Weekend Reads

The End of Reading Is Here. (The Atlantic – gift link)

I Am Agent Orange of Middle Age. (The Blue Hour Paris via Substack)

Why Does Everyone Wear White at Wimbledon? (GQ)

Are people really making $500k a month on ShopMy? (Financial Times… and no I am not in any way, shape, or form)

Female US rower completes historic solo journey from California to Hawaii. (The Guardian)

If like me and K, you like a mocktail in a can for summer festivities, Cann just came out with one and I'm psyched it's one of the few without stevia in it.

I found a new-to-me jewelry brand and I'm obsessed and I think some of you will really dig it too. Calling all goddesses and witches…

Can you buy taste? (Your Brain on Money via Substack)

Where Has All the Cottage Cheese Gone? (New York Times – gift link)

First the words, then the face, then the body. (Ijeoma Oluo: Behind the Book via Substack)

How fun is this swirly colorful clutch?

What the AI afterlife industry gets wrong about grief. (Modern Loss)

Madison Square Garden Kept a List of Gay Celebrities. (Wired)

The Best Vintage Home Stores in 50 U.S. States, Part One. (The Souvenierist via Substack)

I'm loving staining lip oils this summer; color remains while lips look glossy and feel hydrated. A current favorite is this one in Lucky Lotus. I've also been enjoying this one in Souci d’Automne since spring.

Madonna Has Become an Avatar for Our Fear of Aging. (New York Times – gift link)

How Lizzo Became One of Pop Culture’s Great Flops. (The Atlantic – gift link)

Have you heard of At Home? It's my new Amazon alternative for things like storage containers, kitchen gadgets, and small appliances.

TikTok Shop Did $15 Billion Last Year. Half Its Stores Sold Nothing. (Camille Moore via Substack)

The Gift of Getting Weirder With Age. (New York Times – gift link)

“Hag” Is My Armor. (Gloria)

I Spent a Week As My Friend’s Facelift Nurse. Here’s What No One Tells You. (Allure)

Do you agree? The 39-ish Most Stylish People of 2026, So Far. (New York Times – gift link)

What if it's not the phones? (The Atlantic – gift link)

Style Inspo & Sale Alert

Banana Republic has 60% off sale plus an extra 20% off and this includes a lot of summer stuff and even some pieces if you want to stock up now for fall. I gathered some of my picks here on ShopMy or you can peruse the carousel below:

The Old Navy July Clearance Sale is on with items as low as $3.99; shop the sale at this link. My favorite from the sale? This dress, which is the perfect no bra sit on the front porch and sip iced tea dress (or WFH dress, or weekend at the beach dress, or any summer situation dress). I also own two pairs of these bike shorts; I wear them for morning workouts in my living room, threw them in my luggage for a recent trip and was glad as I ended up doing a long walk and needed activewear. The 5″ length is good for my leg length and keeps the chafing at bay.

Sanctuary is having its end of season Clearance Sale with up to 60% off. Offering Misses and Extended sizes, Sanctuary has been a new-to-me favorite and has some cool things on sale, including Sanctuary's iconic The Perfect Tee that comes in some of the coolest patterns (see one in this capsule wardrobe).

Rag & Bone is having a flash sale this weekend only with 25% off sitewide, no code needed. That means their viral Miramar jeans and shorts are cheaper than they will be in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Also makes the price of this bestselling 100% wool blazer more reasonable (sadly it only goes up to size 12).

Parisa Wang is one of the hot mid-priced bag brands right now. I love the bags because they're very high quality and LWG-certified, chic yet timeless styles, and made in the same ateliers as designer brands like Miu Miu and Prada. And I got us a code! Use ALISON12 to get 12% off your purchase at Parisa Wang. This is the perfect timeless shoulder bag, and this is such a gorgeous bigger bag for work etc.

See/Hear/Read

My friend this week said she was looking for “brain candy” TV. She began the newest season of Survival of the Thickest on Netflix, but episode 5 had something triggering to her (fertility) and she wouldn't go forward. I told her to watch The Five Star Weekend (Peacock), a series based on the Elin Hilderbrand book of the same name.

I read the book when I was on my Elin Hilderbrand binge after my mom's passing and was excited to see this (the book's protagonist is a famous food blogger). So excited, I did a free trial of Instacart+ so I could get a free two-week trial of Peacock (I made a reminder on my calendar to cancel it the day before it ends).

I have watched three episodes and it's just like the beach read book, but with a star cast that includes Jennifer Garner, D'Arcy Carden, Gemma Chan, Regina Hall, Chloë Sevigny, and even some Judy Greer, Timothy Olyphant, and David Denman. It's gorgeous, it's women in midlife who are beautiful and imperfect and the house is so lovely and all the food…

Each commercial break, Karl has made some joke about his testicle shrinking, he's mainlining estrogen, this show is the visual form of MHT, he was able to guess Gigi's connection and Timothy Olyphant's role before they were shared, but he says he wants to keep watching it with me and agrees it's fun “brain candy” for a summer break.

Some was filmed on a stage in Hollywood, but three weeks of filming took place on Nantucket and real restaurants, shops, and places are used in the series (and the book, as are all Hilderbrand's novels). It's far less dramatic than The Perfect Couple, a series on Netflix also based on a Hilderbrand novel. The Five Star Weekend reminds me of how my mom always loved Nancy Meyers/Diane Keaton movies because they felt relatable but also fantasy.

As for books, this week I finished The Other Side of Now by Paige Harbison. I almost DNFed this book when I realized it was sort of a Sliding Doors concept where the protagonist ends up in another version of her life if she had made a different decision about college. But I persevered and am glad I did.

This was a cute story, and well-done story about grief over the loss of a friend, both in death and in life changes. A little romance, a hint of steam in one chapter, a nice resolution and a reminder that we can change directions at any point in our life, no standing stones or flights to Ireland necessary.

For Your Entertainment

Do you ever learn about a newer band or artist and think your teenage self would have LOOOOVED it? That's how I am about The Last Dinner Party, an English-Australian rock band that formed in 2021. They are theatrical, modern, retro, a bit gothic, a bit romantic, often considered baroque pop. Id totally be singing along to it while dying my hair with Nice ‘N Easy Blue Black in my sponge-painted bathroom wearing my Doc Martens and babydoll dress from Urban Outfitters.

“Knocking at the Sky” is from Pyre Deluxe, a newly released deluxe version of their 2025 album, From the Pyre. Regarding this song, the band shared in a statement, ”Knocking At The Sky” is the final tale from The Pyre. After creating an album about storytelling and world-building, we thought it apt to end this act with a story set in the sinister myth world itself: Los Angeles. Hollywood is the ultimate fairytale; the stakes are at surreal heights, the landscape is unruly and plastic, and it’s populated with a cast of Grimm characters all striving and struggling at the center of their own hero’s journey.”

Spanx is a brand known to many of us for offering compression wear and high quality tights and hosiery. But in recent years, Spanx has been increasing its apparel line and IMO, it's seriously worth checking out. The full line is available in sizes XS-3X, and most pants and some other pieces are available in regular, petite, and tall options.

Spanx Clothing Review: Cotton/Linen Blend and Stretch Twill

This season, Spanx sent me some of its latest apparel offerings for me to try. I shared on Instagram Stories and made a highlight on my profile, but folks found it so helpful, I decided to make a dedicated blog post offering my Spanx clothing review. But because of this, the photos aren't that polished. But I think this shows the true fit and quality without the fancy styling and posing.

While I was gifted this clothing, I was under no obligation to share it. I chose the pieces from an offered lookbook. I chose what I felt I'd wear on the regular but also what I thought you, the Wardrobe Oxygen community, would want to know more about. For this season, I did a mix of the SPANX^® EasyBreezy collection and SPANXsupersmooth^® Stretch Twill pieces. For reference, I am over 50, 5'3″ tall and wear a size 14, sometimes 16 depending on the brand.

SPANX^® EasyBreezy Cotton Linen Blend Review

SPANX^® EasyBreezy is a collection of pieces made from 43% Cotton, 38% Rayon, 17% Linen, and 2% Elastane. A loose weave that looks like a heavyweight linen, the fabric has great drape, machine washable, and is truly easy and breezy in the summer heat. The EasyBreezy collection is tailored but not tight pieces that can go from work to weekend with ease.

From the collection, I received the Cotton Linen Short, 5″ in Ivory size Large, the Cotton Linen Super Wide Leg Pant in both Ivory and Navy, size Large Petite, and the Cotton Linen Button-Down Vest in Ivory size Large and Navy size XL.

I was surprised by how well the vest fit, especially considering I am both petite and large busted. The large fit but was too snug at the bust and had to be safety pinned between the buttons to have it lie flat. The XL was a perfect fit, yet didn't gape at the under arms or lower back.

Both the shorts and the pants were a very comfortable and slightly generous fit. The petite length of the pants was perfect for my 5'3″ self; I could even wear them with Birkenstock sandals and other flat shoes no problem.

I am pleased that these pieces all have working pockets. Spanx has been known to have fake pockets to reduce bulk, but it also reduces functionality. Even the vest has working pockets.

This fabric can dress up and down with ease. The set could be worn to the office with suede loafers, to a wedding with a clutch and metallic sandals, and for the weekend with canvas sneakers.

I wore the shorts with a cotton sweater tee and Birks one day running errands, the vest and pants for a Date Night dinner with my husband, and the pants with a Breton striped shirt and leather sneakers for a day working as an election judge for early voting in my state. The pieces held their shape, didn't stretch out, and remained comfortable.

SPANXsupersmooth^® Stretch Twill Review

I already had Spanx chino/twill shorts from a previous year that I really loved. I realized with this order that the SPANXsupersmooth^® Stretch Twill is not the same as the past chino shorts… and that's a good thing. Made from 52% Cotton, 31% Lenzing Ecovero Viscose, 13% Polyester, and 4% Lycra® Elastane, this fabric has great stretch, but is firmer than past SPANX shorts, and has a tighter weave that looks more elevated. This fabric can easily go to the office or be glammed up with a going out top or silky blouse.

From the collection, I received the SPANXsupersmooth^® Stretch Twill Short in 7″ in size XL, and the 5″ version in both L and XL. I also received the SPANXsupersmooth^® Stretch Twill Wide Leg Pant in L Petite. For all of these pieces, I got them in the color White. White is a hard color to shop for: it's sometimes transparent, it sometimes runs thicker or thinner than other colors in the same style, and it's a color that can elevate summer tops.

