I was inspired by Angie at YouLookFab (or shall I say “influenced”?) to write a post about my Style Goals for 2025. While I’ve never set specific style goals before, taking the time to reflect on what works (and what doesn’t) felt like a fun and helpful exercise. From refining my wardrobe staples to experimenting with trends, I’m sharing the goals I’m setting to keep my style feeling fresh and authentic. I’d love to year yours!
I feel like I’m finally in a place where I can say I’m happy and confident with my personal style. Of course, with my job, my wardrobe is always evolving, but overall, it feels functional and cohesive. While I wouldn’t say it’s ever truly “finalized,” I can walk into my closet and feel confident that I have something for any occasion my life might throw at me… with one exception. (More on that below!)
Isabel Hoodie (M) // PAIGE Leenah Ankle (29) // Gola Torpedo Sneakers (8)
Most of my days are spent working from home, running errands, or meeting a friend for lunch. Gone are the days of attending school and band events and running kids around town, now that both of my girls are in college and my son is working full-time.
Fitness is a regular part of my routine, with gym workouts, Pilates, and daily neighborhood walks. I also have regular mani/pedi appointments, and I see my chiropractor and other specialists for various reasons. While these occasions don’t call for fancy outfits, I still like to feel polished and put-together when I’m out and about.
Beyond that, I have a weekly Bible study I like to attend, Sunday church services, and lots of dinners out with Paul, but rarely do we go anywhere that requires anything dressier than jeans. All that to say, my life is very casual these days. If I don’t prioritize my style for my own enjoyment, it would be all too easy to convince myself it doesn’t matter and fall into a rut.
Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes!
I’ve been noticing a subtle shift in my style preferences toward more elegant, refined looks as I settle into my 50s. (I’ll be 53 this July!) While I still enjoy incorporating sporty styles to add variety to my casual wardrobe, they don’t feel quite as authentic anymore, and I’ve found myself gravitating less toward the edgy pieces I used to love.
FRAME Le Slim Palazzo (29) // AllSaints Orten (8) // Hammitt VIP // similar boots
For example, leather jackets used to be a fall/winter staple for me, and I’ve hardly worn my new AllSaints Orten Leather Bomber Jacket this season—or the Treasure & Bond one that I’ve had for a few years, which I saved because it’s a little longer and warmer. I’m not sure if that’s because current trends lean more toward quiet luxury, or if it’s my personal style evolving—probably a mix of both.
I feel like this is part of the natural progression of life, as our bodies change and we start to look and feel older, but I also don’t want to err on the side of being too safe and set in my ways. That’s something I want to keep in mind as style goals for 2025 and look ahead to refreshing my wardrobe for Spring.
I’ve made quite a few additions to my denim collection this year due to weight fluctuations. While I’m holding steady with my trusty size 29s in some styles, I’ve sized up to 30 in others and retired a few pairs that just weren’t working for me anymore.
I was happy to reintroduce grey denim to my closet this season, after a short hiatus. It’s such a nice way to add variety without changing up my denim uniform. And I also discovered Pistola denim—a more budget-friendly brand that still meets my high denim standards. My favorite style is the Lennon Boot Crop, which I wore a lot in the fall with sneakers and flats.
J.Crew Daphne Topcoat (6) Vince sweater (M) // MOTHER Weekender (29) // Veronica Beard Lisa (8.5)
While I’ve experimented more with the wide-leg denim trend this year, I keep coming back to my tried-and-true favorites: the MOTHER Weekender flares for heels, and slim straight ankle styles like the MOTHER Dazzler and AG Mari for flats. I’ve actually moved most of the wide leg jeans out of my closet. I just don’t feel as happy wearing them as I do in other silhouettes. I can strike the right pose for a mirror selfie to make them look great, but when I catch glimpses of myself throughout the day—or see photos—I’m rarely satisfied with how they actually look.
The one exception is the PAIGE Leenah, which I have in several colors and washes. They’re like the unicorn of wide-leg jeans, with a streamlined silhouette that almost passes as a straight or flare, depending on the angle. I’ve also held onto one pair of the PAIGE Anessa and plan to reassess those this spring.
PAIGE Anessa (29) // Sam Edelman sandals (8) // KUT from the Kloth Amanda (S)
Other major wardrobe updates last year included my athleisure/activewear, thanks to some recent additions from the Athleta sale, and my undergarments. I finally decided to give up on joggers and admit that I really don’t like how they look on me, so I got rid of all but one pair (which I haven’t worn since having that epiphany, so they may not be long for this world!) Instead, I added more leggings to my closet, and I feel so much better wearing them for Pilates, gym workouts, and daily walks. I also added the Athleta Altitude Fleece Lined Pants and Rainier Bootcut Pants to my winter wardrobe, which can double as casual wear when I want an alternative to jeans.
And at the encouragement of a friend (you know who you are!), I recently updated my bra collection with a couple of styles from Bravissimo. I still like my Wacoal Embrace Lace T-Shirt Bra and Chantelle Basic Invisible Memory Foam Bra for wearing under t-shirts, but after trying a bunch of non-molded cup styles, I settled on the Millie and the Coco. I really like the shape they provide under tops and sweaters.
Finally, Angie’s inclusion of a hair goal in her style post really resonated with me. I mean, if you think about it, hair really does play a key role in personal style. After years of dealing with thinning hair, I’ve finally been able to grow mine out a bit this year with the help of beaded weft extensions. I don’t use them for length as much as for extra thickness, and it’s made a huge difference.
I’ve always felt prettier and more confident with longer hair, so I’m thrilled to finally be able to wear it long again. As I get older, I may not want to keep it quite as long as it is now, but I’m enjoying this length for the time being. I also plan to keep coloring my hair close to its natural color for the foreseeable future. I don’t think I’ll ever want to let it go gray, but we shall see… It’s a woman’s prerogative to change her mind, after all!
Before I share my style goals for 2025, let’s discuss my style guideposts…
My Style Guideposts: Modern, Polished & Understated
A couple of years ago, after listening to this podcast, I spent some time reflecting on my style guideposts—three words that describe how you want to look. I landed on these three words to define my personal style: Modern, Polished & Understated. This has been incredibly helpful as a guide for both shopping and putting outfits together. When something feels “off” to me, it’s almost always because it doesn’t align with all three of these descriptors.
