Having the experience of knowing when to embrace certain style trends, and when not to, just comes down to being conscious of your own body type; what looks good on your shape and what makes you feel fabulous and confident. Over the years I’ve realized I can love and appreciate a look on someone else, but just because it looks great on a model or a friend doesn’t mean it’s right for me.
Who What Wear is my go-to, online fashion bible for all the latest and greatest in style, so I am always excited when they ask me for my point of view to publish on their website! Check out my latest featured post below, “I’m 54, and These Are the Trends I Will and Won’t Wear,” because fashion is not one look fits all…
Before moving to Los Angeles and launching my blog, The Glow Girl, I lived in New York City where I was the Founding Editor of an online fashion and lifestyle magazine. A large part of my job was to be on the hunt for the latest style and fashion trends and to share them with my audience. Experimenting with these trends and seeing so many come and go over the years has helped me develop a distinct style guide! I realize now that it’s important to only wear the trends that work for your style, body-type and taste. As a woman in my mid-50’s, it feels good to adopt the trends that make me feel confident when walking out the door, and to ignore flash-in-the-pan trends that don’t. Check out the trends I will and will not wear below!
WILL WEAR: Cropped, High-Waisted Jeans
Cropped jeans are always a good look as long as they are high-waisted to elongate your leg. They can be worn with all types of shoes from heels to sneakers, sandals, and booties. I prefer ones that have stretch in them for comfort —not only are they on trend but they also hold in your tummy!
SHOP MOTHER The Hustler High Waist Fray Ankle Flare Jean
WILL WEAR: Animal Prints
I love animal prints and have been wearing them for years. They are super trendy right now but have always been a staple in my wardrobe. If you like them but want to be less bold, try wearing accessories like belts, bags and shoes that complement your existing wardrobe.
SHOP AFRM Miro Leopard Print Long Sleeve Dress
WILL WEAR: Boyfriend Blazers
Sporting an oversized boyfriend blazer is always in style—I’ve been wearing the same one for over 10 years! These blazers are nice investment pieces and make any outfit look a bit more sophisticated and buttoned-up. I love to wear mine with jeans and a t-shirt a la Anine Bing!
SHOP Anine Bing Becky Blazer
WILL WEAR: Feminine Dresses
I adore dresses that have feminine details like puffed sleeves and floral patterns. Paired with a nice bag, a dress with these details requires minimal accessories and always looks sophisticated and chic!
SHOP MISA Los Angeles X REVOLE Katja Dress
WILL WEAR: White Booties
Wearing white year-round from head to toe is here to stay and a great alternative to black. These white “cowboy-style” Sam Edelman booties are so versatile - I get more compliments on them than any other shoe in my closet! I like to wear them with dresses, skirts, and jeans, making them the perfect staple.
SHOP Sam Edelman Winona Booties
Click on the images below to shop the trends!
WON’T WEAR: Short Biker Leggings Paired with Blazers
I see mixing these two styles together as a passing trend! Keep the biker leggings for workouts only if you need to wear them. I am not a fan, as they cut off the thigh in a place that can make legs look shorter.
WON’T WEAR: Chunky Sneakers
These “ugly, dad-style sneakers” certainly made a comeback from the 90’s but I won’t be wearing them anytime soon! They can look unsophisticated and do nothing to help elongate the leg. I recently purchased a pair of Nike Cortez sneakers that capture the trend and are flattering and feminine!
WON’T WEAR: Short Crop Tops
The shorter crop tops work if you are under 30 and sporting a six-pack! An alternative to these tops is to wear one that is cropped right where the waist of your pants hits. I wear these tops with high-waisted jeans and sometimes even show just a sliver of skin.
WON’T WEAR: Tiny Sunglasses
These sunglasses are disproportionate to any adult face and can look silly! Plus, they offer very little sun protection for the eyes. I like sticking to classic aviators, cat-eye, and oversized sunnies!
WON’T WEAR: Neon Clothing
This trend is a flashback to the 90’s and was super popular at the spring 2019 fashion shows but to me it just looks tacky! If you want to capture this trend, I suggest wearing an accessory like a neon belt or shoes—or just try an electric colored mani for less of a commitment.
I hope you find this blog post helpful when choosing trends to adopt into your wardrobe!
xx Melissa
Check out the full feature on Who What Wear HERE!