SPANXsupersmooth^® Stretch Twill Short

After writing my guide to the best shorts for women in midlife, I wanted to get the SPANX shorts in multiple sizes and lengths to show the subtle differences and how a new-to-you inseam or sizing up or down can make you a shorts convert.

As someone who is petite but curvy with a belly and a bum, not large hips, but strong thighs, I struggle to know what size shorts to wear. In general, I find going up a size from what is worn in jeans usually is a good guide for shopping for shorts. This is why I ordered these shorts in both XL and L.

I found the 5″ length in Large to be the fit and look that appealed to me best, but showing all three I hope helps if you're trying to figure out the best choice for your height and shape… and to show there isn't a huge difference in inseam length. I wish I got the 7″ in Large so I could show that as well; I think I would have also liked it even being 5'3″ tall.

SPANXsupersmooth^® Stretch Twill Wide Leg Pant

The SPANXsupersmooth^® Stretch Twill Wide Leg Pant in Large Petite was perfect. SPANX petite isn't just shorter in length, but shorter in rise. I could tell the difference in the fit from the shorts, which only come in inseam changes, not petite or tall options.

Because of this, one who wears petite may wish to size up in the stretch twill pants if they are between sizes. I think the XL Petite would have also fit, just been a more casual effect. The length was great; worked with Birkenstock sandals but could also do a low heel or wedge.

What Makes SPANX Apparel Stand Out

As mentioned, this isn't my first time trying SPANX apparel. I own pieces of the AirEssentials knit collection, stretch twill chino shorts from previous years, a pair of no-longer-offered black ponte shorts I adore, great SPANX trouser jeans, and have tried SPANX dresses and tops. One thing I am noticing is each season, SPANX seems to increase its attention to detail and quality.

Functional Pockets

Unlike my black ponte shorts from a few years ago, every single pair of shorts and pants, and even the vests from the summer SPANX apparel collection had working pockets. In the past, SPANX eschewed pockets for a streamlined “slimming” effect, but they've realized a modern woman cares more about pockets than looking a centimeter smaller. With zip-close pockets on the twill shorts, these look polished but are functional enough for a morning hike or sightseeing in a pickpocket-prone city.

Opacity with Fabric and Unique Details

White and ivory pants and shorts can be sheer. Both the SPANX^® EasyBreezy cotton/linen blend and the SPANXsupersmooth^® Stretch Twill fabrics are opaque, even when backlit. But not only that, pockets are made from a taupe fabric that disappears under the clothing, and there is a panel of thin taupe fabric at the back of the waistband that will hide the hem of a tucked-in top.

I have never before seen such a panel in white pants or shorts and found it utterly genius. You can see in the photos above that I tucked in my brightly-printed top into the white pants and shorts and you can't see it at all due to this opacity panel.

Size Inclusivity

While the average woman in the United States is petite and in extended or plus sizes, the average clothing retailer doesn't offer such sizes for them. It's a big reason why I write at Wardrobe Oxygen: to make shopping for the average American woman easier. And SPANX is a clothing retailer that not only offers sizes XS-3X but when the style permits, every single one of those sizes is available in petite and tall/long as well as average.

For example with the SPANXsupersmooth^® Stretch Twill Wide Leg Pant, the insems are: Petite 29″ (recommended for 5'4″ and under), Regular 31″, and Tall 34″ (recommended for 5'11” and above) whether you're most comfortable in a size S or a size 2X and the rise is adjusted for your height, too.

Easy Care Laundry Instructions

With brands cutting corners to keep apparel prices low, fabric blends and lower-quality textiles are requesting more complicated laundry instructions. Gentle wash in a lingerie bag, hand wash, lie flat, dry clean only… but SPANX has the quality that can handle the machine.

• SPANXsupersmooth^® Stretch Twill: Machine Wash Cold, Gentle Cycle. Wash Before Wearing. With Like Colors. With Mild Detergent. Inside Out. Do Not Bleach. Tumble Dry Low. Low Iron If Needed. Or Dry Clean.
• SPANX^® EasyBreezy: Machine Wash Cold, Gentle Cycle. Do Not Use Fabric Softener. Only Non-Chlorine Bleach When Needed. Line Dry. Low Iron If Needed. Or Dry Clean.
• SPANX AirEssentials^®: Machine Wash Cold, Gentle Cycle. Do Not Use Fabric Softener. Only Non-Chlorine Bleach When Needed. Tumble Dry Low. Low Iron If Needed. Or Dry Clean.
• SPANXsupersmooth^® PerfectFit Ponte: Machine Wash Cold, Gentle Cycle. With Like Colors. Only Non-Chlorine Bleach When Needed. Line Dry. Low Iron If Needed. Or Dry Clean.

I have laundered all the above mentioned SPANX fabrics in my machine with cold water, and on the gentle cycle. I have put the stretch twill in the dryer, the rest I have thrown over a curtain rod or clipped to a hanger and line dried in my bathroom. They have all come out great. I have even thrown AirEssentials and ponte into the dryer once or twice and it has survived (though I am not recommending you do the same).

You May Also Like:

The Best White Jeans for Women Over 50

The Most Popular Jeans for Women Over 40

Frequently Asked Questions About SPANX Apparel

So when Left on Friday offered me gifting through ShopMy without any requirements to share, I asked a member of the Wardrobe Oxygen community to test it out. Meet Kim: a high school history teacher in New England, mom of two, and one of my pledge sisters from my sorority days in college. She's turning 50 this fall and wanted a reason to be brave. Trying on swimwear and posting the photos, unedited, is utterly badass and brave, and a benefit to us curious about the viral Left on Friday swimwear line.

Left on Friday gifted Kim four pieces of her choice from a lookbook to build two two-piece sets, and I paid her for her time and her honesty. Nobody at Left on Friday read this before it went live or knew it was being written. What you're reading below is exactly what Kim sent me.

Left on Friday Swimwear Review

Hello Wardrobe Oxygen Readers! 

When Alison first announced that she was looking for help trying out a bathing suit brand, I had never heard of Left on Friday, and I certainly never thought I would be the person to write a review on it. Alison and I know each other from college, and a million years ago, at the University of Maryland, we were sorority sisters. I have followed her career as a blogger and influencer on Wardrobe Oxygen for years, and I am so grateful to her for this opportunity. 

Doing something like this is way out of my comfort zone, so if you are wondering why I put my hat in the ring, I will share with you what I shared with Alison. Firstly, while I am not a professional, I felt like I was capable of doing the writing and reviewing. I am in my 21st year of teaching.  Because I have my summers off of school, I spend a lot of time at the beach or the pool so bathing suits are my summer uniform. And let's face it… on a teacher's salary, the idea of free bathing suits to add to my collection seemed like a great opportunity. 

Lastly, and most importantly, I turn 50 in October, and I am really trying to push myself to do new and brave things. Putting pictures of myself on the internet in a bathing suit may not be jumping out of a plane or moving to a foreign country, but as a woman who has always had a complex relationship with her body, this felt like a brave thing. 

Bathing suits are truly the most challenging clothing to try on, purchase, and then actually wear in public. My body is capable of extraordinary things; it has carried and delivered two beautiful children, run a marathon and several half marathons, and it can still dance until 4am in 3 inch heels (as evidenced by a recent Vegas trip). So, certainly I can celebrate this body by adorning it with beautiful bathing suits and being brave enough to show the world. Or at least this blog.

Left on Friday is a brand created by women who got their start at Lululemon. They saw a market for swimwear designed as activewear. Using soft and stretchy fabrics, the suits are designed to move with the body for a more active summer lifestyle. 

The website is easy to navigate and has many options of both one and two piece bathing suits. I initially had a bit of sticker shock looking at the prices. A one piece bathing suit is priced around $220, a bikini bottom is $110, and the top is also $110. Many of the bathing suits that I own are from Target or Amazon, and while I am a huge fan of the online store Fused Hawaii (for suits which are priced at around $80 a piece), these prices were slightly out of my typical range. My Left on Friday suit would now be the most expensive bathing suit I own.  

Choosing a suit wasn’t challenging. I like a high waisted two piece and there were several options both in color and style. The brand doesn’t really carry prints, but there are so many beautiful colors to choose from, I can see how one would be able to mix and match the sets to get a variety of pieces and feel like they were wearing a new bathing suit with each wear. The site also features a page to help with color matching so you can see how the colors work together. 

I went with the Hi Tide Bottom (chili heat red), the Reef Top (hot pink), and the Hi Hi Bottom and Plunge Top (both in palm green for a matching set). 

I am usually anywhere from a size 6 to size 10 depending on the brand and article of clothing. I like to size up on bottoms as it just gives a little smoother of a line. I went with a size large in the bottoms and medium for the tops. I definitely could have sized up for the tops as well.  They fit but I may have wanted a little more coverage. I would recommend sizing up for a comfortable fit.  

The suits arrived with a travel bathing suit bag (which is a nice little extra to throw in your beach bag so that you don’t have to pack a wet suit with the rest of your things). My first impression was that the fabric felt expensive and did appear more like activewear than your typical bathing suit material. The colors were so rich and beautiful. True to what you see on the website, but even more vibrant in person. 

The suit was soft and slimming without cutting into my skin, it felt like quality shapewear that comfortably holds you in all the right places. The high waist sat in the perfect place on my body and gave good coverage of the belly – it also hid the estrogen patch (IYKYK!). If you want more coverage in the back, I would definitely go with the Hi Tide Bottom over the Hi Hi. The Left on Friday Hi Hi Bottom definitely has a high cut in the leg and in the backside. That isn’t typically my aesthetic, but the bathing suit laid so nicely on my body, I didn’t mind the high cut. 

The Plunge Top gave a beautiful line at my chest and felt secure enough to give the 36C girls a boost.  I absolutely loved the bright hot pink Reef Top.  This particular top has straps that can be manipulated to give different looks, but I preferred the traditional cross in the back. The material felt luxurious and I will be interested to see if it maintains that quality after a number of washes and wears justifying the price point.

Because my kids are older most of my swimsuit time is now spent relaxing in the sun rather than entering into diving contests and building sandcastles. But I would imagine Left on Friday bathing suits are well suited for any summer activity. The colors were stunning, the material felt luxe, and I was very pleased with my choices. I happily packed and confidently wore (to many compliments) my new bathing suits on my recent girls trip to Austin, Texas! 

While the price point may give you pause before purchasing a suit from this brand, I would recommend Left on Friday for the comfortable fit, attractive style, and dynamic colors. 

