Happy Wednesday, ladies!  The week is moving quickly, just as the year is moving quickly.  (Can you believe June is right around the corner?)  The weather here in Athens has been up and down.  We went through a hot spell, but now we've been flirting with the 70s this week.  Such a good time to talk about how to dress the Spring-to-Summer transition.

During this transition, it's not uncommon to have to plan for daily temperature changes.  Whether those changes are from morning-to-day or day-to-night---layering is the solution.   And depending on how much time you spend jumping indoors to out, it's not uncommon to have to bring a sweater to work, even in July.  Today's OOTD is great inspiration on how to dress the Spring-to-Summer transition.

The Summary

  Today's featured items are a mock neck sweater from Ann Taylor and a cardigan from Halogen

  The outfit is modeled, and I pulled together 2 alternates

  The outfit is shoppable via a text or image widget

  Each alternate is shoppable via a text widget

How To Dress The Spring-to-Summer Transition

1. Ribbed Mock Neck Sweater

(Ann Taylor)

Today's featured item is a ribbed mock neck sweater shell from Ann Taylor paired with white denim from Mother. The sleeveless shell can easily be paired with shorts or a skirt.  And for transition weather, it works perfectly well under a blazer or a lightweight utility or field jacket.  

Beth May 2022
Beth May 2022
Beth May 2022
Beth May 2022

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2. Side Slit Cardigan

(Halogen)

The lightweight cardigan is the perfect third layer for those 60 to low 70s days or indoor air conditioning.  It also looks great with a dress!  And because the cardigan is neutral, not only does it work with a matching top, but if you're feeling adventurous, it would work great with a pop of red or orange.

Beth May 2022
Beth May 2022
Beth May 2022
Beth May 2022

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3. Accessories & Details

(Assorted)

Beth May 2022
Beth May 2022
Beth May 2022
Beth May 2022

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Alternative Stylings

Screen Shot 2022-05-25 at 8.55.35 AM
Screen Shot 2022-05-25 at 9.02.09 AM

In Case You Missed It

Yesterday, I showed you 1 easy way you can elevate your wedding guest outfit this Summer.  Click the title or image below to read the article.

Hey, hey! It’s Friday, ladies, which means it’s time to kick off the weekend with a delicious recipe and cocktail. Of course, my favorite sidekick, Oscar is on deck and I’m sporting a laid-back outfit that’s perfect for a chilly Spring day.  (Although simple, today's appetizer may be better than Clinton Kelly's shrimp appetizer, maybe.)

Can you believe our temps have bounced from 39 degrees to 75ish in the course of a week? Mother Nature can be a fickle creature this time of year. Lightweight sweaters and third layers come in handy! Rest assured I have one or the other on hand.

The Summary

  Today's featured item is a pair of boyfriend jeans from Kut from the Kloth

  The jeans are modeled

  The entire outfit is shoppable via a text or image widget

  I've got a recipe for an Italian Greyhound and Avacado cucumber shrimp bites

Better than Clinton Kelly's Shrimp Appetizer

1. Boyfriend Jeans

(Kut from the Kloth)

This Spring I’ve been testing new denim silhouettes. The trend for  2022 is a looser fit and I can’t say I’m disappointed. I’ve always loved the slouchy fit of  boyfriend jeans so I was thrilled to stumble upon this pair from Kut from the Kloth available at Nordstrom.

Since the temps were on the brisk side I reached for a striped sweater from Banana Republic. And I always love to slip into a pair of comfy shoes. How cute are these espadrilles from Vince?! They look adorable with a pair jeans.

Beth Djalali
Beth Djalali
Beth Djalali
Beth Djalali

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2. Italian Greyhound

Beth Djalali
Beth Djalali
Beth Djalali
Beth Djalali

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Italian Greyhound


  • Author: Beth Djalali

Ingredients

Scale

1 Tbsp fresh chopped rosemary

1/4 cup sugar

2 ounces gin

4 ounces pink grapefruit juice

1 ounce Aperol

1 rosemary sprig, for garnish


Instructions

Combine the rosemary and sugar and spread on a small plate

Rim edge of a glass with a lime wedge then press the glass onto the plate, turning to coat.

Fill glass with crushed ice. Add the gin, juice, and Aperol. Garnish with a rosemary sprig. 

Stir gently. Enjoy!

3. avocado cucumber shrimp bites

Today’s recipes couldn’t be easier. Cucumber, guacamole and shrimp are all that’s needed to whip up a delicious appetizer or snack that’s healthy and perfect for a Spring or Summer day.

