With the warm weather here you’re probably feeling relaxed and casual and it’s easy to get sloppy and let your summer style slide.  Are YOU guilty of any of these top 5 Summer Style Sins?  Let the Glam Gals guide you to a comfortable yet chic summer wardrobe.

1.Capri pants with socks and running shoes.

Capris are a cute sassy way to show off your lower legs. While they do tend to make your leg look a little shorter because they stop at the calf,  they can be balanced out by wearing a lovely kitten heel sandal or low wedge in the same color as your capris.  Beware of wearing capris with socks and running shoes! This is a lethal combination that makes you look short, fat and frumpy. If you need practicality and comfort, then try a cushioned flip-flop with your capris or wear shorts instead with running shoes for sporty look.

2.Crazy Crocs.

Comfortable, fun, but keep your crocks at home. Crocks were originally garden shoes and we think that’s where they need to stay. Wear them around the garden, the pool, the seaside or cottage, but don’t wear them out grocery shopping or to a movie or anywhere else. These brightly colored, rubber shoes are a fad and scream childish. Do you really want to look like a kid when you are a grown woman?

3.Nude hose with sandals.

If you want to wear open toed shoes and are tempted to wear even the sheerest of hose with them, stop right there. Remember, nothing look tackier than this fashion faux pas. Many women are hesitant to use self-tanners because they are worried about having orange legs, but let us assure you that they have come a long way and give a subtle and beautiful result.

4.Short Shorts.

Who wears short shorts? Not women over 40 unless you’ve been digging things out of your teenage daughter’s closet to wear.  Short shorts (especially cut off jean shorts) that let it all hang out are tacky and cheap outside of your own backyard. Save them for sun tanning and try an above the knee cotton skirt or walking short for going out.

5.Visible Pockets.

One of the freshest looks for summer is a pair of crisp white pants. But beware if those pants come with big visible pockets. That’s all anyone will notice! When shopping for a pair of new white pants, take note if the pockets are taking center stage.  If you must buy new white pants made of lightweight or sheer fabric  make sure to take the time to have the pockets taken out by a professional seamstress for a much cleaner look.

Women over forty can look stylish and sexy even during the warm and casual summer season by avoiding these top five 5 summer style sins.

©2009, Boland-Tyler Productions.  You may reprint this article so long as the text and byline are reprinted intact, without changes and with a live link in the byline.

Deborah Boland and JoJami Tyler (The Glam Gals) are Image and Style Experts specializing in helping women over 40 look and feel fabulous. They are the authors of the book, The Glam Plan-12 Simple Steps to Take You from Frumpy to Fabulous, and Tweak Your Chic-Mother of the Bride, as well as coaches for their Tweak Your Chicâ„¢ image makeover program. For more style tips visit http://www.fabulousafter40.com and sign up for their bi-weekly newsletter.