In Summary

Kim isn't wrong about the price tag. $110 for a bikini top without any major technology or hardware is pretty hardcore. But if you've bought suits from big box stores for years and returned half of them because the fabric feels cheap or the top rides up every time you move, maybe Left on Friday is worth trying.

If you are looking for swimsuits to support a larger chest, check out my guide to the best swimsuits for large busts. It covers styles built to actually hold you, not just look good on a hanger.

Thank you, Kim, for this great review, and great pictures of you looking strong and fabulous. You are brave and badass and I hope you have the best summer in your Left on Friday swimsuits!

You May Also Like:

Monday Swimwear Review for Women in Midlife

My Favorite Lands’ End Swimwear as a Size 14 Over-40 Sunlover

Frequently Asked Questions about Left on Friday Swimwear

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale preview launched July 6th. Nordstrom cardholders with “Icon” status can begin shopping July 14th, “Ambassador” status can shop starting July 15, and “Influencer” cardholder status on the 16th. The sale opens for everyone July 18th and ends on August 9th. You can begin a “wish list” now so you don't have to waste time when the sale starts to peruse the offerings. Do know, items sell out fast, so making a wish list, checking the offerings now, and shopping early is the key to getting what you want.

Is the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Worth It in 2026?

I originally wrote this post in 2022, but I update it each year of the sale. And I have seen a marked change in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale over the past few years. This post and its content adjust, and as you know, I always keep it real and care more about your trust than a commission (this article goes into how blogs, influencers, and websites make money).

So I went through the 2026 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale preview. focusing on the Women's department and beauty exclusives.

I saw a lot of what I saw last year: similar products, the same brands, and the same sneaky way they offer such a “sale.” A lot of the items are not the typical pieces those brands carry. You will not seed those same exact pieces anywhere else because they are essentially “factory” pieces crafted specifically for the sale.

Outlet and factory stores may carry items with the same designer label, but they are crafted with less expensive fabrics and notions, use simpler patterns and designs, and have fewer details. Outlet and factory apparel are the “basic” versions of the original; they're exciting because they carry the label of a brand you love and have the same general aesthetic and vibe, but they are not the same caliber. And that, sadly, is primarily what you find in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

I saw a lot of colors that are from last year. Yes, the item is still for sale full price everywhere, but not in the colors featured in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Is that really a deal?

Finally, I saw a lot of items that nobody really needs… and will likely be an even lower price Black Friday weekend. Massagers, LED masks, and other beauty and self-care tech is not really a deal when you know every single brand will have them on sale in just a couple of months. Below, I break down specifics I found in the 2026 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Eye-catching Items You Don't Need (or aren't worth your money even on sale)

I often see items in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale that are oh-so cute, cool, fun, and statement-making. No better time to splurge on that badass coat, bag, or shoes when they're on sale, right? Wrong, if the fabrication isn't worth even the sale price. A few things that charmed me until I looked under the hood:

• This gorgeous plaid wool coat from Sam Edelman comes in the prettiest colors… but it's 78% polyester, 2% nylon, and just 20% wool with a primarily polyester lining and on sale it's $150. This thing is going to be hot on a warmer day, cold on a chilly one, and get giant pill balls under the arm by noon of your first day wearing it.
• Ditto with this chic leopard print faux fur coat from BCBG. Looove the color, the classic style, but it's 76% polyester, 18% wool, 4% acrylic, 2% nylon faux fur for $150 on sale and with that material, you can likely find just as good quality from one of the big online sellers I refuse to promote.
• And this badass leopard print jacket from Bernardo? A brand I have trusted for years for great outerwear but from brushed 51% acrylic, 29% polyester, 20% wool this is going to look like crap by the end of the season.
• If you deal with hairloss, you may be interested in a red light hat, which has been really popular with influencers. The HigherDose red light hat is in the Nordstrom Sale for just $359.20; it is $449 on the HigherDose site and Sephora. That being said, if you go past the raves on social media and filtered reviews on the brand site you'll find plenty of feedback about these hats and this brand that may make you want to consider a different brand or a different method (I personally am taking oral minoxidil and seeing great results).
• As for other skincare tech… it works as well as how often you use it. If you know you're not going to regularly use that depuffing wand or LED face mask… don't buy it.
• My friend, no one needs Dolce & Gabbana under eye patches, no matter the sale price. If you want a cute gift like this, get the reusable ones from Dieux; I have them and they're great (and code ALISON10 gets you 10% off).
• And if you haven't gotten a Dyson Airwrap yet, do you really need one? I know there's a lot of peer pressure, but I personally don't have one, my kid doesn't have one, and the world is still rotating.

Proof of Lower Quality Products Made for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Coach is back as a very popular handbag brand. Carried by stylish celebs and making quite a statement in The Devil Wears Prada 2 film, it can seem exciting to see Nordstrom has an exclusive style of a Coach Pebbled Crossbody Bag in the sale for the price of $229 (will be $395 after the sale).

With a push lock closure and fabric lining, this pebbled leather Coach bag is 9″W x 5 ¼”H x 2″D with a 21 ½” strap drop. It has an exterior slip pocket, and an interior zip pocket. Both straps are fully leather with matching gold hardware hooks to remove; the longest strap is adjustable. I went to the Coach site to see what other bags are around this size so I could compare price and see if this is actually a good deal.

The Coach Jet Shoulder Bag is Length: 9.75″W x 4.5″H x 2″ D with a 21 ½” strap drop. It is made from suede or refined calf leather with an exterior slip pocket, interior zip pocket, and the same push lock closure. Like the Nordstrom bag, both straps are fully leather with matching gold hardware hooks to remove; the longest strap is adjustable. The Jet Shoulder Bag is $295 with some discontinued colors on sale for $177.

When looking at Coach bags around the $395 regular price that are a similar style, it's the Tabby 20, with the quilted version at $395 and the regular leather option $375. The $395 quilted leather Tabby 20 is a smaller bag (7.75″W x 4.24″H x 2.5″D), but made from quilted plush, ultra-soft nappa leather with a long leather chain strap, an exterior slip pocket, two interior compartments and an interior snap pocket.

Also, the Tabby 20 is an iconic and quickly recognized Coach style that is far more likely to have some resale value (or at least be appreciated by next of kin when you no longer want it). Yes, the bag in the sale is cheaper… but if you want a bag of that pricepoint, IMO look for quality and design without the branding for more bang (and style) for your buck. A few stylish leather bags around the same size and same price:

• The Sloane from Quince ($120)
• The Small Leather Shoulder Bag from Tory Burch ($187)
• The Plinth Crossbody from COS ($189)
• The Hudson Bag from Freja ($198)
• The Halo Crossbody from Kate Spade ($198)
• The Aoyama 2 from Lo & Sons ($288)
• The Clementine Bag from The Horse ($299.95)

Proof of Discontinued/Sale Items Elsewhere (AKA not that awesome of a deal)

I am a fan of the bag brand The Sak, and when I saw The Huntley Hobo Bag part of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, I had to investigate. It is $106.99 in the sale, and will be $159 after the sale. The colors sand, moss, and mushroom suede and black grain leather are included.

The Huntley hobo is a style The Sak released in 2018, is primarily in suede, but occasionally in leather. The Moss Suede was part of The Sak's Fall/Winter 2025 collection. The other three options have been in the core collection for a couple of years, meaning they are offered season after season. The moss is on sale for $159 at The Sak; the other colors on sale for $189 with the notification, “Hurry, low inventory.”

I can't guarantee this, but I wouldn't be surprised if The Sak sunsets the Huntley hobo as it has been leaning hard into the Los Feliz hobo, which is getting more textures, innovative textiles, and influencer gifting (and isn't on sale).

If you have liked the Huntley hobo for a while, Nordstrom will have the lowest price anywhere once the Anniversary Sale begins. It's a chic and classic bag from a quality brand and a great price for a lined suede bag with pockets. But don't think you're getting some hot deal as there's a good chance by November this bag will be this price or lower absolutely everywhere.

Y'all know I love SPANX, and I saw Nordstrom had some of the AirEssential Wide Leg Pants in the sale for $78.99, going back to the $118 price (the price these pants are on the SPANX website). However, the only colors in the sale are a shade of brown, shade of moss green, and a rust color. Those three colors aren't even on the SPANX site. And on top of that, similar colors on the SPANX site are on final sale for $59 with an extra 30% off, which is way cheaper than the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!

Not All Sale Items Are Cheaper Alternatives

So yes, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is worth it… if you're willing to do a little research. Don't be swayed by influencers grinning in mirror selfies talking about buttery soft fabrics and amazing prices. Look at fabric content, read reviews, and hit that search engine to look to see if the same item is available for more, or if this is just a cheaper “factory” version to lure you into making a mediocre buy.

Last year, I called out Lauren Ralph Lauren for offering “factory” quality items for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Similar silhouettes were at Macy's made from higher counts of wool and cashmere, having more details like buttoned pockets, belt loops, and interior pockets. This year, Lauren Ralph Lauren is actually a good deal in the NSale:

• The Ainsworth Double Breasted Trench Jacket from Lauren Ralph Lauren is $139.99 during the sale; it returns to $230 at the end of the sale. The same exact jacket is on the Ralph Lauren site for $230.
• The Reversible Balmacaan Raincoat from Lauren Ralph Lauren is $169.99 during the sale; it returns to $260 after the sale. At first I thought I found an “a-ha!” factory version when I found this balmacaan raincoat on the Ralph Lauren site for $530… and then I realized I was on the RL global site. This coat is not available for sale in the U.S. and from what I can tell, it's the same exact coat.

