patchwork top, denim shorts, duster cardigan, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

Inspired by Aquamarina Style: Cute Summer Top for Casual Days

September 10, 2020 / 24 Comments
patchwork top, denim shorts, duster cardigan, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
patchwork top, denim shorts, duster cardigan, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
patchwork top, denim shorts, duster cardigan, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
patchwork top, denim shorts, duster cardigan, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
patchwork top, denim shorts, duster cardigan, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

Summer feels like it is coming to a screeching halt as our nighttime temperatures are now dipping into the 40’s. It is that time of year when we start to see the temperatures swinging 30 degrees in either direction throughout the course of a day. Is it hot? Is it cold? What should I wear to be comfortable? There is sort of a sartorial art form involved in getting transitional outfits right.

In the season of strategic layering, it is important to ensure that your outfit is complete and coordinated even as you add or shed layers throughout the day. Lightweight cardigans and sleeveless tops seem to make the most sense right now. By the time the noon sun rises high in the sky, the sweat will start beading on my brow and layers need to go. When the sun begins its decent into the western horizon, a downright chill sets in upon us and then we are back to our layers to keep from freezing.

patchwork top, denim shorts, duster cardigan, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
patchwork top, denim shorts, duster cardigan, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
patchwork top, denim shorts, duster cardigan, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
patchwork top, denim shorts, duster cardigan, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
patchwork top, denim shorts, duster cardigan, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

The art of layering seems to have been perfected by Darlene of Aquamarina Style who featured a similar outfit back in the blazing heat of mid-July in her post, Cute Summer Tops for Casual Days. Even though she wore this outfit during midsummer, the combination still works now at the beginning of September. You just need to wear the top layer for more hours than you would in July.

I wore this outfit yesterday for our first day of virtual school. Since I am acting as teacher (or at least as teacher’s aide) on the virtual days, I suppose a cute casual outfit is in order to keep me on task. If I can’t stay motivated, I will never keep these boys of mine motivated. And one way to start the day with some motivation is by getting dressed!

Aquamarina Style
Darlene of Aquamarina Style
patchwork top, denim shorts, duster cardigan, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Aquamarina Style-Shelbee on the Edge

When I saw Darlene style this outfit in July, her tank top reminded me of the cut and the color palette of my patchwork top. Jean shorts were easy enough to replicate. And the rest was carefully chosen to match the specific colors in my top using what I already have in my closet. That is the best part about recreating a style…shopping my closet and making it work.

But enough of all this outfit prattle. Let’s get to the really good stuff. And that would be Darlene herself! Do you know her? Well, you need to. Because she is one fabulous woman!

Aquamarina Style
Darlene of Aquamarina Style
patchwork top, denim shorts, duster cardigan, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Aquamarina Style-Shelbee on the Edge

Darlene lives in southern California with her husband and son and focuses her blog content on her passion for travel and her love of fashion. As a retired educational administrator, she began her blog as a way to explore new styles that are better suited for retired life. But her style is not just for retirees. Darlene’s classic casual fashion is suitable for any woman at any age.

But more important than great style, Darlene is one of the kindest, most encouraging and supportive women I have met on this blogging journey. Always quick with a friendly comment or a sincere compliment, her positive energy and light just radiate in everything that she shares. Her enthusiasm for encouraging and empowering other women to live their best lives, to wear what they love, and to accept themselves unconditionally is wonderfully contagious. Plus she uses words like coddiwomple. And that kind of stuff really just wins my heart!

patchwork top, denim shorts, duster cardigan, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
patchwork top, denim shorts, duster cardigan, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
patchwork top, denim shorts, duster cardigan, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
patchwork top, denim shorts, duster cardigan, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
patchwork top, denim shorts, duster cardigan, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

Darlene is definitely one of the good ones! And I am blessed to include her in my group of blogging friends. That is really what this whole blogging thing is about…finding communities of like minded people to connect with and to support and empower one another. I simply cannot imagine my life without it.

If you do not already follow Darlene, you can subscribe to her blog, Aquamarina Style, or you can find her on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.

patchwork top, denim shorts, duster cardigan, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
patchwork top, denim shorts, duster cardigan, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
patchwork top, denim shorts, duster cardigan, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
patchwork top, denim shorts, duster cardigan, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
I have to keep things silly or else I may really lose my mind!
patchwork top, denim shorts, duster cardigan, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

Who has you inspired these days?

Keeping it on the edge,

Shelbee

Linking up with these Fabulous Link Parties.

Shop my look…

Outfit Details: Cardigan-Charlotte Russe / Top-Torrid /Shorts-Kohl’s / Sandals-Old Navy / Necklace-c/o Happiness Boutique / Earrings-Burlington Coat Factory

I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.

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