Spring has sprung and is edging toward summer, but for some of us, the heat just hasn’t yet arrived. So looks with a dash of spring, like this white pants and floral ruffle top outfit, are in order.
As I was styling this outfit for photos, I was questioning whether or not to leave the top untucked, or with a quarter or half tuck as is currently the trend. In my head was, is leaving it out going to make me look older? Is untucked an old lady look? And then I was furious with myself. I decided I could wear it either way, whichever way looked best or however the heck I wanted to wear it!
The Current Thinking on Marketing to the Over 50 Crowd
Speaking of style for the “older” or over 50 crowd, I’ve been following an interesting series by Fast Company. They have journals and some very interesting online articles covering topics from business to education and write about current companies and trends in innovative practices. It’s always thought-provoking.
Here is the gist of one of the articles in the series The New Business of Growing Old:
Older adults are the most important consumer group businesses are ignoring. The number of people aged 50 and older is expected to rise to 3.2 billion by 2050, and spending among older consumers could reach $15 trillion next year. Yet most companies have zero clue how to cater to this population in a useful way; some outright exclude them.
Interesting, right? They made the point by asking when the last time was we saw an older gal or man in a car advertisement? Or a clothing advertisement? Not very often. While there are some ladies clothing companies that do cater to more mature women, they are in the minority.
While I do shop those stores, I often find myself buying trendier items from stores that cater to younger ladies. Hey, they do some bigger sizes, too!! Lol! It would be nice to see a store like Loft, or Nordstrom, or one of the other brands showing their clothing on “older” gals. As we all know, style is for everyone and doesn’t stop when one turns 50.
And now about the outfit…
The White Pants and Floral Ruffle Top Outfit
The pieces in this outfit come from three companies that seldom, if ever, feature older women” Nordstrom, Loft and Sole Society. But I know that lots of you–like me!!–style their clothing very well, thank you very much!
The white pants are exactly like the pink ones I styled in the post, Shop My Closet: Monochromatic Pink. They are soft and stretchy, and in the bright white that’s fresh for summer. A high waist and little slits at the ankle are the added details.
Florals tend to be a fashion biggie every spring. They look and feel so feminine and the patterns are so colorful. I picked this top up during one of Loft’s many sales, so it was a bargain. But more importantly, I love the different colors in the fabric, especially the mineral blue/green background. The vibrant colors in the pattern will go with many things in my wardrobe, and probably yours. And the long sleeves are a great transition piece while we wait for summer warmth.
Two Ways to Style Loft’s Floral Ruffle Top
What is it about YELLOW shoes?? Are you as crazy about them as me? You may remember these heeled loafers from earlier posts, and I thought they were perfect for bringing out the yellow in the pattern. These, too, serve as great transition accessories.
Suede Heeled Loafer (3 Colors)
For a final touch–the straw tote. Adding the tote gives the outfit a bit of a summer feel and accents the shoes and floral tones.
If you’re desperately waiting for summer and need a look that is a little less chilly, try this white pants and floral ruffle top outfit. Or just the floral top! But hurry. Loft is having a Mother’s Day Sale–just add the code MOM40 to get 40% off.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the ladies that make our lives special. We honor you all this Mother’s Day.
Love the whole look – thanks for sharing your pretty blouse. Jacqui Mummabstylish
Thanks, Jacqui! SO fun to see all the international representation on your Link Ups!
xx Darlene
Hi Darlene
I saw this top at the store, sooooo pretty! I love the grey blue color . It looks great with the vibrant white too and those mustard shoes. I always have the issue of tucking and not sure which way I like best on me. You did a grea tjob!
I have been shopping Mango and they do use models our age, which i like.
I have several LOFt tops I am eyeing but will wait for a sale!
thanks for lnking!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Hi, Jess. Yes, you have inspired me with the Mango dresses you’ve been styling! I will be checking them out, for sure. There are some companies who get it, but we still have a ways to go! And I only buy from Loft when they have a sale, so good thinking!
Have a great weekend!
xx Darlene
I love this! The shoes just pop and bring out the yellow from the blouse. And the blouse is so pretty: love that color!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Thanks for the sweet comment, Mireille! Once again, there is just something about yellow shoes, isn’t there? Lol!
xx Darlene
I love how you styled this! I love those shoes.
Thanks, Fonda. Yellow shoes always get noticed, don’t they?
Happy Mother’s Day weekend,
xx Darlene
I think younger girls look often so very basic!,, we,, are far more creative! Fab shoes Darlene!
Haha! Love that, Nancy. We do have to be a bit more creative, don’t we?? Ah, yes, yellow shoes…
xx Darlene
I just love these yellow shoes with that top! They really pop! And, that top is just so darling!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Thanks, Carrie! There’s just something about yellow shoes, isn’t there? And red, and orange…Lol!
Happy weekend!
xx Darlene