tie dye, air inspired outfit, tee shirt dress, Fab 40s, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

The Fab 40’s are Inspired by Air

July 26, 2021 / 30 Comments
tie dye, air inspired outfit, tee shirt dress, Fab 40s, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
tie dye, air inspired outfit, tee shirt dress, Fab 40s, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
tie dye, air inspired outfit, tee shirt dress, Fab 40s, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

“There is a muscular energy in sunlight corresponding to the spiritual energy of wind.” 

Annie Dillard
tie dye, air inspired outfit, tee shirt dress, Fab 40s, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

tie dye, air inspired outfit, tee shirt dress, Fab 40s, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
tie dye, air inspired outfit, tee shirt dress, Fab 40s, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
tie dye, air inspired outfit, tee shirt dress, Fab 40s, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

“What light is to the eyes – what air is to the lungs – what love is to the heart, liberty is to the soul of man.”

Robert Green Ingersoll
tie dye, air inspired outfit, tee shirt dress, Fab 40s, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
tie dye, air inspired outfit, tee shirt dress, Fab 40s, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

“By the time we are women, fear is as familiar to us as air; it is our element. We live in it, we inhale it, we exhale it, and most of the time we do not even notice it.”

Andrea Dworkin

I am back with the beautiful ladies of The Fab 40’s as we finish out the last of our element themes. This month was my turn to choose and since Air was the final element and it is my zodiac element, I was more than happy to take ownership of this prompt as our style inspiration for July. You can see how we have styled outfits inspired by Water, Earth, and Fire by clicking on the corresponding links.

The Fab 40’s is a group of five fashion bloggers from around the globe. Each month we choose a different theme with the goal of taking on style trends and showing how we each interpret and incorporate them into our own lives. With five widely varied views, you are certain to find something that speaks to you each month and encourages you to continue to have fun with fashion after the age of 40.

We are still looking for a few more bloggers in their 40’s who may be interested in joining this group either on a permanent basis or as a guest blogger appearing only occasionally with us. If you are interested, please let us know either in the comments or through email. We would love to expand this group by adding a few more members for some additional style diversity.

tie dye, air inspired outfit, tee shirt dress, Fab 40s, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
tie dye, air inspired outfit, tee shirt dress, Fab 40s, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
tie dye, air inspired outfit, tee shirt dress, Fab 40s, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
tie dye, air inspired outfit, tee shirt dress, Fab 40s, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
tie dye, air inspired outfit, tee shirt dress, Fab 40s, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

“Our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children’s future. And, we are all mortal.”

John F. Kennedy

Now it’s time to talk a bit about Air. According to the ancient Athenian philosopher Plato, Air as an element is both hot and wet and comes in many different forms. The ancient Greeks had two separate words for air. Aer defines the lower dim atmosphere that rests along the horizon and aether is the bright upper atmosphere that exists above the clouds. Plato defines the different types of air as such, “So it is with air: there is the brightest variety which we call aether, the muddiest which we call mist and darkness, and other kinds for which we have no name…”

Other ancient philosophers referred to the element of Air as arche which meant beginning, origin, or source of action, seemingly designating air as the beginning of all things. Other ancient sources linked air with intelligence and the soul (psyche) while some considered arche a substance that exists somewhere between air and fire. In ancient Greek medicine based on humoral theory, each of the four humors (black bile, yellow bile, phlegm, and blood) is represented by one of the classic elements. Blood was the humor identified with air because both are considered hot and wet.

A little side note: Humorism in medicine began falling out of favor in the medical field in the 1850’s with the advent of germ theory. Science was now providing evidence that diseases which were believed to be caused by a humoral problem were actually caused by pathogens in the system.

In Greek mythology, Aether is a primordial deity who is the personification of the pure upper air that is breathed in only by the gods. All mortal beings must breathe in the normal air that exists in the lower atmosphere. We poor mortals are given all the icky polluted air that hovers closer to earth while the gods get the good unpolluted pure air for breathing. I suppose it makes sense since we mortal humans are the ones who keep polluting our own air.

tie dye, air inspired outfit, tee shirt dress, Fab 40s, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
tie dye, air inspired outfit, tee shirt dress, Fab 40s, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
tie dye, air inspired outfit, tee shirt dress, Fab 40s, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
tie dye, air inspired outfit, tee shirt dress, Fab 40s, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
tie dye, air inspired outfit, tee shirt dress, Fab 40s, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

“When we inhale, the air comes into the inner world. When we exhale, the air goes out to the outer world. The inner world is limitless, and the outer world is also limitless. We say ‘inner world’ or ‘outer world’ but actually, there is just one whole world.”


