Monday Musings: Detail Overload and Modern Eyelet OOTW
I’ve walked out of several stores lately, shaking my head and wondering what their designers are thinking. Classic brands I could rely on for simple, well-tailored pieces are serving up gaudy, over-the-top details that are, frankly, not done well. Boho that is done well is distinctive and recognizable. This stuff is just a mess.
That’s not to say that brands shouldn’t adjust their offerings to align with what’s popular, but sheesh, don’t totally abandon your client base! I’d be curious to know what brands you used to shop at that have changed their “style” to the point that you struggle to find things you’re looking for.
Eyelet
Eyelet is one of those quintessential warm-weather fabrics that signal spring for many women. Our mannequin on Saturday was modeling an eyelet blouse that posed some styling challenges. Several readers mentioned the desire to cut off details to tone the garment down, and I understood their reasoning. Eyelet has similar characteristics to lace and is an inherently feminine fabric (you seldom see men wearing it). A little eyelet trim is often all you need to get the look.
Tiny rant
Sadly, many brands are taking this already feminine fabric and dolling it up with smocking, puffs, ruffles, tiers, contrast edging, and frills to the point of overload. I’ve seen too many garments lately that would not look out of place on a 5-year-old! That’s sad when the clientele is predominantly over 50+. Grown women shouldn’t have to feel silly wearing a fabric because brands get carried away.
When I think of the dreaded “mutton dressed as lamb” idiom, it doesn’t usually mean looking silly or juvenile. I’m doing more online shopping these days to find brands that are not on the Little House on the Prairie bandwagon. Eyelet should add a touch of femininity to one’s look, not make you appear to be wearing a vintage doily…rant over.
Outfit of the week
This week’s outfit of the week takes a more straightforward approach to eyelet. Most eyelet I’m spotting is white, so I decided to focus on some color to see how that would look. If girly is your vibe, you may find this less than appealing, but here goes.
The shirt is navy, but it’s hard to see the detail in this picture. I’d plan on wearing the shirt open over a navy tank. If the shirt is buttoned, I’d wear a nude cami or tank so it’s invisible. I paired it with slightly distressed, cropped jeans, a linen baseball cap, platform sneakers, and chunky silver hoops to finish this casual look.
MORE SIMPLE EYELET
Is eyelet on your styler radar this spring?
Thanks for reading, and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.
My Mom would probably love all of the eyelet that is prevalent this season, but sadly, she passed away a few months ago. I think the eyelet trend is way overdone, and I definitely wouldn’t wear any of it. By next season, it will probably be a memory.
I totally agree. Not an eyelet fan.
I love eyelet and think the J Crew eyelet top you’ve shown is very nice. My own personal rant, aside from seconding your and everyone else’s comments on ruffles and twee, is that I cannot WAIT for the cropped tops phase to end! I’m 5’9″ and cropped tops make me look as though I couldn’t find something that fit. The J Crew eyelet top, for example, is only 23 inches long, and I need 29-30. That’s quite a gap!
Thatās a great point! The length is really a challenge for tall ladies because we can often hem things but you canāt add length.
I am only 5′ 7″, and agree I can’t wait for crop tops to be over. But with a long torso, I am stocking up on high waisted pants!! š
I bought a plain white eyelet button-front shirt from Loft last year, and Iām looking forward to wearing it with straight leg pants.
I have an eyelet skirt which I bought years ago. Itās a cream colour and quite pretty. I hardly ever wear it because the little eyelets get caught in each other causing the skirt to pucker in a few places. Not sure how to solve that problem.
I total agree with you Jennifer. Eyelet is a beautiful fabric in itās self and does not need
Ruffles and Bows to dress it up.
I love all the color styles you showed and there awesome just the way the are.
Love the pink jean eyelet jacket and tank.
Have a great week.