The other Lauren Ralph Lauren coats were not on the RL site; this could be because they are global designs or because Ralph Lauren hasn't updated their site with fall selections. I wasn't able to find winter coats from this brand on Belk, Dillard's, or Macy's either so it's hard to determine if the others are highest quality, or true sales like the two above. But there were other good deals on great brands:

• Frank & Eileen's Mini Belfast Crop Knit Peacoat is $219.99 during the Nordstrom sale; it is currently $328 on the Frank & Eileen site.
• These Birkenstock Big Buckle Arizona sandals are $109.99 during the sale; the same exact colors are currently $174.95 on the Birkenstock site.
• Vuori is in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and while it's “add to cart to see price,” I did that and found the $128 Villa pants are $95.99 during the sale, the $74 Villa shorts are on sale for $54.99, and the $110 Halo Hoodie is in the sale for $81.99.
• Nordstrom brand cedar shoe trees are $19.99. These are higher quality than you can get from the fast fashion sites, and the price is great. Similar cedar wood trees are $25-$60 at other reputable sites and these will keep your shoes in good shape, dry, and smelling fresh.
• I know folks loooove Donna Karan Cashmere Mist deodorant. I think it smells like a funeral, but we all have different body composition. One is usually $32 at places like Ulta and Sephora; during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale you can get a three-pack for $72. Only do this if you already use and love this product.
• I have an Aurate New York white sapphire tennis bracelet and have found the quality stellar, the clasp secure, the stones super sparkly. It's also a great company; ethical and sustainable. In the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale there are several Aurate tennis bracelets in a range of metals and stones; they are full price on the Aurate website. I know Aurate is trying to increase its brand recognition through influencer gifting; they may have also decided to be part of this sale to get their name out there.
• This is a good sale to stock up on bras and underwear. Since you can do free returns, you can try new-to-you brands and styles. Take this link and filter by your size, and if applicable, your favorite brand/s. Just know a lot of the sales are on colors that are being discontinued, so you may find just as good a price on HerRoom, Bare Necessities, or Bravissimo. Drop the brand and style name into your search engine and do a quick scroll to make sure it truly is the best price.

I hope this novel helps you better break down the sale, make better decisions on what to buy and what to skip, and see the sale in a different and smarter light. Once you're ready to make your wishlist, see my guide on how to shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale like a pro.

The D.C. suburbs of Maryland is hot in June, and hotter this year than usual. It's also very humid with occasional rainstorms. For reference, I am 5'3″ tall, 51, and wear a size 14 petite, occasionally preferring the fit of a 16.

I shared this look in my rage against the beige colorful summer capsule wardrobe. The top is Boden (XL), the pants are SPANX (LP), the bag is COS, the shoes are old from Birkenstock. Not photographed, but this month I also wore this top with these linen pants from Universal Standard, and wore these white pants with a Breton striped shirt.

At the beginning of the month, I also chaperoned a day trip to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware with the Girl Scouts. It was weird weather; extremely windy, cold in the shade and warm in the sun. I dressed in layers so I could adjust while not having luggage and being far from the car. We did the beach, I stood around in the sun holding stuff while the teens rode rides, it was hot and cold and everything in between.

Shirt and pants are Talbots, seen in this Talbots linen review. The sweater is old from L.L.Bean; this is the same one. Underneath is an old Athleta tank I wish they still made because it's double layer and opaque and covers bra straps. I wore my big buckle Birks and my Ray-Ban Ease Wayferers. Earrings are Ana Luisa. For a bag, I took an old leather tote from ABLE that could carry alllll the chaperone things.

My hack: I held the sweater together in front with a diaper pin. Tying a knot was too bulky, letting the arms float was high maintenance, and with the diaper pin I could easily take it off and on without unhooking, remove the pin to tie around my shoulders or waist, and reconnect without a mirror.

Went to the mall one day with my sister, my daughter and her friend. Wore SPANX shorts (L, the 5″ length), The Shirt by Rochelle Behrens shirt in XL (read my The Shirt by Rochelle Behrens review), Banana Republic sweater over my shoulders, Adidas sneakers, and the purse is Maison de Sabre with this charm and this charm hanging off it.

I made videos of all my outfits worn as an election judge and shared them on Threads, but forgot to get still photos of most of the looks. This is what I wore the first day of Early Voting as well as Election Day. Look is from Universal Standard (check out my Universal Standard stretch linen review). Wearing both pieces in XS. The shoes are Samuel Hubbard (see my review of chic wide width comfort sneakers where I include them).

One day of Early Voting, I wore my trusty old Banana Republic trapeze dress. They still have the same silhouette this season in solids. Quince also has a “dupe” that IMO isn't the same at all, but similar and nice in its own way. You've seen this dress before; I took it on my 50th birthday trip to Las Vegas and wore it on the blog as far back as November 2023.

If you subscribe to my newsletter, or follow me on Instagram, you've already seen this outfit. Went to a memorial service for a gentleman from our community. I grew up with his kids, he was an icon in our city. It was a hot day, and after we went for drinks at an outdoor venue. I wore this dress from Marcella NYC in size L (use code WARDROBEOXYGEN10 for 10% off) with this hat from Solbari (it's crushable and adjustable at brim and also size), and the same COS tote seen in the first outfit. The sandals are almost a decade old from Bella Vita, and the necklace is vintage.

I captured a few of the outfits I wore on our college tour road trip at the end of the month. This is what I wore for the drive up: the top is from The Shirt by Rochelle Behrens (XL), the pants are Old Navy (LP), the bag is from Lo & Sons, the necklace is Heaven Mayhem. The shoes are the Teva Hurricane Drift, which I am gobsmacked that Teva discontinued. They've been replaced with the Apreaqua Drift which has an adjustable toe strap; I am not sure how else they differ because IMO the Teva Hurricane Drift is the perfect travel sandal. I ordered a pair so I can do a comparison.

These pants are supposedly a “dupe” for the Ruti pants, but IMO, they aren't. Completely different waistband, more blousy of a silhouette, thinner fabric. I prefer the Ruti by a mile and think they are some of the best travel pants, but my pair is black and these in green made more sense with the capsule of clothes I packed for the trip. I also liked the combination of soft pants and a crisp shirt. And for those who are Jersey Turnpike connoisseurs, I'm at the Woodrow Wilson!

For one of the college tours, I wore an old washable silk matched set from M.M.LaFleur. I've had it for a while; here you can see me wearing it back in 2023. Same Heaven Mayhem necklace from the drive up (it's adjustable), same purse, switched to my Birkenstocks.

I wore the same outfit when my husband and I went out to dinner that evening. I just added lipstick (Framboise from MERIT) and switched the bag to a shoulder bag (it has an adjustable strap and a review will be coming!).

For another college visit, I wore a cotton “Monaco” shirtdress from Printfresh I got last year (check out my Printfresh dress review). I replaced the self-belt with a vintage one I got on eBay. Again the same necklace and bag and Birks. Can you tell it was hot AF out? Underneath I had a pair of Thigh Society cooling shorts (read my Thigh Society review; code ALISON15 gets you 15% off) which were clutch in that heat!

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Content has been a bit light this week because I was in New England visiting colleges with our daughter. I totally thought I'd somehow have time to finish at least one of my half-completed blog posts but nope. I have several Wardrobe Oxygen Community member reviews heading your way, a review of Spanx apparel, and a discussion on pant/jean silhouettes but they are all still in draft form.

Saw some dreamy schools, saw some schools that were more dreamy on paper/online, and had some angina over the prices. Schools that say, “if you get in, we'll make sure you can afford it,” think somehow I'd be able to afford the equivalent of a fancy new car each year of her education. Tell that to my used Subaru I still have many years to pay off!

Cross your fingers for some scholarship, and that the schools that offer merit aid and accept her come to our rescue. Sure, there are some “influencers” who are millionaires, but your girl Alison is not one of them.

Anyway, I often take off on holidays but since content has been light and this holiday feels weird, I thought a Weekend Reads may be appreciated. We're experiencing quite the heat wave in Maryland where they're considering cancelling holiday outdoor activities and many indoor events have been scheduled. I don't even want to think of how this 250th birthday would be if a different president was in office… I do feel the fair and the music would be way better.

If you're too busy to read all this, I support you. If you're laying low and want some distraction, I hope this supports you. If you're looking for some deals, check out my Style Inspo & Sale Alert section, I've gathered some good ones. And know whether you're feeling patriotic or feeling sad about things… I get it. I feel it too.

Weekend Reads

The Fourth is With Us. (Hallelujah Anyway via Substack)

I am American because I hate the flag and love the beef. (The Baffler)

American Dream, American Nightmare. (The Nation)

Supreme Court allows firing of FTC commissioners, ends agency independence. (The Verge)

Air Conditioning is AMAZING. We Should Do It Better. (The Bulwark via Substack)

We've Been Looking at Marilyn Monroe for 60 Years. We Still Don't See Her. (Attention Economy via Substack)

Japanese Women’s Wrestling, but Make It Fashion. (New York Times – gift link)

Revisiting “Silence of the Lambs” in the Age of Trans Backlash. (Electric Lit)

The Mom Who Runs a Household With a Staff of AI Agents. (The Cut)

Ford rehires human engineers after AI fails to match quality checks. (BBC)

Cloudflare says AI agents now generate most web traffic, marking a historic shift that could reshape how websites, businesses, and people interact online. (CNET)

Booklovers’ Guide to Washington, D.C. (The Travel Book Club via Substack)

We received this as a gift and now I totally get the hype.

The Peptide Trend Is Not What You Think. (The Menopause Professor via Substack)

The ‘Peptide Gold Rush' Is Here, and I'm Freaked Out. (Good for Your Age via Substack)

My Suri heads showed up this week while we were away, and I was realizing on our trip it was time to replace it. Love the autoship, love the quality, love the sustainability. And love the UV travel case!

And we wonder why women don't speak up. (Shit You Should Care About via Substack)

Have you heard of biomarker tests? This one from Superpower seems the most… reasonable.

Federal Health Agency Cancels Most of its Teen Pregnancy Prevention Grants. (Rewire News Group)

This was described to me as The Body Shop's White Musk for grown women.

Five years after Anthony Broadwater was belatedly cleared for the sexual assault of Alice Sebold, the questions of how he came to be wrongly convicted and how one or more serial rapists operated for years with little consequence have only deepened. (ProPublica)

Have it, love it, perfect throw in your bag vacation purse.

When Did Bare Nails Become a Status Symbol? (New York Times – gift link)

This looks like a perfect Jane of All Trades dress: work, travel, funeral, date night, pair with sneakers or heels, sandals or boots.

Do fascism and thinness actually correlate? (Style Analytics via Substack)

Floyd Norman, Disney’s first Black animator, set to receive an honorary Oscar. (The Grio)

Style Inspo & Sale Report

It's a holiday weekend, and while most of us are neck-deep in summer weather, retailers are thinking about fall. That means this weekend's holiday sales are better than usual. They want the summer stuff gone, while we will still be wearing it for a while.

Cuyana, a sustainable and ethical brand that makes incredible quality bags, apparel, and accessories, is having an archive sale. This means this label, that hardly ever has sales, is offering up to 60% off items at this link. This is huge; I felt necessary to share the collage and carousel above of some of the items that caught my eye. I personally adore this bag.

