimono – Amazon
Shoes – GH Bass & Co.
Earrings – Modern Sage Designs on Etsy
So, the morning I woke up to my 57th birthday, I decided that I wanted to look nice for shopping at our local outlet mall. I had not even taken the tags off these shorts that I purchased last year at Costco.
The Kimono came from Amazon and the color was supposed to be gray but it is actually a pretty shade of lavender. I have several linked in my Amazon Store. I like how it paired with the shorts thanks to the shades of green in it. A white top is always appropriate in the summer humidity. And this one shows off the shoulders!
I am getting a lot out of this challenge. It’s fun to have my husband take my photo each day. He does it with a smile and always tells me I look great!
I hope you find something here that you like or that one of my outfits gives you an idea. Happy weekend ladies!
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Hi, I also have a lifestyle blog for women in midlife, so I’m glad I found you! All of your choices are so cute! I think it’s important to dress in styles that make you feel beautiful and comfortable as well. I love the outfits, especially the olive green pants and the jean jacket with the dress! Sincerely, Melissa Damiani | https://www.gratitudegraceglamour.com
Thank you so much for visiting my site. Are you in any of our midlife Facebook groups – Instagram Over 50, The Midlife Blogging Community or Influencers of Midlife? If not, you should check them out!
I love the outfits you posted. As you said, classy with a modern touch. I love the simplicity of each look. I also shop for jackets and cardies a lot as I also feel very cold.
I am always cold so jackets or sweaters are always part of my process when picking my wardrobe. Thank you for visiting me!
Happy Birthday, Kim!!!!
I totally enjoyed today’s post.
For me having a great wardrobe is all about being able to dress for any occasion in style and comfort.
You, girlfriend, have accumulated an amazing wardrobe!
Thanks for sharing it with us!
Rosemary xoxord
Distinctly Southern Style
Thank you so much Rosemary. I enjoy clothes but was feeling a bit overwhelmed by them thus the challenge.
Kim
I love the red dress and the jean jacket! I almost always wear layers, especially when teaching. It can be ice cold in my classroom, and then I’ll walk outside and it will be sweltering.
Thank you. The red dress is one of my favorites. I have had this dress for several years and still love it.
Hi Kim! Happy birthday to you! I love this post, you look beautiful in every single outfit and I love your choices! It helps me think of how I could put outfits together differently in my closet! I think the challenge is a great idea!
We are using the hashtag #shopyourclosetover50. Please join when ever you create an outfit from your closet!
Happiest of birthdays Kim!
I love the clothes in my closet and tend to wear them year after year.
Except they may have a different city. I wore many clothes in my closet to Vancouver and Nashville. ( Yes I was in Nashville in July but it was only for 3 days with hubby. I would have loved to have seen you but it was too short and I was sightseeing!)
You are a good friend!
Robin
Oh, I would have met up with you anywhere! I like to wear them too year after year!
Much love,
Kim
Happy Birthday Kim. You look lovely in each outfit. I have many outfits in my wardrobe, need to experiment with different combinations pairing with tanks and pants. It is boring all the time to wear same combination. Thanks for reminding, I need to pip in to my wardrobe.
It has been fun and I am continuing it for the month of August!
What a great challenge! I have way too many clothes in my closet and tend to wear the same things, the same ways over and over. It’s easy to get in a rut, for me. Good job with this post !
Hugs,
Melanie
It has been fun!