Beth Djalali
Beth Djalali
Beth Djalali
Beth Djalali

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Avocado Cucumber Shrimp Bites


  • Author: Beth Djalali

Description

Cajun Shrimp

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 garlic cloves, finely minced

1 tbsp cilantro, finely chopped, plus more for garnish

1 tsp paprika

½ tsp cayenne pepper

½ tsp sea salt

¼ tsp black pepper

2 Tbsp olive oil, divided

Avocado Spread

1 avocado

¼ tsp salt

1 tbsp lime juice, plus more to squeeze over finished appetizers

1 English Cucumber, sliced


Ingredients

How to make Cajun Shrimp

Place shrimp in a large mixing bowl and pat dry with paper towels. Add minced garlic, 1 Tbsp cilantro, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 Tbsp olive oil. Stir well to combine.

Heat a large heavy pan over medium/high heat with 1 Tbsp olive oil. Once oil is hot, add shrimp in a single layer and sauté 2 min per side or until cooked through

How to make the avocado spread

Heat a large heavy pan over medium/high heat with 1 Tbsp olive oil. Once oil is hot, add shrimp in a single layer and sauté 2 min per side or until cooked through.

In a small bowl, mash together 1 avocado, 1/4 tsp salt and 1 Tbsp lime juice until creamy. Divide the avocado mix over 20-22 cucumber slices.

Squeeze fresh lime juice over the shrimp avocado bites and garnish with more finely chopped cilantro. If not serving right away, cover and refrigerate up to 4 hours before serving.


In Case You Missed It

Yesterday, I showed you a variety of different dresses, and additionally, different ways to style each.  Click the title or image below to read the article.

I love Spring fashion.  From the colors to the sweaters to the accessories—there are so many fun options during transition seasons.  But if I had to pick one—the most essential Spring clothing—it would be the denim jacket.  Perfect for layering, lightweight, and easy to carry, a good jean jacket goes with just about anything and everything.  Truly classic, truly flexible, and worth every dollar.  Today, I’ve got another roundup for you—a trip through my recent archives. 

Most essential Spring clothing

Today, I’ve put together 5 different outfits all featuring a denim jacket.  I pulled the outfits from: 

The idea, here, is fashion inspiration—hopefully, one or two items will inspire you to pull out your denim jacket and try something new.  And if you’re in the market for a new jean jacket, scroll to the end of the post.  I’ve rounded up a little more than 10 different jean jackets you might be interested in.  

A graphic tee & matching denim

Outfit 1

The first outfit is denim-on-denim.  (Yup, it can be done, even with the same basic wash.)  I broke up the monochromaticity with a color pop.  I went with red(s), but you could do anything here, really.  Yellow, orange, green, purple—it’s totally up to you.  (I loved the graphic tee from yesterday’s post, I had to feature it again.)

Classic denim jacket (Talbots) | Graphic tee (J.Crew) | High-rise skinny jeans (Madewell) | Espadrille wedges (Talbots) | Nylon duffle (Talbots)

Shop the outfit (click below)

Gingham pants

Love, love, love gingham.  And while I think most of us wear gingham button-downs, how fun are gingham pants?  A medium-to-dark wash jacket goes best in my opinion, but I could imagine putting darling outfits together with a light wash one.  

Outfit 2

Classic denim jacket (Talbots) | Wide-leg crop pants (LOFT) | Perfect tee (J.Crew) | Sandals (J.Crew) | Patch-pocket bag (J.Jill)

Shop the outfit (click below)

Sweater & pants

Outfit 3

The next outfit pairs a denim jacket with a sweater/pant combo.   We’re still having days in the 60s, so layering is a must.  I went with a blue combo for my sweater and pant pairing.  You could stick with neutrals are experiment with color as I did.  Just have fun with it! 

Classic denim jacket (Talbots) | Chatham ankle pants (Talbots) | Tippi sweater (J.Crew) | Pointy toe mules (LOFT) | Leather mini tote (J.Jill)

Shop the outfit (click below)

Stripes & white denim

Outfit 4

Love stripes for Spring.  Truly classic.  For this outfit, I paired the cutest striped, collared sweater with a pair of white denim.  Very few things say “Spring” more than white denim, and they work perfectly with a jean jacket in any wash. 

Classic denim jacket (Talbots) | Collared sweater in strip (J.Crew) | Relaxed jeans (Talbots) | Pebble flats (Talbots) | Drawstring bag (J.Crew)

Shop the outfit (click below)

Skirt

Outfit 5

Loving this midi skirt from Talbots.  Simple and elegant, it works incredibly well with a denim jacket.  I kept things simple with a white popover, as I really wanted to highlight the skirt/jacket pairing.  Swap the popover for a button-down or tee.  You can’t go wrong. 