Shunryu Suzuki
tie dye, air inspired outfit, tee shirt dress, Fab 40s, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

For our purposes, air is essentially the breath of life as it consists of the exchange of electrons and the constant flow of energy within us, around us, and in between us. It is our primary nutrient for existence as we would perish within mere minutes if we are deprived of it. We breathe without thinking which indicates that the act of breathing is the voice of our spirits. Because air is invisible it may seem lesser in relevance to the other elements, yet it is the one element that exists within all the elements and subsequently connects them all to one another. The element of air allows us the room we need to breathe, it helps to widen and strengthen our lungs, and it has the ability to open our souls to the personal freedoms that we so desire. Zodiac signs that are related to this element (Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius) have a strong need to feel free and liberated. I can absolutely attest to that truth as a Gemini.

As an Air sign, I really do fall into the stereotypical image of a flighty airhead. For Air signs, it is important for us to nurture our connection with the earth so that we don’t get too far away into the atmosphere and very removed from the rest of the world. As you know, I have been practicing a lot of chakra work through yoga as well as some elemental yoga practices. Each of the practices focuses on one of the elements and really does help me to get connected to each one for a fully balanced life.

When it came to styling my outfit inspired by the element of Air, I had this tie dye button down shirt in mind because it reminds me of a bright blue sky scattered with beautiful white fluffy clouds. And then I ended up purchasing this tie dye tee shirt dress which very closely resembles a cloudy sky on a gray afternoon. When I paired the two together, I really felt like an all encompassing representation of the sky which in turn represents Air. I wore blue leather feather earrings because feathers often are used as symbols of airiness as they float so effortlessly through the air and also help our feathered friends to take flight into the air. My necklace is the Viking rune that means strength. And since all of the elements have incredible strength, it seemed like a good option for this outfit.

tie dye, air inspired outfit, tee shirt dress, Fab 40s, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
tie dye, air inspired outfit, tee shirt dress, Fab 40s, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
tie dye, air inspired outfit, tee shirt dress, Fab 40s, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
tie dye, air inspired outfit, tee shirt dress, Fab 40s, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
tie dye, air inspired outfit, tee shirt dress, Fab 40s, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

“The substance of the winds is too thin for human eyes, their written language is too difficult for human minds, and their spoken language mostly too faint for the ears.”

John Muir
tie dye, air inspired outfit, tee shirt dress, Fab 40s, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

Now let’s see how the others have styled their Air outfits.

Ada of Elegance and Mommyhood

Ada went for an all black look to represent the element of Air. I do love a little black dress any day of the week and she is looking lovely as ever in this outfit.

Elegance and Mommyhood
Ada of Elegance and Mommyhood

Daenel of Living Outside the Stacks

Daenel is looking brilliantly airy in her bohemian combination of maxi dress and long flowy kimono. I can easily envision her just floating through a garden in the most beautiful way.

Living Outside the Stacks
Daenel of Living Outside the Stacks

MIreille of Chez Mireille

I love Mireille’s interpretation of Air in her color blocked outfit of charcoal and white. The long flowy pieces are so beautiful together to create an easy, airy summertime look.

Chez Mireille
Mireille of Chez Mireille

Suzy of The Grey Brunette

Suzy went for grey and sunshiny yellow to represent Air in her outfit. I love the contrast of bright yellow with the more subtle tone of her grey top. And then she worked some photo magic so she could actually float on air!

The Grey Brunette
Suzy of The Grey Brunette

And Me!

I definitely felt all sorts of airiness in this easy tee shirt dress outfit. This dress has been on repeat all summer long so I am glad I finally had reason to photograph it and share!

tie dye, air inspired outfit, tee shirt dress, Fab 40s, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

“When remaining in awareness itself, every thought movement, no matter what kind, is like a drawing in air.”


Tulku Urgyen

This concludes our style series on the classic elements. Here is a peak at all four of my element inspired outfits. Which is your favorite?

Stay tuned for next month. Our newest member Mireille chose a super fun theme and I am very excited to get styling!

Keeping it on the edge,

Shelbee

Joining these Fabulous Link Parties.

Outfit Details: Shirt-Old Navy /Dress-TJ Maxx / Shoes-Circus by Sam Edelman / Earrings-Good Life Gift Shop / Necklace-A gift shop in Iceland / Sunglasses-Kate Spade

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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