7 Spring Fashion Trends — Thoughts?
“I’m ready to shed my winter clothes,” wrote a CoJ reader named Hilleary. “What are the spring trends?” I know some people don’t care about trends — life is short, wear whatever you’d like! — but I actually love the visual conversation of seeing people re-wearing their old bandanas, say, or breathing life into baggy jeans from the back of their closet. If you, too, are curious, here are seven spring trends to look out for…
1. Bandanas. I invited people over last week, and no fewer than FIVE lovely women showed up with bandanas around their necks. How easy is that? (Side note: Would you like a bandana-tying tutorial, just for fun?)
2. Funnel necks. How chic are the high collars on this cream jacket and denim coat? If money were no object, this Barbour number is also beautiful — and here’s a baby blue one.
3. Baby blue. I wear this blue 100% cotton shirt allllll the time with jeans or shorts. It drapes really well, looks great with the sleeves rolled, and makes an easy travel uniform. I’m also into these baby blue and woven flats.
4. Polka dots. Do you wear polka dots? My friends’ answers are mixed, but I think they can look really elegant, especially when the dress itself feels more adult (e.g., long, silky, belted). Remember this scene in Pretty Woman?
5. Dark denim. Think: so dark they’re almost navy. This trouser silhouette is great, and these cuties are currently 30% off.
6. Track pants. When Alison wore track pants in her house tour photos, we got a gazillion comments asking about them. Hers were from Adidas, but there are other fun versions, like linen and polka dots.
7. Boat shoes. Last summer, my dad wore classic boat shoes while on a boat in Cornwall, England, and when I told him that he was on trend, he….didn’t care. But! They’re timeless, easy, and perfect for summer, so I was excited for both of us.
Thoughts? What are you wearing these days? And if you want to stick to basics, there’s always the forever-cool stick-of-butter look. xoxo
P.S. Women share their weeks of outfits, and my five holy-grail beauty products.
(Top photo of the Brooklyn Promenade.)
Comments
187 commentsHonestly, I just really like how colorful everything is. I feel like we as a society have kinda lost the art of color, so seeing how everything just pops and kinda makes a statement is nice to see
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DV9-ZOBkgHz/?igsh=dGg1MG1kMGFjODJs Some truly creative bandana moves out there.
I am in a bandana era! I have a few little Madewell cotton or silk ones I like to twist up and tie around my neck, kind of like a chunky necklace. I’ve thrifted some large square ones that I wrap around my neck twice for warmth (or to disguise my pajamas while on Zoom!). Feeling the silk near my face feels so luxurious and makes me happy.
I have a really hard time figuring out what clothes/colors compliment me. I can put together outfits for others, but for me… it’s staring into an abyss. BUT THE ONE THING I KNOW that has stuck with me for years is that I look good in mustard yellow. How I know? My mom told me.
You could try color analysis. I did it 10 years ago and it has been eye-opening and made clothes shopping so much easier.
Pick up free color chips from the hardware store and in daylight play around with color themes against your wrist and neck. Lowe’s has large samples in the paint dept. Also some retail shops like Ulta have color samples.
I am SO into the bandana/scarf trend, and got to experiment with it last month when visiting a friend across the country who has an amazing collection. I immediately poshmarked one when I got home, and when I styled it 100% looked like a stewardess from the 80s. So I googled “scarf how not to look like a stewardess” and came across this great tutorial! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x93XE6RaSOY
That video is worth watching just for the cats being insane in the background.
Very fun scarf tutorial choice! She makes a great point!
I needed this! I have a beautiful pleated bandana that I wore with a solid blue dress at work and 100% looked like a stewardess
I just was at the UPS store and this lovely woman helping me was wearing a bandana, like I do, over her hair. I said “hey! Did you know you’re a trend setter? I just read bandanas are the thing in fashion right now!” She laughed hard and said, “well, I had cancer, and I lost my hair and I hate wigs, so bandana it is” and she’s OK, cancer is beas!! And we hugged.
Bandanas are the duct tape of fashion! On a hot day or in perimenopause – soak it in cold water and wrap it around your neck. Need a little kick to your outfit, add a bandana. Forget a mask? Use your bandana. Need your hair out of your face – the bandana converts to a headband or a head scarf. Not liking the crepey neck – a bandana covers it. Forget a tissue – a bandana works in a pinch!
Love this!
Like your Dad, I never outgrew my boat shoes. I love love love them, but my boys and husband have very strong opinions against them, specifically their wrong-rightwing-conservative-type-vibes, so I only wear mine when I’m (alone) hanging somewhere near a dock that might justify their use. Left to my own devices, I would wear nothing else. Actually, maybe Chelsea boots in the winter, which does not help at all. (I may also love them because they make me feel closer to my Dad who is no longer around but wore nothing else except dress shoes for work and I kept all his gilets and Oxford shirts and miss him so much at random times and just wish we could sail or tend to horses and talk just once more)
I have my dad’s cowboy boots, his western shirts, and a few pairs of wranglers and custom tooled belts. I share your sentiment so much Ana. Wish we were bushing down the horses after a long ride right now. The smell of sweaty horses is the best.
Solidarity Ana! I also love boat shoes and hate that they have become right-wing coded. Reading your comment I also realized that I’m probably so fond of them because my (not at all right-wing) grandfather wore them all the time when I was growing up!
I do not mean to make light of this memory of your dad, but the phrase “wore nothing else except dress shoes for work” made me really cackle (thank you)
Yes! I too love boat shoes because my dad wore them! And Oxford shirts. And a grey Russell sweatshirt from the 80s…I took it from him, and now my teen daughter has taken it from me. :) Timeless. Hooray for great dads with great style!