I think that jean eyelet jacket is so pretty. Happy Monday
To begin with, itās a balancing act for women our age to pull off eyelet in a classic or sophisticated way as Princess Kate would, not reminiscent of Polly Flinders or our grandmother in her favorite apron. Itās not just eyelet. Itās everywhere – voluminous sleeves, smocking, fringe, fraying, ruffles, embellishment, etc. Iāve always been a Chicoās & Talbots gal, but theyāre full of this overkill, too. I find myself shopping my own closet & rethinking what I already have. When I do shop, I lean toward JJill for their styles, well made in easy-care fabrics. I like your outfit of the week, but Iād sell out & wear it with white crops. I donāt do ārippedā jeans (or exposed bra straps or panties, safety pins in lieu of repair or wrinkled clothes). My mother still takes up space in my head.
I totally agree with your thoughts on the latest designs out there. As a 67 year old woman I struggle to find appropriate clothes for myself. While I donāt want to look too matronly,I certainly donāt want to look like Iām trying to dress like a 19 year old. I too like many women have resorted to online shopping as who wants to spend a lot of time going store to store???
Thank you! For the past two years, I’ve been wondering what is going on with a good chunk of woman’s clothing. Last year seemed to be the first year that puffed sleeves entered the horizon and brightly colored muu muus that give new life to tiers. I thought they’d be a flash in the pan, but they are back again this year. Who is wearing this stuff??? I do see some of my friends embracing puff-sleeves and little girl dresses. If I was still working, I wonder if I’d see them in corporate settings. I can’t believe I would.
I love eyelet and always have. I may order the blouse you are featuring. I also have a couple of tailored dresses featuring some eyelet. However, they are not white or pink. I don’t think these little girl dresses flattered me when I was a little girl.
Iām glad Iām not alone in my frustration. Itās time for brands to give us some more options.
I 100 percent agree. I like eyelet but no Thanks on the ruffles. What happened to classic tailored clothing ? Secondly can we get past the cropped tanks, jackets, T-shirts, etc? I prefer dark denim sans holes.
Yes! A grownupās version of eyelet. Classy & understated! Thanks, Jennifer!
I agree about the spring styles. I have special events coming up and have decided to wear whatās already in my closet.
You have been reading my mind, Jennifer.
I’ve tried on the puffed sleeves, wide flowy sleeves, sleeves and armholes with ruffles and nothing works. The bright big prints and tiered dresses are voluminous. It’s as though the fashion train is leaving the classics behind, or present us with a uniform to wear with no imagination. Perhaps it’s because I am 71 and these styles look like I’m trying to fit a square peg in a round hole when I attempt to wear them.
The nearest shopping with multiple stores is a four hour round trip to an outlet mall. All else is online and most clothes are made for younger people. I appreciate these postings as it shows some ideas.
I feel most fashion labels miss the mark for older women.
Thanks for the mini rant opportunity.
My pleasure! Thanks for sharing your frustration.
I have a navy eyelet blouse. How did you know? š
Lucky you! I want to try one.
I think eyelet is OK for women of a certain age…….I like the juxtaposition you’re showing (jeans, sneakers, chunky hoop earring), it offsets the femininity of eyelet.
I think a bit of eyelet is lovely. My problem is that itās the hit item of the moment, seen everywhere at all price points and because of that this longstanding, traditional design will be gone and āoutā in a moment. If we wear last yearās blouse weāll be telegraphing that we arenāt ākeeping up.ā And, yes, the puffs, gathers, and tucks are also also being overdone. Please, please, who does beautifully styled garments in beautiful fabrics that we can wear for years? At a price we can afford.
I hear you!
Well said about what we are all finding at the stores today. Amazing how most of us feel the same. It just took you, Jennifer, to begin the venting. Here we are older with hopefully a little more to spend ( not on unpaid credit cards ) and little to buy. The young crowds just keep buying this stuff amassing amazing amounts of debt, it seems. I always said, if I canāt pay for it, I canāt buy it. Would NEVER pay interest!
Thank you! I look forward to you each day. Itās like having a new friend. Wish someday we could all meet you. Maybe a weekend away. Wouldnāt that be fun!
Shari ā¤ļø
That sure would be fun and I would love it, Shari
Love this rant! It’s not just eyelet. What’s with all the ruffles? There are some brands that have stuck to their mission. Eileen Fisher, for example. And J Crew has improved in the last year too. But some appear to be trying to appeal to a much, much younger clientele, although even then they are missing. I see the over the top details on a few tweens, but not seeing much of it on any professional woman over twenty.