AURATE has 20% off sitewide. AURATE is an ethical and sustainable jewelry company that just came out with a waterproof sturdy but elegant stainless collection. They sent me this tennis bracelet and it is so freaking sparkly, comes in sizes for slim to strong wrists, and is unbreakable while also being able to join you in the pool, the lake, the ocean, and the hot tub.

Marimekko has an extra 20% off sale merch if you become one of their “Friends.” I am one, and it's very similar to the Madewell program where you don't pay anything, get emails you can opt out of, and get special sales and deals. This sale has housegoods, fashion, and items appropriate to wear now. Fancy things like this silk dress or this silk shell, casual things like this cardigan or this bathrobe, and cute things like this espresso cup and saucer.

Lisi Lerch has 25% off at this link, and IMO the best deal are the cute and timeless wicker bag and straw clutch to enjoy summer after summer. That being said, do take a look at the cute jewelry and accessories.

Ruti is 15% off storewide… and I think you can use my promo code ALISON15 for an extra 15% off! Ruti just dropped some new pieces I am crushing on like these silky trousers in some chic colors and these badass are they are a skirt or are they pants in a fantastic neutral that works now and into fall. This washable silk tee that is in my summer work travel capsule wardrobe is also in the sale and just gorgeous!

J. Crew Factory has 50% off everything + Extra 60% off clearance. I'm a fan and I know you are too; the top sellers in the Wardrobe Oxygen community are this shirt (which I just wore yesterday), these pants, and this tank (which both my daughter and I love).

Alex Mill doesn't often go on sale, but right now items at this link are 50-70% off. I'm digging this shirt, this top (which was a Wardrobe Oxygen bestseller last month), this dress, and of course this top.

I know y'all love Mary & Jane; they're having 20% off sitewide. By far the best seller in the Wardrobe Oxygen community is the Sunny Melts.

J.McLaughlin has an extra 30% off sale at this link. J.McLaughlin is creeping up as a popular retailer with the Wardrobe Oxygen community, and I've seen several of this shirt and this dress sell in the past couple of weeks.

See/Hear/Read

When we were in New York State looking at colleges, we had one night where the kids were in the other room playing Scrabble and we could watch a movie. We couldn't figure out how to log out of the rental house owner's Netflix and didn't want to destroy her algorithm watching a series. Netflix suggested her Little Brother, so we decided to watch it.

Little Brother was just as awful as you would think it would be. This is essentially the same story as Elf, but with John Cena playing the James Caan role, Eric Andre in the Will Ferrell role, Christopher Meloni in the Peter Dinklage role, and Michelle Monaghan trying her might to be like Mary Steenburgen.

John Cena is a realtor being cast for one of these reality shows about high-end realtors. Eric Andre was assigned to him back in high school for a Big Brothers/Little Brothers program. Christopher Meloni is Cena's famous and well-loved Alpha Male brother. Michelle Monaghan is Cena's wife and seeing her in a yellow gown makes me believe in color theory (woman is gorgeous, that dress on her was not a Kate Hudson moment).

Crude jokes, jokes veering on incredibly problematic, the clock maker from The Gilded Age plays a reality TV star, Monaghan spits red wine all over her living room and doesn't blink (but then she also does other things that you would think would make her react more than asking for a minty cocktail). The whole thing is stupid. Don't watch it.

That being said, I saw this clip from Pete Davidson's Netflix show, and it's one of the many reasons I like John Cena. He's a good dude, he is kind and giving and has a sense of humor and doesn't take himself too seriously.

For Your Entertainment

Sekou Sylla, who just goes by Sekou, is a 21-year-old British-Ivorian singer who like many young artist these days, got his big break from posting TikToks of himself singing in his unique baritone voice. When just 17, Sekou was performing at Glastonbury, on John Legend's tour, and performing at Brooklyn Beckham's wedding. This was all before his first EP was even released. Sekou's star continues to rise not only in the UK but across the pond; his latest release is “Does She Know.”

I find jeans to be one of the hardest things to shop for, right up there with bras and swimwear. When it comes to white jeans, it's even more difficult. They're transparent, they bag out, they're too thin, and why do white jeans run tighter than blue? I've been researching apparel for over two decades and am a previous personal stylist; I have tried literally dozens of different white jeans over the years. And I wanted to save you some of the jeans-shopping headache by sharing my top picks for white jeans for women over 50.

As a woman over 50 who is 5'3″ and a size 14/16, I not only have a relatable body but a relatable experience struggling to find the best jeans that fit and make me feel good. But considering researching the best clothing for women in midlife is literally my job, I hope to have saved you some time and heartache by sharing the wins from my years of trial and error, along with the feedback from the Wardrobe Oxygen community.

I love white jeans, they are such an easy way to make an outfit look elevated and fresh.  White jeans are a must-have in my wardrobe and I know many of you see the benefit of a pair of white jeans in your closet.  We don't all desire the same silhouette, we're not all the same shape or size, so I have organized this list by style and share the size range available. Don't worry, I have made sure to not only share the best white jeans, but jeans in a beautiful range of sizes and lengths!

As for me personally, the white jeans currently in my closet are these from Lands' End and these from Talbots. Throughout this article I will have photos of me over the years wearing the recommended brands and/or styles.

The Best White Jeans for Women Over 50

Best Straight Leg White Jeans (Tie)

I tried to narrow down this list of white jeans for women to the best in each category… but sometimes it was hard because great pairs were so different. I couldn't narrow down the best straight leg white jeans for women over 50 but will describe both to help you determine which pair is more perfect for you.

Talbots Straight Leg Jean

Sizes: Misses 2-18, Petite 2-16, Long 6-18, Plus 14-24, Plus Petite 14-22 Available at: Talbots.com

Talbots makes great jeans. Opaque, thicker than a lot of brands, great fit, and the brand really stands out for its white jeans… and its sizing. Very few retailers offer petite plus size let alone plus size over 12. These straight leg white jeans come in Misses 2-18, Long 6-18, Petite 2-16, Plus 14-24, and Plus Petite 14-22. These are thicker and more rigid, while the next pair of straight jeans is more stretchy. While many white jeans run small, I find Talbots white jeans petite, misses, and plus run true to size.

NYDJ Marilyn Straight Jeans

Sizes: Regular 00-18, Petite 00-18, Tall 00-18, Plus 14-28 Available at: NYDJ.com, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's

I have been wearing the NYDJ Marilyn fit of jeans for over 20 years. The jeans changed a few years ago, but they are back to great fit and design. These are a true classic: high quality, great bounceback, opaque, figure smoothing, and a fit that is trend-resistant. Made from 88% Cotton, 10% Polyester, 2% Elastane with Lift Tuck® Technology to flatten in the front and flatter curves in the back, if you keep these out of the dryer you will have years of stylish wear. While one often likes to size up with white jeans, with these from NYDJ I recommend going with your regular size and if you're between sizes, go with the smaller.

Best Wide Leg White Jeans

Lands' End High Rise Wide Leg Denim Jeans

Sizes: Misses 2-18 in 2 inseams, Petite 2-18, Tall 6-18, Plus 16-26 in 3 inseams Available at: LandsEnd.com

Lands' End is known for coats and swimsuits, but is a sleeper hit for great jeans. The Lands' End High Rise Wide Leg jeans are a personal favorite; I own them in three washes including white and find them to be consistent in size and fit, opaque, and hold up great wash after wash. These high rise white jeans aren't ribcage-skimming but don't segment the torso and elongate the legline. Skimming the hips, these wide leg white jeans look good with tucked-in tops as well as shorter untucked ones.

Best Relaxed Straight Leg White Jeans

SPANX Authentic 360 90s Straight Leg Jeans

Sizes: XS–3X are all available in Petite, Regular, and Tall Available at: SPANX.com

Alison of a decade ago would never imagine that she'd have not one, but several pairs of SPANX jeans in her closet. But these are really good. Made with premium, 4-way stretch denim and featuring SPANX's signature 360-degree panel for tummy and waist shaping plus back smoothing, these jeans reduce rolling and folding; these are white jeans that hold their shape all day. Speaking of shape, this relaxed straight fit is a great option for those who don't want a snug jean but aren't into wide- or barrel-leg styles. Comfortable white jeans, but plenty cool and modern. These run a hair snug; no need to go up a whole size but if you're between two sizes go with your larger.

Best Barrel Leg White Jeans

AYR The Knockout

Sizes: 24–34 in Regular and Long inseams Available at: AYR.com

Okay, these aren't technically pure white, but instead “Cream Soda” which is more like a winter white. I find this color to work better with the relaxed casual silhouette of a barrel jean, making these feel really cool and on trend. The barrel isn't over the top, the fabric composition is 59% Organic Cotton, 40% Viscose, and 1% Elastane so they're not heavy and won't look like clown pants, just a modern take on the ankle jean. Speaking of which, the regular is 27″ inseam, long is 29″ making these a good ankle jean even for those over 5'6″. This is a premium, sustainable, and ethical brand with these jeans made in California. Not cheap, but you feel the difference.

Best Cropped White Jeans

Chico's No Stain Girlfriend Cropped Jeans

Sizes: 000 (equivalent to US 0) – 4 (equivalent to a US 20/22) Available at: Chicos.com

With a 24″ inseam, these Chico's Girlfriend Jeans are truly cropped. White girlfriend jeans are a good alternative to a straight leg, having a bit more of a taper at the ankle and shaping in the rear. Powered by Stain-Repel, Bright-White technology, these jeans stay white for up to 20 washes and repel water-based stains. Slightly stretchy fabric (61% Cotton, 29% Rayon, 8% Polyester, 2% LYCRA^® T400^® Polyester) powered by exclusive So Slimming^® Hidden Fit technology slims and smooths at the tummy. While Chico's can be generously fit, I would go with your regular size when it comes to these cropped white jeans.

Best Kick Flare White Jeans

Quince Bella Stretch Kick Flare Jeans

Sizes: 24–33 in Short, Regular, and Long inseams Available at: Quince.com

After sharing a Quince jeans review, I found that A) Quince white jeans run smaller than their blue jeans, and B) Quince heard the feedback on the size inconsistencies and got their act together. I need to update that review, because I have now personally tried multiple styles and washes of Quince jeans and have been highly impressed with the Bella stretch denim collection. Made from 91% organic cotton, 7% polyester, and 2% elastane, the Bella Stretch Kick Flare white jeans are chic white flare jeans for women over 50 without being too trendy. The price is also nice.

