The Most Useful Purchases I Made This Year
As I look back on my wardrobe purchases in 2025, a few stand out as real winners. These are the pieces I reached for over and over because they worked with my lifestyle, my shape, my coloring, and my budget. I had a few misses, too, but today feels like a good day to focus on what actually worked.
New Balance 327
These New Balance 327 sneakers were a home run for my wide feet. Just in the nick of time, I finally decided to try a sneaker I’d seen all the “cool” women wearing, and discovered they’re terrific. They’re a retro sneaker with a roomier toe box than many, which is very appreciated by bunions, swelling, and feet that have reached the “don’t crowd me” phase of life.
They come in many prints and colors, so I expect this will not be my only pair. Shari let me know that FIGS carries New Balance 327s in some fun, unique colors.
Veronica Beard has a similar-looking sneaker in several gorgeous colors, but I can’t speak to their comfort, and several lower-priced stores carry look-a-likes. In fact, Steve Madden got sued for copying them.
Zipper Tote Bag
This Cuyana tote bag has been a major player and rock star in my 2025 wardrobe, so much so that I couldn’t resist adding two new specialty colors to my collection. The size is perfect for me! It sits easily on my shoulder, and when I hold it in my hand, it doesn’t touch the ground, which I really appreciate.
The pebbled leather is virtually indestructible, and it has a zipper closure, which I like for security and keeping everything contained in case my bag flies off the front seat when I turn a corner or stop short. For long days out of the house, I often put my smaller bag inside along with a water bottle, reusable nylon grocery bags, and sunglasses. It comes in several sizes (mine is size small) and tons of gorgeous colors.
Barely Boot Jeans
I’ve been buying and wearing this style of jeans for many years and now own them in 4 washes. They’re not distressed, which makes them very versatile for me.
When I’m not sure what to wear, I reach for these Talbots Barely Boot jeans more often than not. I have them in both 8 petite and 10 petite, depending on the week and how many times we’ve eaten out. There’s just something incredibly comfortable about the fit of these jeans.
The slight boot shape is a nice cross between straight and full-on bootcut. They work with shoes and sneakers, and booties slip up under the leg nicely.
Perfect White Shirt
I love crisp white shirts and wear them often, so they don’t stay white forever. Talbots brings back this no-iron white shirt every season, and this year I replaced mine with a fresh version. It travels beautifully, and I’ve never had to iron it, which is a win/win for me.
Packable Waterproof Rain Jacket
I wore this packable, lightweight jacket way more than I expected to this year. It was the perfect piece to toss into my suitcase, no matter where we were going. The hood is invaluable in drizzly weather, and it is a wonderful weight for three seasons of the year.
I also love the inner cord that allows me to cinch the waist (I’m covering it with my waistpack here). This comes in many colors in regular, petite, tall, and plus sizes.
Ponte Knit Pants
/ and there’s that tote bag again!
I am a huge fan of ponte fabric for so many things. You can pay a lot for it, or you can get great quality at a fabulous price. These Quince ponte pants delivered way more than I expected, for under $35. They come in several inseams (mine are 28″), in 10 colors.
They run small, so I sized up to a large because I like to run mine through the washer and dryer. These are Espresso, which is cool-toned, and I reach for them so often that I’ve ordered the charcoal. I’ve also ordered these wide legs in navy with a 30″ inseam to wear over my sneakers.
Looking back, the most useful purchases weren’t the most impressive. They were the ones I reached for without hesitation, week after week. That’s usually the clearest signal that something actually belongs in your life.
What made MVP in your wardrobe in 2025?
Jennifer,
I found your blog in 2025 and have enjoyed every post!
Since my husband and I travel frequently these days I have found that keeping a log of my outfits helps me pack for trips plus the daily grind of ‘what to wear’!
I use it at least once a week 🙂
I let my pants and jeans, then add the tops that week for me.
Maybe this hint will be of interest to your readers.
Happy New Year Jennifer and thank you for your blog which is grounded in the real world. Your fashion choices are on trend, without being over priced (except for Frank and Eileen, which is eye watering due to the Aussie dollar – but, I do like their clothes). My must have purchases this year were the New balance 471 sneakers, which are a better style for smaller feet. The Cuyana tote bag (on your recommendation) another.
Happy New Year, everyone! Jennifer, I will read and be inspired by anything you post, no matter how often. You are at your best when you are authentic and vulnerable, whether it’s sharing a health woe or your everyday outfits and purchases. I also enjoy advice on skincare and makeup. Anything! This community is so gracious and supportive; we will be here for you as long as you continue to share! Rest, Replenish and Restore!
You are so kind, thank you!
Thanks for all of your information……I don’t think you should put that pressure on yourself and try to post frequently just because. I think you’re making a wise decision and maybe you’ll find the material you decide to post is more you and not what you think every blogger is doing and is (even if with less frequent postings). I’ve always loved you’re individual style (and accessories)…..you have your own unique touch.
