Be Cheryl Ryan
I’ve been cleaning out my closet to get ready for fall. I’m on a recycle and throw-away tear, leaving me on the hunt for a few new things to round out my wardrobe. As I’m looking for inspiration to replace my old clothes, I feel grateful for the recent Millennial and Gen Z styles.
They seem to embrace comfortable and practical fashions. The vast majority have basically thrown spike heels out the window and are choosing flats, sneakers, comfortable wedges or block heels for an elevated look. They’re also into the Birkenstock look—which I’m not sure I can do, but if you are so inclined, they do look very comfortable. And I sure wish we’d been wise enough to don those wide-brimmed hats they’re all wearing at a pool or beach day.
I’ve watched with admiration as their choices seem more about comfort than pleasing others. But what I’m just realizing is what good news this is for us. These practical styles give us older gens an opportunity to stay in the style game with comfort and grace – and I’m all in.
Shoes, Pants & Dresses
I’ve been looking for sneakers to pair with dresses and jeans. Yes, sneakers with dresses are the rage for this crowd, especially when walking to dinner. On a recent, though rare, trip to Nordstrom, I was surprised to find that half the shoe department has different types of athletic shoes. There are a few heels, but the fact that half the selection is athletic shoes lets me know I’m heading in the right direction.
This year’s pant trend can also be a win for us. In their quest for the ever-wider pant leg, we can get a little wider pants and still look on trend. I’m having difficulty finding the perfect width because some are so wide, but the few I’ve tried on are really comfy, and I feel confident that I’ll find something.
Another great trend for us is the length of skirts and dresses. Most are below the knee, but even the shorter ones aren’t as short as we’ve endured. We suffered through spike heels and mini-skirt squats for far too long. .
I’ll keep my favorite skinny jeans, though, because, as we all know – what comes around goes around.
Let us know any of your favorite fashion trends.