it’s time to ditch our sweatpants and leggings in favor of roomy trousers. or so say the fashion oracles. while it’s been a quiet year on the fashion forefront, one thing is clear: fashion lovers around the globe are still making an effort and getting dressed. long live fashion! what’s trending besides wide-leg pants and roomy trousers? bold patterned prints, mini-skirts, curve-hugging dresses, slinky tops, voluminous sleeves, ribbed knitwear, classic trenchcoats in bold colors, and pastel handbags, to name a few.
so what do trends mean for you and me? well, it’s always a good idea to keep one eye on trends. in my book, it’s the same as keeping up with pop culture. what television shows are popular? movies? what are the latest NY Times bestsellers? it’s important to stay abreast of what’s current. but we don’t necessarily have to watch all the tv shows or buy all the books. fashion trends are the same – we have the luxury to pick and choose what works best for our budget and our wardrobes. what’s on my radar screen? this year i’m loving wide-leg pants and roomy trousers.
many of you may be resistant to wide-leg pants, pleats, and or roomy trousers. heaven forbid we look ummmm bigger. isn’t style all about looking as young and thin as we can? heck no! style is all about experimenting and having fun. incorporating trends into our wardrobe keeps us modern, fresh, and relevant. today, i’m wearing the cutest corduroy pants (size 8) from Alex Mill that have a fitted waist, pleats, and a roomier leg. since it’s on the chilly side, a sweater from Boden (sold out, similar here, here, and here) is the perfect companion. this channel-stitched jacket (size medium) from Banana Republic is the perfect third layer that keeps me warm and stylish. love the neutral color. lately, i’m obsessed with all things Frances Valentine, an upscale retailer founded by Kate Spade. it’s pricey, so i will link alternative selections. but i LOVE their shoes and now own three pairs. whenever i wear Frances Valentine shoes on Instagram, i’m immediately deluged with DM’s asking about them.
pants | similar sweater here, here, and here | jacket | similar shoes here, here, and here | similar belt | sunglasses
pants | similar sweater here, here, and here | jacket | similar shoes here, here, and here | similar belt | sunglasses
is the Founder and CEO of Style at a Certain Age. She writes Sundays-Fridays on all topics ranging from fashion, health, wellness, home design and more.
She’s 65, 5’8, and size 8.
Dear Beth,
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your blog! Have you ever considered doing a post on great outfits for grandmothers who are taking their grandchildren to the park, or holding and rocking newborn babies? Clothes that look good with tennis shoes for the park or clothes that wash easily if Baby spits up? I would love your suggestions. Thank you!
I think I like the trend away from tight leggings and more to wider legs but my eye needs to adjust. Pastel bags sounds like fun but I’m not fond of the rest except maybe the larger sleeves. I like that idea for Spring blouses.
I think we all need to give ourselves “permission” to experiment and have fun! As you suggested. You’re right, we get so tied up in the “it makes me look bigger than I am” syndrome as we ponder ourselves in the full length mirror.
Not every look we try is a “keeper” but that’s the fun of it and we’re not out to win any fashion awards, just feel good and enjoy.
Beth,
I don’t believe there is a “look” out there that you can’t pull off beautifully! I also love your more colorful, vibrant lipstick color. Take care.
You are always up for the new trends! I left pleated pants without a regret and don’t think I’ll go for them this time around. Although you styled them nicely.
I can see why you enjoy the shoes…very cute and feminine.
Enjoy your day!
Maybe it’s just me but I can’t find any fun with looking 10-20 lbs heavier. Lol.
I will experiment with some of the other fashion trends but wide leg pants are a no no for this lady.
You look great in everything, Beth. I am willing to let skinny go, but I still prefer a slim cut pant,. I am willing to try a fuller leg, but no pleats for me!
Love this outfit. Thinking about getting the Banana Republic jacket. Thanks, Beth! Love your posts, keep up the good work!
I swear I had those pants in 1987 and again in 1994…. Time has taken it’s toll however so I doubt I can pull off the belted look!
Sorry but wide leg pleated pants make most everyone look short and dumpy.
Great looks for Spring.
Oh, this is a great post!. I love the corduroy pants and…those shoes! I clicked on the Frances Valentine link and now I’m obsessed with a particular red sweater and their handbags.
I remember Kate Spade creating this line but never looked before. I so wish Kate was still here with us, such an Icon!
I remember loving pleated pants last time around and I think I could do them again but feel I’d need to wear them with a tucked in shirt/sweater and probably no jacket. I certainly understand other commenters concerns about feeling they wouldn’t look good in them. They’re not the most forgiving style. We should all do what feels right for us. That’s the beauty of personal style!
Just one woman’s opinion: Pants or anything else with pleats around or near the waist should be taken out back and laid to rest ( buried)! LOL!
Love your blog! Nice to have age-appropriate fashion advice and the links are great.
I am a youngish 67, really trying not to be frumpy, but I’m a frustrating size 12 because I have that stubborn post-menopausal belly. So if I tuck anything in, I have the “bulge” in front.
Suggestions?
Yes, to fuller legs, while I wore skinny jeans I always felt they made me look out of proportion. How is the sizing of Alex Mill? I have several things in my cart but I’m not sure how the sizing runs.
alex mill runs tts but i do feel the pants have a slimmer fit. if this is your first time ordering i would order
your true size plus one size up to see the difference. shirts and sweaters order your regular size.