Just some musings:

- I am still very attracted to prints and patterns, but am more wary of buying or wearing them these days, at least in tops. I can tire of them after a season or two. I’m more interested at the moment in adding solid color tops in colors that are my favorites. I have plenty of patterned scarves for when I want to add print.

- I’m leaning into ease as a marker of my style lately. I don’t want to look too matchy or too fitted or too ladylike. But there is a balance as always. Wide pants are great for that sense of ease, and once or twice I’ve worn roomy tops with them but end up feeling maybe a little too Billie Eilish for anything but the most casual wear. Truly *fitted* tops are problematic these days with post-menopausal weight changes, so I’m increasingly picky about fit. Skimming the body but not tight is best.

- Lately I’m slightly obsessed with making my tops the proper length. I’ve had a few tailored so that I’m not fussing to make too-long tops work for me. It’s been a game-changer to have some tops now fall gently to the hip without bunching and blousing, which creates nicer lines in an outfit.

- I’ve been on the low-key lookout for refined but comfortable burgundy booties with no success. I thought burgundy and forest green were supposed to be big this year, but my searches haven’t turned up much. I did get the Kut burgundy sweater pictured below, which is a nice lightweight option with textural interest (under it I wear a thin black Uniqlo heattech top or a black tank).

- I also got the green sequined sweater from Anthro in the second pic. I love the color and the ease. I seem to get a new sequined top for holidays approx once a decade — I wear it for years and multiple occasions until I’m tired of seeing it in my holiday photos (or it doesn’t fit anymore). This one is more casual but that seems appropriate for the vibe these days. Most gatherings are not very dressy, and this can be dressed up or down — with black tailored trousers and pumps, or faded denim and boots.

- I’ve given away a few of my old handbags that just aren’t being used these days. One aspect of my style that seems to be getting more streamlined. I’m not terribly tempted by any new styles I see out there. I use the grey Bao Bao flat backpack about 80% of the time.

- I was not shopping for a jacket (I actually was in this store to find Xmas presents for my MIL, which I did find successfully!), but sometimes they seem to find me. I have been embracing charcoal grey as a substitute for black, and this tonal plaid has always been a favorite of mine. The fringe on the collar and placket make it more fun than office-y, so it came home with me. I’m going to do an edit of jackets again — I’ve moved several into the holding zone because I’m not feeling them now, so I’m going to try to identify the shift I’m feeling and see if I’m ready to let some of these older items go.

Are you feeling any shifts lately? I welcome your thoughts!