I love the idea of bandana, especially since a lovely friend once gave me a silk scarf that I never wear, but in practice I either feel like a Boy Scout or like I’m cosplaying a senior member of the British royal family. I work from home, so my style veers pretty casual. I would also love to see the bandana tutorial, especially for less dressy outfits!
Same, when I try to wear a bandana I’m the epitome of the meme I see about wearing a hat as a non hat wearer, ie “everyone is looking, they can tell this is the first time i’ve ever worn a hat, they can tell I don’t know how to wear this, I stick out like a sore thumb
Yes please on a tutorial to wear bandanas different ways!
I def embrace the stick of butter head to toe style. So easy to tuck in color, even a short bandana tie! Headingprints.com out of Portland, Maine is my current fav. for scarves, bandanas, and silks. YT has a ton of tutorials.
Those are gorgeous, Hillary! Thanks for link! and yes to YouTube, if you can’t wait for CoJ to do a tutorial!
Current uniform for Hot Peri Menopause Spring: track pants, oversized sheer button down, sports bra, wavy pixie, barrette stack, prescription sunnies, lets goooooo!
Dope. Copying. Thank you!
I LOVE bandanas and have them stashed everywhere–my purse, my car, my backpack–because I use them for all kinds of things! Even tho wearing one to be cute makes me feel like a Cub Scout if anyone around me needs a napkin, a small rope, or a tourniquet I’ve got you covered.
The panuelo verde (green bandana) is also a symbol for abortion rights, so always nice to be fashionable and political! I’ve been loving gifting the gorgeous bandanas, each by a different artist, from the National Day Laborer Organizing Network too! swoon. https://store.ndlon.org/category/bandanas
These are so cool! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you! These are gorgeous!
Love the green bandana, I didn’t know the symbolism, thank you for sharing that!
Woah these are cool!
omg these are gorgeous!
Any readers remember when Rockabilly was in style and wearing a button up oxford with a matching bandana around the neck. Every time I see a picture, I hear Stray Cat Strut in my head.
Yup, 1984 HS graduate here.
Absolutely, I’m rocking that look in most of my HS photos :)
That was my getting dressed on a Saturday night song!
I’m really loving most of the spring trends this year. I think the only thing getting me through “the horrors” right now is watching women put together outfits on the internet. I live in a very outdoorsy athleisure focused place and I work from home. I could easily never give a second thought to spring trends but they are life-giving even if my dog and husband are the only ones who see my outfits. I’ve been really loving Lauren Owens ( @mamindenim on tt and IG) for inspiration. She gives a little wardrobe formula every day and it’s a great way to have a little fun with things you already own. It’s fun to see the reposts of everyone’s take on the “assignment”. The components are technically similar but everyone has different vibes and styles. There’s nothing wrong with not being into clothes or trends but you have to get dressed one way or another and it can bring a lot of joy in world that’s super heavy.
oops! * @mamaindenim: https://www.instagram.com/mamaindenim/
I am also loving her!!!!! She should be on Cup Of Jo week of outfits!!!
Right?!? Perfect candidate for a week of outfits. https://www.tiktok.com/@mamaindenim/video/7586012584676052254
Oh thanks for sharing this account. I also live in an outdoorsy athleisure place and (mostly) work from home, and am also living for women putting together outfits on the internet. My office has recently gone hybrid (I’m 1-2 days a week in office now) and while it’s a bane on my life in many ways, I’m making the best of it by DOPAMINE DRESSING (see also, has ADHD) . I think about and plan my office outfit all week, and while I don’t want to be an over-consumer, I am enjoying adding a few fun things to my wardrobe after years of nothing-but-joggers. My current favorite IG inspo is @mmotherem, who has helped me lean into a looser, fuller silhouette.
yessss even Instagram is a neverending stream of “the horrors” for me but I’m enjoying finding tiktoks on Pinterest (just watch out for all the AI) of people recreating outfits with what they have in their closets.
@Anne Yes! I love @mmotherem! Are you also in CO? I was so excited to see that she was based on the front range.
Danielle, no I’m in the PNW, and we have a pretty similar laid back outdoorsy style here, so mmotherem’s casual daily looks are fully appropriate office wear here. And thanks for the mamaindenim rec, now following!
I love the Pretty Woman polka dot dress! Aritzia has a beautiful homage to that dress this season, it is super gorgeous on (and fits true to size, if you decide to order) https://go.shopmy.us/p-47298071 https://go.shopmy.us/p-47298217
Okay, style (or I guess, function?) tip needed- I have short curly hair and it often falls in my face when I am at the ceramics studio, I’ve tried headbands but they look funny and scarves/bandanas just make me look like an old babushka… Any ideas? I can’t be constantly pushing my hair back when my hands/arms are covered in clay.
I too have shortish curly hair (below the chin, but not long enough to stay in a ponytail). I also have a LOT of hair, so dinky clips don’t cut it. May I suggest claw clips from Chunks? Minority woman owned/founded small business based in Seattle; their clips are made from acetate rather than plastic so they are seemingly indestructible (I’ve had some of mine for years) and they come in super cool colors and patterns. I’m partial to the Ursa claw, which is shorter than a standard claw clip but still holds a bunch of hair; I pull the top half of my hair into a little French twist and clip it. My similarly haired sister, a doctor who needs to keep her hair back, kept stealing my clips until I gifted some to her, and she loves them too. The Jojo claw is also great for curly hair; the staggered teeth hold super well.
Little twists (the shorter the hair is, the more twists) of hair held back from the face with hair pins or little, tiny claw clips worked well for me when my hair was short. Something like this:
Team Short Curly Hair here! I love these from Etsy. Fun patterns, good fit, washable, well made in Minneapolis by woman-owned small business: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1391683869/soft-comfortable-coral-pink-wide?ref=shop_home_active_15&logging_key=4d660272252a07db556efaee812e542ea4e07860%3A1391683869
Lil messy top knot with a small claw clip? My trick is to not make it too tight / perfect looking. It’s how I wore my hair as a toddler but it works now….
