Let’s go jean shopping. To get you prepared, I’m going to update and refresh the popular denim guide we released a few years ago. Is there anything more essential to the modern wardrobe but more difficult to buy than denim? From fit & feel to wash & cut, there are so many options, making it challenging to navigate the blue jean sea. But I’m here to help—at least in part. Today, I’ve put together what I’m calling the definitive women’s denim jean guide for you.

Definitive women’s denim jean guide

Over the years, I’ve showcased almost every cut of jeans imaginable, paired with a variety of different tops, shoes, and bags. This post aggregates a large sampling of cuts and washes. For each cut, I’ve pulled together a list of three jeans of that cut at various price points: low, medium, and high. I’ve also put together a collection of tips and tricks for purchasing denim and maintaining it once you’ve integrated a particular piece into your wardrobe.

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’s 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.

Brand loyalty

Brand loyalty is great. But not with denim, at least not in the following sense: you may love Talbots or Ann Taylor for everything but their jeans. That doesn’t mean you have to force yourself to buy their jeans. It may turn out that The Gap’s or Levi’s, or Madwell’s jeans fit best for you. And once you’ve found that perfect pair of jeans, don’t be afraid to buy 2 or 3 of the same wash and cut. Redundancy is good in any classic wardrobe. Remember, jeans don’t last forever, no matter how well you maintain them.

Skinny jeans

Skinny jeans are here to stay. Oh sure, Gen Z has declared them dead, but no other jean can tuck as beautifully inside a knee-high boot as a pair of skinny jeans. Outside of bootcut, they’re probably one of the more versatile cuts of denim out there. They go with virtually any top or shoe you have in your closet. And trust me, no matter what your body type is, if you find the right fit, you’ll be surprised that you, too, can pull off a pair of skinny jeans.

women's skinny jeans

low | medium | high

low | medium | high

skinny white jeans

Wide-leg

Wide-leg jeans are trendy this year, no doubt. You may or may not like trends. And you may or may not like wide-leg jeans. But one of the themes of my blog is open-mindedness, particularly when it comes to fashion.

My oldest son worked at The Gap in Chicago during his undergraduate years. And one of the things he always tells me—to this day—is how many women he encountered that made a decision—usually in their late 30s—to commit to a single cut and wash of denim.

There’s nothing wrong with favorites. Absolutely nothing wrong with go-to’s. But there’s also nothing wrong with breaking out of your fashion shell and trying something new.

women's wide-leg jeans
low | medium | high

low | medium | high

wide-leg jeans

Boyfriend & girlfriend jeans

Boyfriend/girlfriend jeans have made a real surge in popularity over the past 4-5 years. That’s because they’re just so darn comfortable and versatile. Wear them when you’re lounging around at home over a lazy weekend. Or roll them up and pair them with heels as I’ve done here. No matter how you wear them, you won’t regret adding a pair or two to your closet.

women's boyfriend jeans

low | medium | high

boyfriend jeans

Bootcut & flared

Much like skinny jeans, there are very few harder working pieces of denim than a good pair of bootcut jeans. They go with just about anything and everything. But it’s worth pointing out that not all bootcut jeans are cut the same. Flares vary dramatically in opening width. Some are extremely traditional and conservative, and some not.

women's flared jeans

low | medium | high

low | medium | high

bootcut jeans

Colored denim

There are as many different types of colored denim as there are colors in the rainbow. But your closet should include at least a pair of black and white jeans. They’re neutrals and serve as an excellent baseline for a myriad of possibilities. Outside of that, the sky is the limit.

Do you love red, yellow, or green? Are you as into animal print as I am? Colored denim provides an easy way to spice up your wardrobe. But remember to be sensible: no piece of colored denim will get the use that a classic pair of blue jeans will. Make sure that when you splurge on a pair of red jeans, you actually have a plan regarding what to pair them with.

low | medium | high

low | medium | high

women's white denim

Straight-leg

Probably the most essential pair of jeans you can own, straight-leg jeans are a true classic. Timeless and not subject to trends, it’s the backbone of every woman’s denim collection.

low | medium | high

beth from Style at a Certain Age travels in style in a pinstripe blazer, white button down, blue jeans, and black slides

Tips for maintenance

Denim is not an investment piece like bags or coats are. They wear down. They go out of style. But you can make them last. Remember always to

wash inside out in cold water;
hang to dry;
and only wash every few wears (up to 10);
remove odors by placing them in a plastic bag and tossing them in the freezer overnight.

