103 Responses
Think this is my favorite post. I really need this. I hang onto clothing that is “out” thinking I will wear it. I don’t and then wander why I have a closet full of clothes and “nothing to wear.” Thank you so much.
P.S. I will have to think about some things. 🙂
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Yep, so true. If you have a hard time getting rid of things, just pack them away for a time. If you decide you want them later, you can go get them. If you don’t go back for them after a certain time, donate or sell. 🙂
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GREAT POST – I love this vs that type stuff. Grain of salt for me is …..I’m still a longer cardigan fan when a coat isn’t necessary AND I still love all kinds of animal print so I’m going to just try more current styles in these kinds of tops but still the prints I love but great post.
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Great post. Thanks for the help.
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Yasss! This was exactly the post I what I was waiting for!
A few more questions though! Uggs and Hunter boots. I have some Uggs hanging out in my seasonal closet. Donate?
Also I need some rain boots for this fall/winter season. Hunters still in? I’m thinking something mid-calf as I can’t wear tall. Going to our grandkids activities, fall soccer and football, I need something to slog through the wet grass and muddy fields! Then the jeans to wear with said boots, slim leg or skinny would look best?
So glad you addressed the colored jeans – mine will be on their way to the donate pile now!
As usual, thank you for keeping us stylish and our closets current as well as purged!!Reply
Yes! This is similar to my question as well. 😊
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I think UGGs and Hunter boots are some of those “if you love it, wear it” type of things. They are sort of classics at this point, not terribly offensive (LOL) but not fashion-forward either.
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As for boots for slogging through wet grass and muddy fields, I like duck boots for that.
Like this: https://shopstyle.it/l/bKddc
Chelsea style rain boots look good too: https://shopstyle.it/l/bKddL
And I like these as well: https://shopstyle.it/l/bKddJ
I have these that I will continue to wear: https://rstyle.me/+czYgnSOglT6b7IgbabK4KA
I will wear straight or skinny jeans with those. You can wear straight cuffed and ankle-length or cropped, just over the top of the shaft, or just meeting the top of shaft (with socks that are ok to show).Reply
Thank you for the boot recommendations! I think the duck boots are what I need. I like the side zipper for ease of getting on and off! I also love the look of the Hunters, so another possible option for me!!
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Oh good! I thought you might like the duckboots.
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Thanks for taking the time to put this all together for us. I’m good with most of these changes, but I will probably hold on to my quilted puffer vest because it feels like a classic to me. I can see why it works better with skinny jeans than some of the wider cut pants but I think it will still look good with a heavy sweater and full length straight or fitted flared jeans. Very fun and informative post!
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I think it can go well with straight and bootcut styles too. I think the puffer vests are the kind of thing you need to tailor to your personal style.
That J.Crew Excursion Vest is a bit tired b/c it was everywhere for a few seasons, but it’s a classic and works for those who have a bit of preppy in their personal style.
Then there are others that I like better for my more classic/edgy vibe, like the faux leather one I had last year. I think (I hope) I kept it. I’m also seeing longer ones trending this season. In fact, I should have included that in the post: https://shopstyle.it/l/bKdeA
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My question is if you live in a small town where everyone wears just anything from cut off nutty shorts and tank tops with their boobs hanging out. Or pajamas to the only store we have Walmart if a small rural Florida town. Do I have to give up my out clothes. Cause when I go to town I am the best dressed in Walmart
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I think you should continue to keep your out clothes. Who knows? You may be the inspiration that people need to put actual clothes on and buy a tank top that fits! Keep your standards high! 😊
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Same Stella! Same
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I struggle with this too, at times, but I dress to make myself happy. I do keep in mind where I’m going when I put my outfits together, b/c I don’t want to stick out like a sore thumb, but I also try to stay true to myself. It’s a fine line.
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How about metallic shoes? In or out for casual wear?
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I guess they’re kind of out, aren’t they? I haven’t really thought about it. I do have one pair of silver wedges that I wear sometimes, and I know they aren’t cutting edge, but I love them so I still wear them. I used to love a metallic leather ballet flat, but they’re not really around much anymore.
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Great post, thanks.
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Very helpful! What are your thoughts on the boyfriend cardigan? I’m seeing them in the stores everywhere and bought one last week. Mine is cotton in a fall color (gold)…v neck with the pockets and tortoise shell buttons.