Modern: I chose this word carefully, and I list it first because it’s my non-negotiable. To me, modern goes beyond simply being current—another word I considered. While I certainly want my style to feel current and up-to-date, modern takes it a step further. To me, to look modern means subtly leaning into what’s next rather than following trends once they’re everywhere. It also pushes me to avoid looking overly conservative or too safe, which can be my default tendency. I’m not a major trendsetter either, but I like to keep an eye on what’s happening beyond my immediate surroundings, and try things out as they start gaining momentum but before everyone is wearing them.
Polished: I considered using elegant or sophisticated for my second word, but they felt too stuffy for how I want to look on a daily basis. Instead, I landed on polished, which to me means prioritizing quality over quantity and incorporating luxe fabrics and thoughtful details into my everyday outfits, even the most casual ones. Fit and proportion are also key to achieving a polished and refined look.
Understated: This was the hardest word for me to land on, and I spent a few days thinking it over. Ultimately, the word understated ties into my “less is more” philosophy in life. I’m drawn to clean, uncluttered surroundings, and that preference carries over to my style. I’ve never been one to want to stand out in a crowd or look overdone, and I tend to err on the side of removing an accessory rather than adding one too many. I considered the word minimalist, but that felt too extreme. Understated feels more accurate—it reflects my desire for simplicity and subtle elegance without taking big risks or veering too far outside my comfort zone.
My Style Goals for 2025
I feel like I’m in a good place with my style, although looking at the photo above, I realize that it may not completely align with the style guideposts I’ve set for myself. I’ve always been drawn to a subtle boho vibe, as reflected in these light-wash flares and Birks, which has me wondering—should my third word be relaxed instead of understated?
‘Relaxed’ might strike a better balance with ‘polished’ and create more juxtaposition in my style words—something I find integral to my personal aesthetic. It’s definitely something to think about… And that’s the great thing about style guideposts—they’re not set in stone. They can evolve as your style shifts or as you gain a deeper understanding of how you want to look.
With that said, my overarching goal for this year is to refine my style guideposts and lean into what I know works for me. I still plan to experiment with new trends—keeping things fresh is part of the fun (and let’s be real, it’s also part of my job!) But I also want to challenge myself to stay true to what flatters my body type and aligns with my personal style when deciding which pieces earn a spot in my closet. That’s my biggest challenge, and one unique to my line of work, I realize. But I think it’s good to be transparent about that. I try a lot of clothes, but very few make it into my personal closet.
As for the specific things I want to add to my closet or do differently this year…
- Add a couple of pairs of non-denim pants to my closet for each season. This is the “exception” I mentioned above, when I said I could get dressed for any occasion my life might throw at me. While I rarely need them, there are occasions when a dress doesn’t feel right and jeans aren’t appropriate. My style guideposts (especially “polished”) make me feel that owning a few pairs of non-denim pants is essential for those times when I want to look more elevated. My go-to black pants are too small for me now, and that style (even a size up) doesn’t work for my current body, so finding a new pair is a top priority for 2025. I’ve already ordered a few to try!
- Find new go-to white jeans. Last year, I didn’t wear white denim as much as I usually do in the summer, and I’ve missed the variety it adds to my outfits. Plus, I truly love white jeans—they’re so fresh and crisp and clean, and easy to dress up or down.
- Find straight ankle jeans to alternate with my MOTHER Dazzlers. I’m still looking for added variety to wear with sneakers, although I think the PAIGE Leenah Ankle I just found at Evereve might fit that bill.
- Wear more dresses. I’ve never considered myself a “dress girl,” but as I get older, I find myself liking them more—especially in spring and summer. Dresses are probably the easiest way for me to add variety to my looks, since I tend to rely on jeans for my other outfits, and I feel like dresses are easier to wear than non-denim pants.
- Try to style my outfits, rather than just wear them. This may sound like a strange thing for a “fashion blogger” to say, but I tend to be a plain Jane and throw things on and go. I want to get better about the little details like scrunching my sleeves, tucking or front-tucking, adding a “third piece”, and accessorizing in more creative ways. Speaking of which…
- Make better use of accessories and fashion jewelry. As I mentioned earlier, I tend to under-accessorize. While I like the understated aspect of my style, I worry that I sometimes cross the line into boring. And along those lines…
- Experiment with wearing a sweater over the shoulders as an accessory. Every time I see this look, I love it, but I always forget to try it when I’m getting dressed or styling outfits for the blog. I think it would add a nice detail to my simple looks while staying true to my style guideposts.
I’d love to hear your style goals for 2025. Please share in the comments section below!
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104 Responses
Jo-Lynne when you start looking for “dress” pants. Check out Spanx, I’m still in the workforce at age 63 and need to dress “business-casual” I discovered Spanx, help with the extra middle age fluff and make you look and feel amazing. They have all sizes and inseam length.
Yes, I have ordered a couple of theirs to try!
I’m almost 50 and are pretty much the same measurements as you. Can you suggest what style jeans would look good in the winter with sneakers? I live in Michigan (lots of snow) and cannot find the right style to wear with sneakers.
My favorites are the MOTHER Dazzler or for a budget brand, the Gap Factory Vintage Slim Jeans are pretty good.
I think I need to get better at shopping my own closet! I have clothes that I love and don’t wear as much simply because I don’t see them! I have forced myself to go on a shopping freeze and use what I already have. I have been using your blog a lot for inspiration, making an outfit weekly plan and have been loving the outfits I have been putting together recently.
I enjoy reading your blog and appreciate the work you put into making it a great resource for others!
Try re-arranging your closet and bringing the lesser worn items to the front. I do this when I realize I’m not wearing things that I like.
Great post! I think I am also comfortable in my style . I’ve realized I don’t need to follow every trend if it doesn’t work for my body shape , since being 51 that shape is ever changing ! I’ve also realized I don’t need to be stuck on a size . years ago going up a size would have bothered me but now I have realized a size up actually looks better on me than squeezing into that smaller size !
