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2 Memorial Day Outfits #FashionFriday

Happy Friday, friends! I’m super excited to be teaming up today with Tania from 50 Is Not Old to share some Memorial Day style inspiration!

I styled two outfits — one that’s on the more casual side and a more dressed-up look for when you want to look polished yet festive for this inaugural summer holiday!

If you don’t know Tania, she is a hoot. I absolutely love to read her posts. Not only does she share wearable fashion for women over 50, but she always spins a story and has such a way with words. She also lives in southwestern Virginia near where I grew up, so I’ve always felt a special bond with her. If you’re not familiar with her blog, definitely check it out!

Okay, first up, a casual look for Memorial Day picnics and barbecues!

Fun fact: I hate iced tea. Ha! But doesn’t it look so cool and refreshing in these pictures???

This is an easy breezy casual look for those in warmer climates who get hot weather on Memorial Day. (Here in Philly, it can go either way. I remember many a Memorial Day cookout when I was glad for long pants and a sweater, but I’m hoping to get to wear one of these outfits this year!)

Anyway! This lace trim tank is from Nordstrom’s Caslon brand, so it’s good quality at a moderate price point. I love the embroidered lace and fringe hem for a bit of a boho vibe.

The white is selling out, but it also comes 3 other colors. It’s true to size for Caslon; I’m wearing a small.

I paired this top with denim shorts because a white top with denim shorts is a Memorial Day match made in heaven, wouldn’t you say?

In case you missed it, I reviewed over 20 pairs of shorts yesterday, and these were one of the ones that made the cut. I have a feeling I’m going to be living in these shorts this summer.

I like the frayed cuff and the versatile mid-indigo wash. They fit close to the leg without being tight, and they have just enough stretch to be comfortable without bagging out on you.

They have a comfortable 9″ rise and a 5″ inseam, which is pretty much a universally flattering length, and they run true to size; I have the 29. Oh, and right now they’re 25% off at Lord & Taylor!

And then how fun are these toe-loop slide sandals?

At just $35, they’re a fun way to participate in the snakeskin print trend without making a longterm commitment, and they really jazz up a simple summer look.

They are a nice, soft leather, which is nice, but the footbed is pretty stiff. Still, I find them easy to walk in, and if you don’t need arch support, they’re quite comfortable. They’re also true to size; I’m wearing the 8.

Whether I get to wear this on Memorial Day or not, it’s an easy, casual outfit that I’ll be able to wear all summer long, plus I can mix and match these pieces for even more outfit options.

This top also looks great with bluejeans or colored denim, the sandals look great with everything from dresses and skirts to shorts and jeans, and of course these shorts are a summer closet staple.

Outfit Details:

lace trim tank | frayed cuff jean shorts | snakeskin sandals | earrings | bracelet | sunnies

Next up, a slightly more dressed-up summer look that will take you from Memorial Day to Labor Day and everywhere in between.

I love navy and white for patriotic holidays — just add a red mani/pedi, and you’re all set! Of course, red earrings or sandals would also be fun.

I prefer to keep my outfits understated on patriotic holidays — you’ll never find me decked out in the American flag — but a pop of red in a blue and white outfit is fun. I wish I’d thought about that before we shot this look, but I’m sure you can use your imagination.

I shared this roll cuff linen tee in last weekend’s try-on haul, and it just went on sale! It has a boxy shape with the perfect drape and the perfect cuffed sleeves.

You have to be careful with short sleeves — especially if you’re busty and trying not to draw attention to that feature. Something about the diagonal cut of these sleeves seems to be slimming and draws attention away from the chest and to the arms.

For size reference, I’m wearing the medium, so if you’re ordering this, I’d size up or go with the larger of your two “normal sizes.”

I also added this fun string macrame ring handle bag to this look. Crochet and string bags are a big trend this spring, and like the snakeskin sandals, this bag is a fun way to participate without making a big investment.

I actually meant to carry this bag with the jean shorts and lace trim tee above, but I forgot! I feel like the boho style looks a little better with the more casual outfit, but it works here too.

I’ve had these destructed crop skinnies for several years, and they’re still going strong. I know not everyone appreciates the distressing, but I’ve always loved the shredded knees and released raw hem on these. It’s something about the way it adds texture to an outfit and gives an edgy vibe to the pristine white denim.

These jeans are also on sale right now at Nordstrom. These are true to size, or size up if in between.

I accessorized with this gold layer necklace — a new addition to my jewelry wardrobe. It’s from Stella & Dot, and I love the brushed gold finish. It’s a little more casual than the bright gold I tend to wear.

My gold and white coil wrap bracelet is also from Stella & Dot. I tend to wear it a lot in spring and summer.

Finally, these shoes… I am so in love with these sandals!

There are a lot of iterations of this style of sandal, thanks to the iconic Hermes Oran, but this is by far the best one I’ve seen yet. I’ve not really cared much for the Oran and the Steven dupe, but I think these are so pretty.

