Last year, I wrote a post about my style goals as a way to pause, reflect, and think more intentionally about how I actually get dressed in real life. Today, I want to go back through those goals, look at what worked (and what didn’t), and set some new style goals for 2026.
AGOLDE Harper (29) // Sam Edelman booties (8.5) // similar cashmere crewneck // Treasure & Bond belt (M) // plaid coat (S)
Part of what prompted that reflection is how the broader fashion landscape right now feels louder and more creative than ever. There’s so much layering and mixing of aesthetics that don’t traditionally go together. I can absolutely appreciate the creativity, but my own style is actually moving in the opposite direction.
Instead of wanting more, I find myself wanting less.
Especially at this time of year, when I’m very much in hibernation mode, I’m drawn to simplicity more than ever. I want to wear (and rewear) the pieces I already know and love: tried-and-true jeans, cozy knitwear, boots and sneakers, and simple layers that feel polished but effortless.
J.Crew cardigan (S) // MOTHER Dazzler Flood (30) // VEJA Esplar (39)
I’ve always said I’m perfectly happy wearing the same three outfits on repeat, and lately that feels more true than ever. Not because I’ve given up on style, but because I know what works for me, and I just don’t need a lot of variety to feel excited about getting dressed.
This approach may feel boring to some. Repeating outfit formulas and leaning on classics isn’t exactly aspirational. It is, however, how I dress in real life. And the older I get, the less interested I am in reinventing my style every single season just for the sake of change.
Rather than forcing a big reinvention this year, I’m approaching my style goals for 2026 from a different angle. This is less about changing everything, and more about refining, editing, and doubling down on what already feels like me.
Before I get there, it makes sense to look back and reflect on the goals I set last year — and how they shaped my personal style along the way.
Looking Back: Reflections on Last Year’s Style Goals
sandals (8) // WHBM vest (M) // MOTHER denim (29)
A few years ago, I defined three style guideposts that describe how I want to look and help guide my shopping decisions: Modern, Polished, and Understated.
Overall, this framework has been incredibly helpful 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. (You can read more about what each of those words means to me in My Style Goals for 2025.)
My Style Guideposts — Do They Still Fit?
My overarching goal last year was to refine my style guideposts and lean into what I know works for me.
As I was writing that post, I found myself questioning whether those guideposts were still fully accurate — specifically, whether my third word should be relaxed instead of understated.
You see, I’ve always had a subtle boho streak that wants to peek out every once in a while — my love for a great pair of raw hem flares, the Birkenstock sandals and clogs I can’t quit, and yes, even those shoelace drawstring jeans so many of you hated… but I loved.
Z Supply tank (M) // KUT from the Kloth Holly (6) // Loeffler Randall sandals (8) // Clare V. Midi Sac
I don’t want to lose that element entirely because it adds personality and keeps my style from feeling too stiff or overly polished. At the same time, it’s also what occasionally makes me question whether understated still fits.
We talked through a few different options in the comments last year, and the word effortless came up more than once. While I like it in theory, it feels a bit overused right now.
I guess if I’m being nit-picky, I’d say understated describes how I actually dress, while effortless describes how I want to look. Since guideposts are meant to guide behavior — not just reflect my personal style — maybe I should be using effortless, but honestly, I don’t think swapping one word for another would meaningfully change how I shop or put outfits together.
And the more I reflect on the past year, the more confident I feel that modern, polished, and understated still pretty accurately describe my personal style. If anything, I’ve leaned even further into understatement. I’ve never been someone who wants to stand out, but lately (as I mentioned above) I’ve been craving even less — fewer pieces, less variety, and more emphasis on quality and luxe fabrics. I feel like when each piece is high quality and fits well, you just don’t need as much of the other stuff.
I also said last year that while I planned to continue experimenting with new trends, I wanted to be more discerning about which pieces actually earned a place in my closet — staying true to what flatters my body and aligns with my personal style.
MOTHER Bookie Sneak (29) // J.Crew Chiara Topcoat (6) // Nordstrom cashmere crewneck (M) // Gap Factory Favorite T-Shirt (M) // Dolce Vita Faint H2O Waterproof Chelsea Boot (8.5) // similar earrings
That’s something I’ve thought about a lot this year. I’ve been rethinking the role of “flattery” in personal style, especially as current trends move away from traditionally flattering silhouettes and lean more toward self-expression, fluid lines, and oversized proportions. Walking that fine line — staying open to what feels current while still honoring what makes me feel good when I get dressed — has been an ongoing process.
Overall, I think I did a pretty good job of striking that balance. Denim, in particular, is where this showed up most clearly.
How My Denim Wardrobe Evolved This Year
PAIGE Anessa (29) // VEJA Esplar (39) // London Fog Trench (S) // similar sweater // Clare V. Moyen Messenger
Last year, I mentioned making quite a few additions to my denim collection due to weight fluctuations. At the time, I was holding steady in some size 29s and sizing up to a 30 in others. This year, I’ve come to terms with the fact that a 30 is simply a more consistent and comfortable fit for me overall.
I know size is just a number, but it can still be hard not to attach meaning to it. That said, I’m a firm believer in dressing for the body you have now, and embracing that mindset has made getting dressed easier — and a little more freeing.
