A Letter from the Editor: Fresh
Happy New Year, friends.
I’ve been sitting with this post for a few days—trying to find the right word for 2026. You know how it goes. You scroll through all the obvious choices: intentional, elevated, curated. Words that sound good but feel like they belong to someone else’s brand.
And then it hit me.
The word I keep coming back to is fresh.
Not fresh as in new or young—I’m 67, and I’ve earned every silver hair on my head. Fresh as in a deep breath. A window cracked open. A little loosening of the grip after holding on tight for a very long time.
Style at a Certain Age turns eleven this year. Over a decade. When I started this little corner of the internet, I was just trying to prove to a literary agent that I could build an audience. I had no idea it would become this—a community, a business, a daily conversation with women who understand that style is really just shorthand for how we show up in the world.
About four years ago, I started making changes. I brought Jennifer on as our beauty editor—and women love her column. Kelly joined as our petite editor and launched Kelly’s Kitchen. This space began to grow beyond just me.
As we move into 2026, we’re taking the next step—refining what this space offers and how it’s experienced.
Membership: What’s New in 2026
Membership at Style at a Certain Age began with something simple—and reader-driven.
Over the years, many of you told me the same thing: you loved the content, but the ads that keep the lights on at SaaCA could be distracting. Listening to that feedback, we introduced an ad-free reading experience for members—a quieter, more focused way to enjoy the site without interruption.
In 2026, we’re building on that foundation with a new slate of exclusive editorial content created specifically for members.
Each month, members will receive:
- One What to Wear Where, offering thoughtful guidance for real-life occasions
- One Kelly’s Table, where food, family, and everyday living take center stage
- Two Friday Finds videos, including sneak peeks at upcoming outfits, along with:
- What I Read, a curated look at the books, essays, and stories shaping my thinking as I work toward launching my writing career
- Curated Picks, items I’ve been personally introduced to, tested, and genuinely use—from wellness discoveries like Biologica Post Menopause Essentials to practical finds like the Shark Wandvac
Later this month, we’ll also introduce a monthly fashion history column, adding context and perspective to how we think about style today.
Membership is designed for readers who enjoy the editorial direction Style at a Certain Age is taking and would like a deeper, more considered way to engage with the content—without losing the ease and familiarity that brought them here in the first place.
If you’d like access to our ad-free experience and the new exclusive content launching in 2026, you can learn more about Style at a Certain Age Membership and join us.
We’re evolving—thinking bigger, shaping Style at a Certain Age into a more curated, elevated experience. More depth. More beauty. More of the conversations that matter.
So: fresh.
Not a reinvention.
Just permission to breathe.
To try something new.
To let a little wind in.
Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing something very close to my heart. If you’ve been here a while, you’ll understand.
Here’s to a fresh start. Together.
With love,
Beth
What Fresh Looks Like Right Now
Brands face the same challenge we do: how to evolve without losing what made them relevant in the first place. The strongest ones don’t abandon their foundation—they reinterpret it.
That’s what drew me to this soft, neutral look from J.Jill.
This outfit reflects everything the brand does well—ease, quality, and wearability—but with a lighter touch. The cardigan-style jacket offers structure without stiffness. Winter whites feel calm and modern. Relaxed trousers and flats keep the look grounded, wearable, and real.
This is polish without pressure.
Classic style—made easier.
P.S. This is what fresh looks like on me right now: soft layers, winter whites, and flats I can actually walk in.
👉 Shop the Look
Why This Outfit Works
- Soft structure: Tailored pieces that move with you
- Winter whites: Clean, timeless, and surprisingly versatile
- Relaxed proportions: Comfortable without looking casual
- Practical footwear: Flats that support real life
This is modern classic style—updated with ease.
Beth’s Style Tip
If you want your wardrobe to feel fresh without chasing trends, focus on softening structure. Swap stiff blazers for cardigan jackets, choose relaxed trousers, and lean into neutrals that feel calm rather than severe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “fresh style” mean after 60?
Fresh style isn’t about looking younger—it’s about feeling current, confident, and comfortable, often through softer tailoring and lighter palettes.
How do you stay polished without looking buttoned up?
Choose pieces that balance structure and ease: knit jackets, relaxed trousers, flats or loafers, and unfussy accessories.