Jen – 100%! I was so stuck on a number as well. Now, I don’t care as long as they look good. I am so glad you wrote this because I’ve thought the same thing for the last year. I have a 17-year-old, and I am also trying to gently impose this knowledge on her.
Yes, wearing clothes that fit properly despite the size in the label is so important. I feel like I look thinner in those size 30 jeans than the size 29 ones.
Can I ask why the Vince black pants don’t fit your style anymore?
I don’t have any style goals other than to be more intentional this year on what I add to my closet. I’m
a denim/sweater girl and dress casual in my retired life. BUT…. I have found when I need to dress up more for something, I don’t have what I need. I’ve found when I need those occasional items, they need to be classics that won’t go out of style in a year and I’ve worn them only once or twice if this makes sense. Even my church is casual, but like you I want to add more dresses for this Soring and Summer. I love a good T shirt dress, but prefer v neck and last year had a hard time finding that. Could you do a post for T shirt dresses that are not crew neck? Love this post. You are way ahead of me on defining your style etc. But, you have helped me think on it more and do “me”.
They don’t fit my BODY anymore. I love the style. Although, I do want a bootcut or flare style as an option.
This was so timely!! I will be retiring at the end of this year and I’ve been thinking on this. My wardrobe will change as I will not be “going to work’…which has been remote for five years & another change. But I don’t want to give up style & feeling good about myself. Tshirts & sweatshirts with kitties on them aren’t my thing. I can still do sweatshirts & tshirts but modern & elevated. Good food for thought
Definitely, there is no need to look frumpy in sweatshirts and t-shirts, especially nowadays. There are SO many good modern, stylish options!
I will let my grey hair grow out with the help of a stylist. I’ve thought about it for months, and like Angie at YouLookFab, I have a short pixie cut that requires a LOT of maintenance, including color. I have no desire to grow my hair long, but I am ready NOT to color my hair every 5 weeks. It’ll take months, if not an entire year or more, but I am ready. I am 54
Good luck! It looks great on some women. (And is easier to do when your hair is short, I would think. At least, it won’t take as long.)
Good luck. I stopped coloring when maintenance became every 3 weeks!!! yikes. My hair is so shiny and healthy
I continue to get so many compliments. Its almost freeing
Hope you feel great about your decision
Good luck with going grey! I did that about 11 years ago. I went cold turkey because I was getting really bad headaches every time I had my hair colored. My hair was shoulder length at the time. I finally told my stylist to just cut off every that wasn’t grey. LOL! I am so glad I stopped coloring. Be aware that you may need to wear different colors once you transition.
What a great post! Yesterday I spent some time pulling out the spring items that I know I won’t wear this year to take a a resale shop, and I’ve been contemplating the change in my preferences, especially no longer wanting anything too frilly or ruffly. Your comment about wide legs not being the most flattering has me wondering if I should pull a couple of straight or baby flares back out of the resale boxes!
I’ve mostly bought cheaper denim over the years with lots of Gap or ON. What am I missing by not buying the more expensive brands that you prefer?
I think it is one of those things you have to try to determine whether they are worth it to you or not. The fit and feel of premium denim is far superior to Gap and ON jeans (in my experience), and they hold their shape better and last longer. The washes look more natural, as well.
But beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and some women just don’t see the value in them, and I respect that. So my best advice is to try them and see what you think! 🙂
My style goal is to buy more better quality casual wear. I’m retired so I don’t need a lot. I only dress up to church and the one day I volunteer. By dress up I mean jeans and a nice top and depending on the weather a jacket. I’m a pants girl so I have nice slacks too. As I got older dresses don’t work for me anymore. I like dresses above my knees but I don’t feel comfortable showing my legs. I’m just really picky so I only have one dress for winter that I wear with boots. Having short legs is a hindrance. I like my wide leg jeans and pants because they are full length and a trouser style. I have some wide leg pants like the ones you style but to me they’re too short so they can make you look wider. I wear my bootleg and flare jeans more. Since it’s winter I can wear crew and knee length socks with boots and stay warm. I’m not trying barrel jeans or skinny jeans just to be in style. Where I live I always look stylish. Lol
I’m also on my “white/gray hair” journey. It’s a personal decision for every woman. I turned 70 last year. The age didn’t make me decide. I saw younger women embracing their gray and looking good. It intrigued me. I found a blog KatieGoesPlatinum. Her testimony and how she supports women going through this made me decide. We live in a youth oriented culture that thinks gray or white hair is old looking. If no one colored their hair it would just be another hair color. I also hope my thinning will stop. I don’t see any hair in the bathroom room floor anymore and when I wash my hair. Some women report the hair loss stopped. Makes sense when you think of all the chemicals on your hair. I haven’t colored it since August and I’m going cold turkey. I cut it in short bob because pixies don’t look good on me. I don’t want highlights because they damage my hair too much. I’m wearing beanies and berets since it’s winter or a baseball cap if weather is too warm. I admit it will make me uncomfortable when I reveal my natural color but I’m excited at the same time. I actually like the color.
Sorry so long but those are my style goals.
No need to apologize for being long-winded around here, ha! I’m all for women letting their natural gray if/when they want to. I’m glad you like the color that’s coming through. Let us know how the big reveal goes!
For several years I considered stopping coloring my hair. I started to notice younger women were dying their hair gray and it made me think. Both my grandmother and mother grayed beautifully. So I decided to stop coloring mine. Last time I colored was March of 2019. My hair is SO much healthier. It grows longer, thicker and stronger. I often get compliments on my hair and have been asked if it was an expensive salon treatment or natural. Very glad I ditched the dye. I’m sure you will be as well. I’m 57.
To me polished is not stuffy, I take it as ‘put together.’ This is a goal that I strive for. I always admire it when I see it (which is rare). Maybe effortless is another word that would be better than relaxed. Anyway thanks for sharing your goals. After severely cleaning my closet and putting a purchasing freeze on myself until spring, I too have goals set to develop more of a wardrobe that I love. Also, I have made home decor goals..freshening key areas.