This shift also changed the way I approached denim silhouettes.
MOTHER Hustler Roller Sneak (30) // Madewell cardigan (M) // Vince booties (8.5)
Last year, I said I had moved most of the wide-leg jeans out of my closet, but this year, I embraced them — particularly full-length styles. While they may not be as traditionally flattering as the flares and slim straights I wore for years (especially as sizing has changed), I like how they look now, and I feel more modern (one of my style guideposts) and confident in these looser silhouettes.
The key was finding a couple of go-to styles that truly worked for my body — not too voluminous and cut a bit closer through the thighs than some wide-leg styles — while still offering that more current look. My current favorites are the PAIGE Anessa and the MOTHER Hustler Roller Sneak, with an honorable mention for the KUT from the Kloth Meg.
KUT from the Kloth Meg (6) // Veronica Beard booties (8.5) // Michael Stars Nara Mock Neck (M) // FRAME belt (M)
I also set a very specific goal to find straight-leg jeans to alternate with my old MOTHER Dazzler Ankle Fray for wearing with sneakers and flats, since I was reaching for them so often.
MOTHER Lil Kick It (30) // similar stripe sweater // Birkenstock Boston Clogs (8)
That took almost the entire year, but I eventually got there. After a lot of trial and error this fall, I fell in love with the MOTHER Lil Kick It, which is more of a relaxed straight, with a full length inseam and a finished hem. I don’t reach for my slim straight ankle jeans as much anymore, with the exception of my washed black pair, which I still love.
Along the same lines, I found myself moving away from the MOTHER Weekender flares with their very fitted thighs and gravitating instead toward relaxed flares and bootcut silhouettes, like the MOTHER Bookie Sneak and FRAME Lax. These still give me some of the shape I like, without feeling quite so snug through the hips and thighs.
FRAME The Lax (29) // similar Vince booties (8.5) // crewneck sweater (S) // Michael Kors leather jacket (S) // FRAME belt (M)
Overall, these cuts feel more aligned with current trends — looser through the leg and more relaxed — but still work well with the way I actually like to dress day to day.
That doesn’t mean the other styles were “wrong” before; they simply belonged to a different season of my style. Letting them go made room, both physically and mentally, for denim that feels more current and more comfortable.
Other Closet Shifts (And a Few That Didn’t Happen)
Denim silhouettes were definitely the biggest shift in my style this year, but I also set a handful of other specific wardrobe goals that are worth revisiting before I look ahead to 2026 — some worked out better than others.
One of my bigger goals was to add a couple of pairs of non-denim pants to my closet for each season.
LEFT: SPANXsmooth™ PerfectFit Ponte Flare Pants (M) // RIGHT: Sanctuary Eloise Trouser (29)
While I rarely need them, there are occasions when a dress doesn’t feel right and jeans aren’t appropriate. Given my style guideposts (especially “polished”), it still feels important to have a few non-denim options available for those moments.
I ordered a lot of pants last year, and despite my best efforts, nothing stuck. The twill styles I wanted to like never quite felt right, ponte pants felt tight and constricting at the waist, and more relaxed tailored options just weren’t flattering on my current body. At the moment, I don’t have a single pair of true non-denim pants in my closet — unless you count coated denim.
Do I feel like this is a gap in my wardrobe? Yes.
Does it actually cause me trouble when getting dressed for my real life? Not really.
I have a closet full of jeans in a wide range of silhouettes and washes, which keeps my outfits from feeling repetitive, and I truly didn’t have a single event last year where I felt like I needed non-denim pants.
Still, this is an area I’d like to figure out, especially now that non-denim pants are having such a moment, so I’ll keep looking. It may simply be that my eye needs time to adjust to looser trouser styles, so I’m keeping an open mind.
On the flip side, one goal that came together easily was finding new go-to white jeans.
AG Mari Crop (30) // cloth + stone tank // Veronica Beard sandals (8)
I picked up a couple of pairs early last spring and wore them constantly throughout the warmer months. The AG Mari Crop, MOTHER Weekender, and MOTHER Hustler Ankle Fray were standouts at the time, and they added exactly the freshness and versatility I was hoping for.
I’ll be curious to see how I feel about them when I pull them back out this spring, since I haven’t been reaching for those silhouettes as much lately.
I also set a goal to wear more dresses, and I found a few I really liked for summer.
LEFT: EVEREVE Nora T-Shirt Dress (M) // adidas Samba OG Sneaker (8) // RIGHT: Tommy Bahama Palm-a-Dora Split Neck Bay Shift Dress (M)
Sadly, I didn’t add any for fall or winter. I usually have a sweater dress or two in rotation, but if I’m being honest, I haven’t missed them. That likely says more about my lifestyle (and my preference for jeans) than anything else.
Last year, I also included hair as part of my style goals, because it really does play a role in personal style.
I’m still wearing beaded weft extensions, which have allowed me to grow my hair quite long (for me, anyway). I don’t use them so much for length as for extra thickness, and they’ve made a noticeable difference in my confidence.