I wonder if something like this would work?! https://www.etsy.com/listing/1692057189/plain-everyday-goddess-crown-undercover
My husband has loved and worn boat shoes for years without any regard for trends or fashion. Here is my favorite boat shoes story from when he was teaching middle school: Student: “What are those weird shoes?” Husband: “They’re called boat shoes.” Other Student: “Yo mister…your shoes sunk.” Hahahahahaha! I still laugh about this 20 years later. (Side note, it takes a special grace to be a middle school teacher ;) Anyways, fast forward to yesterday, I texted my husband your post and said “Look at number 7–your moment has arrived!” Now if someone could go tell that student…
Question for the Collection: how often does everyone weed out their closet? Not necessarily to replace, but if you aren’t wearing something do you put it away for later or donate/ sell/ get rid of it right away? I love the idea of re-wearing the cyclical items of my college years but most of those clothes are long gone :(
I weed through my clothes regularly and put them in tubs in the basement where we have tons of storage. My 9 year old has already dug out plenty of t’s and wears them to bed, tucked in jeans with cardigans etc. I’ll go ‘shopping’ in them and suddenly that dumb ringer T from Gap circa 2016 is looking super cute again to me. I feel like it’s better to store then to donate where it goes to waste any way?
I’ve been struggling with some chronic illness issues for quite a while now. Because of that I can suddenly drop a lot of weight, and I need clothes that for until I’m doing better. So I stopped weeding out my closet mainly for this reason. I have under house storage, so I just keep whatever sizes don’t fit in bins and keep those that do in my closet. I don’t really have clothes that will go in or out of style, or maybe it’s nether to say i don’t care, so I don’t weed for that reason either. I only get rid of clothes when they’ve worn out. I really hate the idea of getting rid of things only to buy them again in 5 or 10 or whatever years.
I follow the one year rule. If I haven’t worn it in a year, it goes. I’ve only regretted it a couple times. There is a local, volunteer-run thrift shop that prices items so lower income people can actually afford it (which seems to be disappearing), and all proceeds go to a non-profit. I had to live thrifty in my late teens and 20s, so I can’t imagine my Forever 21 and H&M wardrobe from 20 years ago would be in very good shape.
Does anyone remember the Sex and the City episode where Carrie says she would never date a guy who wore Docksiders (boat shoes)?? And Charlotte said she would dump a guy for giving her carnations? I cannot look at boat shoes without that flashback!
Yup! And remember the scrunchie episode with Berger (UGH)? That one cracks me up everytime I see someone wearing one.
Berger’s attitude at that dinner still pisses me off!
Yes to a bandana tutorial. Please provide dimensions that work best for whatever style is shown. Also cover how to deal with the lumpy knot at the back.
I am so glad that I am not the only one who thinks of Julia Roberts at a polo match when I see a brown dress with white polka dots. This makes my day!
Sorry, I only like the oversize shirt, def not into the others – just isn’t my taste
Help! Packing for my first trip to London (in my 40s!!) and not sure what to wear that will be comfortable running around with kids but also looking put together!?
not London specific but from painful experience I only ever wear running or trekking shoes on vacations where I am going to walk a lot. the thing I remember most vividly from my honeymoon in New York is how much my feet and legs hurt all the time.
I am assuming a spring trip? Then you will probably need something to keep off rain – it can be bright and breezy but also a bit wet in spring here in London. We are not a snooty city, fashion-wise, and the city is best observed on foot or on the top of a bus. You need comfortable footwear, a waterproof and probably a light scarf or two. And unless you are planning on a smart meal out, we are extremely relaxed about how we dress to eat in pubs and cafes. If you get stuck there is always M&S, H&M and Uniqlo…I hope you have a very happy time and take a trip on a river boat in the sunshine.
ohhh, and for anyone looking for an oversize shirt – check out the men’s dept at your local thrift shop! Mine perpetually has jaw-droppingly beautiful men’s dress shirts. I’ve bought a few for the fabric alone, imagining that I might make a quilt some day (and forgetting that every time I pull out my sewing machine, I end up yelling profanities at it!)
I LOVE upcycling men’s shirts. Just turned one into an Easter dress for my daughter.
So cool! How did you do that Tracie?
Suz: Yes! Everytime I think about rethreading or tension issues, my sewing ideas die before they begin. I’m considering buying another one with front loading, drop in bobbin or automatic threader.
Also men’s sweaters! I’ve bought the best 100% cotton, cotton/silk blend and cashmere beautiful crewneck sweaters that are blessedly long enough on my tall frame.
Mel – yes to the sweaters! I’ve posted here before that I spend all winter in thrifted men’s cashmere sweaters.
The other day I was enjoying my Quince silk skirt immensely, and I went to see what other colors I could get… and I was delighted to see that it comes in polka dots now! https://www.quince.com/search?q=tiny%20dot
I cannot get enough of maxi dresses! Very excited that it’s getting close to dress weather again (well, close-ish up here in Northern New England).
Would absolutely kill for a bandana tutorial, especially if it focuses on cheap cotton or rayon (?) ones–I have a ton and love the look in theory but can’t seem to ever manage it in practice.
I recently ordered the Boden Arabella polka dot dress that you have listed above, it is the cutest and best fitting dress!!! I ordered the navy linen dress yesterday, Boden Arabella as well! I love everything about it! Also, there is a really cute and affordable brown polka dot midi dress on H&M that I purchased as well! I am in love with the brown and white/ivory dots for spring!!!
What is the sizing like? In the few Boden things I’ve had over the years I’ve found they seem to run slightly small.