I agree, polished is not stuffy – that is why I chose it over elegant or sophisticated, which I felt like could veer that way. It’s also important to note – in this exercise, it’s about choosing words that mean something specific to YOU. I might feel like elegant sounds a little stuffy, while it may be the perfect word for someone else, make sense? Listening to that podcast is super helpful. 🙂 I do like effortless, and that could be a good 3rd word for me. It’s a little overused among influencers, but it definitely is something I want my style to be.
I’d like to try straight ankle jeans, but my inseam is longer than yours, so I have trouble knowing what to do. My preferred inseam is 32.5 in bootcut pants. Any thoughts?
You’ve just got to try a few different lengths and see what works best on you. I would start with some 30″ styles—Madewell has some, maybe these or these?
Full length is the way I sometimes have to go for the right length…a 29 inseam will look full length on some but ankle on me.
I really enjoyed this post, I also think polished can mean thoughtfulness of what you’re putting together- a tried and tested formula to give you confidence. I’m aiming for that this year! Also I always used to receive your emails and have re subscribed more than once but am still not?
Many thanks.
I checked your subscriber details on my Flodesk account, and it says they are delivering, but I can see that you haven’t opened any since 12/21. Can you check spam, trash, etc.? If you don’t find them, let me know, and I will unsubscribe you and you can try re-subscribing and see if that fixes the issue.
FANTASTIC POST!!! This will have me thinking all weekend and beyond. For me, my “aha” moment was when I listened to that same podcast; it really got me thinking about my style and how to hone in on that. I had spent decades buying items that were all over the place style-wise, but now I (mostly) stick to what I know works for me– things I feel authentic and comfortable wearing. I also realized I would much rather have great quality than a big variety of options. I’m still thinning my closets of items that don’t meet these standards (whyyyy is that so hard???), but that’s part of my 2025 goal: a wardrobe of clothing and accessories that all get worn, that I love, and that work for me to meet the demands of any occasion. I also realized that I was spending more on dressier items while shortchanging myself on athleisure, undergarments, and sleepwear, which is what I spend most of my life wearing. And while I probably don’t need eight pairs of dress pants, I DO need eight pairs of quality athletic pants. And footwear: that was another revelation! I used to LOVE heels, the higher the better! It took some time for me to realize that it has literally been years since I’ve worn anything over 2″. Investing in quality fashion sneakers, functional athletic shoes, the Birks I love, and quality house slippers makes so much more sense for my lifestyle. Thanks for the well-articulated prompt for me to keep refining! 😘
Yes, I was looking at my closet this morning and thinking, I have way too many heels for my lifestyle. I’m not willing to part with any at the moment, though, and all of my shoes and boots fit on my shoe shelves, so they are staying for now. I do have a lot of sneakers and low heel boots, too, so I’m not in need of anything. I just hate that I don’t get to wear all those fun heels. (And by heels, I mean lower kitten heels, but they are mostly slingback pumps, and it is just too cold right now.)
I liked your comment about adding non Jean pants into your wardrobe. I retired last year, all my children are grown and I shockingly discovered I literally live in a pair of Madewell jeans and a couple of sweaters. I have made a conscious decision to wear other pants that aren’t jeans as least once a week. So far that amounts to Courderoy pants cut like jeans. I still feel comfortable. I literally have a closet full of nice clothes I just don’t wear. I need to venture out more.
It may be time to do a closet audit. 🙂 It sounds like your lifestyle has changed a lot in the past year!
Great post! I would use comfortable, casual and modern to describe my style!
I don’t dress up per say except on Sundays for church or a special occasion and even then I want to feel put together and comfortable in what I’m wearing… I ended up buying the wider leg dress pants from Abercrombie for church which I wear or faux leather pants or the odd time a sweater dress or chiffon or satin maxi skirt! Our winters are cold!
In the summer I’m all about cute dresses for church .
On a daily Basis I’m working from home or running errands or working out or spending time with our grand daughters so being dressy isn’t always an option.. so I wear jeans and a casual sweater or sweatshirt or leggings or joggers with a fashionable sneaker and I top it off with the right coat , puffer or vest!
It’s all about being comfortable but still fashionable and put together when I leave the house!
It sounds like you’ve got your style nailed down! You may want to give the podcast a listen. Jen has some interesting thoughts on using “comfortable” to describe your style. 🙂 There is obviously no right or wrong here, and it sounds like it’s working for you, but I’d be curious to hear your thoughts on what she has to say.
Thank you for sending the podcast link! Very informative and helpful in actually choosing the correct words to best describe my style! Modern, fun, and polished!
Love this blog post! I would choose the exact three words you chose for personal style. It’s been on my mind to pare down my closet and reset with these words in mind. That is my goal for 2025.
Let us know how it goes!
Wow, Jo-Lynne! What an incredible post! I found your thought processes very helpful. You brought up “style situations” that resonated with me and even a few that I didn’t realize that I need to address, especially in your “find a new” section. I always appreciate your links and images. I have enjoyed some dressy pants purchases from Quince, as well as some cashmere sweaters. I look forward to you styling dresses and skirts – especially the shoes/boots/tights etc. Thank you for sharing your valuable insights with us! God bless you richly in 2025!
Thanks, I ordered a few from Quince to try. 🙂
I love this post. I think I’ve narrowed down my style – I am classic which I think includes polished and sophisticated but understated too; modern not trendy, and comfortable. If it’s not comfortable, it’s not on my body for long. I am trying to weed out the stuff in my closet that do not go with those 3 styles. My number one goal this year is to buy quality not quantity. This will be Sooo difficult for me.
Thank you, JoLynne, for making it real.
I think that’s such an important goal towards having a polished appearance (buying quality over quantity), especially as we get older. You may want to give the podcast a listen. Jen has some interesting thoughts on choosing “comfortable” as a style guidepost—I’d be curious to hear your thoughts!