That’s a wrap, gang! Hopefully, you find the definitive women’s denim jean guide useful.

hi gang! this week’s fridays with oscar has us nearing the end of october. my neighborhood is looking the part too. some neighbors have elaborate halloween scenes set up in their yards, complete with skeletons, spider webs and jack-o-lanterns. others have harvest-themed porch decor with fantasy pumpkins, leafy wreaths and pots of mums. all of this festive decor and the crisp evening air make oscar’s after dinner walks just that much more enjoyable! so sit back and enjoy a cocktail and appetizer with us, all together now!

casual fall outfit of the day

it’s easy to put together a casual outfit when the base is a pair of comfortable boyfriend jeans (similar here, here). add a touch of sophistication with a light and airy printed button up top, like this one from Ann Taylor. and then bring it back to casual with a warm and soft cardigan. this sweater is several years old (similar here, here).

similar sweater 1 | similar sweater 2 | printed top | similar jeans 1 | similar jeans 2 | similar driving moccasins | similar belt these driving moccasins are old, but there are always similar options (here, here, here). i like the soft leather typical of driving moccasins. they are so comfortable, like wearing slippers!

fresh figs with gorgonzola and prosciutto

today’s appetizer is super easy to whip up at a moment’s notice. it’s a delicious mix of sweet and savory flavors. it’s gluten free and overall not an unhealthy indulgence.

figs with gorgonzola and prosciutto

8-12 fresh figs
crumbled gorgonzola
1 package sliced prosciutto

preheat oven to 375 degrees.
slice the stems off the figs and slice lengthwise to create quarters, leaving the figs attached at the bottoms.
fill centers with crumbled gorgonzola.
slice the prosciutto slices in half lengthwise and wrap each fig with prosciutto, leaving the tops exposed.
bake for 10 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and prosciutto is slightly crisp.

all wrapped up and ready for the oven. meanwhile, oscar and pax are hoping for a piece of prosciutto to hit the floor.

hot out of the oven, i topped these delicious bites with toasted chopped walnuts. they added a perfect amount of crunch and flavor to cut through the soft and sweet fig.

the Mott & Mulberry

this cocktail is a wonderful fall drink, thanks to the apple cider and the slightly bitter Amaro, it’s just the ticket for a crisp fall cocktail. and don’t skimp on the garnish! Gala apples are particularly good in Athens this season. the fanned apple slices are a pretty topper for a delicate fall drink.

Mott & Mulberry

1 oz Rye
1 oz Amaro
3/4 oz apple cider
1/4 oz pure maple syrup
1/4 oz fresh lemon juice
apple slices for garnish

In a shaker, combine everything except the ice and apple slices. Fill the shaker with ice, cover and shake well. Using a fine sieve as well as a cocktail strainer (preferably a Hawthorne), strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe. Garnish with the apple slices.

doesn’t that just look so tempting! a perfect fall cocktail.

all together now! fridays with oscar and ollie

it’s days and weeks like this in athens that we make full use of the three-season porch. the air is fresh and crisp. the sun is warm and keeps the chill in the air at bay.

many of you have been asking after ollie. she is always with us on fridays with oscar. but she often prefers to remain behind the scenes, batting around my fall decor or otherwise being mischievous while our concentrations are elsewhere.

this week though, her curiosity and interest in watching oscar and pax play in the yard brought her front and center. and junior style was right there with his camera to catch her.

well ladies, another week in the books. in case you missed monday’s post, the Talbots friends and family sale is in full swing until october 25, so be sure to head over there to take advantage of great sale prices. as always stay tuned to the blog for all our upcoming posts. we are heading into the holiday season; beginning next week, we will kick off the season with our annual gift guides. think of style at a certain age as your one stop shopping guide for the holidays! oscar, ollie and i wish all of you a wonderful weekend!

happy friday, gang! i am closing this week with one of my favorite fall color combinations: white and tan, with a little animal print thrown in for fun. for our appetizer this week, who doesn’t love french onion soup in the fall? well, we have french onion stuffed mushrooms on the menu today. and our cocktail this week is my favorite aperol cocktail.

it’s a white denim kind of day

crisp white denim is perfect for fall. the pop of brightness from white is so refreshing on these cooler, shorter days. for a monochromatic look, i have a plain white tee. pairing white with camel or brown is a classic combination. you have the bright white and it’s softened by my camel cardigan (similar).

accessories go a long way with this outfit. animal print is probably my favorite way to add a pattern to any outfit. i have my animal print belt and to prep things up, i have an animal print tassel driving moccasin. my bright gold chunky chain link necklace (similar) and bracelet (similar) set glams it up.

