A bit of a mix - I will try and put it into words. I will mostly talk about casual weekend or party/night out clothes as I don’t see my friends at work all that much - and some have uniforms.

• lots of denim - trendy and classic- great knits, boots and sneakers
• fashionable midi skirts and dresses with sneakers, sandals and boots
• jumpsuits, wide leg trousers, blouses
• some athleisure
• denim ranges from skinnies in a variety of rises to straight and wide leg.
• lots of black
• I often meet my friends for walks, gym or bike rides, so athleisure is popular of all types.

Not too different to the forum although some trends are stronger here and others never arrive.

I have some friends who thrift a lot, one who does a minimalist 10 piece closet, some who shop from affordable chain stores, some mostly choosing NZ or Australian designers.

I do talk fashion with a friend but she is more influenced by trends and likes designer brands - and I prefer to shop alone.

The teenage girls wear (in winter) lots of shackets, wide leg jeans and chunky sneakers often with a fitted tank or crop underneath. Also lots of leggings and athleisure. Or school uniforms:)

I live in downtown of Toronto. I walk around and used to work in downtown area. I see trendy outfits often.

I just got together with a friend yesterday and we talked about our changing fashion priorities given the ups and downs of pandemic living (she is now permanently WFH so she needed more casual-yet-put-together outfits to reflect that). I would describe her style as sporty classic (joggers in more refined materials, "elevated basics" tops and jackets, classic but colorful leather purses, minimal jewelry/accessories, sportier shoes and sandals, but still classic/modern. I don't really ever see her in gear). And I had a serviceable but uninspiring wardrobe after transitioning to being a mom and getting back into the workforce. Most of my friends either don't care at all about fashion, or they are interested intermittently during seasonal/trend or life changes. I prefer to shop for myself when I'm alone so it works out fine.

Most of my other friends wear free work swag t-shirts and hoodies, jeans and trainers. Except one who wears drapey wide-leg trousers and camisoles with long, open cardigans and refined classic shoes (think Everlane). Always in neutral colors. Her overall style is very edgy modern classic. She has a shag and tattoos, and her makeup is always prominent but impeccable (if that makes sense). She went to cosmetology school at one point. I love the contrast with her more conservative/minimalist outfits. Most of my friends are in tech.

I have one ‘effortless’ friend whose style I admire - I suspect what comes off as effortless is a combination of both careful curation and great intuition. However we have opposite body types and facial features and are also drawn to different things. It was part of my style education to realize that trying to emulate her would rarely work and also that she saw many of the things that did work for me as off limits for her (for example wrap dresses) - I had just assumed that as a tall slim rectangle she could wear everything and I was the only one with limits.
My other friends are not very style conscious. I haven’t spent much time around my local peers because of covid and the kids socializing more on their own, less as a family unit so I don’t have much idea what anyone is wearing these days.

Not much fashion discussion here with two exceptions: Mr. M, having lost so much weight, is interested in men's fashions and we often discuss the articles/photos in the Sunday newspapers.

My sisters aren't too interested now, although they were when we were younger.

I have my good friend in So Cal, same age I am, and we often discuss fashion both modern (and issues around aging and the old rules on what is appropriate) and what we wore that we can laugh about now. She worked part time, via Zoom lately, but has decided it's a good time to retire.

I haven't paid much attention when I'm out, mainly at the grocery store or hospital. I live in a casual area and see lots of walkers going by and younger folks going to the park.

Slim cat mentioned Santana Row and I think it's a great idea to go there when Mr. M is feeling better. I probably haven't been there for a couple of years. Dread going to the mall, although I've been to Nordstrom briefly a few months ago. Nothing inspiring there.

So it's great to come here for fashion discussions with real people with real issues.

I wouldn't say I see a lot of trends over in my neck of the woods, but then again, I haven't been going out a lot to do any people watching. I do see quite a few straight-leg jeans as opposed to skinnies, but I don't see very many wide-leg styles.

Most of my friends and acquaintances aren't into fashion--clothing is more or less just functional for them. They usually wear jeans and a casual top of some sort.