Classic denim jacket (Talbots) | Midi skirt (Talbots) | Linen band popover (Talbots) | Crisscross slide (Madewell)

Shop the outfit (click below)

Shop denim jackets (click below) 

Shop the rest of the post (click below) 


In case you missed it

Thursdays are a two-post day!  Make sure to check out what Kelly wore in Charleston!

What a week! It’s been a big week over here on the blog to say the least.  Yesterday, we introduced our newest regular contributor:  my daughter-in-law, Kelly Djalali.  I cannot thank you enough for the warm reception you gave her.  It meant the world.  We’re both extremely excited for what’s to come, and we hope you are too.  In celebration, we thought we’d do something fun today:  a joint Fridays with Oscar.   Super simple:  I’m responsible for the drinks, and Kelly’s making the appetizer.   Plus, we’ve both got super fun outfits for you.  I’m sporting Oprah’s favorite AYR shirt, and Kelly’s featuring a pair of woven loafers I think you’re going to love. 

Oprah’s favorite AYR shirt

My outfit could not be simpler.  I’ve paired this button-down, striped shirt  (AYR, Oprah’s Favorite Things) with a pair of raw hem jeans  (Nordstrom).  The shirt is a bit large—looking for that oversized, comfy, casual look perfect for Fridays. But it you want a more tailored look size down one size. Throw on a pair of sandals (Talbots), and you’re headed straight into the weekend. 

Shirt  (AYR, Oprah’s Favorite Things) | Raw Hem Jeans  (Nordstrom) | Sandals (Talbots)

Intro to Aperol

Kelly and I both share a love of Aperol.  And anyone who follows Fridays with Oscar regularly knows it’s one of my go-tos.  Today, I’m sharing my recipe for an Intro to Aperol.  Cheers to the weekend, ladies! 

Bar Tool Set (Williams Sonoma)

Shirt  (AYR, Oprah’s Favorite Things) | Raw Hem Jeans  (Nordstrom) | Sandals (Talbots)

Coupe Glass (Pottery Barn)

Print

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Intro to Aperol


  • Author: Beth Djalali

Ingredients

Units Scale

3/4 oz Lemon Juice

1 0z Gin

1/4 oz Sugar Syrup

Dash Angostura Bitter

2 oz Aperol


Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice.
  • Shake well for 10-15 seconds or until the outside of the shaker becomes frosted.
  • Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and serve.

Fridays with Oscar

Shirt  (AYR, Oprah’s Favorite Things) | Raw Hem Jeans  (Nordstrom) | Sandals (Talbots)

 

Shop Beth’s outfit (click below)

Spring loafers

This is Kelly’s first “official” fashion post on the blog.  Her outfit, too, could not be simpler.  She went with a pair of high-rise vintage slim jeans (Gap) and a relaxed short sleeve cotton popover (J.Crew).  Remember ladies, high-rise denim is in for 2022, and the price point on this pair is right.

To be honest:  I’m really loving her woven loafers the most–such a perfect shoe for Spring.  Kelly’s pair is old, but she rounded up some similars: here, here, here, and here.

High Rise Vintage Slim Jeans | Relaxed Short Sleeve Cotton Popover | Similar Woven Loafer | Sam Edelman Woven Loafers | Woven Flats | Banana Republic Woven Loafer

Mushroom and Goat Cheese Crostini

One of the big advantages of bringing Kelly on to SAACA is that she will get to share wonderful recipes with us.  For those that don’t know, Kelly runs a food blog:  Djalali Cooks. Thankfully, she’s agreed to revive her Kelly’s Kitchen column over here on the blog, so stay tuned for some yummy, easy-to-follow dishes.  Today, she’s cooking up mushroom and goat cheese crostini. 

High Rise Vintage Slim Jeans | Relaxed Short Sleeve Cotton Popover | Similar Woven Loafer | Sam Edelman Woven Loafers | Woven Flats | Banana Republic Woven Loafer

 

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Mushroom and Goat Cheese Crostini


  • Author: Kelly Djalali

Description

8 oz. Mushrooms, lightly chopped
1/4 cup Water
2-3 Shallots, thinly sliced
Olive Oil
Kosher Salt
Black Pepper
1/4 to 1/2 cup Parsley, finely chopped, divided
4 oz. Goat Cheese, at room temperature
1 Baguette, sliced thinly, on the bias
Balsamic Vinegar

