Open
If @thechicks are in town you can bet @debbiefaye78 and I will be there! So when we heard they were coming to @merriweatherpp we were so excited. And their concert did not disappoint. As always, a phenomenal show! If The Chicks come to your neck of the woods I highly recommend you go!

Okay I know you want to know about what we’re wearing! 

My sister’s caftan is from @anthropologie (bought this summer so maybe you can find on resale sites).

I’m wearing a @bananarepublic dress also from this summer with the @universalstandard denim chore jacket and a hat I got from a @madewell collab a year or so ago. I glammed it up with some gold chains and gold drop earrings, but kept it comfy for a night of standing and dancing with @birkenstock sandals.

This was my first big outing since my eye surgery, and with a pocketful of eye drops I felt good (and grateful we splurged for good seats!).

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4jcBL #ltkmidsize #ltkover40 #midsizestyle #genxstyle #usinthewild #concertstyle
Open
For years I’ve trusted @somaintimates for the right bras and the right fit but it had been a while since I visited a Soma boutique to try on all the styles they currently have for a large bust. I must say I was impressed! Knowledgeable staff, extensive collection in larger sizes, and some of the most comfortable and innovative bras in up to H cups! Each body is different but what I loved:

- The Stunning Push-Up: targeted for the DD+ customer gives amazing lift and great shape under fitted knits.

- The Unbelievable Lift Scoop Balconette: sexy, supportive, and so lightweight!

- The Embraceable Wireless: I’ve recommended this wireless bra for large busts for years and was in need for a new one! 

- The Stunning Support Smooth Balconette: this is the perfect t-shirt bra for large busts with padded straps and disappears under knits

- The Stunning Starlet Multi-Way Strapless: recently improved for more support and more comfort, this wireless bra stays put and gives fab shape

I also picked up some of Soma’s iconic Vanishing Edge panties which keep you line-free. The whole Vanishing collection is genius. I loved being able to donate my gently used bras at my local Soma boutique to give to those in need. We all deserve a lift and Soma strives to achieve that. It’s why I’ve been a fan and customer for years and am honored to partner with them. Soma is the perfect fitting bra solution. Visit the link in my bio to shop and to find your local Soma boutique! #SomaPartner #SomaBraFit #SomaStartsWithMe
Open
If I close my eyes you can’t tell one is still bloodshot 😜

Still recovering from my eye surgery but feeling more myself. Getting dolled up helps me feel me. Bright colors and bold jewelry have been signature Alison since I was a kid! 

Sweater: @favorite.daughter 
Earrings: Amazon
Necklace: @_jennybird (old)
Ring: @realmfinejewelry 
Bra: @lovebravissimo 
Lipstick: @glossier 
Pins as “cufflinks”: vintage

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4j0LM #ltkmidsize #midsizestyle #over40style #ltkover40 #genxstyle
Open
It was so funny and so quick I couldn’t not share! I bought this @hulkenbag a year ago and use it all the time. Carting shoot supplies, groceries, packing for road trips, and carting donations. This weekend @thenewdealcafe in @cityofgreenbelt hosted a community clothing swap so I made sure my family and I went through our summer wardrobes to gather that which we no longer needed or fit.

This wasn’t the first clothing swap and folks in town know my style (and my job) so there were some waiting for my arrival. Look how fast I cleared out this big bag! Speaking of the bag one other swap attendee said she got herself a Hulken after seeing mine in action!

It’s so great to know our old clothes are getting a good life and this bag makes carting them to the cafe so easy! I got my Hulken on Amazon, it comes in other colors and sizes too: https://amzn.to/48iTY4Y yep the bag is as great as all those ads you see on social media, I’m a big fan!
Open
I had to see… I asked my husband how often he thinks about the Roman Empire, and then asked our 14-year-old 😂
Open
#ad Go through my archives on Wardrobe Oxygen and one thing is clear: my family and I are a fan of @bombas socks! From their no-slip no-show socks to their iconic crew socks, Bombas makes great socks for the whole family while having a great heart.

Socks are the #1 requested article of clothing from homeless shelters. For every item purchase from Bombas, one is donated to someone experiencing homelessness. 