As I get older, I’m sure I won’t want to keep it quite this long forever, but I’m enjoying it for now. I also plan to keep coloring my hair close to my natural shade for the foreseeable future. I don’t think I’ll ever want to go gray — but we’ll see. It’s a woman’s prerogative to change her mind, after all.
Finally, I wanted to challenge myself to style my outfits rather than just wear them.
MOTHER Hustler Ankle Fray (30) // Veronica Beard sandals (8) // Aiden Crop Shirt (S) // Splendid Dre (S)
Think details like scrunched sleeves, third pieces, accessories, and even experimenting with a sweater worn over the shoulders. This will probably always be a work in progress for me. I naturally gravitate toward simple, unfussy outfits, but I do think I got better about this during the warmer months.
Right now, I’ve reverted back to very straightforward, cozy combinations — and I’m okay with that. I think that’s just part of winter dressing for me, and something I’m happy to revisit again when spring rolls around.
My Style Goals for 2026 (Or, How I’m Approaching Style This Year)
As I was writing the first half of this post, I realized I don’t actually feel the need to change much about my style right now — and that feels like a good thing. So instead of reinventing anything, my goals for 2026 are about staying grounded in what already works and being more intentional about what I add (and don’t add) going forward.
Bernardo Longline Hooded Raincoat c/o (S) // MOTHER Weekender (30) // Jenni Kayne Flynn (S) // Veronica Beard boots (8.5)
1. Continue using my style guideposts as a filter
For now, I’ll continue to use modern, polished, and understated as my guiding style descriptors when I shop and put outfits together. I’m always open to revisiting them if they start to feel limiting or no longer reflect how I want to look, but at the moment, they still feel like a solid anchor.
2. Keep dressing for the body I have now
With nearly 20 years of outfit photos on this blog, I’m constantly reminded of how my body has changed — even in just the past year or two. That’s simply part of life. My body will continue to change, and my closet needs to support that, not fight it. I’m not interested in fading into the background or holding onto pieces that no longer serve me, so I’ll keep trying new things and letting go of old ones as needed. Onward and upward.
3. Prioritize comfort and simplicity — without apologizing for it
As a fashion blogger, there’s constant pressure (self-inflicted or otherwise) to show creative, interesting looks and a lot of variety. But that’s never really been me. It used to be easier to push through when I had more energy and fewer fit frustrations, but these days I’m being much more honest with myself about what I actually want to wear. I’ll still experiment and try new trends, but my default will always be simple, comfortable outfits that feel polished and wearable in real life because that’s what I actually reach for—and I’m sure many of you do too.
4. Edit my closet — starting with denim
I currently have more jeans in my closet than I really need, and while I’m always cycling pieces in and out, it feels like time for a more thorough reset. I want to try everything on again — jeans, tops, sweaters — and let go of anything that no longer fits well or feels exciting to wear.
5. Keep looking for non-denim pants
This one remains unresolved, but I’m not giving up. As my eye has adjusted to more relaxed denim silhouettes, I’m hopeful that relaxed non-denim pants may start to feel more appealing too. With spring ahead, I want to revisit linen pants — a category I’ve liked in the past but haven’t fully committed to. Even if jeans are my comfort zone, it’s good for me to step out of that rut once in a while.
These aren’t big, flashy goals, and they probably won’t lead to viral outfits, but they reflect how I actually want to get dressed in 2026.
How about you? What are your style goals for 2026?
Stay In Touch
If you liked this post, be sure you’re signed up for my email newsletter. In addition to my most recent blog posts, you’ll receive exclusive newsletter content like special sales, my newest favorite finds, and an occasional peek behind the scenes — all delivered right to your inbox.
I would also love for you to join my JLS Fashion Insiders Facebook Group! This is a friendly place to discuss all matters of fashion and style with other women, share your outfits, get advice, and stay up to date on all the happenings in our community.
67 Responses
I too struggled with finding pants that aren’t jeans. I came across the Collette which is sold at Anthropologie. I love them. They fit great and feel so comfy on. You can get them cut like jeans or not! Go try some on!
This is more of a question, I just bought a pair of red muted jeans meaning not bright red , are they in style for spring or a trip to florida
What style are they? Muted colors are still having a small moment… I wore a rust pair (kick flares) a lot in the fall. I would say it depends on the style.
My three words are classic, feminine, and polished/refined. They served me well in 2025 and I will continue to focus on them in 2026. I’ve noticed you and a few other fashion bloggers I follow all are remarking that they want to simplify things. That’s not a bad idea! I tried adding a few new-to-me silhouettes (tops and bottoms) in 2025. The bottoms – I went to exclusively wearing trouser fit jeans and flowy slacks, and that has been a big win. The tops I tried, not so much. They weren’t as tailored or feminine as my current tops, and I just didn’t care for the look. That said, I’ve noticed something. I can’t seem to wear my more fitted slacks and jeans anymore. They still fit me as they did 3+ years ago, but I “notice the feel” of them more, like I’m more “aware” of them, and that sensation is starting to bother me, like my skin is more sensitive or something. Anyhow, they went into my “iffy” pile this past weekend, potentially to be weeded out of my closet permanently. Thanks for all your input here Jo-Lynne! Definitely gives me food for thought. 🙂
I think we are all just sick of managing clothes… lol! I have always preferred a more minimalist closet, so I keep “blog stuff” separate, but it gets really old having so many clothes to manage.