This camel is the perfect neutral, and I adore the way they designed the strap across the foot, as well as the blunted toe. The leather is beautiful, and they look and feel more expensive than they are.

I just wish they would do an embossed logo in the footbed rather than the sewn-on kind, but I suppose that’s one way they keep the price point under $100.

These sandals also come in white and yellow. I have the white ones too, and I was going to send one pair back when I decided which I like better, but I’ve got half a mind to keep both. I like them that much!

So to wrap this up! I basically just shopped my closet and put together some of my new and old summer wardrobe favorites to come up with these simple but polished looks. The addition of the trendy pieces wasn’t necessary, but it’s a fun way to keep these classic looks current without spending a lot.

I hope these two looks give you some spring and summer style inspiration, whatever your Memorial Day plans may hold.

Outfit Details:

linen tee (also at J.Crew) | white cropped skinnies | cutout slide sandals | string macrame tote | necklace | bracelet

Be sure to visit Tania at 50 Is Not Old to see the outfit she’s styling today!

Fashion Friday

Welcome to Fashion Friday! I’d love for you share your style by linking up a recent fashion post(s). If you join us, please keep it fashion-focused and be sure link back to Fashion Friday within your post(s). I’d also love to connect on Facebook and Instagram!

If you’re here for your weekly dose of fashion inspiration, you’ll find plenty of that here. Have a beautiful weekend!

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photos: Alison Cornell

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33 Responses

  1. I love both of these looks! I would have to adapt them to my body type and size, but they are so pretty, updated, yet classic. For your own wardrobe, do you look for certain items each year, i.e. new tops, trendy sandals, or do you just buy what you like?

    1. Probably a mix. A lot of times, I just buy what I like, but I pay attention to the “holes” in my wardrobe when I’m getting dressed for certain functions and will intentionally look for things to fill those holes. I don’t like to scrounge for outfits at the last minute so I try to have a variety of things for the types of occasions that come up. I think doing a wardrobe audit is really helpful. Figuring out what types of clothes you wear and the percentage of the time – and then matching your wardrobe to that. Like, my life is 80% casual, so 80% of my wardrobe should be casual. There’s no sense having 50% work wear if I don’t need it but 10% of the time. You know?

  2. Such a cute look, Jo-Lynne.   My style exactly!  Thank you for the link up.  So grateful that you share your audience with me.  

  3. You’re definitely not a southerner if you don’t like iced tea. 😂 I don’t like it sweetened but have you tried it unsweetened with just lemon?  So refreshing on a hot summer day. 

  4. Both outfits are great!  I will wear something similar when we are out and about for doctors appointments and running errands.  For our neighborhood fireworks celebration, super super casual will be in order.  One major item that is a must for our outdoor festivities is mosquito spray.  Thank goodness there is a dry version so you don’t feel so yucky.  Have an awesome day!

      1. The OFF brand by Johnson & Johnson has a couple of options that say dry.  And when you spray them, you immediately see and feel the difference.  I have to spray myself just to walk to the mailbox, so I feel your pain and aggravation with the pesky mosquitoes.

    1. Hi Ginger,

      what is the dry version of mosquito spray? The mosquitoes love me far more than I love them. I have only found wet spray on mosquito spray. Would be curious what brand you use. Thanks!!

  5. Haahaa! It cracks me up that you don’t like iced tea! I love “American” iced tea (Our iced tea in Canada is sweetened and very sugary).
    Love these outfits – especially the navy tee, it looks so comfortable! Our long weekend is this weekend but where I am (Calgary) it will be cold, rainy and about 8C. Brrr – no BBQ’s for a while yet! 🙂

  6. What??? You don’t like ice tea? Lol! I love the dupe sandals, I have to get a pair of those!!! Thanks for all of the inspiration and love that you have shown me through the years. 😘

    1. I know. It’s a travesty. And I was raised on the south. I blame it on my mom. Ha! She was raised in Maine, and she never served it in the house growing up. My dad does like a good glass of sweet tea, though. He was raised in West Virginia.

  7. I like the name of Tania’s blog and have seen her before on Pinterest, but I gotta say, “65 isn’t old.” I’m doin my best not to look frumpy, and thanks for your help. I’ve been much more inspired since I started following you!

  8.  I chuckled when you mentioned Memorial Day temps here in PA can go either way, as I remember one 4th of July we just about froze!  Oh, this PA weather!  I love both looks, especially that white top!  And you can’t go wrong with the classic navy & white. No matter what you style, you always seem to give it a classy spin!   Have a great weekend!  I hear we may have some sun again tomorrow!!  
    P.S.   Our 3 yr. old grandson saw your pic today as I was scrolling through IG & once again, he got all excited & wanted to talk to mommy!  It’s got to be the shape of your face & your hair color, as it’s not the first time he’s thought you were his mommy!  😉

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