Save 20% on your first purchase at Bombas with my exclusive promo code: WARDROBE20

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4ipHy #bombas
Open
Happy gotcha day, Oscar! Four years ago he came into our life and we are so happy to have in our family!

Oscar was a rescue and came with some… quirks. Over the years we have come to understand him and he has come to trust us. He’s a diva, a snuggler, he could play catch for hours, and he’s my husband’s shadow. 

We’ve never had a small breed dog before and it’s a whole different experience. But we adore Oscar and couldn’t imagine our life without him! Thank you for coming into our life Oskie McGoskie! 🐾❤️
Open
I can see clearly now…

Actually I can’t, but things after my retina surgery are much improved! My next appointment is in a month and I’m cleared to get back into the world (with some restrictions to protect my eye).

With a sclera buckle, it changes your eye shape and now I am nearsighted again (I had lasik a few years ago). Once the eye is stabilized I can get glasses or contacts but until then I’m 20/20 in one eye and right now 20/60 in the other. But the eye is healing beautifully and I feel positive!

And I could see clearly enough to fall for this poppy-colored cotton jumpsuit from @pistoladenim. It comes in a few colors but this one is my favorite. I went with XL (im@a 14, sometimes 16) and likely could have sized down but I enjoy the relaxed fit and the drawstring waistband to create shape. And hello zipper closure making it super easy to get on and off!

My husband took this photo right after my eye appointment, I think it reflects my positive attitude and feeling of hope! 🧡

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4idXm
Open
#throwbackthursday to what I wore 10 years ago in September…

A decade ago I was working full time in an office and was promoted to manage a good portion of my department. My blog was doing quite well, I was featured in local and national publications and websites. I was embracing what I felt to be a polished professional with an edgy vibe. Less color, more interesting accessories, and my first semi-designer bag (I still have that leopard print mini M.A.C. In the back of my closet). 

I have come to embrace color and have way less black in my closet now, but a lot of these looks are timeless and I would wear now… just likely with lower heels! 😂

Do you recall what you were wearing a decade ago? How similar is it to how you dress now?

For more of my throwbacks visit #wo2tbt
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Fashion Advice · March 1, 2023

Colorful Printed Breathable Dresses for Grown Women

This article may contain affiliate links; if you click on a shopping link and make a purchase I may receive a commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 

colorful printed breathable dresses for grown women by wardrobe oxygen

Colorful Printed Breathable Dresses for Grown Women

A lot of time when you are searching for breathable dresses in fabrics like linen, cotton, and tencel, they are n neutral colors that are versatile, but can sometimes be more basic than what you're looking for. It's hard to find colorful printed breathable dresses; it's something I myself search for every spring.

I've learned that while there may be snow on the ground where you live, now is the time to start thinking about and shopping for your spring wardrobe. This is when the new spring collections are launched, and there is the best selection of sizes.

I've been looking at spring apparel thinking of you, the Wardrobe Oxygen community. You already can easily find solid-colored breathable dresses at many retailers in most sizes. But prints are harder, especially when you're looking for brighter colors or bolder patterns. Those are usually kept for synthetic or less breathable fabrics… and styles a grown woman may not wish to wear.

Why I Recommend a Colorful Printed Dress for Spring and Summer

As a fellow grown woman, I am a fan of printed dresses. Yes, they are more memorable, but that isn't a bad thing. It is not wearing the same thing over and over, it's creating a TRUE capsule wardrobe; one that has the perfect thing for each situation and this dress is perfect for all the kinds of situations where you wear it. It's signature style.

We must let go of the idea of rewearing a look is a bad thing. I am inspired by my husband, who I think has great style. He is not afraid of prints or color, and likes to take risks with his wardrobe. Whatever the occasion, he can find something in there positvely perfect to wear. But he takes up less than 1/3 of our closet, with his hangers all comfortably spaced. I on the other hand, even though I try very hard to curate my closet and shop thoughtfully, I take up the rest of the space and could easily fill a bigger closet.

Don't be afraid of prints, they hide sweat, they take the focus from your shape, they feel festive and fun, and depending on the print, add a modernity to more traditional styles. It's not rewearing, it's having signature style!!

