As you know, I am off to Hawaii with Todd and my parents in a few weeks. My mom has asked for some help determining what she should wear while we’re there. My mom is cute, around my size, with short black hair and dark eyes. She’s fairly conservative (in regard to her style and her finances) although she’s lightened up a bit in recent years.
I’m starting with some pool/beach looks. Obviously she won’t choose from all of them, but I wanted to give her some options. As you’ll see, she’s not a bikini person, and she’s 54 so trend-saturated looks are a no-go.
Look One – Modified Riviera
Strictly for the pool, a look that’s a bit less casual. I love the keyhole detailing on the suit and I think deep cuts are flattering on most everyone. You have to wear a heel for this look, but let’s face it, heels are ridiculous at the pool unless you’re Ivana Trump and it’s 1987. A wedge is a good alternative, and I like that this one feels more earthy. Jewelry is key but earrings are the only appropriate pieces to wear in the sun (tan lines), I love the warmth of these. The basket-weave clutch is an awesome alternative to a woven tote, and wearing an over-sized hat in black is so chic. A creamy blush in a violet hue can double as lip color and classic red nails paired with a swipe of black eyeliner finish off the look.
Look Two – Nautical
This more conservative, fresh from Cape Cod, look is perfect for my mother. I adore the J Crew suit and what is more east coast classic than a Lands End canvas tote? In red, naturally. I added the woven fedora to push the look up a notch (and I think my mom would look cute in one). You can pop on a pair of khakis and, if it’s cool out, a crisp white denim jacket and easily wander around town and have a quick lunch.
Look Three – Bohemian
My mom loves tunics (although, strangely enough, doesn’t own any) so I had to pull together a bohemian look. The suit is easy and classic, pairing nicely with the sheer ivory tunic. A pair of t-strap sandals feel more elevated than flip flops and sunglasses with a round frame lend a hippie vibe. Nars’ bronzer/blush duo is one of my favorites. Use the blush (in Orgasm) on the cheeks and eyelids and brush the bronzer over the temples and collarbone. The Multiple in Copacabana gives the requisite glow.
Look Four – All Day
Although my mom is a one-piece kind of gal, I thought she might want to try a split tank suit. Just as much coverage, but more versatility, and you can always hike up the top portion to tan your stomach. This look is meant to carry her from the beach to a casual dinner, with plenty of layers to keep her comfortable in the Hawaii “cool.” Coral on the nails feels fresh and Benefit’s Benetint is perfect for layering on a deep rosy lip for night. An oversized bag can hold a clutch and even a dressier pair of shoes for din-din.
Look One – Avon Mark SoHo Sunglasses ($10), Straw Studios Alexis Rattan Clutch ($40), Melissa Odabash Alexia Cutout Swimsuit ($61), J Crew Summer Straw Hat ($34), J Crew Cleo Platform Wedges ($165), Ann Taylor Loft Stone Drop Earrings ($29.50), Maybelline Kohl Eyeliner ($2), NARS Lip Lacquer in Eros ($24), Essie A-List Nail Polish ($8)
Look Two – AE White Denim Jacket ($49.50), Kiehl’s Lip Balm No. 1 ($7.50), Old Navy Khaki Shorts ($19.50), Ann Taylor Basket Plaid Scarf ($34.50), Gap Leather Flip Flops ($24.50), Lands End Medium Canvas Tote ($22.50), J Crew French Sailor Tank Suit ($82), Essie Jackie Oh My Nail Polish ($8)
Look Three -Tracy Reese Beach Towel ($20), Kate Spade Stud Earrings ($38), Calypso Cotton Tunic ($50), Fred Flare Scarlet Sunglasses ($11), J Crew Solid Ruched Tank ($78), NARS Highlighing/Bronzing Duo in Orgasm/Laguna ($38), NARS The Multiple in Copacabana ($38), Essie Ballet Slippers Nail Polish ($8), Pierre Dumas Sheila Flats ($39)
Look Four – Delia’s Alta Braided Slingback Sandals ($39.50), Old Navy Tankini Top ($19.50), Old Navy Hipster Bikini Bottoms ($16.50), Lands End Cotton Linen Scarf ($19.50), Anthropologie Tucked Away Blooms Cardigan ($88), J Crew Garrison Tote ($150), Essie Shop Till I Drop Nail Polish ($8), Benefit Benetint ($28), AE Denim Shorts ($34.50)
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
My mama has recently been asking for style advice, too. She just hit 50 and wants to make the transition into her 50s smoothly and avoid being frumpy. This is so sweet for you to take the time and put all theses options together for her.
Cute, cute, cute!! You should do more of these lookboards–they’re great!
love this! I am a 50 year old hidden in a 29 year old’s body- I have given up on bikinis and just bought 2 new one pieces for our honeymoon. wish I had seen this first though, I would totally try to pull off the Riviera look. and the Bohemian style would be perfect for Tulum! :)
Anna, you’re going to Tulum? Where are you staying? Love it, and congrats on getting hitched :-)
oops- going to Antigua for honeymoon, but I’ve been to Tulum a bunch of times for family vacations. we always stay in Akumal, 20 min north of Tulum but go there for the beaches/restaurants.
You’re so sweet to do this for your Mum! At the moment my look book is made up of an actual book with outfits I like from magazines glued into it. I would love for you to do one for me; that would be a great prize to give away on the site actually! Also I want to learn how to do it myself.
Sorry to boss you around on your own site Penny.