Happy New Year
First, Happy New Year to you and your family. May the year be filled with good health and happy memories. I come to your blog because it’s informative and relaxing. I’ve found so many great recommendations from you not because you’re telling me I “need” them or that you’re “obsessed” (my least favorite word on social media these days.) You do whatever is best for you and any given situation you’re in. To quote a famous movie, “if you build it, they will come.”
Happy New Year!
Comfort pants such as Athleta have a short inseam and the hem falls at the ankle. Same for ankle length jeans. It’s not comfortable to have bare ankles in colder weather! Do you know of a flesh colored sock that could be worn? Or is the only alternative knee high hose for a little warmth? Happy New Year to you!
I’d wear a sock that matches the pant to lengthen the leg. Happy New Year
Your reason for wanting a bag with a zipper is the same as mine! Nothing worse than it tipping over when you are driving. There are many bags I’ve admired this last year and it seems like they often have a magnetic closure and not a zipper. I am looking closely at the Quince ponte pants. It’s good to know you have been enjoying them.
Have you ever tried Quince jeans ? If so, I would love your opinion.
I do have a par and I like them but they’re not my fav. I chose wide legs with a front patch pocket which I’m not a fan of on me.
It’s interesting how some purchases are so perfect and comfortable I wear them frequently. Other purchases, that at the time, seemed like I had to have them sit in my closet. I may need to sit on my urges to buy and make sure I really need it and will wear it. Something to think about in the New Year!
Happy New Year!
I totally support you in your quest to find more balance – and posting less makes sense to me. I’ve thought that all year actually- that your posts are always so good and thoughtful, it must take a lot of work to post almost daily. And for me anyway, it’s actually a lot of work to follow daily posts. One less reading “to-do” in my inbox would be welcomed, especially knowing that when I do get one from you, it will have the high quality content I like to see.
As others have posted, your openness and honest approach to aging is refreshing and I appreciate your style tips. I think your suggestions of adding more collages is a great idea.
Thanks for all you do! My favorite purchases of the year came from your blog and I have managed to find a style for my age that I like, mostly due to your content.
Here’s to a great 2026! Hoping it’s a good one for all of us.
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!! I love your blog and your fashion choices mirror mine I , shop the same stores…I get so many great tips on styling. I just need to find my sweet spot to look polished, haven’t quite gotten there yet. Your blogs start my day in a positive way…
Nice pieces.
Thank you for the inspiration you provide and even though as a Canadian it is almost impossible to purchase the items you highlight, I appreciate your comments and insights.
Good for you for doing what feels right
I agree how difficult it must be to have clothes cycling in and out all the time.
Happy New Year to you and yours
Happy New Year Year to Jennifer and all the lovely members of this community. I do not post much, but enjoy reading the blog and comments. I started following in March of this year, and am so grateful to have found this little haven of wonderful fashion advice. When I joined, I was feeling rather like a bedraggled drudge. Over the past few years, I lost several family members (still can’t believe my parents are gone), as well as endured several surgeries. I decided to retire and had no idea how to shop for my new life. Jennifer – thank you thank you thank you. You are such an inspiration to me. We have quite similar bodies, so your recommendation often resonate with me. My favorites purchases from this year are the Frame Jeans, Frank & Eileen Dublin blazer, and sweet Missoma button pearl earrings. I feel like myself again with a wardrobe that suits me.
Thank you so much for letting me know, Deborah! I’m so happy to hear you’re feeling more inspired. That’s my goal!! Happy New Year xo
I love the look of a crisp white shirt but I stay away because my makeup always transfers over. Do you have a tip to keep makeup off the collar? I do use a setting spray but it doesn’t seem to help much.
Thank you!
Linda
I don’t put makeup on my neck and haven’t had an issue. If it’s from your jaw, perhaps buff that area with a tissue after application. Any other ideas ladies?
I appreciate the fact that you are using your own wardrobe. You live in the real world and that is why I so enjoy this blog. Your observations of things contain humor and honesty. You keep things authentic.
Thank you,
Suzanne
Happy New Year 🎊 I love the New Balance sneakers and the Quince pants. Looking back I seemed to have worn my Nikes more then anything else. Oh and jeans of course!!
I appreciate your posts so much! I am in my late 60s but still want to be stylish but also comfortable. I enjoy taking your suggestions so very much. I am 5’3” and have a fairly long torso for my height. I usually purchase petite pants and regular tops although the sleeves are usually too long. I struggle knowing where my pant hem line should hit. Should all jeans hit at the ankle bone or are there different length preferences for different style jeans and slacks? Thanks for being YOU and helping the rest of us be ourselves as well.
Donna
Thanks for being here Donna. Happy New Year