The Most Useful Purchases I Made This Year
As I look back on my wardrobe purchases in 2025, a few stand out as real winners. These are the pieces I reached for over and over because they worked with my lifestyle, my shape, my coloring, and my budget. I had a few misses, too, but today feels like a good day to focus on what actually worked.
New Balance 327
These New Balance 327 sneakers were a home run for my wide feet. Just in the nick of time, I finally decided to try a sneaker I’d seen all the “cool” women wearing, and discovered they’re terrific. They’re a retro sneaker with a roomier toe box than many, which is very appreciated by bunions, swelling, and feet that have reached the “don’t crowd me” phase of life.
They come in many prints and colors, so I expect this will not be my only pair. Shari let me know that FIGS carries New Balance 327s in some fun, unique colors.
Veronica Beard has a similar-looking sneaker in several gorgeous colors, but I can’t speak to their comfort, and several lower-priced stores carry look-a-likes. In fact, Steve Madden got sued for copying them.
Zipper Tote Bag
This Cuyana tote bag has been a major player and rock star in my 2025 wardrobe, so much so that I couldn’t resist adding two new specialty colors to my collection. The size is perfect for me! It sits easily on my shoulder, and when I hold it in my hand, it doesn’t touch the ground, which I really appreciate.
The pebbled leather is virtually indestructible, and it has a zipper closure, which I like for security and keeping everything contained in case my bag flies off the front seat when I turn a corner or stop short. For long days out of the house, I often put my smaller bag inside along with a water bottle, reusable nylon grocery bags, and sunglasses. It comes in several sizes (mine is size small) and tons of gorgeous colors.
Barely Boot Jeans
I’ve been buying and wearing this style of jeans for many years and now own them in 4 washes. They’re not distressed, which makes them very versatile for me.
When I’m not sure what to wear, I reach for these Talbots Barely Boot jeans more often than not. I have them in both 8 petite and 10 petite, depending on the week and how many times we’ve eaten out. There’s just something incredibly comfortable about the fit of these jeans.
The slight boot shape is a nice cross between straight and full-on bootcut. They work with shoes and sneakers, and booties slip up under the leg nicely.
Perfect White Shirt
I love crisp white shirts and wear them often, so they don’t stay white forever. Talbots brings back this no-iron white shirt every season, and this year I replaced mine with a fresh version. It travels beautifully, and I’ve never had to iron it, which is a win/win for me.
Packable Waterproof Rain Jacket
I wore this packable, lightweight jacket way more than I expected to this year. It was the perfect piece to toss into my suitcase, no matter where we were going. The hood is invaluable in drizzly weather, and it is a wonderful weight for three seasons of the year.
I also love the inner cord that allows me to cinch the waist (I’m covering it with my waistpack here). This comes in many colors in regular, petite, tall, and plus sizes.
Ponte Knit Pants
/ and there’s that tote bag again!
I am a huge fan of ponte fabric for so many things. You can pay a lot for it, or you can get great quality at a fabulous price. These Quince ponte pants delivered way more than I expected, for under $35. They come in several inseams (mine are 28″), in 10 colors.
They run small, so I sized up to a large because I like to run mine through the washer and dryer. These are Espresso, which is cool-toned, and I reach for them so often that I’ve ordered the charcoal. I’ve also ordered these wide legs in navy with a 30″ inseam to wear over my sneakers.
Looking back, the most useful purchases weren’t the most impressive. They were the ones I reached for without hesitation, week after week. That’s usually the clearest signal that something actually belongs in your life.
What made MVP in your wardrobe in 2025?
Hi Jennifer,
One of the best for me in 2025 was being introduced to you! I appreciate your sage and practical musings and suggestions. I look at my life as it is today and wear and do what works for me and feel confident.
Thanks for all you do and wishing you a most happy and healthy 2026!
So happy you’ve joined us Marcia! Happy New Year.
Jennifer I appreciate all the work that you do for us. I believe that posting less often will give you the rest you need and will also provide all the wonderful advice you are know for. Happy New Year.
I’m so glad that you took a break over the holidays. You work hard and your readers appreciate it. More photos showing your everyday wear will be great. The reason you have so many readers is because we love your style. I’m wondering if you could tell us where to buy scarves. I think scarves are the finishing touch to an outfit. Happy New Year to you!
I pick up scarves any and everywhere I find them, including a sale bin next to a random register. Price isn’t really important. I also got a very pretty one online at Target two years ago.
Good for you – pace for the long term! I love your looks but you could also experiment with stopping women you see out and about and asking if you can snap a pic and use on the blog. Obviously would take some work -photo release, notes on where they purchased their pieces. But it could be fun. Especially if you spot women 60+ rocking some fun looks. Just a thought.
