Monday Musings: Knowing What’s Right For You
I spent a lot of time in dressing rooms last week. Maybe too much.
I came out finding the Spring trends all a bit… predictable. I’m reminded of the Miranda Priestly quote from The Devil Wears Prada…. “Florals? For Spring? Groundbreaking….” (by the way… I loved that movie, and can’t wait to see the sequel!)
And so while standing in yet another fitting room, staring at a puffed sleeve that had no business being in there with me, I had a moment of clarity that felt worth sharing.
The stores aren’t dressing you. They’re chasing trends, testing what sells, and moving fast. That’s their job. Your job is something different…it’s knowing yourself well enough that you can walk through all of it without losing the plot.
That sounds simple. But sometimes it isn’t. Because the sheer volume of what’s out there is designed to make you feel like you’re always missing something. A new silhouette, a fresh color story, a detail that’s suddenly everywhere. And if you don’t have a firm grip on what actually works for you, it’s easy to get pulled along. You come home with things that felt exciting in the dressing room and confusing by Thursday.
I’ve watched this happen to women with great taste and real style instincts. The problem usually isn’t that they don’t know what looks good. It’s that they haven’t fully committed to it. They hedge. They try on the trend just in case. They buy the thing that’s everywhere, and tire of it quickly.
The women I see getting dressed well aren’t necessarily buying the most. They’re buying the right things for them, even when that means walking out of a store empty-handed. Especially then.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not anti-trends. But I know sometimes I have to accept that what’s showing up in a season simply isn’t for me. Not because it’s bad. Just because it isn’t mine. There’s a real freedom in that once you stop fighting it.
A Little Home Refresher
And while I struck out at the spring clothing trends this week, I must tell you that Spring is not on the outs around here. I’ve adored my daily walks on the seawall, the gorgeous tulips and daffodils blooming, and the magnolia and cherry blossom trees.
At a home store this weekend, I noticed this pretty hanging woven basket, filled with faux hydrangeas. I absolutely loved it, and it came home with me to freshen up the living room. I found a similar look online that you can try if you are interested. I like the idea of refreshing it with the seasons, and while I’ve always loved flowers, I must confess that arranging bouquets is not my strong suit.
In our apartment here in Vancouver, there isn’t much room to keep seasonal decorations, so this is just perfect.
Another Book Recommendation
My daughter Vanessa has another book recommendation for you: This Book Made Me Think of You, by Libby Page. The main character, Matilada, has recently lost her husband to cancer, and on her birthday, she receives a call from her local bookshop. He has left her a book, each month, for the entire year! It is a really sweet story that follows her as she grieves and rebuilds her life. She rediscovers her love of reading and goes on adventures. It’s a true book lover’s book, with tons of book references and suggestions scattered throughout. It is a warm hug of a book! She gives it five stars.
As for me, I just finished reading The Briar Club, which she recommended a few weeks ago. I absolutely loved it. I loved how descriptive it was of each character, and I could feel them come alive as she delved into their lives in each chapter. It was a real page-turner, and I know quite a few of you enjoyed it as well.
Have a wonderful Monday, and thanks for being part of our community.
I find that shopping is not fun anymore (and I love to shop). The women’s clothing
is made for young women. If I see one more spaghetti strap I think I will scream. The fabrics are horrible and tops and dresses fit like shapeless sacks. We older women need darts in our blouses and dresses. At 70 I don’t want body con clothing, but I would like for it to fit a bit, especially in the bust.
I agree
Love the little flower boxes. I can’t tell tell you how many stores I’ve walked out with nothing. Apparently my classic style is hard to come by this spring but I keep looking, lol. This year has seemed extremely confusing fashion wise for me. I refuse to look frumpy but I’m not wearing ruffles and puffy sleeves! Thanks for the book recommendations. They sound interesting.
Thanks to you and your daughter for the book recommendations. I’m always receptive to hearing about good books.
I agree but in a semi sort of way……if I try it on and it fits well and am alittle on the narrorer shoulder (pure strength classes are done at gym) side and tiny petite & name brand like Vince with vertical detail & in petite sizing, its going home with me. I got 2 Vince Camuto blouses and have worn. I’m not trying to be young just not go naked, ha! I shop everywhere but online alot not that I like that, we are forced if PP and wear a size 5 sandal or shoe.
That scarf….ooo la la!
I love it
Thanks for this….acknowledgement that “trends” don’t always work for those over 60. I find my body changes all the time, so now instead of a constant seasonal refresh, I’m aiming towards staples that have stretch to which I can add something to make it look different. Like that lovely scarf 😁…I already have two SS scarves thanks to you!😉
Aren’t they gorgeous? I love her illustrations and the story for this collection is quite magical.
Agree! I’ve been trying to find a summer dress with sleeves, not frilly and short or maxi dragging the ground.
Thank you. Jennifer!!
I have not found any clothes this spring that really bring me joy.
You hit the nail on the head.