I find that Boden sizing is pretty true to my regular sizing. But I am very petite. I am a 2P and the equivalent on the size chart fits perfect.
Emily, I size up at Boden! (I’m 5’8, athletic build)
Emily, I have purchased from Boden for years! I am a size 14, sometimes 16, on my way to being a 12!!! lol. I read the reviews if any before purchasing and am used to their different fabrics. I can wear a size 12 in their dresses if not too slim in the bust and waist and sometimes the arms can be a bit tight in there is not elastic. I ordered a 14 in this dress and it fits perfect… I mean perfect!!! So flattering as well! (This past season I ordered a wool coat in a 12, jeans in a 16, a few dresses in a 12, and shirts in xl, Boden is great with returns and there are not extra fees. Sales and clearance a lot!) Hope some of this helps! Also remember that the tag is UK size first and US after, UK is 2 steps down from us so if you wear a US 10, you need a UK 14, just incase you find Boden on Ebay, poshmark, thrifitng etc.! Oh, and if you have children, Mini Boden is absolutely incredible!!!! I literally cried when mine were too old to purchase for. The best styles, sweet dresses, and incredible fabric!!!! Great customer service too!!!
oops, 2 steps up! so a UK 14 is a US 10
The Boden website includes garment measurements for everything they sell. You can measure something you already own that fits well and compare it to the choices online.
Have been doing dark denim and oversized everything for decades, loving funnel necks the past few years because I cannot wear turtlenecks anymore. Menopause makes turtlenecks feel like a burning ring of fire around your throat…… Hard no on everything else. I’m old. ;)
I have the burning fire on my back and back of arms, please, please not on my neck… turtlenecks are my fav!!! Here’s to getting old!!!
I cannot with the neck scarves. They are just way too matronly for me. I am nearing 50 and I am not ready to concede to coming closer to my senior age.
I adore neck scarves- I kept a few of my grandmas. But somehow they don’t make me feel old
I’m also in the vicinity of 50 and have a similar immediate response, but my partner is two decades younger than I am and he thinks neck scarves are exceedingly cool. So I’ve been experimenting with them, and the idea that they’re actually cool :)
This post has got me excited to shop my own closet! I own that blue button down and it is fabulous BUT it runs very big, fyi.
I love the linen track pants, but the link goes to plain linen pants without a stripe.
Looks like they might be sold out of the green! (I’m bummed because I was hoping to snag some for myself, ugh.) They still seem to have some in the navy stripe, if you’re open to that combo! xx
Boat shoes is a big NO ! In France, if you wear that you are definitely part of a community of right wing people and/or royalty ones… Super old fashioned and not very fancy… BUT I totally agree on the oversized shirt ! What a gem in any cupboard
same in Austria. Young heir-types with gelled back hair and pastel sweaters tied round their shoulders studying law or business and driving cabrios is my association.
yesss that’s the association I have too! :(
Yes… our family shorthand for that is that it’s a little “fashy” (fascist).
fashy fashion! love it, Helen
I came to this after reading Vogue online. Apparently posh grandad is the look for spring and summer which puts your dad right up there. Which he will dismiss with British phlegm and disinterest, naturally. Re bandanas. There will be umpteen youtube tutorials out there. During the pandemic, unable to get my hair cut, I slavishly watched young women tie head scarves until I could do it with my eyes closed, literally. I might wear them again because they looked great and I was complimented on my look as I waited patiently in line outside the shops. Bandanas round my neck make me look distressingly like our late queen.
lol this was excellent to read
I have short hair and a perpetually cold neck so a bandana would make a nice change from high neck jumpers, especially as we *fingers crossed* get some warmer weather here in England. My spring jacket that I’ve had for a couple of years happens have a funnel neck so it will be nice to be on trend for once!
Can I add “8. Silver shoes”? I saw a Very Cool Lady pairing silver sneakers with a sort of tweed suit and I immediately went to get my own pair (Cody sneakers by Vagabond). Now I keep seeing all kinds of silver shoes everywhere (boots, ballerinas…) I am still in the thawing, blinking into the light phase of spring trying to remember how to dress after the winter and those sneakers have been a breath of fresh air, That bike picture is rage bait to me because I have been trying to by a new bike for ages now but multiple shops have now showed me bikes that are twice my budget but have none of the things I want/need. Like, you know, a light or a rack or a mudguard or a side stand…guess I am not cool enough for not aspiring the tour de France and only wanting to commute and ferry home groceries. Sorry, rant over.
There might be other comments already saying this waiting in the queue, but try looking for a bike secondhand! Kijiji, Marketplace, whatever is used in your area. If you know what size bike frame you need (you can ask at the fancy bike store, if you need to confirm!) you can easily narrow it down to a few that might work and then go see them in person. Some of them might even come with the things you’re looking for! But just in case, budget for the light, bell, fenders, basket, kickstand, and a tune up at your local bike shop. Spring is such a good time to be looking secondhand! My husband builds bikes as a hobby and he always lists a bunch of bikes and parts in spring, and picks up great secondhand parts, because demand is so high. Hopefully you will be picking up groceries in no time!
thanks S.! That’s so cool your husband builds bikes! I wish I knew how (or had a partner who did). In fact I have looked at a few second hand bikes but no luck so far. this week I got a small unexpected windfall (from my tax return) and decided to go for it.
Re: fashion in general I guess? I’m 21 weeks pregnant with my first child. I have an apple shape with a bit of a belly in non-pregnant times and I’m generally cool and comfortable with this. I was floating along feeling pretty neutral about pregnancy body changes until about 2.5 weeks ago when all of the sudden I started feeling/looking pretty pregnant (to me). For my body type this has resulted in it looking like I have put on a decent amount of belly fat with no discernible “bump.” My question is twofold, I suppose. 1. How are we coping with these massive body changes in pregnancy while holding onto our body neutrality? And 2. What are we doing about maternity clothes?! It feels impossible to predict what my body will fit into even a few weeks from now, so how do I make sure I have some clothes to wear are comfortable, presentable and somewhat economical?