I also have a dress in my closet that I never wear because it feels dated. It has the bell sleeves that were trending back in 2018 or so. Wondering if I should pass it along or possibly have the sleeves altared to make is a short sleeve dress. Ahhhhh decisions lol
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They are definitely in stores right now, probably the most common cardigan style I’m seeing. They are the ones I showed in the Wear Instead section under cardigans. I like them best worn buttoned up, that seems to be the “modern” way to wear them.
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Great post! I lost a lot of weight this year so closet clean out has been ongoing. This post helps me finish off the job. I’m ready to move on from skinny jeans and love that flares are back. I will keep my puffer vests because as you say, they are staples for some areas like mine here in Wisconsin.
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Great post! PLEASE, PLEASE do a post on what shoes to wear with bootcut and flare that are NOT heels. Preferably a post on winter boots (think Sorel Joan, etc). I’ve always loved boot/flare, but I remember how hard it was wearing comfortable day-to-day winter shoes and boots with them a decade ago! What about retro sneakers? Can they go with this style?? I just have to have *something* that is grocery-store, errands, etc appropriate and not going-to-church or a nice dinner appropriate!
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Yes! I love bootcuts but can’t wear heels.
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SAME!
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This is when I really like the cropped and ankle-length flares. I think they work a lot better with flats and sneakers than full-length. I will play around with some, though.
Actually the thicker, lug soled shoes and boots (still flat) look good with flares. Remember this from the 90’s when I was in my 20’s and 30’s!
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Great post! I have a terrible time purging my clothes. This will help a lot,
Thank you. JulieReply
Great post; thank you for putting this together! I promise…. I only giggled once each at your older pictures 😬 interesting how my eye has adjusted to what I once thought critical to have in my closet to “Ew!!”
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Right? It is such a strange phenomenon.
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Great post but I will never ever wear clogs! I’ve hated them every time they were popular but I know that there are real devotees out there. Thanks for the mixed metal layered necklace recommendation! I have several pairs of mixed earrings and only 1 mixed metal necklace from French Kande to go with them. I’m also glad the duster trend went out – too short to wear them.
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I get it. You certainly don’t have to wear clogs to stay current. 🙂
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Really like this post. What do you think about booties (also referred to as shooties sometimes). For example, the Cole Hahn Vestry pointed toe ones. Are they still in style?
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I was going to say “out” but then I googled that exact pair, and I actually don’t think they look terribly dated. They would work well with full length flares or even a straight ankle pant for work wear.
Here’s a link, for anyone following: https://shopstyle.it/l/bKdhx
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This is soooo helpful! I have been cleaning out my closet — got rid of the 1 camo shirt I had, and now onto the puffer vest and low shaft boots. Thank you.
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Do you have a link for the shacket in the photo to? The black and white? Thanks!
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I don’t, it was from Evereve last year, and when they discontinue things, they don’t usually bring them back.
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Can you tell us what you think of you personal microdermabrasion abrasion device you use? Thank you!
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I like it so far. It’s kind of annoying to use, but my skin feels smoother the day afterwards. I am hoping if I continue to use it weekly, I will see some longterm results.
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Hello…my question is regarding the riding boots. The skinny jeans were perfect for not having the pants “bunch” . What style pants would we use with the riding boots if not the skinny? I too have transitioned to the straight leg jeans, and I like the ankle length. Almost all skinny jeans are non existent in my closet. Thx, Ann
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I think we are going to see them with skinny jeans still, as well as more traditional knee-high boots. But I’m also seeing them with baggier pants one one of the more fashiony websites. I cannot find the picture now, though. I’m not sure I see those taking hold in the mainstream suburban shopping malls, though, lol.
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Thank you. Great post. I’d love your ideas for other shoes with flare jeans. Don’t love clogs for me. Also any updates on athleisure wear??
A
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Booties, sneakers, chunky sandals… they all work with flares. A heel or platform sole is ideal with full length flares, and the ankle or cropped lengths work better with flats and sneakers. I haven’t seen much athleisure at all. I think everyone is over it, lol.
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Thanks for this post, Jo-Lynne! I know it’s a lot of work. The boots are the only thing I still have questions about. Maybe a post just on boots.
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I’m on it! 🙂
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As others have mentioned, shedding some of the older trends really depends on the area you live in or just how on trend you feel you “need” to be. I still see women wearing the low rise boot cut jeans with rhinestone details on the back pockets, even though that trend would’ve been deemed “out” many years ago! Some things look obviously dated, but others can continue to be worn and no one would be the wiser as far as if it’s in style or not.
