Neutrals and I Need Your Help
Today I have an outfit that I love, plus I’d love to get your answers to a few questions. As much as I enjoy wearing color, neutrals have my heart. They’re timeless and easy to coordinate plus they’re less memorable than brighter colors which make them more versatile.
This faux suede moto jacket has been a best seller on AWSL for many months, with good reason. It comes in several flattering neutrals, it’s incredibly luxe and soft, and the price is amazing.
This fawn color coordinates with so many other colors. It feels as versatile as black…but a lot more flattering for many of us. It comes in sizes 00-18, I’m wearing a 6-8. Leather and faux moto jackets have a hard look to them, which I avoid, but this super soft, ultra-suede dials back the edginess because it lacks shine.
These are super-soft cords from Banana Republic which have a straight leg and high rise. I like the way the fuller leg helps add balance to my shape. I’m sure skinny pants will be back before we know it, but I’m not anxious to wear them anytime soon. How about you?
The surplice-wrap blouse has a shirt tail back you can wear out, or tuck in. It has a lightly draped front with a snap at the V which keeps it from gaping open, always a plus for me. The front is the perfect length to wear over your waistband which shows some waist definition but conceals your tummy. It comes in several patterns, regular and petite, sizes XXS-XXL. I am wearing a regular in small. The subtle lug sole combat style booties are from last year, similar here, and here, and here.
Now, here’s where I need your help-
Please feel free to answer in the comments, which I feel proud to say is a safe, nurturing environment for us to chat. If you’d like to be more private, simply respond to the email and tell me that way.
Why do you follow my blog? What it is about A Well Styled Life that you enjoy most? How does it differ from other blogs you follow?
Several of you have mentioned that you’ve given up reading other blogs, but continue to read mine. Why? I am honored, but I have never asked why and I would love to know.
I would love to know your fashion and lifestyle goals and how I might help you achieve them.
Could you also please share what country you’re from.
Thank you for being here and helping to make this community what it is.
xox
Love this blog because: I like most of the styles shown, I’m in the senior years, also deal with thinning hair, need comfortable shoes, love my adult kids and dog sit occasionally. I also have a husband who is my best friend.
No sales pitch. Honesty
Love Vancouver (live at White Rock). I don’t have the energy to go shopping like I used to so you can do that for me.
Biggest frustration is online shopping from Canada. I’ve actually lost money trying
to return things.
I think if we met we would become friends.
You have similar coloring to me although I’m a half foot taller, you are not a slave to some color police that say you should only wear certain colors, which I find so limiting, your style overall fits my retired lifestyle, you don’t preach or pray, not that having religion in your life is a bad thing, I just find proselytizing untoward in this forum and you seem to be genuine in all you share plus have fun doing it…Bravo. Also the ads do not slow down or have to be refreshed on the iPad I use to view your posts 😊
I follow your blog because I like your style aesthetic and the way you talk about the clothing you style and I enjoy the personal updates. We’re close in age so that also works for me because I feel that what you style is age appropriate but youthful and I want to achieve that myself. I also like hearing about the time you spend in Canada. I’m a Canuck, originally from the Niagara region but I’ve lived in Calgary since 1980. I love to visit Vancouver and Vancouver Island, so the posts from your visits there resonate with me. Your life is very different from mine but the blog offers lots of good ideas for styling what I already own and items to consider adding to my wardrobe.
I enjoy your tips for those of us over “a certain age”. Your willingness to try on new fashions and to give styling tips is very helpful. And as others have commented, your writing style is warm and friendly which makes it feel more personable. Thanks for all of this!
I relate to your sense of style. Everything is very polished and thought through, but not untouchable in price
I too have given up other blogs but not yours.
Look forward to them every day
Like so many have said you have an approach to life and style that resonates with me. While we have different body types and coloring, I appreciate the styles tips, especially one outfit styled different ways that show how tucking in a top elongates your legs, and things like that. I’m not someone who enjoys shopping, so to have you as my ‘personal’ stylist helps me find pieces without the chore of searching online or in person. Thanks so much. I live in USA – Midwest.
Jennifer, I’ve been reading your blog for several months now and really enjoy your approach. I looked at a couple other blogs but believe me, you are the cutest, best style, best sense of humor and best outlook on aging and life in general I’m in Seattle and the weather has a definite effect on what I wear and I am 70 now and just retired so my choices are a lot more casual. You, however, are never over dressed nor do you look like you’re trying too hard to look young. I’ve been interested in fashion my whole life and think that a lot of styles are impossible to wear these days if you are over 16. So carry on, I’m a great fan and would miss you if you quit.
I love your casual style, it is so relatable to the life I am living at the moment but at the same time I appreciate your put together appearance. Hopefully, I will be able take your important lessons and apply them to my life .
Hi Jennifer, I’m 55 and live in NZ but still enjoy reading your blog from the other side of the world! I love the real life try ons that you do. Dressing room diaries and trying on what a mannequin is wearing and then styling it on a real person. Your styling tips are great. Even though I am a different body shape and colouring, I love seeing the clothes on a real person and what you do to style them so they suit you. It is great inspiration.
In NZ we don’t have access to all the beauty products and clothes brands that you have in the states and I often ponder about starting my own blog, highlighting NZ brands. Seeing clothes on a real person is so different to seeing them on a model or a mannequin.
I have learnt a lot from you about different things you have tried for over 50 women issues, such as, thinning hair and sun care. I love what you have done with your hair.
