Today’s fashion post is a flashback to the 70’s. I happen to like long dresses and happy that maxi dresses are back. I remember wearing these back in the 70’s and since I’m tall, I’ve always like long skirts and dresses with heels. It was hard to find skirts long enough back then, but now maxi dresses are really long. In fact, this one would probably drag the ground on a shorter person.
I found this pretty striped maxi dress recently at Ross for $23. Yes, a great deal for a summer dress. Even if it doesn’t last for years, it’s a good deal. I stand corrected. I thought Ross was in the same group with TJ Maxx and Marshalls, but that is not factual. I enjoy shopping at every one of these stores and they all have good buys if you get in there and look.
This striped maxi dress is by Beige by ECI and I found a sleeveless version at Macys.
Beige by ECI maxi dress (affiliate link).
Here’s a short version of the same dress:
Another Beige one from JC Penney, same brand (affiliate link). This one looks same colors as mine, black/beige.
For summer clothes, I definitely don’t spend a lot of money and I enjoy buying a few things for my closet that are fun and trendy. This striped black and tan dress will be a nice addition to the wardrobe for summer.
I wore it with some chunky jewelry and my new sandals by Franco Sarto.
Now, let’s talk about under garments for this type dress. I have a few pair of those long shaper things (think Spanx). I got mine at TJ Maxx and there are many versions out there. They really come in handy when you don’t want panty lines and panty lines in a dress like this would ruin it. So, be sure to put on a smoothing shaper when you’re wearing something like this. I wear these with tight pants too when I absolutely don’t want a panty line. Panty lines are a big no-no and I really try to avoid them. If I’m wearing a long top, I don’t worry about it so much, but if you want a smooth line, go with a shaper (or thongs, I have those too for summer). But, I wear my shapers in the summer too, there are lightweight ones that are not hot.
This Spanx pair (affiliate link) is very similar to what I have. Many are lightweight spandex and very comfortable to wear.
I love the detailing of the waistline, with the X accenting the waist making this dress very slenderizing.
Simple jewelry is all that is needed to add a little flair.
These tan leather sandals will be a summer staple for me as well. By Franco Sarto, they are called the Keller style. I have searched online and cannot find them anywhere, so since I got them at TJ Maxx they might be discontinued now. They were $40 and I’ll be wearing them plenty this summer. Instead of wearing white shoes, I’ll wear these with lots of things, like white jeans and blue jeans.
Franco Sarto Ulysses shoes (not the same, but a similar look) (affiliate link).
I do love maxi dresses and they definitely make you look taller and leaner. Some folks don’t like to wear horizontal stripes, but I think most of us can do that. If you are shorter, I think you could still get away with a maxi dress and heels.
I wore it to church last Sunday and paired it with my black wedge shoes, which I also got at TJ Maxx. Add a jeans jacket to a maxi dress for a casual look. My jeans jacket is Gap brand and I found it years ago at a yardsale.
Gap Jeans Jacket (affiliate link)
These black wedge fabric shoes are from TJ Maxx and the brand is White Mountain.
White Mountain Lakefront black wedge shoes (affiliate link).
Let me introduce you to another fashionista friend of mine. Judy and I have been longtime friends for more than 25 years. I have several Godly women in my life who are so dear to me and Judy is right up there at the top of my friends list. We also go to church together, so when I saw what she was wearing last Sunday, I said let me put you on the blog. This outfit is so cute and perfect for my maxi dress post.
Judy, at 66, wears a size 6/8 and enjoys dressing stylishly. I love her long striped skirt, white top and jeans jacket with a pretty floral/stripe scarf. Judy always looks very put together and is a classic dresser.
She said the scarf came from Old Navy and the jeans jacket is also Gap.
Here’s a pretty scarf I found, which would look good with a jeans jacket. It has some great colors and is a super deal, so I bought one too! Scarf (affiliate link)
She paired the outfit with a pair of tan wedge shoes and it looks great. Skirt is from Steinmart.
With her summer purse, Judy is looking like a style maven. So, I wanted to show her off and give you more ideas on dressing stylishly in your mid-60’s. Judy has it going on and always looks great! She likes jewelry too and always has her toes and nails polished. That makes a statement too, so don’t forget those extras, which make a big difference in your look.
Super excited to be off on another adventure this week! Headed to Mobile, AL today to see a wonderful historic home renovation in person by Phantom Screens CEO, Esther. She took on this house in historic Mobile and invited a group of bloggers to come down and experience it all in person, up close and personal. I’ll be reporting in on all the fun when I return! I love a Southern Romance, don’t you?
You look stunning in that dress!
Maxi dresses in comfortable tshirt material are so great for the summer! Casually dressy! Especially like yours
I really like both of the outfits! I have got to get some wedge heels.