Ingredients

  • Preheat broiler with a rack placed in the middle position.
  • In a large pan, over medium-high heat, sauté mushrooms with 1/4 cup water. Stir occasionally and cook until water is completely evaporated.
  • Drizzle olive oil over mushrooms in the pan and add the shallot slices to the pan.
  • Season with kosher salt and black pepper.
  • Continue sautéing, stirring occasionally until the mushrooms begin to develop a little browning and the shallots are softened and lightly translucent.
  • Stir all but about 2 teaspoons of the chopped parsley into the cooked mushrooms and remove from heat.
  • Arrange baguette slices on a large sheet pan. Drizzle olive oil over the bread slices and place on the center rack in the oven. Lightly toast the bread slices under the broiler, then flip the slices to lightly toast the other side.
  • When the bread slices are lightly toasted pull them from the oven.
  • Use a knife to spread goat cheese on each slice of toasted bread.
  • Top each slice of bread with about 1.5 tablespoons of the mushroom mixture, adding more or less to each slice, using up all of the mushroom mixture.
  • Place the cheese and mushroom-topped crostini on a serving plate and drizzle with balsamic vinegar.
  • Sprinkle the remaining chopped parsley over the tops as garnish.

Shop Kelly’s outfit (click below)

Just the two of us

March is over, and April is just beginning.   From Kelly, Oscar, and myself, we’re wishing you an absolutely wonderful weekend!  

Beth’s outfit

Shirt  (AYR, Oprah’s Favorite Things) | Raw Hem Jeans  (Nordstrom) | Sandals (Talbots)

Kelly’s outfit

High Rise Vintage Slim Jeans | Relaxed Short Sleeve Cotton Popover | Similar Woven Loafer | Sam Edelman Woven Loafers | Woven Flats | Banana Republic Woven Loafer


Welcome Kelly

In case you missed it, yesterday, we announced Kelly Djalali coming on as a regular contributor.  Here’s what that means. 

Tuesday: Daily looks

On Tuesdays, Kelly will be posting an entry to our Daily Looks feed.  She’ll post an OOTD and you can shop those outfits easily through the shop widget below the photo.  Being of a smaller stature, at 5 feet tall and 105 pounds, Kelly will create fresh looks with a focus on classic style for petites. 

Thursday: Featured post

On Thursdays, Kelly will be contributing a full-length fashion-related post.   Whether she’s modeling outfits or giving you tips on how to build her capsule wardrobes, you can expect the same great content you’ve come to expect from SAACA. 

Saturdays:  Kelly’s Kitchen

Kelly will be reviving her Kelly’s Kitchen column on Saturdays.  Each week, you can expect a delicious, easy-to-follow recipe.  

Happy Friday, gang! Another week has come and gone, and so has my beach getaway to Cancún, Mexico. It was a relaxing trip filled with blue skies, sunshine, and a white sandy beach that stretched for miles. Margaritas on the rocks, guacamole, and chips, plus a good beach read are all that’s necessary to keep this girl happy. I am truly my mother’s daughter in so many ways. Now it’s time to switch gears and get back to work.  I’ve got a fun one for you today:  how to make a charcuterie board.

While I was gone, my garage door was finally installed! Hooray! It’s beautiful. Next up is a paint job outside. Yes, the house is getting a facelift, and I finally decided to paint the brick! The prep work started while I was in Mexico; barring rain, I will have a brand spanking fresh coat of paint (or two) by the end of next week. Black gutters were installed in February, so along with a new garage door and paint job, my 70s ranch will look fresh and modern. Houses need to keep up with the times just like us!

Classic blouse & denim

Today’s outfit is just as simple to throw together as the charcuterie tray! It’s a simple style uniform for spring and summer: denim, tee or blouse, and sandals. When spring rolls into town the rinse of my denim gets lighter.

Yes, it visually adds pounds but I’m totally okay with putting FUN into my wardrobe and nothing says summer than a pair of light rinse denim from Ann Taylor. Y’all know my love of white blouses so it was time to slip into a short sleeve version of this iconic closet staple from J.Crew (old, similar here and here). Add a pair of white sandals from Tory Burch and this outfit is in the bag.

denim | blouse (old, similar here and here) | bracelet | watch band | banglesandals

Charcuterie tray

Today’s menu couldn’t be easier or more perfect for a beautiful spring day. Wine and cheese, anyone? A charcuterie board is so easy to put together especially last minute when friends and family drop by. There is nothing better than sitting on my screen porch with a glass of wi e in hand and good company. 

How to make a charcuterie board

Today, I chose a savory board for my theme that includes one hard and one soft cheese. I added nuts, cured meats, pickled vegetables, olives, sweet fig jam, and a crusty baguette. So easy, right? 

I have a tried and true method to pull together a platter in no time flat! And what’s easier than uncorking a bottle of red and white wine? I always like to keep one of each on hand. So come join Oscar and me, and Ollie whose always in the background.

  • Pick wood, slate, ceramic, or marble board
  • Choose your props: tongs, cheese knives & forks, wooden picks, vessels, napkins.
  • Invent a theme
  • Add salty, sweet, savory, and tangy
  • Start with main food items then add components one at a time

Fridays with Oscar

denim | blouse (old, similar here and here) | bracelet | watch band | banglesandals

Oscar, Ollie, and I wish you a lovely weekend!