This is a great post, thank you for sharing! You mention: Instead of wanting more, I find myself wanting less–I cannot agree more! I have found the past 2 years I share the same sentiment. Maybe it’s age or the fact that after my husband took early retirement, we downsized/sold home and moved to be near aging parents (which has been great) but I find myself not wanting to add more stuff to my closet and focus on, if needed, fresh, classic styles that really echo your style of modern, polished understated. Sometimes, I’d rather spend my $$ on experiences and travel vs clothing, accessories. Anyway, speaking of denim what is a good way to figure out which denim to keep vs donate? I got rid of my skinny jeans but I feel like I could donate more of my jeans–for example I have 2 pairs of slim straight AG jeans, one a denim and another washed black. They are soft and comfortable, I don’t really wear them because they feel like skinnies? I don’t know! Any ideas?
For me, it is a simple gut check. Do I wear them? Do I want to wear them? If not, they go. If I’m not sure, they go to a “maybe” bin – (or for me, on my rolling racks with “blog stuff” as extra options when I need more variety to style.) If I don’t want them back after a time, they eventually get donated.
Ana, I love your idea about spending your money on experiences not material things!
It’s a real challenge for me to find the right fit in jeans/non-jeans. Thank you for all your suggestions. They’re very helpful
I am basically a jeans person, but I do like the G4Free Dress Pants from Amazon. I have them in black and think I will add a few more colors. I reach for them all the time when I don’t want jeans. I wear them dressed up or down. I have worn them to church and other functions, and they are perfect for traveling.
Oh, they look nice. I ordered this pair to try.
Oh, good. I hope they work for you. I love mine. So enjoy reading your blog. One of my favorites.
I love the G4Free dress pants! Like you said, Pamela, they can be dressed up or down so they serve many purposes. They look nice and are very comfortable. I have a couple in black and ordered another color. I am a jeans person and have not been able to find a black dress pant that I like but I love these. I also noticed that my much loved and worn straight leg jeans look dated to me and I am fully embracing the wide leg jeans. I love simplicity and I am working on fewer clothing items. Focusing on quality. An organized, intentional closet looks so good to me. This is a 2026 intention for me-buy fewer clothes, focus on quality and what I actually need.
Nailed it. After several empty nest years, life changes, and trying not to let perimenopause make me depressed about my body changes, this post is a real encouragement and so relatable. Thank you! “Onward and upward”.
same!! i am shocked at how my body has changed and i am really having a hard time embracing these changes!
What a great post, Jo-Lynne. Several of your statements resonated with me. Many years ago, my daughter, who is 30 years younger than I, made a reference to my “uniform” and I was a bit taken aback. She explained that I wore the same formula in the winter– jeans, ankle boots, and a V-neck sweater, every day. And she was right. It’s the winter combo that works best for me, and it’s still my go-to. I never chose words to describe my style —that would stress me out more than finding clothes to reflect it. However, if I were to choose words, “relaxed” would be one. I only wear comfortable clothes that allow me to do anything physically. I want to walk into an appointment looking put together, but I also want to be able to drop to the floor to play a quick game of Uno with a grandchild or roll the large, heavy garbage dumpster down our long lane. Another thing you mentioned was wanting to add some non-denim pants to your closet. I have, over the last two years, but I find that I barely wear them. In the casual life I lead, I’ve discovered that even when I need an outfit more elevated than my everyday uniform, I’m most comfortable in wide-leg, dark jeans, adding a dressier top, shoes, bag, and jewelry. Denim is the basis of who I am, style-wise —even in my 60s. And I think it always will be. Thanks for putting so much thought into this post!
I can relate to all of that!
I found this very applicable to what is going on in my fashion life. I think I am changing my words to modern, classic, and edgy. It seems like a contradiction, but I am not just one thing. I like classic style in a modern way, and sometimes that means a little edgy, and I don’t mean in a sexy way, but in a way that’s a little different than normal. It’s a work in progress. I find myself wanting to wear hoodies that are not plain, but only at home. I’m still trying to figure this out. I just know that I need to stop buying dressier items, because that’s not my lifestyle anymore. I have discovered the Quince ponte pants line, and they are perfect for me because they are not jeans, look polished, and are comfortable like a legging. They come in different lengths and leg styles, depending on what you want. Just a suggestion on what is currently working for me as a nicer pants that’s not jeans.
I like the Quince ponte pants, but they are all too tight in my waist. It’s so frustrating.
The way you’re describing your word “edgy” reminds me of my own word “unexpected“. For me it’s something a little different and out of the norm.
My three are elegant, empowered and unexpected.
I’m always in declutter/downsize mode, but I have transitioned from work-from-home full-time to working in a very conservative environment where full suits are required. If I’m not at work, I’m in pajamas or workout gear. I have nothing in between for going out to dinner/concerts/date nights. We don’t do it often, but we don’t NOT do it, either, so I need some casual party/going out clothes.