Jo-Lynne, I am right there with you, comfortable in my skin, but with feeling some changes on the horizon and setting some style goals. This year, I really feel it’s a priority. My three style words are: feminine, classic, polished/refined. Polished, for the same reason you stated. Then, a balance between classic and feminine, so my look is clean but with some delicate “prettiness” (vs. being, as the influencers say, precious). One area that is standing out to me right now is accessories, specifically jewelry. I have always worn high quality vermeil. But I really want to incorporate a few beautiful pieces of fine jewelry, because like you, I am feeling a subtle shift into more elegant and refined looks. Other changes I’ve made recently: updating my denim to focus on straight leg and trouser leg styles, and adding a few classy pairs of high heels for special occasions. I just really feel drawn to quality and elegance this year. 🙂
I love your style guideposts! I feel like I can really picture your style. I think it’s nice to have some fine jewelry, but I also think fashion jewelry can add a lot of personality to an outfit. I’m kind of the opposite, I tend to just want to wear my nicer pieces b/c of course, they are pricey, and cost per wear and all that. Plus, I do love them. But I’m trying to also be intentional about adding in some more trend-driven statement pieces each season to keep my looks interesting—that’s b/c I tend to be a bit of a Plain Jane.😉
Thank you! I appreciate your intentionality, especially in blending trends into your own style, to stay current. In fact, it’s bloggers like yourself which helped me stretch a bit myself in that area. For example, I was really challenged by the flare jeans, especially given I am so petite. And that I am, I’m pretty tiny so I felt so swallowed up by every pair I tried. But persistence paid off. Finding the right pair with the right proportions, and it worked. The key was, I had to go “trouser” vs flare. And definitely not “cropped flare”. LOL I’m short enough as is. I really love the look of the full length trouser jean, and really feel it suits me. Thank you for all the examples you provide!
I loved this post! I also want to incorporate more dresses this year. As I get older, I like them more, and they can be included in my next goal: Last month, I changed jobs…which necessitated a clothing change, so my work wardrobe must evolve. My new position is business casual; the previous one was scrubs–big difference! I have plenty of tops and sweaters, but am working on pants/shoe combos, which has been challenging. Recently, my boss said that casual sneakers are fine…yay! I have to carry a work phone and a few items with me during the workday, so decent pockets are a must; 4 pockets work well. I’m going to check out cargo pants. If anyone has any pointers, I’s appreciate it!
Sandie I made the transition from scrubs to business casual a few years back and can totally relate! Thankfully my job didn’t require pockets (they gave me a work phone but I could keep it on my desk). I can see how that would be a struggle, especially after carrying so much in scrub pockets! My workplace is casual enough that jeans are acceptable but I didn’t want to get stuck in a denim rut. I try to make a point to have two or three non-denim options to break up the jeans in my week. I almost always have white pants, casual black, usually an olive and one other color. This year I added brown and am on the lookout for gray. Idk why but getting away from jeans really helped me shift to a slightly less casual “business casual.” If you do go with cargo to solve your pockets dilemma, maybe the ones that are hidden with just the slit visible versus a big patch pocket? I don’t wear cargo pants so I’m sorry I don’t have a link. But you’ll figure it out. It takes a while to shift mindsets – much like it does for the job transition itself from clinical to management. Hope you love your new position once you get settled into it!
Thanks, Megan!
That does sound like a big change. Good luck transitioning your style!
Thanks, Jo-Lynne!
Great post JoLynne! I love how you think about so many different angles and details and that gets me thinking too.
Would the word “natural” be able to replace “understated”? I recently did a style quiz and that was one of the words that came up for me (along with elegant and classic) and Jennifer Aniston was the example to go with that word. Btw I think u look great in that all saints orten jacket but I know what you mean about just not reaching for things.
I think ‘natural’ could be a good style guidepost, but not for me. 🙂 I consider natural more earthy and outdoorsy, which I am definitely not. 🙂 I do love Jennifer Aniston’s style, but I’m not sure I’d call it natural—I think I see what they mean, but I would go with ‘effortless’ for that aspect of her style.
I love this post! I want to listen to the link you posted on style goals. I am in the process of defining my style and am getting closer but still have work to do. My bigggest weakness is I like a lot of variety and tend to hang on to items too long therefore I have an overstuffed closet. 🙂
The podcast will really help. And it is okay to have a lot of variety if that is what you like. Some women do, and there’s no shame in that.
I recommend reading the original Three Word Method stylist Allison Bornstein’s book “Wear it Well”. It is excellent!
Thanks! That sounds interesting. I like her approach in this article.
Thank you for always being so authentic! I actually have proportions similar to yours (just a size bigger and a bit more broad shouldered). I’m with you on the wide leg and joggers. While I LOVE them on others, they just don’t look as good with my proportions (unless the leg part is more narrow). It’s nice to see you basically verify the thoughts I have about myself 😂. You actually helped me with shorts YEARS ago, so I was able to finally find some to work with my shape (wider hips compared to super skinny legs). Anyway, I rarely comment on here, I just wanted to give you a big thank you for ALL you do!
Yeah, I don’t know why I fought with the joggers for so long. I never really loved them on me, but they’re so practical, especially since I always end up in physical therapy for something. They felt a little more modest than leggings, but I finally realized I actually look better in leggings—at least, I think I do. I feel better in them, so leggings it is! I also like that full length bootcut/flare leggings are coming back. I like those better than both joggers and regular leggings.
I’m REALLY showing my age, but I remember when bootcut/flare leggings were called yoga pants. Love them! When you find them, please do a post.
Haha, I have to stop myself from calling them that!
This is my favorite kind of post… when you not only tell us what you’re thinking, but why you think it. For me, it is incredibly helpful and educational. I especially love how you got into the weeds about your style guideposts. I feel like my style goals align so much with yours — although I’m not executing them even 1% as well as you LOL! It’s still nice to hear you talk through your thinking. Thank you.
Just remember, I literally do this for a job. I think about fashion and style all the time. It doesn’t come naturally to me; I’ve learned a ton over the years from Jen (Everyday Style School) and Angie (YouLookFab) and Kelly (Adore Your Wardrobe) and others. I think it’s fun to think through this stuff, too. Glad you all enjoy thinking through it with me! 🙂
Your hair looks beautiful! Do you ever worry about the extension beads showing? How is it to shampoo and style? I would think the beads might make it tricky?
They don’t show unless I try to put it up, and then I have to be careful. The girl who does mine does such a good job. 🙂 And it’s easy to shampoo and style. I just have to be careful pulling a brush through it.