Jennifer- my thoughts exactly!! Shopping for spring and summer has been weird!!!! Loft and local Belks etc etc offered up the trendy (scary) looks. So disappointing! I have been online shopping more than ever. I found a couple of cute dresses at a brand I had not tried – Natural Life. Thank you for all the research you do!
Iāll check them out. Thanks for the referral.
Eyelet is just not me even in this toned down version you are showcasing. But I want to second your rant. I lean boho and used to find some fun tops at Anthropologie but these past few years, the clothes have been ridiculous. Neon color, tiers, ruffles , tented or bare shapes abound. I asked my daughter if she still shops there and she said no, not for years. Someone must be buying them as they persist but I never see them on the street.
Great point. I never see these things on the street either. Many look like costumes!
Great OOTD! Thanks for helping me get creative.
It started with the huge sleeves. Iām waiting for it to stop! I agree there is a lot of boho gone bad out there! Whatās a clean line minimalist to do? I think this is why you are turning to Eileen Fisher! I have found a lot at J Crew. The new designer there is hit and miss. Some great modern stuff, some ruffles and awful prints. I was just in Talbots and everything I looked at seemed ruined by a cutsey detail. I know many of you love Talbots. On the eyelet front I first refused but then saw a short sleeved eyelet shirt with a puffy sleeve no less in the most beautiful jade green at JC Factory. I could actually button it over the bust and the sleeves were not extreme. It fit! Itās out of my comfort zone but the color got me. Color is always what will get me. The shirt also comes in white and black.
I love your choice in navy, also a bit unexpected. In revamping my summer wardrobe to suit dark winter, navy is one of the base colors and I have a new found love for it. Still love my black, and I can still wear black well, but itās a nice change.
Cutesy overload is rampant at Talbots these days. Itās sad. Chicos has always leaned heavily on details but itās off the charts now. Itās very frustrating.
“Cutesy overload is rampant at Talbots these days.” Jennifer, you’ve hit the nail on the head. We have to face the fact that the trend-setters and buyers for the brands we [used to] know are now 20-somethings and 30-somethings. I spent many years in retail and am saddened by the lack of knowledge – or caring – when it comes to quality and marketing to all groups. Clothing frequently reflects what’s going on in society – lack of good workmanship, cheap fabrics, lack of size uniformity and the focus on the bottom line are just some examples. We’re a large generation – so let’s start closing our wallets tight and be loud and clear as to what we think clothing should be in today’s chaotic world.
Thank you Nan. I agree we need to be loud and clear about what we want and need from retailers.
I agree 100%. I like basics, with a touch of detail , that I can add accessories to so I can control how many details Iād like at any given time. Puffed sleeves and ruffles arenāt my thing but I like to look feminine. Many of the styles today are very busy looking.
I share your frustration and bewilderment. I am looking for airy summer dresses and the prairie trend shows no indication that it is ebbing. Often I find a highly feminine dress that might work (not my style of choice but if you want airy, volume is involved to a certain point) but the designers have put an unnecessary tier at the bottom and that is the final straw–nope! And now….so many offerings with the same feel but a new twist; they are full on voluminous mini tent dresses with ruffles, tiers and puffed shoulders. And don’t get me started on rompers. I am seeing all the above styled and offered by respected online stylists/bloggers targeting the age 50+ woman. Online sites catering to more mature customers are offering these too in abundance. Readers, please don’t think I’m prissy or ageist. I just feel abandoned: so few appealing and modern looks for those who choose to cover arms and knees. So few v-necks that don’t plunge to the breast bone. I continue to be stunned by these images and choices. I feel marginalized.
You nailed it Clarissa!! Thank you for putting it so succinctly. I feel marginalized by the choices being offered too and itās annoying.
Marginalized is the perfect word. I think about Eileen Fisher, the company, and Eileen Fisher, the woman. The original designs created by Eileen were so flattering to women — the current designs run the gamut. I realized that new designers have come on board, and they are likely designing for young women because they themselves are young. Yes, we all need to get dressed, but there are plenty of companies focused on the younger cohort — older women are definitely marginalized, which I find amazing in that we often have money to spend. Isn’t capitalism supposed to shape the market?!?!