Mom of five here! The best advice I got was to buy some fresh clothes that fit you when you are about six months pregnant. That is what you will be most comfortable in after giving birth. Personally, I always bought a fresh set of high-waisted underwear from kindred bravely and also their bamboo joggers. Also some old navy layering tanks. Then you can wear the oversized shirts over it(I always wore a men’s size chambray button down but open). I liked to focus on accessories like earrings or necklaces to make me feel pretty. Changing bodies can be both beautiful but also freak you out. Hang in there! Focus on feeling good (like a nice perfume or body oil or face cream)and getting rest. Good luck with the birth!
Liz, I am riiiiight there with you! I am pregnant with my second and alarmed with my growing size. I, too, have been generally neutral about my apple-shaped body up until this point, but at 18 weeks pregnant I’m feeling uncomfortable in my own skin. Here are some things (you easy purchases and somewhat harder habit/routine/mindset stuff) that have helped: 1. Upping my skincare game. I decided to really cleanse and moisturize my skin much more diligently. I got a good vitamin c cream from Marie Veronique. While I know this is a shallower form of self care, it’s really helped to have nice, glowy skin at a time when I’m not so sure about other parts of my body! 2. Big linen tent dresses. It’s already HOT where I live, and I hit up Etsy for 3 big linen tent dresses, a pair of elastic waist linen culottes, and 2 maternity t shirts to live in. For work, I put a blazer over the dresses and/or with the pants. I will be able to wear all of these throughout the rest of my pregnancy and into postpartum. They’re cool and comfy and, combined with Thigh Society cooling shorts under the dresses, make a great maternity uniform to last me the next few months. I SOLIDLY REFUSE to wear ANYTHING that cuts, digs, or chafes. Feeling physically comfortable has vastly contributed to me own feeling of body neutrality during this pregnancy. 3. Eating really well. This is hard to do in pregnancy! I don’t have gestational diabetes but my blood sugar is VERY wild and affects my mood and how I physically feel. I found that getting enough protein and tracking macros really did help me feel better through the day. I know we are all tired of hearing about protein at this stage, but this step really made a difference for me! This has nothing to do with weight and everything to do with how I actually FEEL throughout the day. 4. Getting some exercise: I really did NOT exercise in my first pregnancy, and lost a lot of strength and confidence in my own body’s abilities as a result. I’ve vowed to keep up exercise and/or movement in this pregnancy and, although I NEVER want to go in the moment, it has REALLY helped. This is not at all about size; it’s about feeling like I’m building/maintaining my body’s strength, and that it will still be there once my pregnancy is over. 5. Embrace taking up space. Instead of aiming for body neutrality in this season, I’ve actually tried to enjoy and embrace taking up space. This has been a mental shift for me, and I kind of love it! I think about the fact that I am taking up more space in a world that needs more of people like me! This may not work for everyone, but it has really helped me feel more joyful in my body at a tough time.
1.) Congratulations!!! 2.) I’m 33 weeks pregnant here and it is a mental game all the way to the end! I am grateful to a great perinatal therapist who has pointed me towards several DBT strategies like “checking the facts” and noticing and accepting my feelings without judgement. I have a joint condition that’s made worse with pregnancy, and it’s very challenging for me to still love my body while it’s causing me so much pain—physically and emotionally. I will say, I’m guessing based on where you’re at that the baby kicks haven’t started quite yet. They help a lot. There’s a tiny human in there! Practically: maternity pants that have a little drawstring at the top part of the panel are very helpful. I have been wearing a basic black tank dress with built in bra to basically everything, just different sweaters/jackets on top. Embrace leggings season! And I have found gap maternity jeans in the girlfriend style to be the only ones I want to wear. Love an oversized button down for this season—they’re great for nursing if you choose to feed that way, and they can feel effortless and cool. COMFY CUTE SHOES help a lot. You got this! Xo
Yes to this!! 13 weeks pregnant today and already feeling bigger and unable to wear jeans. Let’s just say that instead of morning sickness, I had a raging appetite during the first trimester. I would looovveee a post on affordable pregnancy style! Lucky enough to have friends who have passed down some maternity wear to me, but I’m still struggling with finding outfits that feel like “me.”
Hi! I may be in the minority but I spent money around 5 months/6 months on well made, natural materials that were flowy. I bought a few things from Elizabeth Suzann – linen and cotton. I was able to wear them throughout my pregnancy, postpartum and still wear each piece weekly. My daughter will be six in a month.
I’m a big fan of renting clothes, and my sister had success renting maternity clothes from Nuuly during her pregnancy. My niece was born an hour ago! On cloud 9, getting ready to visit at the hospital. xoxo
Check out fromsarahsleeve on instagram. She does clothes and is pregnant right now.
1. Find a mantra that is easy to repeat when feeling uncomfortable and overwhelmed with the changes. I have an eating disorder and being pregnant brings up …alot…. I am 7 months pregnant with baby number 3 and was not expecting my size to change so fast so quick this time around. In tough moments, I tell myself *im just not used to this* and *this is not forever*. It isnt magic but it can help. 2. Dont look at sizes and buy larger than you would imagine you would need, in the end, if you put it on and feel comfortable you will be less likely to have the tough thoughts. I picked up a few staples from Old Navy recently. A sweatsuit, dressier pants for work and looser sweatshirts(Its still cold where I live). I am telling myself if I wear the same 5 outfits that fit and feel good until due date, thats worth it vs a closet full of stuff I can’t wear or trying to squeeze into. A bra thats comfy and comfy underwear also go a long way with helping to maintain that neutrality.