Shop Boards & Platters (click below)


In case you missed it

It’s travel week all week over here on the blog.  So far, we’ve shown you

Daily Looks

Make sure to catch up on our DAILY LOOK. We post a dedicated photo to our daily outfit every Wednesday-Sunday. And you can shop those outfits easily through the shop the widget below the picture. 

Happy Thursday, ladies!  Travel week is wrapping up, and I’m heading back home to Georgia from Mexico today.  What a wonderful trip.  And I was so glad to be able to share it with you.  In case you missed anything, I’ve got links at the end of this post.  So make sure to check them out.   We’re resuming normal scheduling, today, and featuring one of my favorite items this Spring: a women’s faux leather jacket from Scoop

We’ve featured this jacket a few weeks ago paired with a skirt, shown below.  It was such a hit, that I wanted to show you another way to style it.  So, we’ve got a sort of 2-for-1 today:  2 ways to style the same moto-jacket. 

Faux-Leather Moto Jacket (two colors) | Skirt | Blouse (Halogen from Nordstrom) | Shoes (limited sizes similar here, here, and here)

Women’s faux leather jacket

Today’s outfit takes the same faux leather jacket and pairs it with these high-rise skinny jeans from J.Crew factory and a striped shirt (similar here and here).  This is a much more casual take on this jacket than the first outfit, showing you that a moto jacket can dress up or down quite nicely.

denim | tee (old, similar here and here) | faux leather jacket | driving mocs | sunglasses

Shop the Post

Striped tees add interest

I’m loving stripes this Spring.  They create visual interest to any outfit, really, and today, I’ve matched my stripes with the jacket.  Combined with my red driving mocs, this is truly on-trend for Spring 2022. 

denim | tee (old, similar here and here) | faux leather jacket | driving mocs | sunglasses

Shop the Post

Driving mocs are in for Spring

Driving mocs didn’t make my 5 trending Spring shoes this year.  That’s because, in a lot of ways, driving mocs are trend-proof.  They’re such classics, they’re always on-trend.  This pair is from Rothy’s, and if red isn’t your style, don’t worry.  They’ve got this shoe in a variety of different colors. 

denim | tee (old, similar here and here) | faux leather jacket | driving mocs | sunglasses

Shop the Post


In case you missed it

It’s travel week all week over here on the blog.  So far, we’ve shown you

Daily Looks

Make sure to catch up on our DAILY LOOK. We post a dedicated photo to our daily outfit every Wednesday-Sunday. And you can shop those outfits easily through the shop the widget below the picture. 

A statement on world events

The weather in Georgia has been flirting with springtime temps, so it’s time to think about my spring wardrobe. I can’t believe the first day of spring is two weeks away. While our moods may be bright with the infusion of sunshine and blue skies that spring brings, dark clouds are swirling in other parts of the world.

Style at a Certain Age has made it a practice to focus on aging with grace, strength, and beauty and will continue to do so in the coming weeks and months. That’s the purpose of this platform, not religion nor politics—although I have my viewpoints with both.

But I am very much aware of world events that have transpired this past week and have watched the devastation unfold. Horrifyingly, wars have been breaking out for thousands of years, wreaking havoc on the daily lives of innocent men, women, and children. It’s heartbreaking to watch refugees pack their lives in small bags and flee for their lives, not knowing what will come to pass.  In the twentieth century, alone, two World Wars were fought with the hope of ending future wars. But it didn’t come to pass.

My late husband’s family lost everything in the 70s when they fled Iran to start a new life in America. 

I grew up with the nightly news reporting the casualties of the Vietnam War. The Gulf War broke out when I was a young mother, and the Iraq War followed on its heels. Then there was the Afghanistan War…

Please know that my heart aches for all the innocent men, women, and children caught in the crossfire of the latest conflict in Ukraine. My hope and my prayers are for peace.

~Beth 

Talbots Spring collection

If it’s spring, then it’s time to lighten and brighten my wardrobe. What better way to do just that than with a nautical vibe from the Talbots Spring collection. Shades of navy and white look crisp and clean and perfect for a warm spring day. I couldn’t resist this pair of white wide-leg denim from Talbots (fit TTS—I’m wearing a size 8 for reference) and striped funnel neck top (I’m wearing a size medium for reference) that’s helping me feel a bit nauti.