Colorful Printed Breathable Dresses for Grown Women

Any woman can wear whatever the heck they want and look chic. Fashion is fluid, and confidence is the best accessory. We're grown women, and 2023 style is taking up the space we deserve. That can be by breaking style rules, by trying a bolder silhouette, by having fun with color, or even choosing a print instead of a solid.

These colorful printed dresses are all from breathable fabrics, primarily cotton and linen. While many other fabrics can be breathable, they may be higher maintenance or not as easily found in bright colorful prints and versatile styles. And while some styles of the breathable dresses below may benefit from a strapless bra (or a small bust), none have cutouts, open backs, or complicated details that require special underpinnings.

Green dresses for spring

Shop the Collage:
Top Row: white floral shirtdress (2-14) | floral caftan (4-16 but also custom) | green and white sundress (XS-XL) | black floral sundress (12W-24W) | green and white shirtdress (XXS-3X)
Bottom Row: black with green dots (XXS-XXL) | black floral (XXS-XXL) | green on green dots (XXS-4X) | colorful Mod print (XS-XXL) | blue and green shirtdress (XS-3X)

350

Colorful Printed Breathable Dresses for Grown Women

Shop the Collage:
Top Row: Paris print shirtdress (2-16) | red and blue off the shoulder self-belt midi dress (XXS-XL) | black floral off the shoulder dress (14W-22W) | black floral belted dress (0-16) | red floral full sleeve midi dress (XS-XL)
Bottom Row: Pink belted fit and flare (00-16) | white floral puff sleeve maxi dress (XS-XXL) | maroon and pink shirtdress (XS-3XL) | pink printed puff sleeve dress (00-16) | red and pink trapeeze shirtdress (XXS-3XL)

350

Colorful Printed Breathable Dresses for Grown Women

Shop the Collage:
Top Row: light blue floral dress (XXS-3X) | indigo and white print shirtdress (2-10) | blue and white tiny floral shirtdress (00-18) | navy and pink print sundress (2-14) | blue and ivory print dress (XS-XXL + custom; this is similar as the Etsy shop I chose when making the collage went on hiatus the following day)
Bottom Row: blue and black shirtdress (XXL-4X) | blue one-shoulder dress (XS-XL) | blue floral maxi dress (XXS-3X + petite) | pale blue stripe shirtdress (XS-3X + petite) | blue floral puff sleeve dress (2-12)

350

Colorful Printed Spring Dresses for Women

Shop the Collage:
Top Row: bold printed sleeveless dress (2-16) | beige feather print maxi dress (0-20 + tall & petite) | paprika-colored floral dress (XS-XL) | pale pink print belted dress (1X-3X) | brown and yellow pieced print dress (32-46)
Bottom Row: orange floral belted shift (32-46) | brown print sundress (2-18) | tan mixed print maxi dress (XS-3X + petite) | beige floral sundress (XS-4X) | striped maxi dress (XS-XL)

350

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Comments

  1. Sarah says

    March 19, 2023 at 2:28 pm

    I have to go to a wedding in June need a dress. I 52 can’t be a long dress lol

    Reply
  2. Bridget says

    March 4, 2023 at 4:04 pm

    Love this roundup and am following the comments—I’m always looking for great summer dresses!

    I also had to resort to mostly synthetics on my 3-week trip to Malaysia – but these breezy ones did work okay! I bought them with long sleeves and with long skirts (to protect against the sun). Both were heavier/bulkier than I had hoped they’d be in terms of packing, but they did all right.

    https://www.eshakti.com/shop/Dresses/Rayon-Crinkle-elastic-ruched-dress-CL0094698
    (unlined)

    https://www.eshakti.com/shop/Dresses/Crinkle-gauze-drawstring-empire-maxi-dress-CL0085124
    (lined)

    My daywear was mostly poplin skirt with a rashguard from Lands End.

    I had really hoped to find linen in a pattern that was breezy without being a tent–but the few that I tried felt very Adult Baptism rather than coastal art professor.

    Eshakti does have a few printed cotton linen options presently! https://www.eshakti.com/search/linen

    Reply
  3. Dana says

    March 2, 2023 at 12:50 pm

    Alison – sometimes I think you can read minds! I was just looking for a cotton, print dress to take on some upcoming vacations. This is a great mix of choices! I also am very happy that I now have a “Glad It’s in My Closet Dress” from a post you did last year. I’m ready for anything with that dress!