white denim | plain white tee | similar cardigan | animal print tassel driving moccasin | animal print belt

french onion stuffed mushrooms

these little mushrooms are quite addictive – they are perfect for snacking on while watching football this weekend. i could see modifying this recipe to stuff portobellos and making it a main dish. it’s that good!

french onion stuffed mushrooms

2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 yellow onions, halved and thinly sliced
Kosher salt
fresh ground black pepper
2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup dry sherry
1 lb baby bella mushrooms, stems removed
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
2 tsp fresh chopped parsley

Preheat oven to 450°. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat butter and oil. Add onions and season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are caramelized and jammy, about 40 minutes.
Increase heat to medium-high, stir in garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in sherry and simmer until almost completely reduced, 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Place mushrooms stem side up on the prepared baking sheet. Roast mushrooms on top rack until softened, about 10 minutes. Remove from oven. (If any moisture gathers in mushroom caps, blot moisture with a paper towel.)
Top mushrooms with onion mixture and Gruyère. Switch oven to broil and broil stuffed mushrooms until cheese is bubbly and melty, about 2 minutes.
Sprinkle with parsley before serving.

to get your onions to the proper caramelized state, you have to cook them low and slow for about 40+ minutes. it takes a while but you really taste the difference.

my favorite aperol cocktail

all summer this cocktail was on happy hour repeat for me. i really enjoy the light bittersweet flavor of this drink. it’s very refreshing.

beth’s favorite aperol cocktail (intro to aperol)

1/4 cup Aperol
2 tbsp gin
1.5 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 tbsp simple syrup
1 dash Angostura bitters
flamed orange peel or lemon peel to garnish

Fill a cocktail shaker with 2 cups ice. Add Aperol. gin, lemon juice, Simple Syrup and Angostura bitters ; cover and shake until chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe glass; garnish with a flamed orange peel, or lemon peel

fridays with oscar

oscar and i are coordinating today, with his brown fur and white bandanna. as usual, pax is here too! the two of them had a fun game of chase in the backyard.

white denim | plain white tee | similar cardigan | animal print tassel driving moccasin | animal print belt

well gang, this wraps another week and another fridays with oscar. stay tuned to the blog as we start to get ready for the holidays in the coming weeks. i imagine a lot of us will be doing a lot more online shopping this year, and i have a great guide for beauty and skincare shopping online at Nordstrom. check it out, if you haven’t already! oscar, ollie and i wish all of you a wonderful weekend!

we began this week by sharing a women’s guide to blazers, and we’re continuing on with that theme today. that’s right. we’re keeping with classic style for fall, and today’s OOTD is all about the mighty blazer.

keeping with classic style for fall

it’s full fall mode here in Athens, and i’m reaching for denim, denim, and more denim. i’m loving these stovepipe jeans paired with this chambray shirt. contrary to popular belief, it’s totally possible to pull off an all-denim outfit. the trick is to break up the monochrome with either a color pop or print. both can come from layering a blazer or from carefully chosen accessories. animal print shoes, bags, and/or a belt are what allow us to pair the same color tops and bottoms. (even denim!). all of my items today are older, so below i’ve linked similar. however, since i get asked by so many of you where i got my glasses, i’ve linked those too!

high heels? no problem.

i’m loving these leopard calf hair heels from J.Crew. but i realize that high heels aren’t for everyone. heel height is a personal preference, and that’s why i’ve linked heels of ranging heights for you. we’ve got everything from a 3 1/3″ heel to a pair of 2″ sling backs.

we’re back from vacation and easing our way into fall. per usual, we’ve got a Sunday roundup for you, and we’re talking all things black denim. an easy way to transition your wardrobe from summer to fall is with a neutral color scheme. neutrals will ease the shift between seasons and set the tone without adding a fur coat or sweaters into the mix just yet. although in a month or two we’ll happily add extra layers and i love, love, love sweaters! but before i break out in a happy dance let’s get back to today’s post and neutral color schemes. white denim is worn 365 days a year, but black denim is typically reserved for fall and winter. i don’t know about you, but my black jeans typically go on hiatus during the summer months, but they are a welcome sight once september rolls into town. and they look fantastic with a denim shirt. black and blue is a chic color combo that will serve you well in the coming months.

with a suede blazer

(similar) black jeans have that slimming effect we all love. which is why i always have one pair of black denim in my closet. pair the (similar) black jeans with a (similar) black turtleneck for a monochromatic look. add a (similar) brown blazer into the mix for a polished and sophisticated outfit that will keep your winter style game strong all season long. but wait. a pair of (similar) snake print pumps are on trend and add a little edge, which keeps us looking fresh and modern.