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It definitely depends on where you live. Although it seems like with Instagram and fashion blogs, there isn’t as much lag time. I’m in kind of a unique area, where I have Philadelphia an hour to the east and rural farm country an hour to the west, and I’m in the suburbs in between. Styles vary greatly within a 2-hour radius, so I get a pretty good birds eye-view of how things are going.
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What a great post. So fun to look back at some of the styles. Thanks for keeping us updated and current! 😊
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Great post. Thanks for all the updates. I especially like when you show less expensive alternatives. I have read that leopard/cheetah is a neutral that can be worn even when its out- what do you think????
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Yes, it’s a classic that gets trendy every few years. I will wear it sparingly, but definitely will still wear it.
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I always like layered clothes looks – jackets, sweaters etc. How about adding a denim jacket this season?
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Very useful post, it’s neat to see pictures of the “older” outfits with the new trends. Never liked or had a cold shoulder top and only have one gray ribbed duster sweater which is a cotton/rayon blend may turn that into a pajama wrap for in between cool weather snaps, being 5’2″ did not feel comfortable in it anyway. Infinity scarf, only have one that is a gray flannel which would still look good tucked in a coat or could alter it, too pretty to toss. Donated my white puffer vest last winter, never worn but once and the look sort of overwhelmed me. Can’t forget the waterfall cardigan which I never cared a lot for this style, have a pretty gray/black/cream pattern but will donate that, almost did last year.
Love the gray print top you are featuring, nice twist from the camo print. This was a fun post!Reply
p.s. still hanging on my Frye riding boots and UGG tall Black ones $$
I would too if I owned any. I will definitely keep my spendy things and see if they might come back.
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I’m proud to live where I live but kind of compares with what Stella said in her post today being from a small town which is mostly rural; you sometimes fee overdressed in some instances. Yes, most things do come back in style in one way or another.
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Uh oh—-looks like I’m going to be on the out list-will never give up my long cardigans, ankle booties and skinny jeans. But like you said, grain of salt and wear what you love and works for your body type.
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Me, too, Kari! I just can’t do the flared, boot cut or even most straight leg jeans. It took me a while to become comfortable in my own skin but now that I am, I know what like, what typically looks good on me and I’ve decided to embrace that and not be as concerned about what is trending. I do love Jo Lynne’s blog and watching what is current and what is “out”. Trends come, trends go. My style is more classic and I love black, navy, khaki, camouflage, and olive – basically the neutrals and will continue to dress this way.
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Same to me!I love my skinny jeans,which are more cigarette style and my vests because my style is rather preppy.And since I can’t tolerate high heels due to back problems,flares and bootcuts are not for me.
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I wear my bootcuts with sneakers, flats and loafers as well as boots. They look just fine.
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Thank goodness cold shoulder is finally out.. definitely not a fan!!!
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Thank you for such an informative post. I’m looking forward to trying several of these, as my closet definitely checks most of the “out” items.
Also, any news of what handbags will be trending?
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Is the gray/white camo print also out? It seems like I have seen quite a bit of it.
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Yes! I have that cute grey camo shirt from Free People. Thoughts?
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Can you comment on whether OTK boots are out? In the past I typically wore with skirts or dresses rather than skinnies.
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I am now inspired to purge my closet this afternoon. I’m not going to get rid of low shaft booties yet though, I keep my shoes for forever! Remember the blanket scarf, I think I still have one. Yep, scarves are going to go except for a couple that I love still. I find the women in my city still wear skinnies and a lot wear some version of black jogger pants, which I don’t understand at all in 100 degree heat!
This was a great post Jo-Lynne!
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Fantastic post!!!! I hope this gives everyone the push to clean out their closet !!! I know it has for me. Thanks Jolynne
PamReply
So happy to hear that!
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This is a fantastic post, and why you’re my favorite blogger. I started reading your blog in 2017, I believe, and can’t believe how much fashion has changed. I put all of my colored jeans in a “wait and see “ bin last fall, and now they are coming out, to be replaced by cheetah print items, and short booties. That one hurts. But I never liked camo, and the one cold shoulder top I had I only wore once. I have one puffer vest, in …..a cheetah print. That’s going. I want to stay current, and a few of my t-shirt and jeans friends call me Donna Reed, but I don’t care. I just happen to like fashion, and always have. So thank you for helping us stay current.
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LOL! I am the same. I don’t have any reason to dress the way I do, but I enjoy it.. 🙂
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Loved this post!!! I always have trouble purging my closet in this post will definitely help. I will still keep those things that are “out that I love” but those that are maybes that are out are definitely going to be donated.