I also love hearing about your travels, home and family. Thanks for sharing your life. I’m a house wife at home with a 16 year old teenage daughter. I would rather be working but right now I am supporting my daughter, Mother’n’law (84) and husband in his business. I enjoy the blogs of women over 50 as they share what they are doing in their careers or retirement. This phase of life I am in, is going to come to an end as my daughter moves on from school and I’m looking out for the next thing.
You look gorgeous in this outfit. I agree about straight leg jeans, they are more comfortable as we age.
As we say in NZ
Nga mihi, kia kaha
Kind regards, stay strong
Claire
I enjoy your blog because it is written for women over 50, although a younger woman could read it and get useful information. What I enjoy most about it is how you analyze why something works or how it could be re-styled for an improvement. You seem very open and welcoming in receiving the ideas of others. Some bloggers don’t post very often, but I can count on yours! As for me, I need help with ideas for dressing up for evening and holiday events. Although we live in a very casual city, I would like to have a few things for going out to dinner or to a birthday party or holiday party. Last night we went to a country club for dinner with friends. I managed to put together something that was OK but would have liked to up my game a little, if you know what I mean. Thanks Jennifer
I found your blog from another blogger (Over 50, Feeling 40 I think) when I was in my mid50s and dealing with the bodily changes that many women our age do. I still working — most likely for several more years, so I appreciate that your clothes are just what I am looking for — stylish and comfortable and affordable. In addition to enjoying your fabulous fashion sense and tips, I love that your blog is such a warm and friendly place. I appreciate your openness about health and other personal issues, too. Greetings from Ohio!
I like your blog because you are relatable and closer to my age than some bloggers, I am 64. Too many other bloggers have so many sponsored posts. I follow blogs for outfit inspiration so I don’t need to see a newly purchased outfit everyday. I don’t mind seeing the same pieces you own remixed, after all that his how we really live! On the flip side I do enjoy when you do Dressing Room Diaries because I do like to know what is in style and how it fits a real woman. Keep up the good work!
I enjoy your sense of classic, comfortable and on trend style for women over 50. Several of your selections I have gone out to purchase. You tend to shop at similar stores as I do, Chicos, Nordstrom and Talbots, and also expose me to some stores I don’t often frequent like Madewell, JCrew, and J Jill. I started following you before you moved nearby, and now I can zip down to our local stores right after you post something, because I know it’s in stock–such a bonus. I love that you clearly state the size and how the items you model fit as it is such a help when I purchase online. It’s a bonus for me that you now live in an adjacent small town, but I was a fan before you were a neighbor!
Reasons for me include:
you are real… you share the challenges of gettin’ older … you share solutions that work for you
i live in Victoria, BC and am so pleased with the way you toggle between vancouver, Vancouver Island and your life in california….you are nicely tuned in to your readers….
keep up the good work Jennifer, I’m delighted to see how much reader loyalty you’ve garnered over the years.
I enjoy your blog because you are open, honest, and down to earth. I like your style and appreciate seeing various price points in the items you share. It makes me feel better about my aging self when you share your struggles and you encourage me to keep fighting! Love your travel, the care you pour on your family, and your new comfy shoes! I feel like we’re friends. Thank you so much!
I like that your blog focuses on affordable fashions…and I appreciate that your blog sticks to fashion and doesn’t delve into religion…which is not something I come to a fashion blog to read about, but so many of the others feel it necessary to include it.
I read your blog to gather ideas for the clothes I see at thrifts and vintage shops. The thrifts sell to people whose incomes are limited and who are looking for affordable clothes when entering, or re-entering the work force, many of whom are on small budgets, single parents (both men and women shop thrifts), and others who are new to the country and or community. Your blog helps with styling tips that can update older clothing and new.
I read your blog for myself to refresh a closet full of clothes that are worn too infrequently because of COVID and being retired. I rarely shop retail now because of choice, and even less often do I shop for clothes online after reading what happens to returns, Amanda Mull/ The Atlantic and Fasionopolis. Land fills and sweatshops in foreign countries are another determent.
I follow several fashion blogs, but yours is the one that I read every time. We have similar style choices and I can relate to your lifestyle. Not sure when I started following you, but it’s been several years and before your move. I love your try on dressing room diaries. They’re honest and you show the good and the bad with options on how to style outfits. Although we have very different body types and I weigh 25-30lbs more than you do, we are the same height and have similar coloring so that gives me a good idea on how things might look on me. I love fashion and your blog is like talking to a girlfriend. Many of my girlfriends do not care about fashion like I do or they have a very different style, which is OK, but not conducive to talking fashion. I love neutrals, but also wear more color than you and I’m thrilled that you are embracing color more. Keep it up! I am not going anywhere!
Hello Jennifer from New Zealand. I read your blog because you are about my age and although you are smaller than me we are a similar body shape. Your advice is balanced and your taste is classic. You are notvtrying desperately to sell me something and although we are at opposite seasons here on the other side of the Pacific, I enjoy seeing what fashion will bring me in six months time. Cheers Linda Todd
I only recently discovered you blog and am so very glad I did! Your style, and body type (as well as size) are close to mine, although I am a 70-something brunette with natural touches of silver gray. I too have thinning hair.
I am also petite (5’1”) and appreciate your suggestions as to sizing when you feature an item. Sometimes petites, sometimes regular sized, depending on the fit.
I also like to shop many of the stores you frequent. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and so we are also seasonally close in terms of what works for our climate.
It’s a win in every way, and I love your blog!