Congratulations! To the first question, it is very difficult and involves telling your body over and over what a good job it is doing, growing this life! Creating organs! Completely supporting another person! It doesn’t always work, but it can help. It’s so mind boggling that our bodies know how to develop a pregnancy, all on their own. Good work, body! Despite three pregnancies, I never figured out maternity clothes. If you find a few things you feel good in, just wear them over and over.
I’ll chime in just to say that looking back 12 and 9 years to my pregnancies, I wish I had been a little less concerned with my shape and maybe showed off more. I wish I had a pic of me all round and giant in a bikini! Think about how you look at a pregnant stranger: probably with a bunch of good, warm, fuzzy feelings I can’t even pinpoint. That’s what people are thinking about you!
Hi Liz, regarding maternity clothes: I know a lot of pregnant people like making their regular clothes last as long as possible, or like wearing oversized regular clothes, but that didn’t work at all for me. I’m short, and between the very early very major changes to my shape (big bump that had nowhere to go but out, hips and butt widening etc), and the fact that anything restrictive on my belly/ribs in anyway made me feel like i was going to throw up, I needed maternity specific clothes before I event started the 2nd trimester. My kids are 4 & 7 now, so it’s been a minute, but I lived in maternity dresses from old navy and gap, and I had a pair of pact maternity wide leg pants.
I found COS to be great for maternity clothes. Also, following from Sarah, I think it’s nuts that I was never told that you’re 3 TIMES as insulin sensitive when pregnant! That should be one of the top things they tell you! I mostly had cravings for oranges and ketchup when I was pregnant, but one time I ate a bunch of candy and was left shaking uncontrollably in flu like symptoms and had to leave work and take the bus home because I couldn’t drive. Eating well is essential!
Yes to the bandana tutorial. Also I love that some trends make it into baby clothes, I am having so much fun dressing up my one year old in trendy baby wear like striped track pants.
I have a handful of chic bandanas and scarves but I was never wearing them. I’d watching tutorials on tying them but then discovered that I can just slip a chunky brass ring from my jewelry dish on as the tie and voila! I certainly didn’t invent this combo but I swear by it.
Same. Please show us how, Jo!
Love polka dots and dark denim. Bandanas are a big no for me.
Ok, ok, not fashion, per day, but what do you all think about … perms. No, for real. I have fine, stick- straight hair, but a decent amount and it’s very healthy (no color). I can’t stand how flat it gets, and long for wash-and-go hair that keeps its body all day. Mind you, I grew up getting home perms by my Mom, and DO NOT want that look, lol. But my hairdresser insists that perms today are way more gentle on the hair and a soft wave can be achieved. Still, I’m scared to try!
I’d ask for a rec of someone who has similar hair to yours and is a customer of hers … See if you can SEE what may be a similar result. Better to seem questioning beforehand than be disappointed with money spent for something you’re not pleased with. Good luck with a solution you’re happy with!
Try it!!! I had one once and was glad I did. If nothing else, I feel like it added texture to my regularly flat hair.
Your hair sounds like my sisters! She’s gotten a perm 3 times now (over around 3 years). Soft wave – medium curl is what she gets out of it. She loves it! To keep her hair healthy and costs down she only gets one for special occassions and then it slowly fades over a month or two. She has zero regrets!
Amanda- I have zero experience or knowledge of perms, but I’m just here to say… do it!!!! I think a perm sounds so cool.
Hey Amanda! Your hair sounds similar to mine, and I’ve gotten several perms over the year. I worked at a salon for many years and would get them from a coworker who was sort of known for them. I agree with the commenter who suggested you ask for some before and after photos of clients (of this hairdresser!!) so you can get a sense of what your results might be like. Ask her to point out clients who have similar hair to yours. I would also ask how frequently she does them. If she does a couple a year, shop around for somebody else. If she does a couple a month and has been for a few years or more, she knows what she’s doing. My own experience is that I got a little wave, and it lasted for a month or two. I’m not sure I would call it wash and go, as I diffused it to achieve the more polished curl look I wanted. If you’re looking for manicured, beachy waves right out of the shower, a perm will not do that- nothing will!
I have gotten perms consistently over the last 5 years and have really loved them, particularly on shorter bobs. If you want to try it, I recommend a digital perm (sometimes called a “Korean perm”) because it’ll last longer. Though please note it is very harsh on your hair and you will need to ask your hair stylist how to care for it! Also, because your hair is fine, you might notice that they don’t last as long. My hair is pretty thick and I usually need to redo my perm every 5-6 months.
I love that I have had perms come up in conversations 3 times this past week! Most were about teens boys getting perms but as a child that grew up in the 80’s and had very similar hair as yours (very fine, but a lot of it, stick straight) I would beg for a perm and get one and it would be flat again 4 days later! I’m sure perms have come a long way since then! But overall, go for it! It’s just hair and will either be great and you will love it, or it won’t be what you want and it will grow out sooner than you probably think!
OP here. Thank you all for the advice and support! I’m definitely going to heed it and ask for pictures. And if I like what I see, I’m going for it! As R. Marie said: “It’s just hair and will either be great and you will love it, or it won’t be what you want and it will grow out sooner than you probably think!” Love it and love this community. Thank you!
I’ve read there are some new perm methods like the Korean Digital Perm that can put in soft C or S shaped waves and Korean Root Perms which are done under the top layers of straight hair, near the root, giving it lift and bounce.
I love that the J Crew roll neck sweater and barn jackets are back in style.