This was such a great post! It got me thinking about various aspects of my wardrobe too! Now I have a few things I want to refresh and align with my style guideposts too. I am definitely interested in the non-denim pants that do not lean to workout wear or to classic chinos. I’m ok with the chino fabric but I think cut, length and leg style is what will keep them in the non-frumpy category. Let us know what you find, as I am on the hunt for those too!
Yeah, chinos are tricky. I like having an olive pair, but that is when a wide leg or cargo is more my speed. Straight leg chinos read frumpy to me.
This is one of my favorite posts! It’s like you knew what’s been on my mind, and I will be returning to it to re-read it often. Very thoughtful and helpful.
I’m glad to hear that!
What a fabulous post! I’ll be thinking about all the great information for days!! My personnel goals for 2025 are to define and write down my 3 style words, I think I have 2 – effortless and modern. I need to figure out the 3rd – that one is harder!! I spend a lot of time doing athletic activities, but enjoy looking pulled together when not being athletic. I live where it is hot, most of the year (Texas) and it does present fashion challenges!! I also wanr to focus on spending less overall, but purchasing quality items when I need something!! I’ve found that having clothes altered is a key for me – I am very short (5’1/2”); clothes that are the right length both for pants and sleeves sure make things fit better and that look so much nicer on. So for me, having alterations is money well spent!! Here’s to 2025 being fashionable for all of us!! Thank you Jo-Lynne for getting us thinking!!!🤠
The third word is the hardest! LOL! I’m still unsure of mine sometimes. I like effortless and modern a lot. Does sporty fit you? And alternations are KEY to looking polished when you are not an average height or body type. I am fortunate that I rarely need to tailor my clothes, but when I do, it is so worth it.
Love the post! The comments about footwear reminded me of a long conversation a dear friend and I wandered into several years ago. We were both already older and wanted to part with heels we no longer wore, but it was so hard to do! We ended up having a sort of requiem for each beloved, condemned pair, as in, “My gray suede pair will go. I always loved that little cutout near the toe. I felt so confident walking into a meeting when I wore them.” The conversation would then move on to, say, high heeled yellow sandals. It satisfied both our love of shoes, and the need to let some go!
Your comment makes me laugh. I need to do that with some of my shoes. I don’t have real high heels anymore. Most are on 2 inch heels that I rarely wear. I just can’t part with them yet. One pair is real suede and I waited for 2 years for Dillard’s to put them in the clearance rack. I have a memory of being with my granddaughter when I bought them . So hard but eventually I have to donate them. They’re not very comfortable. Not all leather shoes are comfortable.
That’s so cute. It reminds me of Marie Kondo’s approach – thank it for its service, and then pass it on. 😉
I loved this post. It makes so much sense to have a few word that you want to describe your style. I have been cleaning out my closet. Trying everything on and actually being honest about my daily life. My life is very casual like you and my wardrobe looked like I had a fabulous daily. Nothing really worked on a day to day basis. I was buying clothes for the few times we would get dressed up and go out vs jeans, joggers, and my love of Athleta! It was a wake up call. Anyway, this post resonates with me today. Thanks you.
Yes, matching your wardrobe to your lifestyle is so important to having a manageable closet. I’m pretty sure Jen has a podcast on that too, lol!
This post was perfectly timed! For the last month or so, I’ve been thinking of some overarching goals I want to work toward in 2025. The two most important for me are to simplify as many aspects of my daily life as I can so that I have more time to do the things I love most and to significantly reduce my spending and consumption. Your post has made me think about how my overarching goals are related to my personal style goals, and this is what I’ve come up with:
1) Focusing on clothing that fits the life I actually live instead of imagining that the mere act of buying dressier clothes will somehow magically draw me into a life that is fancier than walking dogs, going to yoga, and working on DIY projects the majority of the time.
2) Leaning into the concepts of “having a uniform” or a wardrobe capsule(s). When I was younger, hearing these terms would make me run the other way because I thought that I had to have lots and lots of options in order to be stylish. Now that I’m in my sixties, I find that having too many options for anything makes me feel frustrated and like I’m wasting time. The idea of having far fewer items, but ones that play well together, now seems very appealing and actually freeing.
3) Buying far fewer but better quality items. Recently, I let myself get sucked down a rabbit hole of reading articles about the fast fashion industry and how many clothes are stuck in giant trash mountains around the world because thrift stores and recyclers can’t handle all of them. And to be perfectly honest here, I can’t handle it either. I’m tired of buying clothes and accessories on impulse, because they’re marked down, or just because I’m bored, only to end up with an overstuffed closet that needs to be decluttered yet again. I used to assuage my guilt by telling myself that it was okay to get rid of something I’d only worn once or twice (or maybe never) because I was donating it to charity. I don’t think that way anymore. I apologize if this sounds preachy because I don’t mean for it to be. I’m only talking about me and my habits. I know this will be difficult and that I will still make mistakes from time to time, but I know that I can do a lot better in this area. And I think that having fewer but better quality items will actually help me improve my style as well.
4) Owning and purchasing only those shoes that are comfortable and supportive for my feet. I’ve had plantar fasciitis and other foot issues for awhile now, but I kept buying heels or styles that were cute but not comfortable, telling myself that I would just wear them when going out to dinner or to some event where I wouldn’t have to be on my feet very long. I kept thinking that I could tolerate some minimal level of discomfort for the sake of style. But I never wore or reached for any of those shoes no matter how pretty they looked because my feet always knew what my heart didn’t want to accept, which was that there was no level of discomfort I was willing to tolerate anymore. I also realized that it is impossible for me to feel good in any outfit if my feet are yelling at me. Once I accepted that, I was able to donate my shoes. They were all very lovely, so I would like to think that they are on someone else’s feet right now and not hanging out in a trash mountain. I still love shoes, but I limit myself to the ones that work for me. Thankfully more companies these days seem to be making shoes for cranky feet.
Thanks again — your post really got me thinking! Now I just have to drill down a bit more on defining the uniform and picking the adjectives.
It sounds like you have really though this through! I like #2 – Leaning into the concepts of “having a uniform”. Some say they get tired of my jeans and sweater outfits, and it gets boring… well, not to me, haha! And that is all that matters. If having a uniform makes getting dressed and loving your wardrobe easier for you, go for it!