The 2 best dressed people I know are men actually- a librarian and a pastor. My coworkers also will dress nice for work too, though we don't talk fashion much. And some of my writer's group friends will dress up when we all get together, but last time was BC19. As far as other female friends, it's pretty casual and generic besides a couple hippie creative types.
Long way of saying- YLF is definitely my primary fashion outlet

Just came back from a long walk in downtown - went down and along the lake. Happy to report that city is booming, patios are full and a lot os people walking around. Saw some very nice, stylish outfits and great bags!

I would be at your house wearing ponte pants without my nails done and with the same bronze bag I have been using for 2 years. And doubtless a hip-length summer top.
I only do my nails ( myself) about two or three times a year. The last time was for my Deco Diva 60th birthday party in March. I do them for special parties, Christmas, or New Year, or on holiday.
None of this means I am not interested in fashion and style. My best friend is really into fashion and has way more clothes than me, and I have a lot! I get compliments at work on my outfits several times a week, so people do notice my style even although it is not trendy or even necessarily current. My SIL is also into fashion though much more blingy than me. The three of us (SIL, best friend and me) are all going to Fashion Weekend together in 2 weeks. We often admire each other’s clothing even though all 3 styles are different.
My other good friends all kindly dressed up for my 60th

Jenni , I’d love to host you at my house Even if you don’t do your nails

Oh thank you Lisap! Maybe one day when I ever get to visit BIL/SIL in Saskatoon again ( last went there 2009!) I could hop across one province?! Dreams are free!

Saskatoon is a mere 8 hour drive away

Most of my friends and and acquaintances are retired or semi-retired so they are very causal dressers, but several will wear some stylish tennis outfits. Current fashion, for the most part, just isn't on their radar. Casual reigns supreme in my neighborhood but I have no problem throwing on a nice skirt and top to grocery shop even if Mr. ND scratches his head in disbelief when I do that. Like Suntiger noted YLF is my primary source of style inspiration.

I think I'm more interested in fashion than most of the (few) people I currently interact with. Same during my working years. That's varied over the years depending what city or industry I've worked in, though.

Most recently I was in the financial industry so that was more conservative. Also, I was not at the top of hierarchy, nor at a client-facing position, so most of us were keeping it relatively "normal" - i.e. no extremes, nor high-end tailoring, bags, or shoes. Every once in a while I'd be in an elevator or conference room with a client or client manager - then I'd see the nice stuff!

Last couple of years have mostly been visits to my doctors. When I'm feeling good I'll try to step it up, but sometimes I just revert to what is comfortable for the needs of the day.

Haven't been out to the mall or restaurants, etc. since Covid started. I'd see all kinds of ways of dressing. But maybe 20-30% would be what I'd guess most of us would call "fashionable."

I live in a very multi-cultural area - in the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area, and sometimes it seems that what is "trendy" or "fashionable" follows cultural lines. So not for me to judge the dressing of others, I think.

Now I'm thinking with sweet nostalgia of my early days in NYC in the 80's - oh the things we wore and the fun we had!

Just adding that a few weeks ago I met with a social worker at my medical center (just part of the plan - she helps with resources many of the patients in my situation use to keep from being isolated).

She was wearing a full and flowing black midi, a cropped chunky black sweater, and Chanel sneakers. I hadn't seen anyone that "dressed" in ages. I spontaneously said to her, "I am checking out your outfit!!!!"

Such a good question. I had a couple of friends over for a back yard visit a couple of weeks ago. Both tend to like to have very high quality items and aren't afraid to spend on clothes, shoes, and bags. One I would describe as a mostly conservative classic leaning to preppy dresser. The other is classic and somewhat conservative, but not preppy. She loves bold jewelry, bags and statement shoes.

Both of them had put on some weight during the pandemic (who didn't! But I think I have a point here, so I mention it).

The more "preppy" dresser came in dark straight jeans, very nice flat sandals (not a comfort brand but can't recall what they were) and a plaid shirt over a tank top. The other was in a new midi dress in the perfect shade of blue to go with her eyes. When I gain that kind of weight, I tend NOT to want to shop, finding it so hard to find anything that fits and makes me feel good. She insists on keeping a fashionable closet no matter what, and frankly, she has good instincts and always looks great.