Love the maxi dress, Rhoda! You know last year was the first time I tried one……..can you believe?I had to take the PS to an alterations lady and have the bodice part taken up under the arms and took up thru the waist alittle but so worth it! Got on sale. I got more compliments on that dress that I thought I would never be able to pull off but did. It was in shades of pink & red with alittle black with gold. I even added a skinny hot pink belt and pulled the waist up alittle to make it shorter when wearing a smaller 2 1/2 heel. Pallazo pants work on me also but with a higher heel. Isn’t it fun trying out new stuff! I never even tried it in the 70’s. I like TJ Maxx and Ross. You look beautiful as ever in your gorgeous maxi dress………love the waist detail. So feminine and pretty! Your friend, Judy looks marvelous also…..love the hip denim jacket paired with hers. 🙂
Wow-wee! You look stunning in that dress, Rhoda, and your friend Judy looks fabulous as well! The only time I’ve worn a Spanx garment, Leo had to help me out of it! Hehe! I’ll have to look for some of those lightweight ones!
Wow, both of you look awesome! I have a maxi very similiar to yours that I bought a few years ago from Belk. I so agree with wearing the right under garments, no panty lines, ladies!! I love to wear maxi dresses in the summer, they’re so cool and comfortable. I’m petite, and wear a small heel with mine and have worn flats too.
Great post, Rhoda!!
I love the black stripes and the crisscross detailing! Adding the denim jacket gave it a totally different look. Your fashion flair continues to inspire us!
You should model the turquoise print maxi too.
Hi! I’m one that reads but rarely comments…but I have to say I’m really enjoying the fashion posts and must tell you..You are ROCKING the maxi dress!!! and the shoes!!! Have a great day!!
Really enjoy your blog and all your great ideas!
Now, THAT is a super cute maxi dress. The striped one. It has structure and doesn’t drag. I’ve given up on maxi dresses because there is just so MUCH to them. Last year I broke my vacuum cleaner because the dang dress got all caught up in it. Also, they are really hot and trap the heat in the summer. But that striped one? Adorable and so flattering on you.
I love maxi dresses. I loved them back in the 70’s and love them now! I think they are nice for those trying to hide our imperfect legs in the summer. Thank you for featuring your friend Judy. It is fun to see ladies dress up and add style without trying to look too young. You will need to feature her again. I am really enjoying your blog Rhoda.
I loooove maxi dresses! Thank you for sharing your friend who is close to my age. I’m 68. It’s nice to see how we older ladies can stay fashionable. I enjoyed how you helped Debbie shop too. My size is in between the two of them but I am 5’8″ like you.
You might need to fact check. Don’t think Ross is owned by TJX, think it is a competitor, not sure but think so
Loved the maxi. I’m 5’1″, so petite sizes only. So happy to see Judy who is my age and hope she will share her outfits on your blog. I have tried several peeped toe pumps. For some reason they are not comfortable on my feet. Birthday next week. That’s the beginning of mani-pedis for me. I have lost 20 lbs. since Jan. following Whole30. I will be buying several summer outfits. So keep your fashion posts coming. Really enjoy your blog, Rhoda.
Ross is NOT owned by the same company as Marshall’s, T.J.Maxx or Homegoods!!!
You owe them an apology! While Ross may be a nice enough store it does not have the designer labels and quality of the other three.
Chris, I stand corrected. We all make mistakes. I thought I had read that, but apparently not. Ross stands alone.
Love that there is a site that celebrates fashion for us ladies “of a certain age”!! Just because we’re older doesn’t mean we are less interested in looking good, we just want our look to be age appropriate! Thanks for the great pics and even better ideas!
I’m loving these posts; this one was another stand-out. Your friend Judy looks fabulous and her choice of jewelry is OUTSTANDING. She should try folding back her cuffs to show it off. Her scarf looks like it was designed to go with that skirt. Your dress is super flattering. I’ve always found maxi-dresses through the years, but now that they’re “IN” the choice is so much greater!
The maxi dress looks absolutely fabulous on you! Because I am so short I feel like they just make me look shorter and more plump! I can’t wait to read about the project in Alabama! Has anyone told you lately that you have the BEST JOB IN THE WORLD?
Pat, I tell myself and others that same thing all the time. I feel SO blessed to be able to do what I do for a job!!
I immediately checked the link for the dress you are wearing, and was so disappointed that it was not available in my size. So, so cute and flattering on you. I am relatively new to your blog, but it is now on my daily rotation to check and see if you have written a post. Thanks!
Thank you, Kim, I’m so glad to have you stopping by!
Several years ago I discovered Soma’s Vanishing edge panties and now never have panty lines! I can’t stand those girdle like “shapers” unless absolutely necessary. Here’s a link for the panties:
http://www.soma.com/store/category/vanishing-edge/cat4200004#sc=0
Love, love, love them!
Sarah, I will have to check those out. I’ve tried all different kinds that are supposed to not show, but they all do. I’d love to find some that really work and don’t show.