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A little confusing…….a coupe of years ago, or even last year, skinny, distressed jeans at a high price were considered an “investment”! Interesting how these high priced items go out of style quickly sometimes so are not an investment. Guess always a good idea to buy only what you can afford but would still be painful to purge $200 jeans🤪!
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Yeah, well… lol! I would call $200 jeans more of a splurge than investment, but it does help to buy at the beginning of a trend cycle, not the end. It also depends on how often you wear them. If I get 2 seasons out of a pair of expensive jeans, I’m okay with it b/c I wear them so often.
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Great post. I agree with it all.
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I hope to never see cammo again!
It is the ugliest fashion “mis-take” I have ever seen.So happy it has made everyones OUT list.
FarewellReply
Soo true!
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I love the skinny jeans, but I’m not a “skinny” girl. I’m 5’4″, 145 pounds, so I have some thigh and booty going on. What jeans (and shoes) do you think would look best for someone with a bigger bottom (I wear a 29 jean usually). Thanks.
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I’m about the same height and weight with wider hips, and I feel like bulkier shoes help provide some balance.
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I have that three-piece Madewell jewelry set. It is on HEAVY rotation! Recommend it highly.
I’m a little sad about long pendant necklaces, though. My Kendra Scott will need to be set aside for sure. However, I have a beautiful one by Lagos that was just too expensive not to wear. Plus, I like it…and as you said, that’s what counts! 🙂
Also pretty sad about the waterfall cardies. I have SO MANY of those. I will have to get serious about pruning my collection before the temps drop this Fall.
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You should definitely wear them if you love them. 🙂
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Regarding the colored jeans – what if you are styling with the exact colored shirt (for example a wine colored jean with a wine colored cashmere sweater?
The monochromatic look.Thanks and great post!
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I feel like that’s a good way to get extra mileage out of a pair of colored jeans if you have them, since monochromatic dressing is a big fall 2022 trend.
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Just wondering when things go out how do you decide what to hang onto in case it comes back around? Obviously we can’t keep everything and that would vary from person to person depending on space and budget.
Any advice?
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It depends on if it is a passing fad, or a classic item that has become trendy that might come back around in a few years. If it is that sort of thing, it has to be very good quality, and I have to LOVE it. Like, I’ve been holding onto a pair of Frye riding boots, and I have some Stuart Weitzman ankle strap sandals I might keep. Usually for me, it will be shoes. I rarely keep clothes that I have put away longer than a season (to see if I go back and grab it.) Either is it classic enough to keep wearing it until it wears out (v-neck cashmere sweaters, for example) or it is going out of style and I don’t want to hold onto it for years so I pass it on and buy new when it comes back around. It seems like even when “classics” come back around, they tweak them a bit so I still prefer to buy the new updated style. But as you said, it also depends on your shopping habits and lifestyle and budget. With this blog, I try to keep content current, so I am more ruthless than most when it comes to purging. 🙂
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Oh hey, I was going thru my shoes for donation, and I remembered I have a pair of snake print sneakers. I suppose snake print will be out, it was Everywhere for awhile. I finally remembered to purge my scarves, I kept the ones I still love because they have good memories, but the rest went. It seems like this year, so much in fashion just suddenly changed, although I know that’s not really the case.
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It has changed quite a bit this season, although these trends have been on the fringe for a while. I think it’s coming out of the pandemic… everyone is excited to be back out there with places to go and they’re sick of athleisure.
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I just want to say, you totally look younger with your current hair length than when it was shorter hair in your older photos.
Also, I totally can’t get on the bootleg and flare bandwagon again. I am 5’6 with longer legs and short torso but I feel like bootcut and flare jeans make me look wider; even with my height!
Thanks for your posting!
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Yay for that! I actually never liked my hair short. I wore it closer to this length for much of my adult life, but after my 3rd child, I had some bad thinning hair issues, and I had to cut it and I guess I got used to it. It was during Covid that it grew in some and I realized how much more I like it when it’s below the shoulder.
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I enjoy your blog and get great information on trends from it but ………..I say wear what you want, what you feel good in, keep your own individuality in the way you want to dress. The garment industry needs consumers to keep purchasing and so the never ending change of fashion however so slight the change might be.