Style tip: Look for details that add interest. 

white denim | striped top | shoes (similar here, here, and here) | handbag (old, similar here, here, and here) | similar sunglasses | earrings | watchband | bangle

Red shoes

But if you want to add a pop of color certain to brighten your day and daresay your mood, then pick a color of your liking. Me? I’m a firm believer every woman should own a pair of red shoes (old, similar here, here, and here), so I chose red as my accent color. In for a penny in for a pound, as my mother liked to say, so I added a red handbag (old, similar here, here, and here) into the mix.

white denim | striped top | shoes (similar here, here, and here) | handbag (old, similar here, here, and here) | similar sunglasses | earrings | watchband | bangle

Talbots Spring collection

white denim | striped top | shoes (similar here, here, and here) | handbag (old, similar here, here, and here) | similar sunglasses | earrings | watchband | bangle


In case you missed it 

We’re in the Spring transition phase over here at SAACA.  This week we’ve featured:

Daily Looks

We just posted a new DAILY LOOK, so make sure to check it out. Daily Looks is a really simple feature:  a dedicated photo feed of my daily outfits. And you can shop those outfits easily through the shop the widget below the picture. 

Welcome to our first preview guide of the year:  2022 denim trends that you will love (and potentially hate).  But don’t worry, that’s the great thing about fashion.  If you love something, wear it; if not, don’t.  Today, we’re gonna take a look at 5 denim styles that are in this year.  They are: 

  • low-rise; 
  • patchwork (or embellished); 
  • boyfriend & baggy; 
  • flared & bootcut; 
  • skirts. 

For each style of jeans,  I put together an outfit you can shop, similar to our new Daily Looks.  In addition, I’ve gone through the archives and found different ways you can style each pair.

Definitive denim guide (excerpts)

Like any fashion trend:  the 2022 ones will come and they may go.  But what remains constant is how to shop denim.  That doesn’t change.  In case you missed it, we’ve put together a definitive denim guide over here on the blog.  Below I pulled out, and am reprinting some useful tips that always apply when shopping jeans.  

Fit & feel

Nothing is more important than the fit and feel of a pair of jeans. And you’re never going to know how something fits or feels without a) trying it on and b) having several points of reference. I can’t recommend enough carving out an afternoon, physically going to a store like Gap or Nordstrom, and working with one of their stylists to try on a full range of jeans. They’re there to help! They’ll walk you through the full spectrum of what’s available to give you that reference point.

When you’re trying on jeans, focus on how they fit on your waist. Always ask yourself the question, “Does the jean sit on the waist where it is supposed to sit?” Also, focus on the length of the jeans. Ask yourself the question, “Are these jeans going to drag given the shoes you currently have in your closet?” And remember this one crucial fact worth pointing out again and again: just because you’re a size 6 in brand X does not mean you’re a size 6 in brand Y. 

All well and good. But what about those of us who are shopping exclusively online? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Below, I’ve linked to some of my favorite denim retailers, including their online denim guide.

Wash

Roughly speaking, the “wash” of a jean refers to the extent to which a pair of denim has undergone a washing and treatment process prior to sale. The washing and treatment process affects the color and softness of denim.

Below, I’ve put together a scale of various washes beginning with “raw denim” and ending with “bleach wash.” Raw denim is very stiff, dark and has not been washed to soften and remove dye, whereas bleach-washed denim is very soft and light, as most of the dye has been stripped away. Most of us are probably going to stick in the rinse-to-light wash region of the below scale, but some of us may deviate to either end of the spectrum.    

raw denim < rinse wash < mid-wash < light wash < bleach wash

Know your wardrobe

Jeans don’t exist in isolation. You’re going to pair them with what you currently have in your wardrobe. It’s pointless to buy a pair of jeans that don’t work with a single top or single pair of shoes you currently own. Always have a game plan. When you are looking to buy a pair of denim, a good rule of thumb is this: have at least two tops and two pairs of shoes that the jeans you’re eyeing actually go with. That will give you the flexibility and versatility to successfully integrate a new pair of denim into your closet.

Proportionality based on use 

If you have ten pairs of jeans, it usually doesn’t make sense for 8 of them to be white if you only wear white jeans one month out of the year. Are your go-to jeans boot cut, but of your five pairs of jeans, only 1 of them is actually boot cut? Seems obvious, but it’s worth pointing out: a) know what denim you love, b) know what denim you actually wear in practice, and c) base the proportionality of your denim on (a) and (b). a + b = c.

2022 denim trends

Low-rise

Just when you got used to high-rise jeans, low-rise jeans are back in a big way.  I featured them heavily between 2016-17 and have begun reincorporating them into my wardrobe this winter. Low-rise jeans or “low-cut jeans” sit low on the hips and a few inches above the navel. 