I kept looking at my usual stores and kept coming up confused.
I think I will let the shopping go for a bit.
Love the floral you bought!! It is beautiful.
Love The Briar Club so interesting. Each character fully evolved as the book went along as well as an underelying plot. Looking forward to this new pick. Your daughter great taste in books. Thank you for the recomendations.
She’s does, she is a voracious reader!
Jennifer…. Well said about the majority of current products in the clothing stores lately! Thank you for reminding us it’s okay to not follow the trend and walk out of the store empty handed. I shared this with my 34-year-old daughter. Something she is starting to struggle with as well.
Good morning Jennifer,
I have recently discovered your blog and signed up for your newsletter. You have made me excited about clothes again!
I love your content and you are very knowledgeable. I am a soon to be 60 year old and new grandmother (adorable little girl!) who, like many others our age, have had several years of challenges. Your blog made me smile and also buy some wonderful items for myself (loving the Tory Burch metallic sneakers!) I am dressing for the body I have now, and have bought several new items from Nordstrom. Thank you for mentioning the Sephora sale as I bought several items including masks for my daughter in law (the new mom) . I work in a payroll office for a school district so I am in the office 5 days and cannot wait to show my new choices off. Also, I also just read the Briar Club and loved it as well. Currently reading Daughter of Egypt by Marie Benedict and enjoying that as well. Anyway, sorry for going on like this, but I wanted to thank you and let you know who much your advice is appreciated.
Welcome, Noreen! I’m so glad you’ve joined us. Congratulations on your sweet new grandchild.
I totally agree about the current trends. I haven’t bought much at all this spring. Also, as an avid golfer, may I add that the golf clothing designers have lost their minds? I would love a skort that covers my rear and my days of cropped tops are long gone! It’s sad, because most women our age have more disposable income than the demographic that’s being targeted.
I agree! I’m not a golfer but I feel for you. I remember when I wore tennis skirts that short, but I was in my early 40s.
I too, enjoyed The Briar Club. I agree that it was easy to get into the characters as she developed them but also felt the house itself kind of had its own personality. Looking forward to trying Vanessa’s other suggestion.
Yes! She reads so much, I wish I had that much time to read.
You are right about buying (chasing) trends and the difficulty finding clothes for our age group. It is one reason why I have way too many clothes stuffed in all the closets in our house. Probably 40% of them still have tags on them. Some of them haven’t been worn because they don’t quite flatter my overweight body with its own set of bulges. But I keep them because maybe some day…
But then I’m back in the store (always Chico’s) buying this year’s colors, etc. Always buying something new but then I keep wearing the same ole things.
It’s a habit too many us us have!
Oh my goodness, I just read This Book Made Me Think of You & absolutely loved it! I plan to do something similar but with my own books when I’m gone. And I totally agree that we, as older women, need to know what looks good on us & not follow all the silly trends.
I’m anxious to read it!
I’ve been feeling the same, and one way I’m navigating is grabbing the “trends” that have always been me and passing by the rest. Examples: loafers, square scarves, socks (sooo much more comfy for me), classic cardis and sweater sets). Things in “my”’colors. I did grab a few baublebar necklaces (see: things in my colors), and I’ve come back around to some of the preppy styles of my college years (or are they “coastal grandma?” ) 🤔
That’s a very smart way to wear trends, Shari. However for me, there was that unfortunate time in my youth when I wore things I’d never want to revisit 😉
I spotted a lovely cotton dress in the window of a small boutique a few months ago. It was blue and white stripes, mid length and had sleeves. A magic trinity for me. When I tried it on the sleeves were puffy and I mean puffy (think Seinfeld episode puffy). I knew immediately I wasn’t buying, but the shop owner was insistent. I finally said, “I’m 70 years old and I know what I will wear and what I won’t. Puffy sleeves don’t work for me.” Sigh…
Bravo! So many ladies get talked into things that are not their style
I have to pass on most of this seasons offerings. As my sister said it’s the year of Little House on the Prairie style 😳
Two many puffed sleeves a ruffles . Hey ….im not a teenager 🤪
Agreed. It’s slim pickings but I have not given up 😉
That scarf suited you well. I don’t often see you in mixed colours or pattern. The colours were perfect; blue, ranging from soft to dark, and a little carmel which caught the colour in your hair. Such a simple piece and yet well chosen. gave you a big lift.
Thank you Judith! I adore it. Scarves are the only place I wear pattern these days but I never say never to branching out.
Thank you for your advice on dressing well- it’s always spot on ( sadly as I in pack my last summers clothes- two elbow length puffy sleeves among them🛠️
On books, everybody but me just loved Lessons in Chemistry! Not me. I found not one character I could wrap my head or my heart around, except maybe the dog 6:30 or Mad, the child. I found them all rather plastic.
I want to read the Briar Club!
I bought one tiered dress last summer and was uncomfortable the very few times I wore it. Just not me!