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That is why I made this disclaimer right at the top…
But first, a disclaimer: Take this list with a grain of salt. If you love it, wear it. There are no fashion police who are going to throw you in jail for wearing skinny jeans…
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Love your list. Unfortunately I am very out if style. Time to go shopping. Note that you accidentally wrote “Wear instead: Camo Print” instead of “Out: Camo Print”. Otherwise very well written article.
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Ooops! Thanks for the heads up. I hate typos. Will fix. 🙂
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Thank you for your post! One thing I struggle with is keeping up with trends, but not appear as though I’m trying hard to look youthful. For example, when I wear baggy or wide legged jeans, I prefer a platform, lug sole boot. I’m short, so it gives me added height. I’m seeing them everywhere, so I look it as buying what’s new or available vs trying to follow trends. Some of the oversized looks are ok for tall models but at 5’2, it’s not an easy look for me to pull off. Also, I have seen everything from micro bags to (again) oversized handbags. “Big is better” seems to be the phrase that comes to mind when I look at current fashion blogs, or at popular clothing stores, like Zara. And all one color, head to toe. Any recommendations on which handbags are out for this fall? And is it really ok to wear white lug sole boots, or other white shoes after Labor Day? I thought it was an “always” rule, but I’ve seen the big, chunky white athletic shoe everywhere on Instagram, etc. Again, I’m not sure if over 50 yos should try to sport these same looks, or if it just looks plain ridiculous? I tend to stick to very classic looks and incorporate one or two “trendy” pieces into each outfit to keep it fresh. Just curious what you think? Thank you!! Great info.
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I hear you, wearing too many trends at once can tend to look a little try hard, but keeping up with trends and incorporating them sparingly into your existing wardrobe is how to stay looking current. It’s definitely a balance. 🙂 I think it comes down to really honing in on your personal style and knowing what looks best on you and sticking with those. I think you can wear wide leg jeans with a lug sole boot and still look age appropriate as long as it works for your personal style and flatters your body type. I would keep the top half a little less trend-driven, but of course in proportion to the more voluminous bottom half.
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Great suggestions to keeping current. I’m 80 but am still into fashion so it’s good to know when to retire certain item of clothing. Gone today for me, puffy vest, infinity scarves, long sweaters, long pendent necklaces. Many of the things you listed I don’t wear anyway. I’m a Chicos shopper. No prints, nothing trendy.
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LOVE this post – especially the “This vs That” take! Makes it so easy for anyone visualize. I style for one of the retailers you mentioned (😉) and you’re so on point in both your post & answers. 👍🏻 A couple of trends to add – blazers, both dressy and w jeans/sneakers. Vegan leather tops & bottoms. On a recent trip to Italy I saw dark tights EVERYWHERE, chunky lug soles and black combat boots making a comeback. Look forward to reading more from you!
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Liked your posts and comments regarding the next season of fashion. I appreciate your perspective and predictions.
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Awesome article! Thank you. You’ve made a nice, down-to-earth and accurate list of what-to-wear instead. I appreciate it!
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Thank you! I like the visuals!
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I would love to know where you got the shacket from. It’s hard to find things that are in the darker colour and are more of a grid rather than a full on plaid or check. The plaid and check gives me trucker vibes. But I love the grid on you!
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I was happy to let some of these trends pass on by (e.g., wearing shooties with a dress??) and some I wasn’t even aware of (leopard print seems so 80s to me). One trend I still see in many of these pics is the off-shoulder seam, which I could never wear with my already-broad shoulders and yet can’t seem to get away from as eeeverybody is designing their tops and sweaters this way – either this or with seams angled in toward the neck. Can we have our classic, fitted vertical shoulder seams back, please?
But I’m keeping my quilted vests ;).
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I enjoyed this article! I would like to know if elbow length flutter sleeves are considered out of style. I’m looking at purchasing a formal dress for my son’s upcoming wedding that has a sleeve I described. I am thinking of covering my upper arms (I am in good shape, just thinking about modesty), so this sleeve is a contender. Any thoughts? Thanks.
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I would say it depends on the whole dress, I can’t speak to just the cut of the sleeves without seeing the whole thing. Flutter sleeves in general are not trending at the moment, but that doesn’t mean it would look dated either, on the right dress.
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Excellent post, but clogs aren’t my cup of tea. I’ve never quite warmed up to them, though I know they have a loyal following. On a positive note, thanks for the suggestion on the mixed metal layered necklace. I’ve got an assortment of mismatched earrings and having the perfect necklace to match is a game-changer. By the way, I’m with you on the duster trend – it didn’t quite work for me, either. Too short for my taste
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