Blouse (Halogen) | Low Rise Denim (Frame) | Cap Toe Flats (Rothy’s) | Earrings | Cuff Bracelet

blue jean mama

Patchwork & embellished

Patchwork jeans were definitely a DIY, 70s thing.  Take a couple of pairs of denim (or any garment) and patchwork a new pair of jeans.  I featured patchwork jeans heavily back in 2018—even on my 60th birthday!

  • OOTD.  Today’s OOTD is comfy-casual.  My jeans are old but you can find similar from Ralph Lauren.  I love patchwork jeans because they give you so many highlights to pick up with your top.  I went with a pink mock-neck sweater from Ann Taylor) and a pair of platform sneakers

Patchwork Jeans  (Ralph Lauren, old similar here, here and here) | Sweater (Ann Taylor) | Sneakers 

talbots puffer jacket, ralph lauren patchwork denim, j.crew plaid shirt, everlane loafers

60th birthday edition

ralph lauren boyfriend jeans ralph lauren bear sweater

Boyfriend & baggy jeans

True-blue baggy—or barrel—jeans are in this year.  (Not quite the same as sizing up Levis 501s to get that 90s Seattle look.)  If you’re not into that look, you can certainly stick with boyfriend or girlfriend-style jeans.  But I’ve been having a lot of fun styling my barrel-fit ones. 

Barrel Jeans  (Banana Republic) |  Top (old similar here) | Shoes  (Jeffrey Campbel) | Earrings | Cuff Bracelet 

my boyfriend's back

blue jeans and boyfriend sweater

Flare & bootcut

Flared and bootcut are back to the point where I’m regularly seeing bellbottoms on the streets of Athens.  What I love about this particular style is that there is a spectrum of flare.  Simple bootcut all the way to flower power, it’s easy to find and style a jean you’re comfortable with. 

  • OOTD.  Have you tried pairing your flared jeans with a pair of pumps?  That’s what I did today, and I’m liking the results.  I also layered a button-up and oversized cardigan from Theory.  I’m really liking the contrast between top and bottom here.  

Bootcut/Flare Denim (Ann Taylor) | Button-up  (Theory) | Oversized Cardigan (Theory) | Suede Pumps | Coin Necklace (old similar here and here)

 

Denim skirt 

Ahh, the denim skirt.  It never really goes out of style, does it?  It’s certainly one of my all-time favorites, and I’ve featured it heavily on the blog since its inception. 

  • OOTD.  Classic look here.   I’ve paired an Everlane skirt (limited sizes similar here, here, and here) with a striped sweater and bomber jacket.  (Gotta be honest with you, I love any excuse to pull out a bomber jacket.) 

Denim Skirt (Everlane, limited sizes similar here, here, and here) | Striped Sweater (Ann Taylor) | Bomber Jacket  (old, Ralph Lauren) | Suede Sandals 

white denim skirt & gingham shirt


Daily Looks

We continue to be excited about the launch of our new blog feature Daily Looks.  Every day, I’m featuring a new, directly shoppable OOTD.  So head on over and see today’s daily look.

We’re continuing this week with our Back to the Basics series.   This month, we’ve covered a lot of ground and walked through the 

Today week, we’re going to deep-dive into the essential jackets you should have in your wardrobe:

  • jean jacket;
  • utility jacket;
  • leather jacket;
  • trenchcoat;
  • wool overcoat
  • puffer vests; and  
  • scarves.

(True, scarves aren’t jackets, but I couldn’t resist.). The continued purpose of this column is simple: we’re here to help you establish a wardrobe that’s built on top of the basics. Think of it as building the backbone of your wardrobe.

We’ll dig down into each category, and I’ll give you examples of essential trench coats, for example. The way to read this post is simple:  in each section, I’ve given you photos of different ways I’ve styled that coat, with an assortment of links from tried and true retailers to shop the item. So let’s get started: here are the most essential jackets any woman should have in their wardrobe.

Jean jacket

The most versatile jacket you can own, you can wear a jean jacket in any season. They’re the perfect transition-weather coat. Wear them with: 

  • jeans; 
  • skirts; 
  • pants; or 
  • dresses 

Pair them with: 

  • sweaters; 
  • button-downs; 
  • t-shirts

And layer them with other coats. It’s hard to think of something a denim jacket does not go with. Get one in a classic wash, or pick one up in yellow, red, or orange. You probably don’t need another jean jacket in your wardrobe, but then again, you just might. Some retailers that consistently stock denim jackets: 

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a Ralph Lauren denim officers jacket, white denim, striped sweater and yellow driving moccasins

Essential jean jacket (Banana Republic) | The modern jean jacket (Everlane) | The jean jacket (Madewell) | Classic denim jacket (Talbots)

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a black pleated skirt, white tee, denim jacket, and gold metallic pumps

Essential jean jacket (Banana Republic) | The modern jean jacket (Everlane) | The jean jacket (Madewell) | Classic denim jacket (Talbots)

Field jacket

Field jackets, or military-style jackets, are generally multi-pocketed. Traditionally olive (or drab) green, long-time readers will know of my love for the quilted field jacket. The first quilted jacket came into existence in the mid-’60’s thanks to an American living in England. Mr. Guylas introduced a quilted vest in a timeless palette of olive and navy for hunting expeditions. Wear a field jacket with: 

  • jeans; or 
  • pants. 