[read the entire post…]

new year, new you, and new denim

with a denim shirt

today’s ootd starts with (similar) cropped black jeans. this particular pair has limited sizes but check out a similar pair here and here. this (similar) denim shirt was last seen here worn with a pencil skirt. this week it’s making an encore appearance. if you’re not quite ready for long sleeves a (similar) short sleeve chambray shirt is an excellent substitute without changing the color scheme. (similar) leopard flats seemed like the perfect footwear choice. and leopard print is on-trend and seen everywhere this fall. if the first thought that leaps to mind is peggy bundy when it comes to this wild pattern leopard shoes or a belt are two ways to integrate this trend into your wardrobe without going over the top. sometimes, baby steps are all that’s needed. accessories are an easy way to board the trend train if you’re ever in doubt. options, ladies, there’s always lots of options when it comes to fashion.

[read the entire post…]

denim shirt, cropped black denim, leopard flats

with a black sweater

today i went with monochromatic black. but i punched it up with a colorful scarf as a tie belt. black jeans can dress up or down. i kept it casual as usual today with (similar) sneakers. but if i wanted to dress it up a bit, a pair of ballet flats would go well, or even pointy toe flats to add even more polish. wearing all black with oscar and ollie is an exercise in lint rolling! i keep a lint roller handy.

[read the entire post…]

cashmere v-neck | button jeans | (similar) sneakers | similar scarf

black denim roundup

here are some of my favorite pairs of black jeans from some of my favorite retailers.

several weeks ago, i partnered with one of my favorite brands (and yours) Talbots. we launched the style series what to wear now and later. last time, we talked how to style summer cargo pants two ways. this time, we’re talking how 2 wear a green tee 2 ways. and while the temps are firmly fixed in the eighties, we all know our favorite fashion season will soon be upon us. nothing makes my heart go pitter-patter quite like fall clothes. give me all the jackets, blazers, sweaters, boots and booties. and i don’t mind if i throw in a scarf or two for good measure. so get ready for our first fall fashion preview.

the color muted scheme is filled with gorgeous shades of greens and tans with white denim thrown in for good measure. y’all know how much i love denim jackets. it’s the perfect third layer when temps start to dip. but what about this canvas band collar jacket with a cinched waist that will transition to fall with ease.

outfit 1: white denim

white denim is perfect 365 days a year. but they work well even on a hot summer day. just throw on a comfy tee and a pair of gold metallic sandals, and you’re good to go. but if you’re looking for a third layer, try this canvas band collar jacket on for size. and don’t forget to add a calf hair hobo handbag to keep this outfit casual and chic.

outfit 2: skorts

many of you have written sharing your love of skorts. well, today i’m sporting an adorable yoga skort in tropical forest from Talbots that’s as comfy as it is cute. and skorts are so easy to wear this time of year. today’s it’s paired with a green tee and white sneakers. but don’t forget to add a denim jacket for good measure.

skort | tee | denim jacket | sneakers

we’ve got a really elegant summer top for you today as we continue this week’s quest for the perfect summer top. yesterday, we showed you how to wear the same sequin top two different ways. and on monday, we featured my favorite summer sweater. today, we’re going show you how to style the same outfit two ways by mixing accessories.

how to style the same outfit two ways

accessories are easy to overlook, but they can change the nature of an outfit. here on the blog, we’re proponents of fashion reusability and a great way to get extra mileage out of a single outfit is to mix and match accessories. a different bag, belt, shoes or scarf can change the complexity of any outfit making it wearable in different contexts on different days. if you’re looking for some accessory inspiration, make sure to read our must have summer handbags and accessories.

look 1

our base outfit today is this rafia plise top from Anthropologie. i’ve been all about Anthropologie this week. so much so, it’s the second top we’ve featured from them this week. there’s not much more i can say about white denim that i haven’t said this summer. i’ve featured it prominently all summer long and will definitely continue to do so. our first look today pairs our base outfit with a pair of white strapped shoes, a wicker bag and an arrow woven belt. the black swath of the bag picks up my top, creating a bold look. the pattern of the arrow woven belt contrasts with the white denim enough creating additional visual interest.

look 2

our second looks mixes up the bag, shoes, and belt. here, we’re featuring a black leather clutch, wedge sandals, and leather belt. although similar, look 2 is much more streamlined and professional. it’s amazing how the belt alone affects the overall quality of the outfit. this just goes to show you that a simple accessory swap can breath new life into the same outfit, giving you more flexibility with your current wardrobe.