As for everything else, I agree. Approaching 53 and definitely am understanding more what works and not trying to fit my round body into a square peg! Later today I’ll be purging more that I just don’t wear anymore.
Shoes are another area I am becoming more discerning. I don’t care about trends as much, don’t do heels over 1.5″ post Covid, and refuse to wear “cute” shoes that are uncomfortable.
I hear you on comfortable shoes! I don’t wear heels due to bad feet and stick with what’s comfy even if they might be not very current-I just don’t really care much anymore lol
Yes, I was thinking I should have addressed shoes. I did end up embracing Mary Janes this year, which I NEVER expected to happen! The styles I like are a bit edgier tho… small details that make a big difference. This post felt long enough, tho!
As for needing some in between clothes, I have heard it recommended that your wardrobe should reflect how much time you spend in your clothes. So if you spend 70% of your life at work, 10% going out, and 20% at home in sweats, then 70% of your wardrobe should be workwear, 10% “going out” clothes, and 20% loungewear. Seems obvious, but in case you never thought of it that way… maybe that will help you determine how much you need.
Helpful post! I found that in 2025 i wayyy overspent trying out newer trends and honestly should have stuck with what feels comfortable and stylish to me and not what i see on others. I ended up with many jean styles that just don’t fit with my personality and feel that i wasted a lot of money in this area in an effort to break out of my skinny jean rut! The denim styles out now are very confusing to me as they don’t always pair with the shoes i have in my closet. My goal this year is to greatly pair down/declutter my closet and only keep what feels like “me” and for new purchases, invest in pieces that will hold up well and that i can style in multiple ways.
Yeah, that is the thing with evolving trends. Each wardrobe category affects another, so newer denim styles will likely require updating your shoes and tops too. It can feel overwhelming!
Wondering how you determined your style goal words?
I listened to this podcast, and it’s the one that really helped me narrow them down and make them useful.
JoLynne – I’ve eyed your JCrew cashmere boxy sweater ever since you debuted it for a great traveling piece. You show it this am in one of your pics as well! It looks timeless but being in SoCal I don’t wear sweaters very often and never see it with a ‘price improvement’…. Have you ever compared it to the Quince cashmere boxy sweater? I’d love to know if you have and what your thoughts were..?…
I haven’t tried the Quince one, so I can’t really say, but they have a great return policy, so it’s worth a try! I have seen the J.Crew one on sale, but it’s been a while.
I want to be more intentional in what I buy for 2026. I have plenty of Mother, Frame, Paige, AG, AYR jeans to last for a long time (in the style that I like and that looks best on my body). But with other items in my closet, I want to focus more on quality pieces vs trendy pieces that I might tire of in 6 months. I just ordered 2 new Veronica Beard bags and I am prepared to part with a few trendy logo bags I really don’t use anymore. Hoping that by actually putting this out in the universe, I can stick to my plan lol !
Sounds like a good way to invest in upgrading your wardrobe this year!
Good post. This past year I let my hair go gray at age 70. I never thought I would do that. I’m glad I did now. It’s a pretty white silver. I’ve had to change my colors. Warm colors don’t look good on me anymore so I’ve donated a lot of clothes. I’m more neutral in skin tone but the hair color makes a difference in what colors flatter me now. I’m a winter now. I intend to try to buy clothes for the life I lead. I’ve bought more jeans and Tshirts lately. I do have my share of non denim pants. I love my wide leg trousers. I don’t wear dresses or skirts much anymore. I probably need to get rid of some skirts I’ve been hanging on to. As you get older comfort becomes more important. When it comes to shoes, safety is another thing to consider. I’m glad there’s stylish options for comfortable shoes. I’d like to see posts on how to style clothes we might have. You can still show some trends and then return it. 🙂
By the way I like those drawstring jeans. Those are the type of pants I wear in the summer.
I liked those drawstring jeans too!
Terri, I commented further down about my grey hair changing my colors. It took me a while to realize!
Great post! Taking three trips to Europe this year with only a carry-on taught me I don’t need much. I had no problem coming up with a capsule wardrobe. I’m going to keep that in mind when I shop. I saw a quote “Style thrives in constraints.” That resonated with me.
Ohhh I like that one. The easiest trip I ever packed for was after I did my first-ever Marie Kondo closet purge and forced myself to create a capsule wardrobe. I documented it HERE. It was so freeing. If I didn’t have this job, I would so do that again!
Great article! Love hearing your thought process on your personal style. I really need to pare down my wardrobe to just the combinations that are in style and I wear the most. Unfortunately I often fall victim to “what if I need it” or, “remember the great time I wore this…”
This was all so reaffirming and relatable! I enjoy following you because you feature “simple, comfortable outfits that feel polished and wearable in real life” with subtle variety instead of always changing it up. Thank you!
This post each year gives me the nudge to reflect on my style and closet! I actually described my style and how I like to look to Chat GPT … oh yes I did 😂 and the three words that described my style were: modem , effortless and distinctive! The last was because even though I like to be casual and put together, I don’t necessarily want to look like everyone else !
I don’t need a lot of dressy clothes except for church and some going out outfits!! My day to day is comfort and casual living! But I want to stand out in a way that looks like I put effort and thought into my outfit before leaving the house!