I think I was in black jersey knit culottes and a sleeveless floral blouse -- both of which I've had for a few years.

When we met, the three of us were probably among the 'best dressed" in our workplace, and that may have drawn us together - although we also worked together, so were going to end up in close contact anyway.

Although we sometimes shop together after a brunch date, we seldom "talk" fashion otherwise. I mostly prefer to shop alone, but I do have one other friend that I have shopped with from time to time, and she was actually behind a few really good purchases.

Most of my fashion "dialogue" is internal. I take inspiration from others' style journeys here, and am trying to figure out where I am on my own. Dressing hasn't been much fun since I piled weight on over the last ten years or so, and I felt I lost an important avenue for self expression. Trying to work my way back to fashion as fun.

Sloper , I would be checking it out too ! I’m sorry you’ve been spending so much time battling your health this year . My thoughts are with you .

My husband has great taste, in fact has a much better wardrobe than me. My friends are mixed. Most of the ones from back home in the UK have never really been into fashion and neither was I until I went to university in London. We all had babies in the same year so pretty much all we talk about. We had our seconds at a similar time too.

My friends in Japan consist of other immigrants and I have a few Japanese friends too. My Japanese friends are by far more effortlessly styled and always pristine looking (don't know how they do it!!). My closest friend is 5 years younger than me. We met because we had babies around the same time. I think recently now our kids are a bit older we are both looking to wear some more fashionable things and think about ourselves a little more. She is more into Tiktok style and was recently wearing ripped baggy jeans, cropped top etc. Looked amazing. Previously she had worn skinny jeans. I think we are figuring out who we are as a person again and its fun for both of us we talk about skincare and make up sometimes too.

Lisa,

Thanks for the kind words. If Covid weren't happening, I'd be hanging at the mall. Just being extra careful for a little while longer (hopefully!!!).

I am usually the most dressed up at any gathering and that is ok with me. My friends are not really interested in fashion but dress in casual outfits that are not memorable. I am about the only one who wears dresses and skirts at all. Most women here are still wearing skinny jeans or leggings. I am seeing a few more dressier outfits but they look like they were worn to a corporate job before they retired.

Great discussion, and thanks to Lisap for the topic. I live near a Midwest USA university town, with the population of all ages. I don’t have many confidante-type friends of long standing. Most conversations with them are about current family and community happenings. Any fashion concern is only about where to shop now, as B&M is disappearing here. I do have some interesting fashion discussions with my daughters and I like to shop with them when they can get away from their kids.

Sloper that's great! I'm glad you said something to her about how nice her outfit was!

My 2 closest friends are interested in fashion but not as much as I am. They indulge me. I know their preferences and I “shop” for them regularly (by sending them links to items I think will work for them or pulling out items for them when we shop B&M). They have bought a few of my recommendations over the years, which is fun.

For dinner or drinks they might wear a knee length or longer fluid fit or semi fitted dress with heeled ankle boots and leather jacket. Black or black based pattern. Summer, a dress again, but with heeled sandals and no jacket. They like strappy and sleeveless summer styles and heels much more than I do. They rarely wear pants. Not a lot of colour either.

For weekend casual (like coffee or a walk), athleisure reigns supreme. I rarely see anyone I know even wearing jeans, the athleisure trend is so dominant.

What a fascinating question and discussion. Most of my close friends are very interested in fashion and style; it's one of the things we have in common and chat about. Two of my closest friends locally are women I met through sewing; one was standing in line next to me at a garment-sewing event and introduced herself, asking, "Do you follow You Look Fab? Are you Firecracker?" Another friend here owned a clothing boutique until recently, though I met her through swimming. My best friend, an Army buddy from years ago, lives across the country from me, and is somewhat less focused on style than I am, yet often likes to talk with me about clothes and we always enjoy shopping together. She calls me her fashion consultant, but she has a terrific sense of style. She is probably the most stylishly dressed person in her workplace. I often shop and talk style with one of my sisters-in-law, and with her daughter, who is heading off to college this fall. It always makes me smile to get a "nice 'fit!" from my niece, who is a creative, on-trend thrift-shopping fashionista.