    Reply
  4. Jenn K says

    March 1, 2023 at 2:24 pm

    What a resource! Thank you!

    Reply
  5. Alison Balzer says

    March 1, 2023 at 1:02 pm

    Love these, but would love one focused on office-appropriate dresses. Here in DC I live in them because of the swampiness, but am less and less eager to show off my chest and arms around work colleagues. Also, I love bright colors and taking up space, but sometimes too much of BOTH is a lot for DC meetings where all the men are in navy suits!

    Reply
  6. Heather says

    March 1, 2023 at 10:38 am

    Are there any of these that you think might stand up well to travel – be less prone to wrinkle or to look okay with wrinkles? I have some synthetic dresses that can handle being crammed in a suitcase but I would love to find some that are more breathable.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      March 1, 2023 at 10:49 am

      Cotton and linen by style will be more likely to wrinkle, but a poplin will be more likely to both hold up and be able to steam out quickly.

      Reply
      • Bridget says

        March 4, 2023 at 3:54 pm

        I just took a poplin skirt to Malaysia and it did great being packed (and steamed in the shower).

        Reply
  7. Kate says

    March 1, 2023 at 10:33 am

    I ordered this from eShakti for a family wedding last summer, one of the first big events we had ventured to in post-Covid times. It is synthetic, but not the kind of fabric that makes you extra sweaty, especially with the body-skimming cut. Plus, it’s very wrinkle resistant for packing and wearing. I resolved to commit to wearing it multiple times and I have!

    https://www.eshakti.com/product/CL0091612&Neckline=As%20Shown&Sleeve%20Type=Inset%20cap&Length=As%20Shown

    Reply
  8. Sharon Verrall says

    March 1, 2023 at 9:46 am

    Wow! Great collection.

    Reply

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Weekend Reads #235

Since 2005, Wardrobe Oxygen has offered real-life style advice for grown-ass women. With years of experience as an apparel visual merchandiser and personal shopper, Alison Gary provides advice on how to achieve personal style no matter your age, size, or budget.

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Sep 21

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If @thechicks are in town you can bet @debbiefaye78 and I will be there! So when we heard they were coming to @merriweatherpp we were so excited. And their concert did not disappoint. As always, a phenomenal show! If The Chicks come to your neck of the woods I highly recommend you go!

Okay I know you want to know about what we’re wearing! 

My sister’s caftan is from @anthropologie (bought this summer so maybe you can find on resale sites).

I’m wearing a @bananarepublic dress also from this summer with the @universalstandard denim chore jacket and a hat I got from a @madewell collab a year or so ago. I glammed it up with some gold chains and gold drop earrings, but kept it comfy for a night of standing and dancing with @birkenstock sandals.

This was my first big outing since my eye surgery, and with a pocketful of eye drops I felt good (and grateful we splurged for good seats!).

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4jcBL #ltkmidsize #ltkover40 #midsizestyle #genxstyle #usinthewild #concertstyle

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Sep 19

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If I close my eyes you can’t tell one is still bloodshot 😜

Still recovering from my eye surgery but feeling more myself. Getting dolled up helps me feel me. Bright colors and bold jewelry have been signature Alison since I was a kid! 

Sweater: @favorite.daughter 
Earrings: Amazon
Necklace: @_jennybird (old)
Ring: @realmfinejewelry 
Bra: @lovebravissimo 
Lipstick: @glossier 
Pins as “cufflinks”: vintage

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4j0LM #ltkmidsize #midsizestyle #over40style #ltkover40 #genxstyle

wardrobe_oxygen

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Sep 11

Open
Happy gotcha day, Oscar! Four years ago he came into our life and we are so happy to have in our family!

Oscar was a rescue and came with some… quirks. Over the years we have come to understand him and he has come to trust us. He’s a diva, a snuggler, he could play catch for hours, and he’s my husband’s shadow. 

We’ve never had a small breed dog before and it’s a whole different experience. But we adore Oscar and couldn’t imagine our life without him! Thank you for coming into our life Oskie McGoskie! 🐾❤️

wardrobe_oxygen

View

Sep 8

Open
I can see clearly now…

Actually I can’t, but things after my retina surgery are much improved! My next appointment is in a month and I’m cleared to get back into the world (with some restrictions to protect my eye).