“my feet knew what my heart didn’t want to accept” is such the perfect way to express that idea!
I truly enjoyed this post. Am curious to see your wardrobe additions…I first started following you because you always looked upgraded– from the usual jeans & tee shirts Moms wardrobe–Always looking more stylish and pulled together.
I too love my jeans ( you even helped me find some great ones) but somtimes everything starts to look the same.
You know how clothing can start to look like a uniform? I added cotton skirts for summer to replace some of my shorts
Could use some more inspiration. Especially ain some not too frilly everyday dresses???
Any wardrobe additions I mentioned here have been featured in my What I Wore Lately posts. Those are literally what I wear on the daily. 🙂 So funny about you saying your clothing can start to look like a uniform—that can be good or bad, depending on your perspective. Some women (like Rhonda, in the comment right above yours) want to lean in to having a uniform, to make getting dressed and liking their looks easier. While other women (maybe you?) may find they get into a rut with everything looking the same (like a uniform) which makes them feel bored with their looks.
The best advice I’ve heard for this is once again from Jen at Everyday Style School. If you tend to buy the same things over and over in different colors, then your looks will all start to look the same. (Is that what you’re doing?) So instead of buying another grey v-neck sweater, for example, buy a different color or a different neckline. Or if all you have are sweaters, add some blouses or button-ups… but only if you will wear them. (I, for one, am fine with having 20 sweaters, but I try to make sure they’re all a bit different.) Don’t buy multiples, unless it is something you have a hard time finding or fitting (like pants are often that thing for women.) Another example, if you have all straight leg blue jeans in your closet, your outfits will start to look the same. Try adding some flares, a wide leg pair, maybe a barrel leg. Make sense? Without seeing your wardrobe, it’s hard to be more specific.
I think you look beautiful in your all saints bomber outfit!
Thank you! I love it, I just haven’t reached for it much.
I love the idea of intentionally reflecting on what’s working and what isn’t! I agree with your three words but also think you could use effortless or relaxed. (I personally like effortless as it makes you think of those women who look put together even in a simple outfit). I think you could definitely swap it out for understated. Especially since of the three words you currently have, understated is one you default to by habit versus the other two are more goals or challenges.
I fully agree on embracing the styles that flatter your body and NOT wearing things that don’t flatter just because they’re in style. There have been a couple trends I’ve sat out altogether for this reason. However like you, I want to look current. So I’ve decided that for trends that aren’t my best but aren’t a total “nope!” to embrace a less extreme version of it. I knew the wide legs would not be my best look, so I looked for a couple pairs that were a much more streamlined fit. (I also wear them with heels or wedges as my 5’3 frame looks dumpy if I wear them with flats!) But I’m planning to keep that theory in mind with other trends as well – enough to give a nod to it, so to speak, without compromising what works best for me. And incidentally I’ve since noticed that many of the middle aged ladies I know who always look well dressed do the same – as opposed to the ones that avoid trends altogether and look stuck in a previous decade, or the ones that lean in too hard and look like they’re trying to wear their daughter’s clothes!
I like effortless too, but I think I was looking for a word to create more of a juxtaposition with polished—you are right, that understated is more of my default, whereas modern and polished are more goals. I think when I came up with those words, I was trying to describe my style, not “how I want to look”—although I think they are pretty close to one and the same, at this point. I like having understated in there b/c sometimes I have a look that doesn’t feel quite right, and I realize it’s because I did err on the side of being too fussy—so maybe relaxed is the best 3rd word? A few more I’m considering are unfussy or uncomplicated…
As for your 2nd point—”I’ve decided that for trends that aren’t my best but aren’t a total “nope!” to embrace a less extreme version of it.”—Yes, yes, and yes. That’s the challenge—not going too far into the trends that don’t work for you, but also, trying to find a variation of some and make them work for you, so you don’t look stuck in a previous decade.
Thank you for sharing your style goals. I’ve been struggling with the change from office work attire to a relaxed retired style and this really resonated with me. While I have more work to do on my style goals, you’ve really inspired me. Thank you!
Glad to hear it!
There may be a simpler reason why you haven’t worn your leather jackets much this season. I still love my Treasure & Bond one, but I only got to wear it maybe three or four times because it went very suddenly from pretty warm to SUPER cold. Most of my mid-weight “fall jackets” haven’t gotten much use this year.
Yes, for sure and I almost added that, but I felt like it was getting too long. But that’s definitely part of it. On the plus side, I got a lot a lot of wear out of some of those fun short sleeve cowl neck tops and my fall jackets.
This winter I have been making myself wear something different every day instead of wearing the same top & sweats until it’s dirty. In doing this, I have been able to reevaluate pieces, and donate those that just don’t work for me now, no matter the reason. This exercise is also helping me to create different outfits. I am down 17 lbs. now, so I’m finding that some of the items in my wardrobe now look funny on me because they are so baggy and when I look in the mirror, I don’t like what I see. I need to remove those clothes from my closet! When ordering clothes now, I have to remind myself to size down for a proper & better fit. I want to stop ordering an item that someone shares online that works for their lifestyle and body shape, when I know good and well that I won’t wear it.
I’m especially interested in seeing a try-on of all of the black pants you ordered.
My life has become very casual because my husband retired and our boys graduated from college 1 1/2 years ago. I am attending lectures/speaker series and the crowd tends to skew older. While these events are by no means dressy, I feel like black pants would be more appropriate than jeans. I wear dresses in the warmer months because I have always been a dress girl. I would like to order black pants but just not sure where to start.
Hope you do a try-on haul of the black pants with various tops and styling suggestions
Wow, Jolynne, your dedication to your job is so evident and much appreciated. For me, going forward in 2025, I plan to not be so systematic or methodical about shopping (I know – the opposite of what you’ve been saying- sorry!). But last year I spent so much more money on clothing, shoes, and accessories as I tried to create a capsule wardrobe for spring & summer, and then again for fall & winter but bought things I didn’t really need or wear. I also did a couple massive closet purges last year and made lists of closet “basics” I thought I needed, but in reality I’m not sure I did. I kind of miss the old days of when I would hit the mall or go online to shop when I truly needed something and not buy stuff thinking I will wear it in the near future to such-&-such place or to meet so-&-so etc… I have a lot of weekly activites going on right now so I DO need outfits ready in my closet, but I don’t want to limit myself to a capsule. Lately I’ve been doing more in-person shopping with friends and I love that. We can look at things together, discover new items and try things on right there without having to do returns from home… I still love the convenience of shopping online, but I’m rediscovering the joy of spending a couple hours browsing in and out of stores.
