the year 2020 has had more plot twists than any mystery novel. but as long as we keep turning the pages, we’re bound to read The End at some point. hope springs eternal. as this for this girl, while Thanksgiving might look a bit different this year from years gone by, there is still much to be grateful for. several weeks ago, i posted ’tis the season for gratitude, and it is. and it will be. just as it was on the first Thanksgiving hundreds of years ago. a thankful heart is past, present, and future. because that’s how we can choose to live no matter what the circumstances. years ago, when going through a trying time, i learned a fundamental lesson. i can’t control my circumstance, but i can control my attitude. so i choose joy in all things.
style at a certain age will continue to be that fashion distraction for you all through the holidays. and guess what? 2021 is in sight. this year has been the slowest, fastest and craziest, but it’s quickly drawing to an end. Thanksgiving is a mere eight days away, Christmas is thirty-six days. and New Year’s Eve is forty-two days and counting. one thing to be thankful for is knitwear for Thanksgiving. who doesn’t want to be comfy and cozy come turkey day? throw in chic, and that’s an outfit trifecta.
well, i might have the perfect outfit for you from Banana Republic. who else loved this brand way back when? in the late 90s, i couldn’t step into a Banana Republic without at least one item purchased. maybe two or three… those were the hay days when mickey drexler was at the helm of Gap. before he had a falling out with Gap founder don fisher in 2002. in 2003 mickey drexler headed over to J.Crew, transforming that brand (along with jenna lyon) into one of the most coveted and successful retailers. these days mickey’s son alex is creating a stir with Alex Mill, a brand that’s timeless, not trendy, and certain to win my heart.
but back to Banana Republic, that’s had its share of hits and misses since mickey left. over the past two years, i’ve been favorably impressed with my purchases from BR. today’s ootd is no exception. as a matter of fact, this three-piece ensemble will be a go-to for years to come. not only do i love the outfit worn as a coordinated set, but i can mix and match these separates ’til the cows come home. now that’s what i call bang for my buck. this outfit is also athleisurewear at its best. the sweater joggers have an elastic waistband (perfect for a day filled with mashed potatoes and stuffing) and a great fit. the reviews are definitely mixed with either a one-star or five. i’m voting five stars as the knitwear is comfortable, substantial, and doesn’t look cheap. there’s a matching mock neck sweater shell, duster, and sweater hoodie. the items are oversized so size down for a slimmer look. i chose to stay with my typical medium in camel, but it comes in six colors, so there’s plenty of choices if camel isn’t your thing. yes, i’m definitely thankful for knitwear for Thanksgiving.
this handbag quickly turned into a fall favorite with its neutral color scheme. these snakeskin sling-backs are destined to become a go-to as well. what is not to love about a cap toe shoe?
joggers | sweater shell | duster | shoes | handbag | necklace | earrings
joggers | sweater shell | duster | shoes | handbag | necklace | earrings
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.
I like the look and comfort of your OOTD. Can anyone tell me why designers place a bow right in our middles from a tie at the waist? It may add to the look on a dress form but on most women it isn’t an area we want emphasized. And if we want to wear a knit top untucked over it, we have to contend with the lump and bump of the bow. Is it because it’s cheaper to produce a drawstring waist than internal elastic? Or does it serve some design purpose?
Love the long sweater. Looks so cozy and comfortable. Beth I love your style.
Love the OOTD and you look great as always! Most of all I love your attitude. You are a true inspiration. Thank you!
I love the reminder about being able to control our attitude if not our circumstances. That’s easy to forget.
Happy Thanksgiving, Beth!
attitude is everything! Happy Thanksgiving!
Good morning, Beth
I love your outfit today–cozy and chic! Reading your blog is one of my daily rituals and through the years I have enjoyed getting to “know” you and your family while sharing your triumphs and tragedies.
However, I have to agree with some previous comments regarding errors in spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure that dim your bright and shiny commentary. You said that you engage a linguist to proofread. Although his/her credentials are most impressive (Stanford PhD), it should be noted that a linguist is not a grammarian, and therefore not necessarily qualified as a proofreader or editor for your purposes. Although their paths may intersect, linguists and grammarians travel in very different lanes. In the most basic terms, a linguist studies the evolution, usage, and cultural considerations of all language; a grammarian’s expertise lies in the theoretical “rules” governing usage in a single language, e.g. grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc. Someone with these skills might better serve you on Style at a Certain Age. I so enjoy your blog and it’s content, but wince at the mistakes that needn’t be. Thanks for hearing me out and please know that I do not intend to offend, but to help.
I Hope you and your family have a lovely Thanksgiving. As you beautifully pointed out, despite all that we have undergone this year, there is indeed an abundance for which to give thanks!
Best,
Janet
Hello, Janet,
Yes, you are correct about the particular path of a linguist. And, yes, said Ph.D. (or PhD) as in your usage) is also qualified as a grammarian. I will also mention the blog posts are filtered through modern technology applications like Grammarly, so the articles are thoroughly vetted once, twice, and sometimes thrice for spelling and punctuation. Please point out a recent post where you winced at the misuse of grammar.
All the best,
Beth
I enjoy your posts they are entertaining and bring joy. I think in this case focusing on grammar is the proverbial “You can’t see the forest for the trees”. Sometimes it’s nice to just enjoy something for what it is. This is for entertainment and not to win a Pulitzer.
This is a very fun outfit. I can also envision it with an upscale athletic type shoe as well for a more casual look.
this ootd would look darling with sneakers! lots of options available.
Love the long cardi and monochromatic look – timeless.
I have never noticed errors on your site, but I’m here for the eye candy and quite frankly, I’m just thankful you are here for us right now, in any form.
Which brings me to thankfulness. I thank you, for bring us joy and inspiration. I refer to ‘choosing’ joy as looking for my silver lining. All roads lead to Rome, but I’m so glad you choose the high road xo
Your Banana Republic outfit looks so comfortable.
I am glad that 2020 is coming to a close as this has been a very wacky and crazy year. I have also learned that I cannot control my circumstances, but I can definitely control my reaction. Positive thoughts and emotions seem to work the best. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
I just love the mock t.neck and joggers and color scheme! I just bought the joggers! Meh on the duster. Its dropped shoulders are not universally flattering and the length would look better mid thigh on tall and short gals, as well. While I love most BR clothing, the duster is a miss. ;-(
p.s. I’m a grammarian, a linguist, and a lawyer, and I love the e.e. cummings’ blog style of prose! I think it’s all great!
Thank you! I have really enjoyed your last few posts/videos showing more casual, comfy and stylish ways to dress. Even though I am more isolated, I don’t want to feel or look frumpy. Great ides!
For the life of me I really don’t understand people who must say “something about something” when the world is going to Hell and thankfully this is a place to visit and get away for a few minutes. I love your blogs and so happy you are sharing recipes as well. As usual your knit outfit looks great on you especially the color. Thanks for being here for women who are over 50!!!
Once again, you lifted my spirits after a challenging day at the workplace! Beth, you are my style icon and I appreciate all the HARD work you put into this blog! Great OOTD!
LOVE the outfit, and the attitude.
I look forward to your posts daily.
Grateful and joyful
Happy Thanksgiving
Thank you for featuring Banana Republic. For quite a while I had given up on them, but this year all my sweaters bit the dust at the same time and needed replacing as well as layering tees. Their cotton-cashmere blend and merino wools sweaters and cardigans have been just what I’ve been looking for. I’ve also purchased their layering tees which are great, and a coat. I haven’t received the coat yet. I have given up on so many of my old standbys but BR has exceeded my expectations this year.
Great look! I love the tonal camel. I could see this being worn by women of all ages.