Midlife Fashion. Summer Neutrals – How I’m wearing them.

When I started my blog, nearly three years ago, one of my aims was to discuss and share all things midlife. I wanted to communicate with other like-minded people who were entering into this phase and talk about living our best life, and what hits us at midlife, too.  I thought our age group was wholly under-represented, not only in the media, but in lots of ways.

I, like many women in this age group, had lost my identity, style, and fashion mojo. Up until now, most of my clothing was workwear or for running around, taxiing my kids and elderly parents, or food shopping – you get my drift?  I’d forgotten how to be self-indulgent, fashion wise, though my love for looking good had never left me. It just wasn’t the right time for me to spend time figuring it out.  So, when I reduced my hours, and my children had “sort of” left the nest, a few ago, I found I had more time for myself.

Not only did life slow down, but I suddenly had the time to explore what was fashionable and look at what would suit me. This opened a “Pandora’s Box”.  I  began to look at myself in a different way, like I did in my late teens and twenties.  Instead of buying outfits mostly to look presentable at work and function in my “day to day” world, I could be more adventurous.  I started to buy magazines, regularly, like I used to – as I now had the time to read them!

I began to follow a few bloggers and women on Instagram who I thought had great style and who gave me ideas – I found this to be so inspiring.  This led to me trying new styles, ones that made me feel good and lifted my mood.  I was never going to be outrageous, but I knew what suited me. I was also mindful that, in midlife, our body shape changes, too. So, there was this to consider. I had gone up a size – I’m now a 12 to 14. There is certainly bumps and bulges that weren’t there, ten years ago.

Since then, I am still enjoying my journey of not only finding my style, again, but trying new trends. The things I love tend to be mainly classic, with a little bit of up-to-date style and boho thrown into the pot.  I love effortless, easy “grab and go” outfits which make me feel great!  Now, I like to experiment and try something different. An example of this is the flares I saw on Instagram – I loved them (see them, here …….. and here).  A few years ago, I wouldn’t have thought of buying them – I’m getting bolder in my choices as I’m getting older, which is the way it should be.

As we slowly recover from the pandemic, I’ve realised we have a lot to be grateful for. It’s certainly been a lesson on how valuable life is and how we should make the most of what we have, and what makes us happy.  An example of this is, yesterday, I received a direct message from one of the midlife women I follow on Instagram saying that she and her partner have sold up in the UK, bought a boat and, when they can, they are off to travel around the Mediterranean. How exciting is that?!

Now, onto the fashion part.  I thought I would share with you what I’ve been wearing in the glorious weather we have been experiencing in the UK. Today, there is a little of the old and the new.  My first outfit is this oh so comfortable, loosely fitted, linen dress. It’s quite old. I’m wearing it with my cotton kimono which has the most beautiful boho print. It was such a great find, a few years ago, in a sale for £15.00, reduced from £69.99!   It’s a “forever garment”, which is great with jeans or on the beach over a swimming costume.

The linen dress has lost its whiteness over the years. So, to bring it back to life, I use Dr Beckmann Glowhite Fabric Whitener with Stain Remover (£6.24). It works a treat in bringing it back to new. Try it on your linen or white garments if they have lost

I’m quite chuffed with my second outfit which I bought in late Spring when the weather was freezing and new stock was beginning to appear on-line.  The reason for my “ huffiness” is because this top and trousers are so cool to wear, especially in the heatwave we have just experienced – very wafty and no tightness, here, as the trousers are elasticated at the back for extra comfort.

The linen top is advertised as “a dress” from Zara. I’m no prude, but a dress???  Both the wide-leg pants and top are a mix of cotton and linen. They have different neutral tones which I know isn’t for everyone but are my favourite – especially with a summer tan. Neutral tones can also be key pieces when creating an outfit – a perfect canvas to build on if a more vibrant pop of colour is your thing. When they are brought together, the outcome can be quite spectacular, and so flattering.  These wide-leg pants are easy breezy and so comfortable to wear,

Thank you for your time and I hope you have enjoyed reading this post!

All products are my own. This post may contain some affiliate links, if you click through to the product there is no cost to you, the small commission I may earn helps me with the costs of running my blog.

Please leave a message in the comments if you have any questions.

Take care.

Alison x

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