If you’re looking for a pant non denim have you tried the lodge pant from Aritzia? I think I’m going to invest in a pair you can dress them up or down and I can myself getting a lot of wear out of them!
I love that you used ChatGPT for that! And distinctive is a great word for a style descriptor that I’ve never heard before. I have tried Aritzia pants but not the Lodge b/c I hate that kind of waistband. I prefer more structure. I felt like the ones I tried were too loose in the hips and long in the crotch, but they were ivory and that did me no favors. I should try a few more pairs in darker colors.
I described my style to Chat GPT–thanks for the idea, Karen! My 3 words were polished, modern and effortless, with alternate words relaxed, tailored and versatile. I feel that both sets of words describe my style.
Love today’s post as it is so informative. I’ve struggled finding my style words with classic and polished best describing my behaviors and style. It’s the third word boho or edgy I need to figure out. Like you and so many others I am tired of chasing trends, and lean to fewer pieces that are of quality, fit well and my style. Thank you for what you do. You are one do the few bloggers I follow who comes across as intentional about her clothing selections and then educates us on the process. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for you and your business in 2026.
Maybe give this podcast a listen, it really helped me hone in on my words. And it isn’t like I think about them all the time, but every once in a while when I can’t pinpoint why something is off, I realize it doesn’t fit those words, so I do think it’s a helpful exercise.
I loved this post so much. I need more of this to help me in my ongoing approach to try to downsize my closet. When I look back on my fashion choices and spending last year I want to do better this year. I feel like I wasted money on items I thought I loved and would wear but didn’t. How do I shop differently to avoid this? Part of my challenge is finding myself in situations where I’m shopping with friends and everyone encourages each other to buy whatever we try on, but those are often the things I end up never wearing. (This is one reason I like to share try ons with your FB group: honest feedback and unbiased opinions.) I have a walk-in closet, but it’s not super big and it’s very packed at the moment. Because of where I live, I don’t change out my closet based on the seasons, so I have ALL my clothes in my closet year round. Sometimes we have a warm January day when I’ll reach for a tank or a short dress so I like having all the options available. However I still think I probably should figure out a way to organize my closet better. Any suggestions are appreciated!
It sounds like it works for you to keep it all in your closet, and probably helps you know what you have. I think the issue with shopping with friends is a big one. Jen at Everyday Style School mentions it a lot, and says that those purchases often end in the donate bin. Maybe have a list of questions on your phone you look at, back in the fitting room when you are alone and deciding which pieces to buy, to reassess:
Also, be honest with your friends and tell them you’re trying to be more intentional with your purchases, and have them help you answer those questions, lol.
Or another idea is to take a photo, go home, and see if you’re still thinking about it the next day. If so, go to your closet and see if you can make outfits with it. You can always order it or go back and get it.
Great post! I could not agree more. I too have determined that I am a solid size 30. However, if I find a certain style feels more comfortable larger, I’ll size up with a stiff upper lip. 😂 I’m all for it. Blood pressure medication at age 68 has helped me to gain weight. As a result, I’ve had to settle into reality and honestly, it’s liberating! I exercise regularly and don’t frequently overindulge so whatever size I am, I am! Getting too old to worry about it and frankly, if I put an outfit together and it suits my body, it makes me feel great! Kick It, Weekenders and Mari’s are my favorite jeans and
for tops, quality & simple are best. Like you, less is more. Otherwise, I get overwhelmed!
I appreciate your blog and wish you good health and a year of peace and contentment. Blessings to you!
For non-denim pants, have you tried Chico’s pull on pixie style pants? While a lot of the styles at Chico’s don’t fit my personal style, I do enjoy wearing my black slacks from there. Last year I wanted to have fewer pieces in my wardrobe, but I never fully got to that point. Now when I walk in my closet, I really want to scream due to how full it is, and it being full does not make me happy. I would really like to try everything on now and only keep what I really love. But the ruptured tendon to the bicep in my arm is so painful, that I just can’t do it. I have begun carefully looking at each piece in my wardrobe and pulling out things that I am not wearing or using now, for whatever reason. Hopefully that process will get me through the next few months and I’ll be happier with what is left.
Yes, sometimes slow and steady is best! I do that too, some days I just look at an item and think, “Nope, I’m done with it.” And out it goes! It is constantly a work in progress.
I enjoy reading your daily blog, having only discovered it about a year or so ago. Although I am older (71) than you and your target audience, I find the information provided to be helpful in looking at fashion evolutions that I can incorporate while still being age appropriate. In general, my lifestyle is slightly more “dressy” than yours. I have many, many jeans, but often feel that something other than denim is required. I am going to leave a few suggestions below. Additionally, over the past five years or so, I have taken several higher-end cruises, and have collected a “cruise wardrobe” so to speak, which also tends to be a bit dressier – soft suiting, Ponte knits, cottons and linens, and evening attire (not formal) that can all be packed easily. These items then transition to my daily wardrobe paired with jeans or other casual bottoms to jazz up the look.
