Keeping up with Wardrobe (and Hairstyle) Trends

On a recent visit to my hairdresser, I heard that side parts and skinny jeans are officially “dead” (as decreed by Gen Z). Well, my side part and skinny jeans are hear to tell you that is a personal choice. Wear what you’re comfortable in and what you feel you look good in. This is my philosophy now and always. If you feel good, if you like what you see in the mirror, your whole mood will lift, you will shine and smile bright. And that is pure beauty.

However, if we’re talking about the latest trends… middle parts and straight jeans are what is on display. Now, you can still buy your skinny jeans at your favorite retailer. I understand that trends can take some getting used to. And maybe you feel you’re not quite ready yet to make the switch. (You’re not alone - still seeing plenty of skinny jeans out there.) If you’re sick of your skinny jeans and ready to try something new, there is plenty to choose from.

I normally don’t post about denim because I find it incredibly personal. Denim is the furthest you can get from one size fits all (no disrespect to the Traveling Pants). And the denim industry is forever innovating, adjusting and changing everything about the jeans we wear. Whether it’s the pockets, the fabric, the fly, the cut, the length, the list goes on and on. Believe it or not denim styles are fluid and we are at the mercy of the designers to find what looks good on our bottom half.

If you find that purchasing a new pair of jeans is overwhelming for you, you are not alone! It’s an incredibly painful and frustrating process for so many women. I recall being a teenager and dragging at least 10+ pairs of jeans into a dressing room and then having to come out and get more. I think the only reason I don’t do that anymore is because I don’t have the time. But one lesson I have walked away with is that I don’t need to be so hard on myself. I can have more fun with my clothes and wear what I like instead of only what’s trendy.

With that in mind, I will share what works for me and the styles I am currently loving to offer some inspiration for your wardrobe. I purchased the below pair of jeans from J.Crew last fall. These 9" demi-boot crop jeans are so flattering and fun. I was looking for something a little different and this pair delivers. I like the button fly detail and boot cut style in a crop length. The crop length works particularly well for me as I am petite and find that I always need to have jeans hemmed. Bonus: these jeans are available in petite and tall!

If a boot cut style is not for you, I also found a flattering straight leg option at J. Crew. These are the 9” vintage straight leg jean in Rinse wash. These jeans offer a little more classic look that will pair easily in your wardrobe. This slightly higher waist line is comfortable and supportive and totally on trend.

Whatever your preference when it comes to denim, look for what makes you smile. It might be the most comfortable fit or the most flattering or both! One of the best aspect of today’s denim is that it is available in endless fits, styles & colors. You can pick a boyfriend denim in a light wash in a petite size. You can pick a curvy fit in a cropped length in a dark wash. Mix and match all you please until you find your perfect combination. If all these choices seem overwhelming, start with what you love most about your current jeans and go from there. Change what doesn’t work for you. Shop from a retailer that you are already familiar with so you know what to expect from their product. And don’t forget that some of the best jeans we’ve owned are “broken in” so give it time and good luck!

The Colors of My Wardrobe (or lack thereof)

I read an article recently that indicated based on the day I was born that my lucky color is red. It also indicated my unlucky color is blue. My jaw fell. The majority of my wardrobe is blue. And I own almost nothing in red.

I don’t usually put my stock in these sorts of things but it did get me thinking. How different would my life be if I wore more red? Why do I always gravitate towards blue? Should I be adding more color to my wardrobe? Should I be concerned that my favorite red is the one in my wine glass?

My wardrobe is made up of mostly neutrals with some pops of color. That is in fact a conscious decision. I personally like the way I look in those colors and I find it easiest to coordinate outfits in this way. I also do not choose to wear red because I find it a tricky color. There are many shades of red. Depending on your skin tone, it can be difficulty finding the shade that compliments you best.

Not every color or shade looks good on everyone. And you shouldn’t feel as though you need to represent all colors in your wardrobe. I remember a couple years ago around the holidays standing in a retail store waiting to pay and I overheard a woman next to me who was purchasing a red sweater. She told the sales associate that she found the sweater festive even though she didn’t feel the color was the best compliment to her complexion. She was buying a red sweater that she didn’t even think looked good on her just because it was festive. It took all the restraint I had not to yell “DON’T BUY THE SWEATER”.