Best Bootcut White Jeans

PAIGE Laurel Canyon

Sizes: 23–34, Regular in 2 Inseams, Petite Available at: PAIGE.com, Neiman Marcus, Revolve, Nordstrom

The Laurel Canyon is a vintage PAIGE style that's made a comeback with the return of this jean silhouette. Made from 98% Cotton and 2% Elastin, the denim has stretch but is structured and good for those who like a more rigid denim. Available in standard with two inseam options (32″ and 34.5″) and petite (28″).

Best Slim Fit White Jeans

Kut from the Kloth Rachael High Rise Mom Jean

Sizes: 00–18, Regular and Petite Available at: KutfromtheKloth.com (link for petite), Nordstrom

Don't let “mom jean” put you off. The Rachael is made from soft, stretchy denim with 97% cotton and 3% spandex, which means it gives without bagging out by noon. The rise sits at 10.5″ with a 26″ inseam and a 12.75″ leg opening, giving you a high-waisted, straight-through-the-leg silhouette that tucks in beautifully and looks equally good with a flowy blouse worn out. A denim brand I have always found great quality and fit, Kut from the Kloth, and the Rachael specifically, is a Wardrobe Oxygen community favorite.

Best Skinny White Jeans

Wit & Wisdom Logan High Rise Vintage Skinny

Sizes: 00–18, Regular and Petite Available at: WitandWisdomClothing.com

Skinny jeans aren't going anywhere, they've just grown up a little. The Wit & Wisdom Logan is high-waisted with a straight, slim, not-too-tight fit, made with the brand's Contour Shape Technology for a tailored feel. The fabric is 64% cotton, 35% COOLMAX polyester, and 1% spandex, so it's breathable enough for warm weather. These run true to size, and are completely opaque. Keep them out of the dryer and you will enjoy them for many springs and summers to come.

Best Ankle White Jeans (Tie)

Yet again, I couldn't choose just one. There are a lot of really great white ankle jeans for women in midlife right now. One pair has a subtle flare at the hem, the other is a more classic, dare I say “vintage” vibe, but both are very stylish and great choices for women over 50.

J.Crew Factory Curvy Ankle Flare Jean

Sizes: 24–35, Classic, Petite, and Tall Available at: Factory.JCrew.com

This jean from J. Crew Factory is designed for a narrower waist with more room through the hip and thigh, and the contoured waistband keeps things smooth rather than gaping. The fabric is 90% cotton, 8% polyester, and 2% elastane, which J.Crew calls their Signature Stretch+ and is described as their stretchiest, most comfortable fit. The slight flare at the ankle balances sneakers and loafers but also looks great with flats and sandals. Inseams come in three lengths: Classic at 28″, Petite at 26″, and Tall at 31″. Do know this is a budget jean and run a bit thinner… I'd recommend a “vanishing” style of undies like these from Soma in a color low-contrast to your skintone.

Levi's 501® '90s Ankle Women's Jeans

Sizes: 23–34 Available at: Levi.com, Revolve

Another pair that isn't stark white, but the off-white color makes this silhouette even cooler and more modern. The 501 '90s Ankle is 100% cotton with no stretch, a mid-rise at 10.5″, and a loose, straight fit through the hip and thigh. Non-stretch cotton means the denim is more opaque, holds its shape without bagging, and gets better with every wash. Levi's describes it as “the vintage jeans you've always dreamed of finding at the thrift store.” The ankle length hits just above the ankle (27″ inseam on a size 27 waist), which makes it great with sneakers, loafers, or sandals. The fit runs big according to reviewers, so size down if you're between sizes.

Shop All My White Jean Picks

How to Style White Jeans (So You'll Actually Wear Them)

My friend, I feel you. White jeans are a stain magnet. But take it from me, one of the klutziest women whose signature accessory is a coffee stain… white jeans are worth it. Carry around a Tide to Go pen, pretreat the spot with detergent or even Dawn Powerwash before going in the machine, and know unless you drop an entire latte in your lap no one is going to notice as much as you do yourself. Here are some tips to make white jeans work for you:

Sort Out Your Underwear First

The worst thing to wear under white jeans is white underwear. Invest in some undies that are low-contrast to your skintone. Matching your skin is great, but you can branch out with shades of blush, mauve, plum, and red and they won't show. Yes, red! Red tones sit close to the natural undertones of human skin. Because the colors match, the red pigments absorb light rather than reflecting it, making the underwear essentially “invisible” under white.

Choose a style that is seamless, and you don't have to worry about VPL (visible panty line). I am a big proponent of the Soma Vanishing line; they disappear even under clingy knits and the grippers keep them from shifting. IMO, keep the lacy options for darker denim just in case of show-through.

Match Your Top to Your Silhouette

The key to style isn't what you wear, but how you wear it. It's all about balance and proportion, and these proportions can change with the trends. A few key top/bottom combos that work well for us midlife women in 2026:

• Skinny jeans with a longer top. A longer blazer with a tucked-in tee or tank, a button-front shirt of linen or poplin (roll the sleeves and leave the bottom two buttons unbuttoned for flow), a ruffly voile poet top that skims the hips… make sure there is movement in your top layer so it doensn't feel top heavy.
• Wide-leg and barrel jeans with a fitted or shorter top. Wide-leg jeans work best when you let the silhouette shine. Either tucking in your top, or choosing one that hits no lower than the front pocket openings will provide the balance needed.
• Ankle and cropped jeans need shorter or longer. Either a top that hits no lower than high hip, or one that hits at the knees or lower (like a kurta) will provide good proportions.

White Jeans Are Not Just for Summer

The “no white after Labor Day” thing is officially retired (it actually has very classist beginnings). White denim works year-round if you style it for the season.

• In spring and summer, go for sandals, espadrilles, sneakers, or mules. Lighter fabrics on top, lots of linen and cotton.
• In fall, white jeans pair well with camel, chocolate brown, burgundy, and forest green. Add ankle boots or loafers, a chunky knit sweater, or a leather jacket.
• In winter, white jeans with turtlenecks, long wool coats, and boots look intentional and polished.

Shoes Matter

When it comes to what shoes to wear with white jeans, it's again about balance and proportion. My three tips for shoe color with white jeans:

• Go low contrast. A shoe that is low-contrast to your skintone (tan, brown, camel, a soft metallic, a leopard print, raffia or straw) will disappear and let the white jeans take the spotlight.
• “Bookend” your color. Wearing a black top? Black shoes will look right, not stark. Same with brown, navy, and other darker colors.
• Make it your pop of color. If you're wearing your white jeans with a neutral, nautical stripes, a soft color, or another wash of denim or chambray you can have fun with your shoes. Go bold with a fun color. If you're wearing all solids, incorporate a printed shoe. If your top has just a hint of a color, make it stand out by having your shoe in that shade.

Wash Them Right and They'll Stay White

White jeans yellow when they're washed in hot water, dried on high heat, and even bleach can tint your jeans. Washing white jeans with anything other than white clothing can cause dye to bleed and tint your denim.

Wash inside out in cold water with a detergent made for whites. Powder oxygen bleach (AKA OxiClean) added to the wash cycle can bring back brightness without damaging bleach. Skip fabric softener, which coats the fibers and makes whites look dingy over time. Hang to dry, and if the weather permits, put them out in the sunlight which will brighten whites naturally.

For spot treatment, act fast. Club soda on a fresh spill, a dab of dish soap for grease. Pre-treat spots with a bit of liquid detergent and an old toothbrush; even Dawn Powerwash can do wonders for white jeans. The stain-resistant picks in this guide (looking at you, Chico's No Stain Collection) give you a little more grace period, but even those benefit from quick action.

Stop Being Afraid of the Stain

You're going to get something on them at some point. A drop of salad dressing, a splash of coffee, someone else's toddler. Treat it, wash them, and wear them again. A stain is a sign that you're living life, and especially these days, living life IRL is the most stylish thing you can do.

The women I know who wear white jeans most confidently are not the ones who never spill anything. They're the ones who stopped treating their clothes like they were too good to actually live in. Wear the white jeans, eat the Spaghetti Bolognese, drink the coffee, enjoy the ice cream cone. You only live once, and luckily white jeans are pretty darn durable!

You May Also Like:

The Most Popular Jeans for Women Over 40 Based on the Wardrobe Oxygen Community

The Best Jeans for Apple Shapes

White Jeans Questions, Answered

Shop the Best White Jeans for Women in Midlife

Weekend Reads

Postal Service would restrict mail-in voting under Trump proposal, chief says. (Politico)

Where Billionaires Summer, a Gardener Died in the Snow. (New York Times – gift link)

Louisiana man becomes first in region functionally cured of sickle cell disease. (The Guardian)

Incoming female students at US Naval Academy must cut hair below chin. (Navy Times)

An Open Letter to the Dead Duck Seen Floating in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. (McSweeney's)

I wish I'd never seen these ads. (Fritinancy via Substack)

What 1980s novelty Garfield phones tell us about our rampant consumerism. (It's Nice That)

TikTok Shop Is The New TJ Maxx. (Camille Moore via Substack)

The Vegans Bought a Cattle Ranch. (Alta)

Balenciaga Just Announced a Partnership With Substack. (Hypebae)

Olivia Rodrigo’s Daisy Chain Fields Music Festival Sells Out in 30 Minutes. (Rolling Stone)

Do Not Give In To The Temptation of Respectability. (Ijeoma Oluo: Behind the Book via Substack)

My sister is considering making a stair runner from two of these. There are folks who have; this blog post and this TikTok are inspiring me too. I'm vibing on this one…

And for my local yokels, Hamilton is coming back to D.C. and will be at Broadway at the National (so no other theater drama). Get tickets soon, they will sell out!

Style Inspo & Sale Alert

After so many seasons of beige, I am thrilled to see so much color this summer. And it's not a specific color; you'll find pastels, neons, brights, primaries, muted tones, and more.

keychain | glasses holder | caviar mirror | bead necklace | fish earrings | flip flops | pouch bag | lipcolor | swimsuit | battery pack | wallet | scarf | tank | sunscreen | water bottle | tote | bracelet | canvas sneakers | sunglasses | dangle earrings | hair clip | phone case | blue bag | sweater | lip balm | linen pants

While black has been a favorite go-to neutral to pair with color, this year I encourage you to try chocolate brown. It's a big trend, and I find it really looks beautiful with all these brights!

wide leg pants | sleeveless polo | shorts | tank | sandals | sundress | sneakers | silk dress | bag | ankle pants

Sale Alert

The Athleta Semi-Annual Sale is on with up to 60% off. I know y'all love Athleta as much as I do; if you know the brand and the fit this is a good sale to stock up. Shop fast, items sell out quickly. I grabbed another pair of these shorts, this top (love how it doesn't ride up), and these pants (which are truly some of the best travel pants).

