Summer Get-Away Styles Over 50
It’s that time again when Sherry from Petite Over 40 and the 3 of us pool our memories and photos to create a Fab Collab that spans the generations. Over this coming week we’ll share memories of summer get away styles from the past as well as ways we style them today.
As you may realize, each of us was born in a different decade: Charlotte is in her 70s, Nancy is in her 60s, Jodie is in her 50s, and Sherry is in her 40s. As a result, our memories offer quite a range of fashion history! We each share a photo from the past that pertains to the theme. And with that photo we then include our story and thoughts about that time or picture. Then we put on an outfit of how we’d wear it today!! Some things are similar and some are very different!!
We’ve been sharing these histories for over a year now, and it’s always amazing how certain pieces of clothing can speak to us! I also love hearing stories from you my readers, about your memories of this same theme, so feel free to join in by commenting below!
The past
Many of my summer get away photos back from my younger days involved my friend, Heidi! She just turned 50 this summer, so I asked her to join me in reminiscing about our times together. And just for reference, in both photos, I’m the blonde on the left!!
Heidi!
THE OCCASION
Who knew there was such a thing as Singles Day at the Colorado Renaissance Festival? Well back in the late 1980s there was–and maybe still is today? It’s not a bad idea! Jodie and I could not miss this opportunity so we put on our pink tops and headed to Larkspur, CO to mingle with other singles. We met a couple of guys (one pictured) and had a great time hanging out with them at the festival. At the end of the day we left with them to go for a ride on their motorcycles. It was kind of scary and not the smartest decision but YOLO.
MY STYLE
I remember this pink T-shirt well – it had shoulder pads in it! I was working at Paul Harris at the time and purchased it there. My plaid shorts were a favorite and had a matching plaid button up short sleeve shirt that I would sometimes wear over the pink T-shirt thereby doubling up on the shoulder pads. I would like to say that this picture was taken after we rode motorcycles and that is why my hair is so big. But, that is not the case. At that time, my hair was permed and frosted on a regular basis by my mom.
Jodie!
Back in these days, I had quite a few cropped tops! Well, heck, I still had a muscular body from gymnastics, and the bottoms were more high waisted too! My hair was lighter than is is now but only because I used Sun In and lemon juice when I was out on the porch sun bathing! Yes, I used to try to tan quite a bit. I never was able to get as dark as Heidi, but this was tan for me!!
Heidi!
THE OCCASION
This picture would have been taken in the early 1990s when I was married and was living in St. Joseph, Missouri. My ex’s family had a house at the Lake of Ozarks and we spent a lot of time there during the summers. On this occasion, we brought Jodie and our friend Brandi with us (sadly, Brandi passed away from cancer in the mid-2000s).After a fun-filled weekend we headed back home and stopped at Gorilla Burgers in Gravois Mills to eat. Of course, we had to get our picture taken with the gorillas out front. And, I have a drink in my hand again!!! I‘m thinking it was water . . . as I mentioned, it was a FUN weekend.
MY STYLE
This white two piece set was like wearing pajamas (only with a belt). I loved the elastic waist band on the long shorts and the split front crop top. The only problem with the shirt was, when it caught a breeze, the top flap would fly up and expose one boob. So if it was windy outside, I had to hold the shirt down. Matching white/black beaded hoop earrings, black sunglasses and—though you can’t see them—black sandals. My hair had toned down a bit by this time as my mom was no longer giving me perms!
Jodie!
Hanging out with Heidi was always a blast because it was all about exploring and eating!! I think this is the outfit I wore to the airport home on this trip because I remember having to remove my belt to get through security, and having my shorts almost fall down!! As for my hair, it was bleached after a snafu at the beauty school!!
The Present
And here’s Heidi at her 50th birthday party on the left in pink with her sister!! She lives in Kansas City, Missouri and is the manager of marketing and events at KC Parks & Rec. I would have to laugh and consider it a perfect job for her!! She’s always been the “it” girl when it comes to having fun!!
These 2 photos of Heidi really show that her fabulous smile hasn’t changed a bit! If you check out her Facebook page, you’ll notice her love for any off the shoulder or cold shoulder looks!! She calls it her Summer Style of 2017!! In fact, she’s the one I contacted to find which strapless bra I should get, since I would always see her wearing these fun tops!!
Jodie’s (50+) Outfit: As for my summer get away look, I chose my white dress.
Why you might ask?? Well, for one thing, I’ve been trying to wear skirts and dresses more this summer! And I thought a white dress would be so versatile especially on any vacation. You can change up the look so easily with different color shoes or accessories. The 3 of us styled white dresses last summer, and my favorite variation was with the orange added in!
I know many women comment that they can’t keep white clean, but my mom will argue that it’s way easier to bleach the white items because there aren’t any other colors to worry about! So if you don’t happen to have one, then let me introduce you to this one , this one or this one! All of which would work nicely for a summer get away.
Of course I included a lightweight cardigan, since you never know what the stores or restaurants will be like temperature wise!! This cardigan is perfect for traveling because I can stuff it in a suitcase and it doesn’t wrinkle. It’s my latest piece from Covered Perfectly, and I have to admit, I’ve worn it more than I thought I would!!
I know when I’m on a summer get away, I will always take at least one cardigan and maybe even a jacket. I always laugh that I need my jacket for the inside not the outside at this time of year. There are many lightweight cardigans that fit the bill, like a sheer one or a lace trimmed one!
Of course the accessories are the funnest part of the outfit for me!
I haven’t been wearing my brooches that much this summer, so I thought this would be a perfect opportunity!!
And my hat is one of those scrunch-able ones, which I added the pom poms too with my glue gun just recently. But if you don’t want to DIY your own hat, there are some fun ones available for purchase. You could get your hat with tassels on it, a pineapple on it, a band around it, or words on it!
Dress: Max Studio-thrifted in my Thrift Box (similar here)~~Cardigan: Covered Perfectly c/o (here)~~Shoes: Kelly & Katie (similar here)~~Brooch: (similar here)~~Hat: (similar here)
Thanks to one and all of you for your support. It means more than you know!
The Facts
Even if you wouldn’t consider purchasing your clothing online, it can be helpful to look through my links to see what is available! It certainly doesn’t hurt my feelings, if you click on them but don’t like them. Just so you know, one of the ways I make money from this blog is through these linked items.
Keeping in Touch
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And if you’re new to the party, you can always see our outfits organized by categories, here! Don’t forget to check out the deals & discounts too, on this page!
In honor of Heidi and her love of off the shoulder and cold shoulder shirts and dresses, I rounded up a bunch for you. Your summer get away outfit could include any of these tops!