Can classic brands still feel modern?
Absolutely. The strongest brands evolve by reinterpreting their core values—quality, fit, and wearability—rather than abandoning them.
Are winter whites practical for everyday wear?
Yes. When paired with relaxed silhouettes and easy footwear, winter whites feel modern, fresh, and very wearable.
So tell me—what’s your word for 2026?
Live your word: fresh. I am working on a word for myself this year! No resolution, just a word. Your winter white outfit is beautiful and an inspiration. Happy 2026 to you all and the community!
Thank you so much. “Fresh” feels like the right kind of energy—light, open, and ready for what’s next. And I love your approach: no big resolutions, just one word to guide you (so much more doable). I’m thrilled you loved the winter white look—nothing beats that clean, chic column in the colder months. Happy 2026 to you, too!
My word for 2026 is JOY. Joy in the life I have lived and am living. Joy for all the blessings I have in my life. Joy for my body, health and mind. Joy for the wonderful and amazing family and support network of friends I have. Joy for finding this blog of likeminded awesome women!
JOY is a powerhouse word. I love how you’re claiming it in every direction—your life, your body, your people, your health, your friends… all of it. That kind of gratitude is contagious (in the best way). And I’m so happy you found this little corner of the internet—this community really is something special. Here’s to a joy-filled 2026.
My word for the new year is “balance”.
Balance is such a smart word—because it’s not about doing less, it’s about doing what actually matters (and letting the rest go). Here’s to a year that feels steadier, lighter, and more like you.
My word is simplicity. Cloud dancer white may be the right color of the year.
I love that word—simplicity is always in style. And yes, “Cloud Dancer” white feels like the perfect shade to match it: fresh, calm, and quietly polished. Here’s to less noise and more ease in 2026.
Grace. My word is grace – I hope to allow myself, and others, a little grace.
It also fits in with grit and glam. My three “g’s” for 2026!
Grace is a beautiful word—and yes, it fits right in with grit and glam. Three G’s is basically a personal brand and a life philosophy in one. 😉 Here’s to more grace for yourself (especially) and for everyone else along the way.
My word for 2026 is content. I want to be comfortable and content with my life not always looking for something new.
I love that—content is such a grounded, quietly powerful word. And honestly? Being comfortable where you are, without constantly chasing the next thing, is the real luxury. Here’s to more peace, more presence, and a whole lot of contentment in 2026.
Kudos, Beth and Kelly, from a lifelong Minnesotan turned Scottsdale AZ resident 10 years ago. Your beautifully- sincere blog envelops me like a warm friend. Oscar and Ollie are the cherries on top. Genuine hug to all.
Oh, this just wrapped around me like a warm friend—thank you. From Minnesota to Scottsdale is quite the glow-up (hello sunshine!), and I’m so happy the blog feels like a cozy place to land. And yes… Oscar and Ollie fully believe they’re the main event. 😉 Sending a genuine hug right back to you.
Beth, my 2026 word is–Alive. Turning 75 in November was such a blessing for me! SAACA has been my North Star since December 2016, navigating my life with vision for looking, and best of all, feeling my best when putting myself together. Am alive and want my appearance to say so! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you’ve taught us thus far. We’re ready for more 🌻
Oh my goodness—Alive is a power word. And turning 75? That’s not just a birthday, that’s a victory lap.
I love what you said about wanting your appearance to announce how you feel. Because yes—when you’re alive on the inside, your style should look like it’s got a pulse. 🌻
Thank you for letting Style at a Certain Age be your North Star since 2016… that truly means the world to me. I’m so grateful you’re here, and I’m thrilled you’re ready for more—because trust me, I’ve got plenty coming.
Info
Recently turned 70. Beth reminds me that I’m still young and relevant.
Stretch, breath, eat, drink water, sleep, repeat…
Love the look!
Dear Beth, I am still trying to accept that I will not see new photos of Oscar again. But, what I want to say is this: If all your admirers, fans, devotees, followers, acolytes, loyalists, converts and supporters lived in your town, you would never lunch alone for the rest of your natural life, and it would always be free. Consider yourself gifted a virtual lunch today, at an outside table, with a dollop of South African sunshine. Love and best wishes.