The SPANX End of Season sale has been extended to June 30th. This is the link to the items part of it, which are up to 50% off. AirEssentials, intimates, swim, jeans, work-appropriate pieces, and much more. It includes these pants which I own and are in my recent capsule wardrobe! If in doubt, size up (the L juuuust fits me).

If you read the updated Soludos espadrilles review and were on the fence regarding buying a pair of Dali espadrilles from Soludos, this weekend may push you over. Right now get 1 pair for $79, 2 pairs for $120, or 3 pairs for $150 (mix and match colors + styles). Also, code ALISON20 gets you 20% off at Soludos though I can't guarantee the code will work on this promotion.

The M.M.LaFleur 4th of July Sale launched early; at this link save up to 70% on select styles. It includes new styles, OrigamiTech, plenty of dresses, a lot of the cool new prints, denim, and more. I am obsessed with this shirt, which I had in my post on how to style Mary Jane flats. I can't decide which color to get!

L'Agence is having its Summer Sale with up to 50% off select styles at this link. L'Agence is a label I mainly shop during sales as it's not cheap, but it is beautiful and quality. I love this silk blouse and the matching pants!

Lele Sadoughi, a favorite jewelry brand of mine, is having a Sunglasses Sale. Buy One, Get One Free on all full-priced sunglasses. Use code BOGOSUNGLASSES. I need prescription sunglasses, but if I didn't I'd totally be getting these and these.

The M.Gemi Semi Annual Sale is on. Twice a year, the Semi-Annual Sale offers a chance to snap up retiring styles and limited-edition colors at up to 60% off. It includes a lot of beautiful flat sandals to enjoy now and next summer too. How awesome are these cow print clogs?

Banana Republic has 60% off sale styles through 7/8, plus an extra 20% off sale styles. No surprise, I dig this striped top. And how pretty is this dress, and this dress!

Tommy Bahama started its End of Season Sale yesterday and the sale goes through July 26th or when items sell out. Tommy Bahama really impresses me with quality; it is my favorite linen (I have these shorts and this shirt; the pants are at the tailor to make the right length for my 5'3″ self). I also consider these shorts to be some of the best shorts for grown women. From the sale, I really like this rashguard (here's the matching one-piece suit also on sale). I think this bag is adorable and this pleated skort is on trend and a great price.

Hear/See/Read

The early 2010s were a time of raw oversharing It Happened to Me essays about the things we weren't supposed to discuss. Abortions and one night stands and cysts in nether regions and addictions and hoarding and danger. It was liberating, empowering, kinda gross, and totally engrossing. It was the perfect period in time for Lena Dunham, who made an art of oversharing. Her show Girls was about that time, a time that so many felt was relatable.

It wasn't relatable to me. When Girls came out, I was a mother of a toddler, living in suburbia, working in Corporate America, wearing blazers and Nine West pumps. I felt I was supposed to relate to Girls and Dunham, likely because I worked with many women a few years my junior, and I was part of the blogosphere where most of my peers were a decade younger.

So I know a lot about Lena Dunham, though I never really cared too much. When she was in the news, I breezed over the articles and moved on just as I do with many other celebs that are hot in pop culture but not relevant to my life (hello, Gwyneth Paltrow). When her first book came out, I had no desire to read it, no desire to decide for myself if the negative press was right or wrong. But when Dunham's second memoir, Famesick came out this year, it was hard to escape the discussion.

Dunham was everywhere this year. Substack, late night television, fashion news, NPR, the New York Times, every talk show and every podcast. And people whose taste I trusted said this book was amazing. So I got on the Libby waiting list for the audiobook and after enough weeks that I forgot about it, I was notified it was available.

If you follow me on Instagram Stories, you know I didn't like Famesick, but I couldn't quit it. Like the 2010s, Famesick was an oversharing navel-gazing pretentious It Happened to Me, but with more wealth and famous names. Dunham read it with her signature monotone voice, as she dealt with chronic illness and pain, overworking, oversharing, falling apart, and trying to put herself back again.

I think, yet again, I am just too old for Lena Dunham. Because I read Famesick and I just kept thinking her parents did her a major disservice while also feeling for them. I felt for Jack Antonoff, and Dunham's brother, and Jenni Konner, and Bruce Springsteen. I sympathized with what Dunham has experienced with her health and the medical community; doctors did her dirty again and again. But Dunham sapped the people around her dry and was offended when they couldn't give her more.

It was hard when she'd mention her age, and I realized it was the age I was when I watched Girls. When I was forced into adulthood, adult decisions, really hard situations regarding health and relationships and finances. It fucking sucks when your body betrays you and no one understands how terrible it is, but it's an explanation, not an excuse for one's actions. I finished the book and still don't think Dunham realizes how much chaos and pain she has caused those closest in her life. Them, and Bruce Springsteen. Damn, that dude's a saint.

Let's head into positive waters now. Sugar is a show on Apple TV starring Colin Farrell that is two years old but I never heard of until now. It's being promoted because the second season came out. We are only a few episodes into this show, writing this recap I ended up reading some spoilers, but I am still excited to watch another episode.

Colin Farrell is lovely to look at, the show is filmed in a beautiful way, if I hadn't read up on this show I would have no idea how things would pan out. The other characters are also really intriguing. Karl loves it and so do I, and I think even our daughter would enjoy it. If you're feeling that most of your shows have wrapped up for summer, check out the two seasons of Sugar; you won't feel as though it is time wasted.

And finally, we watched Project Hail Mary. It's a movie I wish I saw in the theaters. I hadn't read the book, I know there are differences as I went down a bit of a rabbit hole after watching the film. I loved the film. The ending felt a bit Disney; I hear it doesn't feel that way in the book. It makes me want to read the book. My eyes still struggle to read small text, Audible has an exclusive for the audiobook and I no longer use Audible, my Kindle is on the fritz so not sure when it will happen. But I do recommend the film, it is interesting and beautiful and encouraged some really great discussions between family members.

For Your Entertainment

I'm Gen X, I will forever be a Madonna fan. I am not obsessed, I never was, but I respect the hell out of the woman for her artistic ability, her creativity, her drive, and her longevity. Madonna is back, and for her short film, “Confessions II” (it's not really 15 minutes long, a quarter of it is the ending credits) she brought all her friends and her daughter to join in. It's worth seeing, at least from 6:06 to around 7:15.

Whether you are going on travel or you're trying to maintain a smaller yet hardworking wardrobe, you may be looking for shoes that are comfortable, quality, and versatile. I was perusing the New Arrivals from FitFlop and saw these soft leather Mary Jane Flats. FitFlop, in my opinion, runs roomy, offers arch support and cushioning, and is good quality especially for the pricepoint.

Why Mary Jane Flats Work So Well for Women in Midlife

A Mary Jane flat is easy to wear, but can seem hard to style. Some find the Mary Jane strap too reminiscent of dance classes or grade school. I want to prove otherwise, and have styled three outfits that are stylish, modern, but very wearable for us grown women that look great with these shoes. These shoes can easily work with a dress, so I focused on pants.

Flats like these are very on trend, but not so trendy they will be passé in a year or two. They come in a blush pink, olive, and black. I think all three colors are stellar for style longevity and versatile but chose to work with the black option as it may be similar to a shoe you already own, or buy from another brand that is a better choice for your feet and lifestyle.

Casual look: jeans (I own; 0-18 w/ petite & long; use code ALISON15 for 15% off) | top (XXS-XL) | tote | hat | sunglasses | SPF lip gloss (I own)
Elevated look: cropped flares (I own in a different color; XS-3X w/ petite & tall) | top (XS-XXL; use code ALISON15 for 15% off) | bag | sunglasses (I own) | earrings | lip stain (I own)
Dressy look: pants (0-18) | blouse (XS-XL) | purse | necklace (I own) | earrings | lipcolor

Three Ways to Style Mary Jane Flats

For showing how to style Mary Jane flats this season, I specifically chose pieces that were both timeless and interesting. While they do incorporate current trends, they are surprisingly trend-resistant due to the interesting prints, silhouettes, and details. These are also pieces that can transition into fall and you will look forward to pulling them back out come spring.

Casual Look: Barrel Jeans & Mary Jane Flats

jeans (I own; 0-18 w/ petite & long; use code ALISON15 for 15% off) | top (XXS-XL) | tote | hat | sunglasses | SPF lip gloss (I own)

Barrel jeans are not going anywhere any time soon, and if you try them and find the right pair, you too may become a fan. I have this pair and have laundered them dozens of times and they still look and fit great. I appreciate the petite and long options, and like they are not overly barrel, and look expensive and “cool” without being overly trendy.

Pairing barrel jeans with a top that hits just below the waistband tempers the leg volume and looks modern. This top is full of interesting details while still being very wearable and versatile (pair with a navy poplin skirt, white linen pants, white jeans, faded jeans, khaki or tan trousers, denim shorts…). Raffia details are classic and scream summer and keep the shoes looking seasonally appropriate.

Other tops I considered: a breton stripe top that hits just below the waistband, this button-front shirt I own (full or half-tuck and cuff the sleeves), a floaty peasant top, a floral peplum top.

Come fall, switch out the summery top for a cotton/silk sweater (I own this one in the orange-red), the raffia bag for one in leather (I own and love this one).

Elevated Look: Cropped Flares + Mary Jane Flats

cropped flares (I own in a different color; XS-3X w/ petite & tall) | top (XS-XXL; use code ALISON15 for 15% off) | bag | sunglasses (I own) | earrings | lip stain (I own)

A cropped flare has become a classic, now being in style for well over a decade. In ivory, they work year-round. Come fall, pair with loafers and low-profile sneakers. In winter, style with higher-shaft ankle boots that slip under the hem. The higher hem showcases the strap of these flats, and creates a modern effect.

Eyelet, heavy crocheted lace, broderie and open-work embroidery are a very hot trend right now, but is always a beautiful look that feels timeless. This shirt can be a going-out top with a black t-shirt bra or camisole, be more conservative with a black tank (this is a good option), and come fall would look great under a blazer or styled over a fitted tissue-weight turtleneck (use code WARDROBEOXYGEN10 for 10% off).