Most of my friends are not interested in clothes at all. I'm not interested in fashion but have interests in capsule wardrobes, certain styles etc. I would go as far as to say most of my friends don't even think about it any further than noticing a nice colour or something. They tend to wear uniforms of sorts....like black pants and top or yoga/walking clothes. I think for most people I know clothes are a practical thing you need to dress your body and stay warm. In saying that, I have two very close friends who are beautifully dressed and immaculate. One is very plus size and has to buy her clothes from specialist stores...she looks stunning with her choice of colours and nails and hair done. The other is very aware of what suits and has a definite style. I definitely enjoy dressing up when I meet up with them. I also have a lady who helps me in my job...she is a support worker at school and Afghani. She has the most amazing style with matching headscarves and stunning coats.

I think there is a reason l am on YLF.Being interested in your appearance can be viewed as being alittle bit “unbritish” in certain quarters here,Vanity is still frowned upon and things like fillers etc are viewed with adegree of suspicion in a way that l am guessing doesn’t happen in the states?However there has been a cultural shift in recent years with things like love island where amongst the young ,who ironically don’t need things things,appearance has become very important.
I am middle aged so amongst my friends l would say most people aren’t paticularly into fashion .so it’s a hobby lkeep quiet about unless l am asked .l am very eclectic in my hobbies so don’t feel embarrassed about being interested in fashion at my age but l don’t want to inflict it on people who aren’t interested..My mother has always been interested in clothes and naturally my teenage daughter is as well. Although my husband is fairly clueless about female fashion he is interested to a degree and appreciative which is nice so l don’t feel that l am totally alone in this.
Most of my friends dress functionally ie to keep warm/cool and dry and to be able to do there activities comfortably and to look appropriate for their day so it’s jeans,tops and coats. I have one friend who is more into clothes and l always look forward to seeing what she is wearing.She is also 10 years older than me so this gives me hope for the future!

Fun discussion! The friend I see the most is actually very stylish. She has an amazing eye and great sense of proportion. We share a love of shoes (Serbian originally but has lived many places as a diplomat). I have another friend I see regularly and she is interested in clothes and likes to go second hand shopping, and always looks smashing but not trendy and does not follow fashion as a hobby (Israeli, professor), a third friend does dress with care but I would also not call trendy or a fashion person (Israeli, psychologist). I have another friend that I totally turned onto second hand shopping. She is very stylish, highly aware of labels and first introduced me to local brands (American, retired). Then there is my sister (American, occupational therapist), who is my best friend (outside of my immediate family). She is the least interested in fashion person I know and all of her non-legging, non-tee wardrobe comes directly from me in regular shipments .

It seems like YLF is where many of us get our fashion fix!
My friends are all retired and are not interested in fashion but do dress nicely. I would describe their wardrobes as predictable, classic, conservative, maybe preppy (also describes mine with the added adjectives colorful and patterned). So happy I found YLF so many years ago!

Fascinating topic, Lisa. Like cjh, my friends and acquaintances dress for the event so that’s the context of how I see fashion around me. Lately, of course, we’ve all been pretty casual…lots of workout gear because we meet for walks or outdoor exercise and catch up that way. I would say no one is super edgy or fashion-forward. One hasn’t updated her wardrobe in years, but she has maintained the same weight for years so that’s her excuse for not needing new clothes, ever. Another is New England preppy and classic to the nth degree, and truly would not look out of place in the JFK era. Generally, most are well-dressed and appropriate for the occasion, but not slavishly following the newest trends…but maybe that’s a function of our ages (50s/60s) and where we live (suburbia). So in my circle, I’d say the most fashion forward person i know is my 20 year-old-niece (with the requisite Instagram account) who is aiming for a career in fashion in some capacity.

Most of my friends and family like to look nice, but are not that into fashion. They know what works for them and stick pretty much to their own formula. DTwin, DD and DDIL love fashion and we have a lot of fun talking about all things fashion and sending each other inspiration photos. None of us have shopped together since preCovid.
With Covid, clothing in the workplace became more casual for everyone and unless I caught a glimpse of a friend in the hall or in a Google Meet, I had no idea what people wore last year.