in terms of blog traffic, this was our biggest month ever over here at style at a certain age. from all of us here to all of you: a huge thank you! we continue our mission to bring you a fashion distraction, no matter what is going on in the world around us. it’s hard to believe that June came and went, but then again, i say that every month. to recap the June, we’re bring you the reader favorites, including lose weight over 50, as chosen by you. and as a little extra, we’ve got a new YouTube video—my top 5 summer dresses—debuting below.

how to lose weight after 50

all right, ladies! summer has arrived and with it a plethora of sleeveless tops, shorts, skirts and summer dresses. if there’s any time of year to get it in gear and get into tip-top shape it’s summer. many of you know i had a total knee replacement on April 6th. the months that preceded surgery were sedentary, to say the least so i definitely have my work cut out for me (again) to replace the layer of fat that decided to move on in with lean muscle and shed a few pounds. is it easy to lose weight after 50? no, it gets harder every year due to changing hormones and a slower metabolism. is it impossible to lose weight after 50? absolutely not. if we are determined to age with grace, strength, and beauty to lead an active and vibrant lifestyle you will have to tweak your diet as nutrition is 90% of the battle.

[read the entire post…]

how to lose weight over 50

how to stay organized a look at my kitchen

happy Monday, ladies! as my regular readers will know, home design and decor is one of my favorite things. a key component to this that often feels like a chore is organization. to me, organization comes before decorating because having a well organized home is the foundation of home design and decor. it provides the blank canvas that makes home decorating such a pleasurable experience. we’re starting a new series this week: how to stay organized. today, we’re doing a deep-dive into my kitchen.

[read the entire post…]

girlfriend chinos | top | belt

how to wear denim this summer

my regulars know that when summer roles around, i don’t necessarily wear jeans as much as i would the rest of the year. but that doesn’t mean i won’t wear denim this time of year. there are so many good options, some of which i talked about recently in my latest YouTube video. i wanted to deep dive a bit more on that topic, so today we’re talking how to wear denim this summer. i’ve got 4 denim items that every woman should have in their closet.

[read the entire post…]

dress

how to wear a denim shirtdress

low | medium | high

how to wear a denim shirtdress

shorts

how to wear jean shorts

low | medium | high

how to wear jean shorts

skirt

double denim

low | medium | high

double denim

how to elevate your denim skirt for a classic, chic look

today, i’m pairing a denim pencil skirt from Nordstrom with a classic linen blazer from Talbots. last week, i showed you how to put together a fresh preppy look with a pinstripe blazer with skinny jeans. a very similar idea today: the clean lines from the pencil skirt are accentuated by those of the blazer. i’ve chosen a white one, but you could imagine giving the outfit a bit of a color pop by choosing a pink or blue one.

[read the entire post…]

why i love summer dresses | a glance at my near haircut

i took the plunge and got a new haircut! but before we get into that, it’s why i love summer dresses this week on the blog. on Monday, we featured a maxi dress and yesterday a shirtdress. with so many different types of dresses and prints, it’ll be impossible to get through them all. but i think you’re going to love today’s OOTD: we’re giving you a glance of my new haircut and a shift dress for summertime.

[read the entire post…]

reader favorites

we’ve talked how to wear denim this summer. today, we’re building on that theme and focusing on what is turning out to be my favorite pair of jeans this season. i’ve put together a super simple OOTD that i think you’re going to love. whether you’re going out or staying in, it’ll work in any context. and that’s what we want: fashion flexibility. so sit back and enjoy my favorite skinny jeans this summer.

my favorite skinny jeans this summer

i tend not to wear jeans during the summer. it gets hot here in Athens, which means i gravitate towards dresses, shorts, and skirts. but i couldn’t resist this pair of skinny cropped jeans from Ann Taylor. they’re chic, modern, and oh so comfortable. i love white denim, and as my regular readers know, i’m not shy about wearing it all year round. but if there’s ever a time to wear white jeans, it’s during the summer.

sleeveless blouse | skinny jeans | tote bag

can’t beat neutrals

what to pair with my jeans? a black blouse of course. i’m keeping it neutral today—a little more subdued than our bold and bright outfit from yesterday for sure. you can’t go wrong with black and white. neutral mixing always works. but even more than that, white denim is just so darn flexible—it’s the perfect neutral base to build your OOTD on.

sleeveless blouse | skinny jeans | tote bag

a clean, chic look

i chose this sleeveless blouse from Nordstrom. if you’re not comfortable going sleeveless, that’s totally fine. there are a lot of alternatives. (a simple tee perhaps?) but whichever route you go down, today’s message is sometimes simple is better.