I so agree with you as to wondering what designers are thinking. Itās hard enough aging gracefully without being offered items that make us look like little girls. Iāve shopped less at Talbots due to the juvenile/preppy trend of many of their offerings (although they still have good basics) and instead go to Ann Taylor where the look is generally stylish and sophisticated. JJill was my go-to until their line became so oversized.
I may take a trip to see what Ann Taylor has.
I hope you will and maybe even a Dressing Room Diary someday. š They have so many nice items that they don’t show in their ads which is puzzling. My favorite recent purchase is called Textured Tweed Sweater in aqua. It’s a knitted fabric enhanced with tiny ribbons that I haven’t seen elsewhere. Also a faux suede belted top for next autumn in Whiskey Cream… there’s a pretty blue option too.
I will plan to do that
Iām with you about the styles weāre finding in stores these days! Iām just wearing what I have in my closet that I feel looks better than whatās in stores! Very discouraging! Thank you for your postings!
I find eyelet too stiff , although I like your outfit wearing the blouse as a topper and the
Blue helps it to not be quite so girly , all that said I would buy this outfit , it would probably be nice for Texas
I actually like the idea of eyelet in navy and would consider buying a classically tailored shirt in the fabric and color, similar to the gold Rails shirt you posted. The JCrew shirt, however, has 2 drawbacks, as far as Iām concerned. One is easy to remedyā¦lose the bow!! The other not so easyā¦I donāt care for the loopy hem/sleeve edging, but they may appeal to others.
Thank you so much. You stated so well what’s been on my mind this season. Its getting difficult to find a even basic item like a knit tee shirt without puffed sleeves or ruffle. If I could wear navy I’d be all over that stunning blouse. I have 2 cotton jackets (beige and sage) with simple knit eyelet inserts that I bought on sale at Chico’s more than ten years ago. The style they call “utility” which is similar to a jeans jacket. I wear them spring through fall and inevitability someone will ask where I bought them. Of course she’s disappointed that they are old. I’ve given up on Chicos for anything except plain jeans. Talbot’s is a huge disappointment for me the past couple years. Even J Jill has started with the flounces and ruffles. Hopefully the Little House on the Prairie look will fade out if we don’t purchase any of it. Right now I’m finding a few more classic looks at independent boutiques.
I agree with you. I turned around and walked right out of Chicos this week.
Commenting from the UK but can tell you, Kathie, share your frustration with being unable to find even the most basic item without a frill. And those puffed sleeves! A no-go for me at 5’2″ with relatively broad shoulders.
I’m not sure if it’s the heaviness of the fabric or the large size of the eyelet pattern, but the overall look is not appealing to my style and form. Simply not my personal preference.
Good Morning & Happy Monday, the colored eyelets are pretty especially the navy blue & the navy dress. Thatās eyelet I would wearš
It’s nice to know I’m not the only one who doesn’t like many of the fashions offered in stores I usually like. It’s disappointing. Many of the fabrics seem to be of poor quality and I don’t care for the ruffles and puffs either. Thank you for sharing your opinion. I’m in the same boat.
I could not agree more with this post. Iām finding it more and more difficult to find the age-appropriate but stylish look for me. As a former employee of Nordstrom, and I think it is safe to post this here, they have entirely ignored the base client in recent years. My local Nordstrom is totally unrecognizable and it makes me so sad.
Even when I was young, I did not care for eyelet and that hasnāt changed. My style is more casual/street and I lean now towards Free People. While Iām probably way too old for this lineā¦.some of their basics are more my style for comfort, and many of their items are 100% cotton which is hard to find and is always my preference for me.
Thank you for letting me vent a bit. Iāve even considered going back to making my own clothes. Thank you again; this post really hit home for me.
Eyelet doesnāt fit my three word style guide, but if it did, your outfit of the week would come close. I agree with your overall observations, though. Some brands need a reminder that āless is more.ā
Love the bag in OOTW!
I feel your pain! Clothes shopping has become quite frustrating, and you’re right in asking who the intended customer is. At 72, I am a bit too mature for the little house on the prairie look which has never been my style anyway. Thank goodness for Eileen Fisher! I can dress simply, appropriately, and comfortably without angst.
Iām leaning more heavily into EF for just that reason!