Summer Neutrals – How I’m wearing them.

Wearing my neutrals style

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.

My flares from “Other Stories”.

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

Posts you may also enjoy:

A Summer Dress When It’s Hot, Hot, Hot !

Three Ways I have Styled my Oversized White Shirt

Tutorial, Eyelashes and Eyebrows – How I Dye My Own

10 Comments

  1. You have some really great neutrals! I love that pretty white dress and your wide leg pants too! Blogging and following blogs has made me try new things too. It’s one of the things I love about it!

    • Me too, Laura. I enjoy the inspiration I get, some of the bloggers, they have such great unique style, like yourself. Enjoy the rest of your week.x

  2. HI Allison!
    I love the pieces you are wearing in this post! I have been looking for a new linen dress myself. I love them in the heat. Yours is lovely! I really love the 2 pieces you bought and I laughed too when you said it was a Zara dress! What, for someone 4 foot2? LOL. Anyhow, the two pieces look stylish and cool. I also really love the colorful floral you are wearing with the flares, the colors are brilliant on you.
    Thank you for Linking!
    jess xx
    http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

    • Thank you, Jess. I love it when the summer finally arrives and we can wear floaty, light outfits. Unfortunately we still have a way to go in the Uk. Have a lovely week.xx

  3. Thank you Gail. Styling can be a tricky business as we get older – though, at the moment I’m starting to be more adventurous. I really need to add more colour to my wardrobe though,I’m inspired by yourself and others who aren’t afraid of it. x

  4. All these are fabulous Alison, Love the easy to wear culottes. Thanks for sharing on my linkup – great to have you. Jacqui

    • Let’s hope the weather improves so I can wear them. Have a great weekend.xx

  5. These are lovely breezy outfits for summer with a wonderful simplicity. “Dress” haha!

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