The bandannas remind me of my very classy mom who wore them, and silk scarves, regularly for work in her office or for church. I have a few of them now that she’s passed. She’d always wanted to be a flight attendant and at the time (in the late 60s/70s) she was too tall. But she dressed the part anyway. I’m in a funny losing-weight, in-between stage, but I’m loving high waisted barrel jeans and cropped sweaters!
The shoe comment about your dad made me laugh. I told my dad that his 30 year old white and green Reebok sneakers were so on trend now and he also… didn’t care!
Seriously! Apparently my dad was and is a style icon trapped in the 90s. I am just waiting for MC Hammer and break away pants to come back in style!
At the risk of sounding too whatever, I would like to encourage everyone that trying a very-new-to-you trend is only weird the first time or two. The first time you wear your baseball cap backwards, people might say, “Why are you wearing your hat that way?” But when they’ve seen you do it three times, they just think, “Oh, that’s what she does.” Then you’re home free and no one thinks about it anymore! Wear what you want how you want!
I think this is great advice!
Amber, I love you :) Yours sincerely, a fashion unsure person. Now I will give new to me stuff a go!
Please let this comment make the Friday roundup! We all need more of this thinking in our lives.
Yes, would love to see this in the Friday round up! What great advice and not just for what you wear.
Thanks, you guys!! 🥹🥹
I still think about the chic (polyester, ha) full length navy and white polka dot gown we had in our dress up when I was growing up! It had short ruffle sleeves and we often wore it with an oh so elegant faux fur scarf(?) and elbow length gloves with pearly black buttons. Safe to say I’m a yes when it comes to polka dots!
I’ve been wearing bandanas and little square scarves for YEARS– the first one I ever bought was from the vintage section at TopShop in London when I was studying abroad in 2003. I always love when a thing I love becomes trendy, bc I can stock up on a ton of variety (see me and gingham five years ago) and then have lots to see my through dry spells. I’m wearing a little madewell bandana right now and I have my eye on one from Alex Mill! My 10yo daughter has started wearing them in her hair and we pick one out for her every day.
Solid advice – I love how she’s made it a signature too.
I’ve always loved a funnel neck!! And I have to ask, does anyone know the difference between a bandana and a neck scarf?? I’ve been doing the scarf for years and need to know if I’m on trend or not. 😅
I feel like bandana refers to the type of object (a cotton square) while “neck scarf” refers to a styling choice, ie any scarf (bandana or otherwise) worn on the neck.
Another yes to the bandana tutorial. You always make the fashion posts fun!
I had to laugh out loud at the stick of butter reference. I recently bought a bunch of monochromatic light beige comfort clothes but instead of a stick of butter I look like a popcorn ball (Im 7 months pregnant lol)
I bet you are the cutest popcorn ball, Amanda!!
That is the best! I love that analogy!
My husband wore his Sperry boat shoes (new pair every year or two from his parents for Christmas) from the time we met as sophomores in college until our third child was born 12 years later. That they are back not 5 years after I finally got him to switch to casual sneakers feels like, maybe he was right all along?
Joanna! I hope you are in fighting form again! In case you are not, or even if you are, may I highly recommend “Saving Lives at Sea ” a British show about the Royal National Lifeboat Institution? It is so heartening to see these (often very attractive and I unfailingly nice) people (nearly all volunteers!) talk about how they run from family dinners, birthday parties, etc, to go save people from drowning, getting stuck forever in mud/quicksand, dying after falling from a cliff onto a beach, etc etc. It is riveting. So heartening to know there are people willing to face a force-9 gale for total strangers. Nine seasons!!
we love and donate to the RNLI!!!! huge fans :) :) :) I didn’t know about this show, and I would love to watch!! thank you so much, Molly.
Adidas AND boat shoes? Shout out to Heated Rivalry again!
Oh yes!! Julie, did you see the clip comparing Heated Rivalry to this current Bridgerton season? So good! So similar!!!
As if any of us have actually left the cottage! LOL
Just accept that’s where we live now, Christina. {Furiously searches for Sara’s video before school pick up.}
Hard no on bandanas for me. As a lifelong equestrian, I generally keep a bandana or hankie (or several) in my pocket (along with a knife, baling twine, several peppermints, and other random things lol). One time I found human bones while foraging and used the two bandanas I had to mark the trail for the medical examiner. But would I wear one around town? No. Please change my mind but I think this is one trend that can go away quietly.
I clearly need to get more sleep. I thought you wrote bananas and you kept them in your pocket for the horses. Lol Anyways, that’s a crazy story!
Forget the fashion question! I need a much longer version of this story! Whose bones were they? Where did you find them? Were they old? Tell us more!
LOL! Some horses DO like bananas, believe it or not. I’m unclear on their feelings about bandanas though.
The bones were…bones, so yes old but not super old. I was hiking with a friend and we were looking for morel mushrooms so we veered way off trail towards areas they like to grow lol. My friend is a radiology tech and we saw something sticking out of the ground. We kicked the dirt away and she was like “that is a human ulna”. So we marked the spot and another spot or two on how to get there (we had no service near the bones lol). We went to the parking area and started figuring out who to call. “911?” “No, they are already dead, it’s not an emergency”. We tried 311 who had no idea what to tell us. Finally we got connected with the Department of Natural Resources who brought a dog and everything. We led them to the bones and waited while they found other bones. They finally told us that the medical examiner was on the way and we were free to go. We never found out who it was or anything, but I do hope some family somewhere got some closure.
Well look at me over here thinking I’m just covering dirty hair/ keeping hair out of my face with a bandana, when really I’m a TREND SETTER lol. I have about 6, all classic, I love the pop of color and practicality.