Thank you for such a great post! I’m also looking for a new pair of black pants. I have the Vince legging pant and they are too tight on me now since I’ve gained weight in my middle.
Could you recommend another fleece lined flare yoga pant as the ones you mentioned are sold out in most sizes now? I’ve recently decided that joggers aren’t flattering on me either!
Thank you so much!
I’m in my mid 40s with the same body type. I began following you after seeing a Talbots article you wrote last year and now have been enjoying all the different style pieces beyond Talbots. So much, in fact, that I’ve hardly purchased anything from Talbots 🙂 You’ve been dead right on all the measurements and sizing. I’ve enjoyed selecting new pieces here and there and look forward to what 2025 brings! Thanks for all the great style advice.
Thank you for the great post! My style goal for 2025 is to refine my style guideposts. Mine have been the same since the early days of AYW: colorful, classic, and polished. I decided there is too much overlap between classic and polished and I need to nail down a new third word. Here are the two words that are staying…
Colorful: I’m attracted to my bright spring color palette like a moth is to light. I don’t want to look like Rainbow Bright, so I have to be careful and intentional with color purchases. I don’t like colored jewelry (unless it is a colored stone, lol). I’ve bought colored shoes and bags and outerwear over the years that I don’t reach for, so I need to do some editing. While others look great combining bright colors, that generally makes me feel frumpy and clown-like. What usually works for me is two neutrals and one color on my top half in my bright palette. If my outfit is all neutral, there is color in my lip.
Polished: This to me means clothes that fit and are in balance for my pear body type, topped off with the right finishing touches. It is polished nails, usually matching accessories/shoes, hair and makeup done (but not overdone), and jewelry and layers/outerwear that complete the outfit. To me this has a lot of overlap with classic, so I am retiring that word. I find polished to be so much harder to achieve in summer when I am not wearing layers, so I want to work on the warm weather version of this.
Now to figure out the new third word. I’m an empty nester and only wear athleisure to work out or when I am comfy at home. I dress business casual for work, but that has crept to more casual over the last few years and denim is ok part of the time. I like modern, but current may describe me more. I also like elevated. I have some work to do to purge my closet and round out my guideposts!
Hi Jo-Lynne – thanks for this post and for your honesty. My size has changed with menopause (more apple shaped now) and I struggle with finding the right rise for my new shape. Right now, I think a 9 inch rise in a mid-rise jean or pant works best but this is an on-going challenge for me. High-rise pushes in my stomach too much and makes me uncomfortable. Any advice?
Funny, I’m the opposite, I prefer higher rises now. The mid rises cut right across the worst of the “fluff” and are uncomfortable and unflattering. The only thing you can do is try a bunch until you find that “sweet spot” — the rise that works best for you. Every woman is different. Also, look at fabric content — the more stretch, the more comfortable they may be. But also, certain brands are cut straighter — and those work best for me. That’s why I tend to wear the same few brands — Mother, Frame, Paige, Kut, Pistola have worked well for me. But you may be different.
That is a good idea…I will look at fabric content too. Thanks, Jo-Lynne!
As a teen/young adult, my conservative mother pushed me towards trending pieces (some of which never caught on, especially among my peers). To this day, I love cutting edge items, but I remain very self-conscious, which makes for some uncomfortable events. My natural inclination is classic/preppy and I want to look effortless, but I am still drawn to cutting edge and vibrant colors. My style words are confident, effortless, and vibrant. I am a certain age, and my other concern is that I look like I am trying too hard. I envy those senior ladies who don’t care what other people think, lol. That will probably never be me. As far as hair goes, I found a purple rinse that I love. It works well with my naturally dark hair (only the gray takes the purple) and my hair has never looked better.
Jo-Lynn, HELP. I’m thinning my wardrobe and am struggling. I want to adopt the less is more attitude but I’ve got real issues with pairing down. (I grew up poor and it’s really hard to let go of things) I went from 150 pair of jeans to 20… but I need serious help. Come to my house, you can do a whole photo shoot with of “what not to wear.” I also need help with the bare bones wardrobe essentials that do not get rotated out of my wardrobe into a closet seasonally. I promise it’ll be worth your time. I’d be happy to pay you!! I’m not far from you!! (Maryland).
Wow, 150 jeans is a lot! 20 sounds a lot more manageable. There actually are people who offer that service. (I am not one of them, lol!) But you can probably find someone local to you if you ask around. 🙂
Thank you for your response. I’m sure you’ve written articles on wardrobe essentials, or wardrobe essentials for every season, or for each season. I can’t think of any off the top of my head. I’ve been following you for years though. My style is very similar, except I’m a farmer so I have a lot of rags in my closet in fact most of the summer I look like a hobo 🤣, except weekends.
If you change your mind come on down, I can teach you to make bread and can fruits and veggies 🤗
Excellent thread here. Thank you! I retired a year ago and have been going through this journey for a while. I love fashion and am usually dressed to the nines when I go out. I have fallen in love with eBay. I also want the best quality and have no issue wearing previously worn clothing! When I go into a high end store and see clothes I love, I look that item on eBay and voila, I find it for sooooooo much less. I am a big fan of cashmere and athleta. Both I find on eBay frequently. I have figured out my 66 yr old style and m very happy with the journey. I just need to get rid of tons of beautiful designer suits. However, many consignment shops don’t need or take business clothes. This is my last project to tackle! Wish me luck!
How do i find the right jeans! I must have a dozen and am not happy with any with the way they fit! Should I go to a tailor? I love jeans but find myself in leggings! Am tied of looking so frumpy!
Jeans are tricky. It takes a lot of trial and error and a tailor can sometimes help. Learning the best styles for your body is a process. I share a lot of try-ons and posts about jeans and finding the right fit.