And make sure to give them a pop of color with a colorful sweater or button-down. Make sure to check out: 

for a wide range of military-style jackets. 

spring, sprang, sprung

Cotton field jacket (multi-colors, Banana Republic) | The moleskin utility jacket (multi-colors, Everlane) | Utility jacket (Anthropologie) | Twill field jacket (multi-colors, Talbots)

jackets and scarves

Cotton field jacket (multi-colors, Banana Republic) | The moleskin utility jacket (multi-colors, Everlane) | Utility jacket (Anthropologie) | Twill field jacket (multi-colors, Talbots)

 

Leather jacket

Add a little spice to your wardrobe with a classic leather moto jacket. Perfect with your favorite pair of denim and a pair of Frye boots, the leather jacket is a staple in any classic wardrobe. But don’t be afraid to go modern chic with a dress and heels. Nordstrom always has an excellent selection of women’s leather jackets.

Faux leather moto jacket (Ann Taylor) | Essential leather moto jacket (Banana Republic) | The modern leather jacket (multi-colors, Everlane) | Faux leather moto jacket (Anthropologie)

Trench coat

Burberry reigns supreme when it comes to a khaki trench. Historians claim Thomas Burberry invented gabardine fabric in 1879. In 1901 he designed and submitted an Army Officer’s raincoat to the United Kingdom War Office, and so the military trench began. 

I absolutely love trenches and wear them in khaki, but also keep a lookout for fun prints. Pair them with a sweater and denim for a classic preppy look. Or, if you want to class things up a bit, dress them up with your favorite evening dress and a pair of strappy heels.   You can never go wrong with Burberry for a classic trench, but retailers like J.Crew have more cost-effective options. 

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears an Everlane grey cashmere crewneck, high rise black cigarette jean, Tory Burch black ballet flats and a double-breasted trench coat

Twill trench coat (multi-colors, Ann Taylor) | Polished trench coat (Talbots) | Double-breasted topcoat in Cashmere (multi-colors, J.Crew) | Soft trench coat (multi-colors, Banana Republic)

Wool overcoat

If the north winds are blowing in your neck of the woods, then a wool overcoat is a must. This is the coat that you can throw over your jeans, trousers, skirts, and even dresses. A wool overcoat is one of the hardest-working items in your closet if you live in a climate that faces freezing temps and snow all the way through March. Choose a classic style in a flattering neutral shade, shoulders that fit well, and mid-size lapels.

Puffer vest

Practical and warm, the puffer vest is a casual staple of my wardrobe. Ranging in different types of colors, they come plain or can be adorned with, say, faux fur. Puffer vests are perfect transition-weather outerwear like denim jackets and really shine in the fall. I mostly lawyer them with sweaters, but they really shine with a crisp, white button-down. Orvis and Northface are always well-stocked with puffer vests and jackets.

Stretch down vest (multi-colors, North Face) | Puffer vest (Ivory multi, J.Crew) | The Renew vest (multi-colors, Everlane) | Quilted vest (multi-color, Talbots)

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears five classic winter essentials

Stretch down vest (multi-colors, North Face) | Puffer vest (Ivory multi, J.Crew) | The Renew vest (multi-colors, Everlane) | Quilted vest (multi-color, Talbots)

Scarves 

And then there are scarves. I absolutely love scarves because they are literally the easiest way to inject color and visualize interest into your wardrobe. Scarves come in every shape and size, from a cashmere scarf to quilted merino wool. Simple advice when buying a scarf:  have fun. Talbots and Ann Taylor are always my go-to for scarves. 

inclement weather travel style

Blanket scarf (Ann Taylor)Cashmere plaid scarf (Talbots) | Snow fair scarf (Talbots) | Cashmere wrap (multi-colors, J.Crew) | Merino waffle-knit scarf (multi-colors, Everlane)

 

Blanket scarf (Ann Taylor)Cashmere plaid scarf (Talbots) | Snow fair scarf (Talbots) | Cashmere wrap (multi-colors, J.Crew) | Merino waffle-knit scarf (multi-colors, Everlane)


In case you missed it 

Chic casual is always in and sometimes difficult to find inspiration for. And don’t forget our definitive denim guide for great jean suggestions to pair with your coats. 

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