Don’t go too casual in the warm weather.
1. Capri Pants with Socks and Running Shoes
This is a lethal combination that makes you look like a short, frumpy tourist on a European vacation. If you want comfort, pair your Capri pants with soft, flexible ballet flats or low slip-on sandals.
2. Crazy Crocs
Wear these Kool-Aid-colored rubber clunkers around the garden or at the cottage, if you must, but don’t even think about wearing them to the grocery store, a movie or anywhere else in public. Do you really want to look like a little kid?
3. Pantyhose with Sandals
Nothing looks tackier than socks with sandals. Pantyhose with sandals are a close second. Get a good pedicure, throw on some self-tanner and do it right. It’s summer—let loose.
4. Short Shorts
They say the legs are the last to go, but that doesn’t mean you should let it all hang out in Daisy Dukes that look like they’re stolen from your daughter’s closet. If you want to look classy while showing off your legs, try slim-fitting walking shorts or a cute, just-above-the-knee skirt.
5. Visible Pockets
White pants are a fabulous summer staple, unless all anyone notices are your huge white pocket linings. If those linings are taking center stage, simply have a seamstress cut them out. (Do you really ever use them anyhow?) Don’t forget the nude undies, thong or shapewear to avoid panty lines.
6. Denim Skirts
You many have looked “hot” in a jean skirt in your teens, but you’ll look like you’ve had one too many hot flashes if you wear one now. Short jean skirts are too rock ’n’ roll for a gal over 40, while long denim skirts say “dowdy farmer’s wife.” You’ve come a long way, baby! Trade in that passé jean skirt for a cute cotton one that lands at the knee, or just above the knee, to look up-to-date.
7. Tank Top with Visible Bra Straps
Edgy, yes; classy, no. This look is just too young for a mature woman, and if you wear it, you’ll end up looking sloppy, not sexy. Instead try wearing a skinny-strap tank top with a razor-back bra, or layer your tank with a second tank top: a youthful, but more age-appropriate look.