If you don’t think that an article of clothing flatters you in every way, do not purchase it. You will wear it once, if that and then it will sit in your closet for all of eternity. When we get dressed, we gravitate towards the items in our closets that (1) are comfortable and (2) look good on us. Make your purchasing decisions, accordingly.

Today, as my mind was wondering, I realized that while I don’t own much red in my wardrobe, half of my pajamas are red! Ok, yes, I wear pajamas to bed. I have actual pajamas (not just an old t-shirt). And for some reason, red is my pj color of choice. I find this baffling. Am I subconsciously making up for not wearing red in my wardrobe by putting it in my sleepwear? This, I have no answer for. But I can tell you that I love my red pajamas.

An example of one of the few reds in my wardrobe. Though I only have a few, I love the ones I have. I want the same for you!

Merry Sales: Shop with Purpose

Merry Post Christmas Sales! Whatever didn’t sell for the holiday is now on deep discount. This applies to more than just the holiday decorations. Retail is preparing to unload all their winter wear as they will be displaying “Resort 2020” in the next month! What does this mean for you? Take advantage of these sales to fill your closet with whatever you need to get you though the rest of the winter season.

So with so many sales the hardest part might be “where to begin?” I have some suggestions and examples here to help you start to break it down. Instead of shopping aimlessly, have a plan. Look at your wardrobe and figure out where the holes are. Of the key pieces you need for your lifestyle, what are you missing or need to replace? See below for a few “key pieces” for almost any wardrobe to get you started!

Work-wear: Whatever your job, there is a chance that on occasion you need to dress up a little. Or maybe just look more put together than the athleisure that you live in. I’ve always found that a simple neutral blazer can go a long way to pulling together a look, especially when you feel at a loss for what to wear. Depending on how formal you need to dress, you can pair a blazer with jeans for a more casual look or pair with a shift dress for a more professional look.

BR Unstructured Wool Blend Knit Blazer

The Versatile Dress: A simple dress can be accessorized in multiple ways so as to fit any number of occasions. To find a dress that will work as a great base layer in your wardrobe, choose a neutral tone and a simple silhouette. You might be surprised to see that I have chosen a leopard print as my example but in fact, this is considered a neutral tone as it can paired with so many others. Keep jewelry to a minimal and pair with nude pumps for a low key affair. Add a little bling and color for something more exciting!

BR Print Midi Shirt Dress

The LBD: This is a must have staple in all wardrobes. The little black dress fits so many occasions and never goes out of style. Keep this dress in your closet from one season to the next for any impromptu occasion you might have. Whether you are in need of a last minute cocktail dress, have a dinner invitation for work, or attending a theater performance, the LBD will get you there in style!

BR Flutter Sleeve Midi Dress

The Cozy Sweater: Chances are your closet is full of sweaters, especially if you live in New England. But do the sweaters you have live up to your expectations? Do they fit your lifestyle? How long have they been in your wardrobe? Sometime we hold onto to sweaters longer than we should. If we get use out of a sweater, it can wear over time. Sweaters are one piece we will be continuously adding to our wardrobes every year. Something warm, simple and with a touch of detail could be just the piece you need.

J. Crew Crewneck Sweater with jeweled buttons

The Statement Blouse: Whether you are dressing for work or a night out, this blouse can become a staple in your wardrobe to help get you through the next few months. Pick a color and style that flatters you. Then start pairing it with everything in your wardrobe. From jeans, to a pencil skirt, to dress pants or a suit, this simple blouse can take your wardrobe to almost any occasion. The versatility of this blouse is what makes it such a key ingredient to your wardrobe.

J. Crew Open V-neck Top

The Coat: In this case, the coat is a perfectly simple one button topcoat. But coats in all colors, styles and fabrics are on sale right now. Depending your lifestyle, find the coat that will be the most versatile in your wardrobe. Where do you go on a weekly basis? Are you outside much? Do you need a heavy coat or will something lighter work better? I encourage you to get the coat that you will get the most use out of. Only you can determine what that will be. While I know that you want to find a coat that will fit over all your other layers, you also want to find a coat that will “Fit” you properly. Where possible try on multiple sizes to determine the best fit for you body.

J. Crew Daphne Topcoat