One of my recent finds last year that might work for you are the AG Caden twill pants. I bought two pairs of the wide leg version, but it also comes in a straight leg style. It is such a soft, luxurious twill, and as an added “bonus” runs large. I am normally a 27 in designer jeans, but in the Caden I wear a 25. I also have found some Ponte knit that are trouser style, with a zipper fly, and those tend to be less restrictive. These are a few years old now, but one pair was from Talbots and the other a Michael Kors version. I’m also a fan of Nic & Zoe clothing – dressy/casual, and J. McLaughlins.
I look forward to your posts for 2026!
Thanks, Robin, I’ll try them. AG tends to fit me well. I was also thinking that a goal this year might be to develop a better travel wardrobe (that can overlap my everyday) since I plan to do more travel in the next few years.
Would love to see a post about the Great Closet Edit (goal #4)! It would be fun to see what you keep and let go of and how you decide.
Thank you! I too am still looking for non-denim pants so I am on that journey with you! Can’t wait to see what you find.
Great post! As I get closer to retirement, I find myself simplifying my wardrobe. I only want close that I feel comfortable in and I can see myself wearing around the house. I’m trying to only buy natural fibers and that has really helped simplify things for me. Funny, I remember saying that I will always be a brunette, basically, I planed to go to my grave as a brunette. After turning 60 this year, I’ve decided to try to go gray. My hair is really long and thick and I love the idea of having really long gray hair. We’ll see…maybe I’ll end up looking like a hag and dying it back to my “natural” brown color!
Haha! Well, I doubt you will look like a hag. Curious to hear how you like it once it grows in!
JoLynne, as I read the comments, I realize that I’m not the only person in my age group (70) who loves your blog. I follow some who are more in line with my age, but your style is my style. I just can’t see myself dressing differently; and when I’ve tried, the clothes simply don’t feel like anything I want to wear. It was you who inspired me to use three descriptive words for my wardrobe. Since I’ve been following you, I have received more compliments on my look than I did in all the years before. It’s easier to define my style and follow that as a guideline now.
Thanks so much for all you do! We appreciate all the sincere effort you put into everything you do.
Hi Cindy, thank you so much! I truly think the principles of style transcends age groups. I love that women of all ages can bond over these topics.
Well, count me in with the 70 crowd that follows you! I turned 71 in Sept., but I don’t feel like I’m that old and am always guessed in my 50s–so….I would feel out of place following utubers my age. As far as hair, I’m lucky I guess..born a blonde that got darker and now rely on just highlights to blend the grays. I had a white streak on part of my hair (since my 20s) that I was always dyeing–then one day I struck up a conversation with an Ulta gal as I was looking for a coverup crayon–and she said–it blends in with your hair and gals pays big money for a streak like that! Lol, so that ended my having to deal with that task every 2-3 weeks! What a relief!
I, like you, definitely have a boho streak and am drawn to some clothes, etc. with that theme. Not overly, just some–I love my drawstring jeans and birks! I got an apple watch for xmas and my boho leather band just came today(: . I’m still learning about avoiding and wasting money on trends that don’t even suit me–so I’m looking forward to seeing your purchases in 2026!
Great blog! As I have gotten older i want less of everything! I use the reverse hanger trick at the start of every season and that helps me to evaluate what I actually wore. Even then i still can get rid of more as I have more clothes than I want to manage. Especially hard to part with is jewelry…because it always fits no matter my size.
I’m trying to be more intentional with my purchases too. Recently I saw a creator talking about how in the future, she wasn’t going to buy anything that was all synthetic; that it had to be a natural fiber (like cotton, wool, silk, linen) or at least a blend. I thought, great idea! I just recently discarded an acrylic sweater, and have other pieces that I know are synthetic and I never wear them.
Today, I wore pants that I got recently from Nordstrom Rack. They’re wide-leg, black with cargo pockets. Fortunately, I got them on “extreme clearance,” because I realized I don’t like them! At all. I couldn’t wait to get home and take them off. The legs are too wide–I think a closer fit in the thighs would be better. And I realized: they’re polyester. Synthetic! I don’t like that, I finally realized. They will find their way to the donate pile after I wash them. Live and learn.
Girl, you are on a cross road
There is peri menopause which only rolls into menopause (so fun)
The start of empty nesting
Body changes. Even changes in your skin care routine needs a serious update due to these lovely changes
I was just like you and went to jeans and sweater….until I found you
You updated my look from working menopausal mom. To stylish woman of my age. Thank you
It will come full circle
But wow you are on a denim rampage
Cut your selection down and find new ways to style them
Ps. Bonus. Reconnecting with Your husband. Discovering new things you have always wanted to to try. More travel.
Fantastic post! I am so ready to refine my closet to what I actually wear. Have you tried the Athleta endless pant in the wide leg? They are not super wide and so flattering and comfy!
I really like J.Crew for dressier pants. I like that your style is more casual & leans toward a lot of denim, as that totally works for my lifestyle too,
Happy New Year to you and yours!
Thank you for such a genuine and thoughtful message for your 2026 style aims. You have encapsulated exactly how I have been feeling but also wondering if I should!!