I’m such a fan of a little scarf tied around the neck, have been wearing them for ages and they really tie together a look and feel very ‘me.’ My favourite ones is an authentic Hermes Jungle Love blue print scarf that I thrifted for five (yes, FIVE!) dollars! I’m never gonna get over this gem of a find. Wearing a 100% silk scarf is so chic and timeless and since the print is pretty whimsical, it feels contemporary too. All the European women were wearing little scarfs around their neck and I felt like I fit right in when I was in Paris last year. The nice thing about participating in scarf wearing is you really can buy gorgeous, very well made ones at nearly all thrift stores, so it doesn’t need to be an expensive addition to ones wardrobe.
Lo and behold! A bandana tying video: https://unefemme.net/spring-neutral-outfit-ideas-silk-scarves.html
YES to bandanas! I have been enjoying these from Handker, formerly Hemock, for a little sun and wind protection on walks and bike rides. They make excellent gifts, 100% cotton, get dreamy-soft with wash/dry, women-owned and way cool. https://handkerbandanas.com/collections/best-sellers/products/no-131-henri-bandana
Thanks for the link, Anna! Lots of colorful designs and ways to wear them (check in the “style” section.)
@Caroline Donofrio! Yes, here is the link for others on how to style. One of these reminds me of Alexis from Schitt’s Creek LOL https://handkerbandanas.com/pages/how-to-wear-bandanas
In to it all actually, but the boat shoes are speaking to me. We were all in to timberland boat shoes in a big way in the 90’s but perhaps a niche boarding school thing?
Yes please, for a bandana tutorial! Also, I would love a tutorial on styling the track pants. I struggle with mixing not-for-the-gym shirts with track pants. My combinations never seem as effortlessly cool as I would like. Lots of effort, and not cool. Help! Love all these trends!
I have a pair of red Adidas track pants and let me tell you, I wear them with ev-er-y-thing! It’s so weird how versatile they’ve turned out to be! I have always been a lover of color, so pants like these give me an opportunity to play; I truly think most things can be treated as a “neutral” if you pair things thoughtfully. I recently wore my red pants with brown suede Puma sneakers, an oversized pale blue button down, and a leopard print Baggu shoulder bag…today I wore them with a peach waffle knit pullover, a green quilted jacket, and white sneakers. Plus, they’re just the comfiest pants!
I feel like the main styling tip is to do everything else as if you’re just putting on jeans. Then — surprise! — it’s track pants!! Cotton solid-color or striped t-shirt, oversized button-up Oxford shirt, lightweight sweater, even dressy “going-out top”— that all works! I truly think your key move here is making sure your hair and makeup are fully done. Accessorizing with layered necklaces and metal earrings adds to the elevation of the look, and ballet flats (or even heels) can boost it, too. But really, if your hair and makeup are done, and every other element is not loungewear, then your track pants can give the “twist” that makes them work so well.
Polka dots foreverrr. I’ve always thought if I got married again, I would want a polka dot maxi dress. :) My usual uniform is a midi skirt + striped tee + colorful sneakers (with tights if it’s cold, but Tennessee is pretty temperate). I’ve mostly given up on the “hard pants” life, and the skirt formula feels put together but whimsical.
Would loooove a bandana tutorial. Every time I try one I feel like such a poser, like everyone’s secretly thinking, “she clearly doesn’t know what she’s doing with that chic acccesory.”
SAME! I wore one in my hair today and was self conscious about it the whole time I was at work. And yet, never once have I seen someone else with a bandanna and thought anything other than “how cute! could I pull that off?”
Thank you so much for this post, Jo. That’s all. Xx.
Your dad, hahaha
Oooooo I’m glad that Barbour jacket is sold out in my size because I want it!!
I’d like to suggest you all join me in wearing jean shorts with your old concert, camp, sport, etc. t-shirts plus a lightweight flannel over the top for summer. I feel the pinnacle of cool when I tie a flannel around my waist and run around town. I bet you could do a neighborhood swap for t-shirts in new sizes. Wearing my Dept. of Invisible labor T with a blue flannel over it right now! Might add a bandana or ribbon in my hair and see how it goes.
Gemma does this!
YES! I love jean shorts with an old T! I’ve got an old marching band ringer T that is so worn it’s almost see through but wearing it with shorts makes me feel just a little less 40 and a little more I could still play Beethoven’s 9th on my clarinet
Where are we getting Jean shorts? I feel like I have been dissatisfied with all the options at the price point I am willing to pay (<$60)
oooh I have a pair of denim cutoffs that I LOVE and wear all the time. I’ll go look at the tag and report back!
ok here are my most beloved shorts!!! I wear them ALL the time. my trick is to size up, like maybe 3 sizes larger than usual. I like them comfy and relaxed, not tight. they are so cute with linen button-downs, white T-shirts, etc in the summer! https://go.shopmy.us/p-47199195
Gretchen, I like to get men’s jeans from the thrift store, because actual pockets are nice, and cut them into shorts myself. I’ve actually never bought a pair of premade cutoffs. Works with cords, jeans, sweats, whatever. I’ll hack away the sleeves of a hoodie too if the wrists get torn/worn. Bill Belichick Chic (Belichic ??) Side note, the last sweatshirt I did this to was actually older than the girlfriend of the aforementioned Bill. To each his own. Sally forth CoJo ladies, tomorrow is Friday!
100% wearing Levi jean shorts! Either purchased (Joanna’s faves look cool) or cut myself when my jeans get too many holes. There are video tutorials all about cutting shorts in addition to tying bandanas!
Bandana tutorial please!
Seconded!
Seconded!
Yes, please.
I am drooling over the tracksuit pants! Who even am I? When I was young I was the most complicated dresser- heels, make up, 1940s style, stockings, silk and satin and now – here I am drooling over terry towelling tracksuits pants and asking myself “Work attire?” (Also I love Emm’s comment, yes – leggings are restrictive! haha I totally agree with you)