While black, white, and red can feel too on the nose, this mix with ivory, non-matching red pieces, and plenty of texture and interest is modern and the pieces will work well with a range of other outfits and seasons.

Dressy Look: Statement Pants + Mary Jane Flats

pants (0-18) | blouse (XS-XL) | purse | necklace (I own) | earrings | lipcolor

The key to making a shoe like this work for a dressy occasion is pair with dressy fabrics, and match the shoe fabric and color to another part of the ensemble. Here, I took this adorable kisslock bag from Coach which makes the shoes look purposeful while fitting with the whimsical feminine vibe of the apparel.

This blouse would make a great shell under a suit, especially a cocktail pantsuit or Le Smoking. The pants are so cool; when the temps drop pair with a fitted turtleneck, an off-the-shoulder sweater (I own and love this one), or a longer-sleeve wrap top. These pants too would work come winter with higher-shaft ankle boots, as long as they are fitted, sleek, and have a feminine vibe.

These pants can also work with black, with the salmon pink, a dark green, and shades of banana, cream, and celadon. I'd also love to pattern mix these pants with a Breton stripe or even a leopard print!

How to Style Mary Jane Flats Year-Round

Mary Jane flats are not a one-season shoe. Here are some ideas on how to style them all year round:

• Spring: Mary Jane flats are at home in Spring, looking great with ankle and cropped pants in a range of styles, and full-length pants with some drape and flow. Shifts and babydoll dresses can read too twee when paired with this style of shoes but look chic with midi-length skirts and dresses.
• Fall: Sturdier fabrics like denim, tweed, chino, and corduroy will make the same silhouettes feel seasonally appropriate while still looking great with a Mary Jane flat. If you wish for some coverage, a trouser sock that is fitted and slips under the hem will work with these shoes. If wearing with skirts or dresses, a lightweight ribbed sock, short or cuffed, is a trendy look that we grown women can also rock.
• Winter: Mary Jane flats are hardest to wear in winter as it exposes a lot of the foot and ankle and can be swallowed by full-length trousers of cold-weather fabrics. Play with tights and hosiery and follow the coming trends as I wouldn't be surprised if street style mavens find a way to make Mary Jane flats look great in winter.

Tips for Styling Any Mary Jane Flat

Mary Jane flats are a shoe trend that has been fashionable for a couple of years and will continue to be sold and stylish through 2026 and into 2027. Some tips for styling any style of Mary Jane flat:

• Match or echo the shoe material elsewhere in the outfit. If your flat is black leather, bring in a leather bag. If it's patent, add another shiny or polished element. This makes the shoe look purposeful instead of an afterthought.
• Pay attention to hem length. A cropped hem shows the strap, which is the whole point of a Mary Jane. Let it be seen. Midi lengths work beautifully too; the shoe peeks out from the hem and adds a feminine detail.
• Keep leg volume in mind. The longer and fuller the pant, the lighter the fabric. You don't want your pant to swallow up your feet. Shorter pants can be heavier fabric, but too wide and too stiff can appear top heavy with such a delicate shoe.
• Socks are chic again. A thin cotton ankle sock or a dressier crew sock in a contrasting color is a current and deliberate styling choice. In 2026, the chicest thing you can do is add something “wrong” to your outfit. A sock is an easy way to do this.
• You do not need a trendy shoe to be stylish. A Mary Jane flat in black, red, or a neutral leather will work with nearly everything in your closet and will look just as good in two years as it does today.

You May Also Like:

Stylish Black Flats for Grown Women

Poppy Barley Mary Jane Review

Frequently Asked Questions About Styling Mary Jane Flats

Folks have been using a variation of boob tape for years. When I was planning my 2004 wedding, I remember reading of folks placing duct tape on a towel to reduce the stickiness before using it to lift and shape their breasts. KT tape has been a popular option, too, but in recent years many brands have come on the scene creating specifically designed boob tape to lift, shape, and work with modern fashions.

I have received boob tape products as gifts over the years and decided this was a good time to try them out and share an honest review of how they worked on my F-cup 50+ chest. On one side I used NOOD, on the other Brassybra. This is my honest review of trying these two brands of boob tape on my midlife gravity-blessed breasts.

Boob Tape Review in Midlife: NOOD vs. Brassybra

For reference, I am 5'3″ tall, a size 14, and have a 36 F/G bust. I nursed for almost three years, my weight has fluctuated over the decades, and I am 51 years old. While I still have large breasts, they have dropped every year since I turned 30, and have lost a lot of the volume in the top. This is common for us women over 40, regardless of our bust size. Also with age, our skin becomes more delicate, has less elasticity, making it more likely to be damaged, irritated, and also creased if lifted and scooped into place.

Every boob tape review I've found was tested by someone in their 20s or 30s, with breasts that still have volume across the top and more… shall we say durable of skin. Boob tape works by lifting and anchoring skin and tissue upward. When decades of gravity, nursing, weight and life changes have shifted volume downward and thinned the skin, the tape can't necessarily be applied just like the viral videos and achieve the same effect. It doesn't mean boob tape doesn't work for our 40+ breasts, it just means we need a different plan than our 20-something friends when using them.

I no longer wish to show myself in bras on the internet, so I am surely not going to show you my body just in boob tape. But I wanted to share my experience in case you have been considering boob tape and are large of bust and grown of self.

NOOD Game Changer Lift & Shape Bra Review

The NOOD Game Changer Lift & Shape Bra is designed for breasts up to G+ with a shape so a longer edge scoops up side boob. Four non-reusable sets come in a pack for $49.50. It is recommended to use nipple covers, but they are not included. I didn't own any, so I got creative and just used a folded up piece of toilet paper. I read the included instructions, watched a few of the videos on the NOOD website, and attempted to recreate in my bedroom in front of a mirror.

The adhesive backing paper is stiff, and I had a hard time peeling off just one edge of the bottom half, fold it out of the way, not peel the whole thing off, and get it to lie in the right place. I also found to have it lift like the videos, it needed to be closer towards the center of my body which meant it would show in the dress neckline. I tried the other side, changing the placement to have it not so in the center and was able to get good lift, but it creased the top of my breast due to the lack of volume. Not a cute look at all.

Luckily the NOOD is relatively easy to remove once applied, though do not expect it to restick with as much strength. These are nearly impossible to rearrange, expect to waste one set just getting the hang of it. My second try, I was able to get it to achieve some lift without having my breast look like a half-filled water balloon.

The NOOD Game Changer did lift, but I couldn't get the advertised lift without having my upper breast visibly creased. However, thanks to the NOOD design with the side boob action, it helped scoop the breast so it stayed in place and didn't migrate into my underarm.

To be honest, I planned on doing NOOD on both sides, but I again struggled to get it properly in place. You too may find it's easier to see and manipulate and apply on one side than the other. I ended up having to trash my third NOOD, and this inspired me to do this review by trying Brassybra boob tape on the other side.

Brassybra Boob Tape Review

The Brassybra comes with flower shaped nipple covers that are lightly adhesive on the sides and soft in the center to protect but also stay in place while maneuvering the boob tape. There are three non-reusable sets plus a test strip in a pack for $38.

Brassybra also carries and sent me That Little Extra, which are additional strips of boob tape in case you need more support or coverage. I thought I'd need it because the Brassybra is so much smaller than NOOD, but I surprisingly didn't.

I am not sure what NOOD is made from, on the website I could only find what it did not have and that the adhesive is acrylic-based. Brassybra's adhesive is also acrylic-based and they both stuck with the same level of intensity on my skin, but Brassybra's boob tape is 97% cotton/3% spandex and I could tell by it being more textured, heavier yet softer, and stretching but not as much. NOOD Game Changer feels more like kinesiology/KT tape in regards to texture and how it stretches.

I was able to maneuver the NOOD a bit once on the skin, Brassybra it was near impossible. If I removed it, the adhesive lost all its strength and it peeled. I again used a second one to get the placing just right and was able to get a bit more lift since it wasn't so big that it went into the neckline area.

That being said, I was shocked that something so much smaller ended up achieving just as good of results while also being easier to get on. The paper backing wasn't as stiff, and that in combination with the size, I found it easier to get on without creasing.

I can see that if I really cared about preventing side boob or having more forward a bustline, using That Little Extra strips on the side would be a benefit when using Brassybra Boob Tape. That isn't necessary with NOOD.

NOOD vs. Brassybra: Side-by-Side for a Large Bust Over 40

Removing Boob Tape Safely and Comfortably

Both held up exactly the same through movement, sweat, and time. The Brassybra came off more easily because of the thicker textile, but both benefit from using a bit of oil to loosen the adhesive and not irritate the skin. The longer you wear these, the more you need oil to get it off.

Both brands carry an oil-based adhesive remover, but really any oil will work. Sweet almond, sunflower, canola, olive, baby… no need to get fancy, use what you have. If you soak the tape, let it sit, and then hop in the shower, peeling from bottom up, the heat, water, and oil will make it an easy process and then you can shower off any oil residue.

My Honest Take After a Full Day in Boob Tape

I did not enjoy wearing these boob tape products. In midlife, my skin is thinner and my breasts have less volume on top, and they manipulated my skin in a way that was not comfortable. As I sweat, I found the experience itchy and more uncomfortable in a sensory manner. This experience makes me not wish to buy anymore clothing that requires boob tape.

I think if I practiced more often, I could improve the process and find both NOOD Game Changer and Brassybra more comfortable and effective. I also think if I was blessed by gravity but a smaller cup size, or if I had more volume in my breasts like I did when I was younger, I would find application easier and the experience more comfortable.

That being said, I love my dress, and the next time I wear it, I will use another pair of Brassybra. I will keep the NOOD Game Changer if I ever have a situation that requires more precise lift and shape. But honestly, I hope that situation never arises.

Outfit Details

As for the dress, since I got it at a Rent the Runway sample sale this past winter, it is not a dress that is still for sale. However, the style name is the Tana dress from Hemant & Nandita, I am wearing a XL which is equivalent to 10/12 but it fits my figure due to the looser fit, open back, and elasticized waist.

The earrings are Lele Sadoughi, but no longer available. It's worth checking sites like The RealReal and Poshmark; the style is called the “Wilma” and they came in a range of colors. The Sandals are from Bella Vita but almost a decade old. The bag is from COS (on sale), and the sunglasses are Ray-Ban. My lipstick is Merit lip blush in Framboise.

Your Questions About Boob Tape in Midlife, Answered