Now I feel emboldened by your words to feel ok about the notion ‘less is more’ but refining and needing perhaps less ‘fashion’ but leaning towards ‘style’ and an overall elegance of person. So saying I think you are there already ! Thank you.
I’m like you….. simplify and I mostly wear jeans and sweaters this time of year. I tend to reach for the same things. I try to buy some more dressy items for church but then if it’s rainy and I grab my jeans and sweater and go.
I feel for you. Your job kind of conflicts with the way you want to buy and style clothes. Maybe your blog is to keep us updated but modern and not so intentional on trends and do post on 5 ways to wear this or that. I have purging to do. I usually go through every so often and just pull things out. Usually at season changes. My closet top shelf needs a overhaul and I just saw on Cyndi’s blog the shelf deciders. This would help me keep sweaters stacked and not falling over. lol Simple fix. I better order them.
I’m glad to hear you like my book recommendation of The Book of Lost Names. After I read it I read more of her books. She’s so good at historical fiction. I have one of her now in my pile to read. I need to stop ordering books until the pile is read. Have a great week.
Jo-Lynne, I have been reading your blog since 2013. I think back then it was “Musings of a Housewife.” I am in the UK, possibly your longest-standing fan from there! I really loved this post, it’s helped me a lot. For a long time, I have struggled with thinking that fashion and style are superficial pursuits or even distractions from ‘real life’, and more important things. Whilst always reading fashion blogs, ha ha, and feeling guilty about it, as I “should do something better with my time!” It’s only now I’m approaching the big 5-0, that I’ve concluded style and fashion do really matter to me personally, because it’s one expression of who I am and my preferences, and can be just fun, too and I have permission to indulge. There are other ways to express myself too, and I do, but I no longer want to ignore the style and fashion piece for myself, because I am left feeling very ‘traditional’ and possibly a bit frumpy and I am definitely not that type of person.
I am however sort of starting from scratch! I have the most minimalist wardrobe you can imagine, I probably wear 10 things (including coat and shoes) on rotation every season (and I only have 2 seasons).
I know what things I like, a lot of it is similar to your style, and your ‘3 words’. Now it’s a matter of finding them and buying them. So your tips help me a lot – most of the pieces are available in the UK / online. I have some questions for you:
1) Denim: It’s my biggest challenge! I live in jeans, but – cringe – I am still wearing skinnies (and straight styles), and they are worn out. Even if I believe that you should wear what you love, I do feel terribly outdated in skinnies now, and at my tender age of 47, if I want to be modern, that means trying other styles, like wide leg, maybe straight, maybe a slight bootcut. I live far from any shops, so I am forced to shop online. That means ordering 2-3 pairs at one time, because it’s so pricey, especially as I want to try premium denim. Is this how you do it? You just order all the jeans? Or do you go to a physical shop?
2) Athletic wear. I go to the gym often, and between that and driving my children to and from school and clubs, I don’t always have time to change back into regular clothes. So I need athletic wear that looks good. I have pretty good leggings but am struggling with outerwear – I just wear my regular wool coat and it doesn’t look good with leggings at all! Do you have suggestions for outerwear that would look good with sports leggings, but that is warm (it gets to just below freezing here). What would you add to the look? A sporty type bag (what would that be)?
Any feedback much appreciated. Thanks so much for the work you do. I love that you are not one of those crazy fashionistas that noone can actually imitate in real life!
I’d love to see linen pants for spring and summer with your polished goals in mind. I often feel like they look very unflattering in the mid section for those of us middle-aged, and the casual but walkable shoe is a challenge for me. I look forward to your posts on this when the weather warms up. Thanks!
I HAVE let my hair go naturally grey. Interestingly, I have also let it get longer than it’s ever been in my 66 years. It’s probably about 50% grey now, but it’s a nice shiny color, and I love it and get constant compliments from strangers. Seeing pictures of myself have forced me to acknowledge, though, that the colors I have always worn and gravitated to, may not all be my best colors any more. I am not sure if that is the new hair color or just more muted coloring. I just know it’s true. I uploaded a selfie to CHAT GPT and asked about best colors and was told what I already suspected. Nevertheless, there are some recommended colors that I refuse to wear (my grandmother’s favorite color was always lilac, and that will forever be an “old lady” color to me), but others were good reminders. I am cleaning out my closets and drawers with some new color guidelines in mind and my style goals for 2026 include doing a better job at looking at colors and shades before I make a purchase. I also want to be more mindful to buy with outfits in mind – not just a piece because I like it, but never wear it because it doesn’t go with anything. I will never be a capsule wardrobe girl, but I want to be better about buying things that are more versatile. I’d also like a wardrobe that I can use to create a capsule wardrobe from for packing, etc. I like your idea about guidepost words. I’m not sure what mine are, but I am batting around . . . . CLASSIC. . . . SIMPLE. . . . CHIC. If I didn’t do ruffles for the first 66 years (maybe 63 years? The first 3 years I might have . I’m not sure! LOL), I’m not going to start wearing ruffles now. I even think that SLEEK might be better than SIMPLE. SIMPLE implies things that I don’t think I mean. I also always want to be comfortable. I’ll have to think about this some more. Thanks for getting me to think about these things. I appreciate it. Happy New Year!