This year I bought a color analysis from a House of Colour representative. I always thought I have cool undertones, and am a Summer. Not so! I am a warm Spring. Such a revelation and so much fun exploring that color palette. I also realized I hate neutral wardrobe capsules. The colors are boring to wear day in and day out (to me). I am back to buying colorful outfits that hopefully, will play nicely together. Happy New Year everyone!
Hi Jennifer! I think your blog is great! Whatever you decide to do with it is fine with me. Happy New Year! Nancy
Cheers!
I completely understand your thoughts on quality posts over the number of posts. I always find your posts very thought provoking. I like the capsule/inspiration boards, they always give me ideas that are already in my closet.
Jennifer, I so look forward to your posts. You are a wonderful writer and I love your honesty. I will be glad to read and learn whenever you feel like posting. Have a healthy and joyful 2026. Kathleen in Kansas City
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year everyone!
I would love to see collages to see clothing combinations and options.
It’s a great way to get the creative juices flowing.
Looking forward to new ideas.
Yay, thanks
Happy New Year Jennifer! I love reading your blog. It’s a wonderful
mix of humor, artistry and advice. Thanks for all your wardrobe tips!
Tracy
I look forward to 2026 with your style and lovely blogs! I have a few items that have been my go-to pieces this year. First off-a white button down. I pair it with everything from jeans to shorts to dressier pants. It’s from amazon but washes very well. I do want to try a Talbots one too as they’re talked about everywhere for their resilience. Next are my 9 in length khaki shorts from Talbots. They pack well and travel well and are light enough in the florida heat. Lastly are a few ruana tops that i got in both dark and light. These keep me covered on the way to yoga or a restaurant with raging AC!
Happy New Year and keep the advice coming 😊
Happy New Year. Those sound like great pieces.
The link to the crisp white shirt you are wearing pops up as a Nordstrom belt.
I love your blog!
Fixed. Thanks
New Balance 327, Birks, Uggs, loafers – wide feet turned fussy this year. Old Navy Wow wide leg jeans. Sweatshirt material blazers. Matching sweatsuits. Longchamps Le Pliage (great foe bad weather). Uniqlo packable puffer. Base layers. Jewel neck cardis. Next year/week will be different as I return to five days in office. Can’t wait to use my “Jennifer” Cuyana tote, got the taupe!
We are fussy feet twins Shari! Thanks for being so helpful with your resources too. I’ll be checking out those jeans. Hope you love your tote even half as much as I do. Happy New Year!! xox
I rarely comment. Mostly because I live in Canada and can’t purchase most of the items you post (J.Jill, Quince and anything from Norststrom). Also, I have warm colouring, wear lots of colour and don’t wear jeans.
But here is what I like. I like the style of your posts, direct and common sense, not trying to be something you are not, and willing to share your vulnerabilities. When we as readers pick posts, the way the author presents herself is as important as the items she posts. When you say you need a little time off, we cheer for you and wish you well.
As for the things you post, my favourites are lists of items for his or her gifts, things you like from Amazon, etc. although I realize they must require a lot of research.
Wishing you Happy New Year full of good health and energy, happy family times, and a year of successful posting that fulfills your needs as well as ours.
Thank you so much Judith! You’ll be happy to hear Quince has started shipping a limited collection to Canada so see how it goes.
Jennifer, you have inspired me! I am going to try to identify my most valuable purchases too. Perhaps it will help me get rid of clothes I no longer wear and help inform future purchases too. Thank you and Happy New Year!
Awesome!
Jennifer, so nice to have you back! Everyone needs a break from our daily lives. Now you’re ready to hit the New Year running….but wait don’t run….only do the things which bring you joy on the blog. NO need to post every day. We will all adapt.
Enjoy life…..you only get ONE!
Happy New Year!
Thank you Lurania! That’s what has been on my mind. I work so much I haven’t been leaving much time for myself. Happy New Year! Xo
I am interested in the unique sunglasses that you featured recently……I think they had a blue hue……what is the brand?
Thank you & Happiest New Year❗️
They were very old and I put new lenses in them. The brand was Gorgio Armani
Nice!
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! I like the idea of you showing different ways to wear something, maybe giving us ideas on things we might already have and how to style items for different outfits. I will go to my closet and just stand there looking, not having a clue how to put things together. Thank-you for such and enjoyable blog!
Trish Hertsgaard
Happy New Year! Thanks
Zappos has New Balance 327 sneakers on sale. Prices range from $52.49 – $104.95.
Happy New Year!