With a sclera buckle, it changes your eye shape and now I am nearsighted again (I had lasik a few years ago). Once the eye is stabilized I can get glasses or contacts but until then I’m 20/20 in one eye and right now 20/60 in the other. But the eye is healing beautifully and I feel positive!

And I could see clearly enough to fall for this poppy-colored cotton jumpsuit from @pistoladenim. It comes in a few colors but this one is my favorite. I went with XL (im@a 14, sometimes 16) and likely could have sized down but I enjoy the relaxed fit and the drawstring waistband to create shape. And hello zipper closure making it super easy to get on and off!

My husband took this photo right after my eye appointment, I think it reflects my positive attitude and feeling of hope! 🧡

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4idXm

wardrobe_oxygen

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Sep 5

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I’ll be a bit quiet on here and other channels because I had eye (retinal) surgery this past weekend. I was having what I thought were ocular migraines but come to find out I was experiencing lattice degeneration, which is thinning/holes in the retina. I had surgery Saturday for my right eye and later on they’ll work on the left eye, which isn’t as bad and can be remedied by laser, in office.

I share not because I’m Mrs. Frizzle meets Iris Apfel as I recuperate at home, but because this whole thing has been a lesson on trusting my gut. And I want to remind you to do the same.

As we get older our bodies can feel like strangers. Things are constantly changing and it’s easy to just assume your annual physical will catch anything wrong. But if you slow down and listen to your body you’ll know when things are just a sign of aging and life and what seems unusual. That nagging issue may be something more serious.

And if you’re seeing flashing lights, floaters, spiderwebs or other odd eye things get checked out ASAP. It may be nothing but take it from me, it may actually be something. ❤️

Okay, going back to my big sunglasses caftan recuperation life!

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Aug 30

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Ladies who lunch…

While in Savannah, I made sure to get lunch reservations for me and E at @theoldepinkhouse she loves the color pink, historic homes, and ghost stories so it was a perfect choice! 

Built in 1789 on Reynolds Square, there are stories of guests seeing ghosts, cutlery and wine bottles moving along with an elegant and truly delicious dining. 

While we didn’t see any apparitions, we did have a lovely lunch with impeccable service and after toured all floors of the home. I highly recommend a visit if you’re visiting Savannah!

My dress is from @cosstores (no longer available); hat is @furtalk and bag is @talbotsofficial (no longer available).

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Aug 29

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Scenes from a week in Savannah… 

The three of us (and our dog Oscar!) had a warm and humid but wonderful time exploring Savannah, Georgia earlier this month. Our daughter visited this gorgeous city last summer with her @girlscouts troop but wanted to return to experience more. We let her choose our adventures and play your guide and it was awesome. We cannot wait to visit again, though next time it won’t be August 🥵

For more of our trip check the “Savannah” highlight on my profile page!

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Aug 28

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Stripes are always right…

Y’all know I love stripes and when @universalstandard came out with their Breton-stripe dresses and tops I HAD to try them! As expected, the quality is stellar, the fit boosts my confidence, and I appreciate the range of colors (5 different stripes to choose from) and sizes (00-50). For reference, I’m wearing XS but preferred S for the top and I usually wear a 14 or XL in other brands.

The tote is @able and it’s a soft yet durable leather that just looks better with time. This color (cognac) is one that transitions nicely from summer to fall. 

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4hkEF 

#usinthewild #bretonstripes #midsizestyle #midsizefashion #size14 #over40style

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Aug 27

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The family that wears @printfresh together stays together 🥰

Use code wardrobe_oxygen for 15% off your order of size-inclusive organic cotton sleepwear, dresses, bags & more https://glnk.io/qk04/wardrobe-oxygen

I’ve been raving about my Printfresh pajamas for years, my family also wanted to try them. Thank you Printfresh for gifting these for our annual three generation girls’ getaway to Rehoboth Beach, DE. We had a great time and being all matchy matchy in our pajamas was a fun addition! 🐅🍃🥰

#printfresh #printfreshpajamas #printfreshpartner

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Aug 12

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Shuts laptop until Monday… #RehobothBeach

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