Monday Musings- Elastic Waistbands and Flat Shoes
I’m in stores all the time so I see lots of trends before I even know they’re coming. I thought I imagined the resurgence of wide, visible elastic waistbands, but I’ve seen too many of them lately to think it’s random. I know trends take time to grow on us, but this one may only really work for the young.
I’ve been feeling frustrated trying to find stylish clothes that don’t make me look like I’m trying too hard or look older than I actually am. We all know that fine line that crosses into frumpsville, and I know it when I see it. These heavily gathered, elastic waistbands would cross that line for me, so if it’s a trend, I won’t be going there. I love elastic waistbands, but I don’t want them to show. I’ve noticed several styles at Talbots that have this added elastic at the back, so I’m paying closer attention. Have you spotted them?
Humidifier
Dry eyes, dry skin, and dry sinuses are especially bad this time of year when the furnace dries everything out. I’ve bought humidifiers over the years that aren’t supposed to grow mold, but they all end up looking funky. I’m anxious for this one to arrive because it has smart sensors that keep it running until the unit is completely dry inside. That means there’s no water left behind for mold to grow in. I also love that the parts are all dishwasher-safe. They also have this larger model, which covers a bigger area.
This humidifier works differently than others. After you fill the tank, the water flows into the tray, where it is treated by passing through UV light. The water then goes through a paper (replaceable) filter. Then it’s evaporated by the fan, so clean hydrated air is dispensed invisibly. I ordered the pink for my bedside table to try and will let you know how it goes.
Let’s Talk About Flat Shoes
There are lots of options when it comes to flat shoes, and the comfort varies tremendously. Here’s what I am personally gravitating to. I’m willing to spend more for comfy shoes because I keep and wear them for many years.
I’ve had my black AGL ballet flats for so long that I’ve had to resole them to extend their life. They were a huge investment at the time (18+ years ago?) that has paid off because they’re classic, very comfy, and I’ve worn them so often, my cost of wear is pennies. At the time, I needed a stylish shoe that didn’t hurt because I was on my feet all day managing a boutique. The same exact style is now selling for $140 more, so their timelessness is evident.
I haunt websites to find them on sale and am often disappointed because my size is usually sold out. So in an effort to wear paler colors this spring, I bit the bullet and ordered these in beige with a black cap toe. I love their Chanel vibe, the silver strap with buckle and I know I’ll get a lot of wear out of them.
I only have one pair of what I would consider true loafers. I wasn’t sure they would fit my style because I don’t gravitate to preppy, but I’ve found myself reaching for them often this winter. I like the bulk they add to the bottom of my silhouette when wearing chunky sweaters or wider-leg jeans. What I usually prefer is a driving mocassin or a smoking slipper.
A smoking slipper bears a close resemblance to a loafer. The leather or fabric is generally softer, the sole is more flexible, and they don’t have extra detailing across the top of the foot, like a band where you’d add a penny. Those bands usually make loafers too tight for me, so I prefer to forgo them. My favorite Birdies come to mind here because they really are as comfy as slippers for me.
Driving mocs are one step comfier because the soles are very flexible. They come with and without the extra strap across the top and often have a horse bit. They frequently have rubber pebbles on the bottom of the shoe to grip the pedals, which makes them extra cushiony to walk in. My favorite pair is by Robert Zur, and you guessed it, they’re also black. I have worn these so often that the leather is scuffed on the front as though I drag my toes when I walk.
I found these driving moc mules which come in tons of colors and I think they’ll be great this spring. Talbots always makes a lot of driving mocs in fun colors.
And then, of course, there are casual sneakers which I only embraced as everyday shoes when I bought this pair of Ecco Soft 7 sneakers back in 2018. Before that, I only wore sneakers to work out. Now I have quite a collection in various styles, shapes, and, yes, colors.
Which are your favorite type and brands of flats? Do you require arch support? Do you need cushioning? Are you better with a tiny elevation?
Thanks for reading and sharing your ideas with the community here.
I think I’d like the Birdies. There’s enough heel there for me. There is a test for how much heel is ideal for each person, that I took several years ago. I need a 3/4 to 1 inch heel to feel most comfortable. When I looked at my shoes I realized I’d kind of figured that out already. I do wear tennis shoes for walking and flat boots in the snow because they’re safer. I also have flat (at birth) wide feet so I search a bit. There is an inexpensive shoe like a flat with about an inch heel made by Hush Puppy in various colors with the perfect last for me. It took me through years of real estate, traipsing through yards and basements etc. I just retired at 83, and they’re discontinuing the shoe. I wouldn’t wear that elastic waistband, simply because I don’t like the way it looks. I have some elastic waistbands, but they’re covered by material that isn’t gathered. This is probably a fad that won’t be around next year. We shouldn’t allow the young to drag us into what displeases us and sometimes looks silly on us.
Great point! We’ve got to look trends over carefully, and only dip our toes into the ones at work for us
Jennifer, thank you for this great post. I appreciate the time and thoughtfulness that you put into your postings, and I always come away having learned something from your information.
Regarding the elastic waistbands – I’ve never been a fan of the way they look or feel! I would love to know how designers make decisions to push certain fashion trends.
The shoe information was great – I’m trying to add more flat shoes to my wardrobe and this is helpful. Back when Ecco launched the Soft 7 sneaker, I was able to find one that had a zipper top closure which was great but I’ve never found it again and my zip sneakers are getting a little long in the tooth 🙂
I really like that Munro loafer that you showed and I think I’m going to have to try it out. I recently bought some suede Vionic flats that look like the Birdies – great arch support but they aren’t as soft inside as I thought they would be.
Thanks again for always providing such thoughtful information.
I remember that Ecco. Let me see if I can find it.
The only elastic waist pants I’ll wear are my Eileen Fisher stretch crepe pants which I own in an embarrassing number of colors (some bought on EF Renew) and wear with a tunic or something untucked/long. Otherwise- ugh!
As for the flats, I too have an old pair of AGL flats but also love my French Sole(fs/ny) ballet flats (similar to the “Chanel” AGL flats you featured, but available with a rubber sole, which I love). If you like suede driving loafers I recommend M.Gemi, an Italian brand, which I own in about five colors. Beautifully made. I also like my Birdies and Rothy’s for comfort, and Ecco Soft 7 sneakers, especially in black and in metallics. I do feel a bit like Imelda with the number of shoes I own…Thanks for showing me even more options I should consider!
I just ordered those M.Gemi. They sound right up my alley! Thanks for the recommendation. They look fabulous.
I’m a rather new member of your “fan club”. I always find your posts to be interesting and informative. I do enjoy flat shoes and when needed will wear lower block heels or “kitten” heals. Sure love seeing the younger ladies wearing those “high” heels as I have fond memories of the days when I could wear such! Have to laugh when I remember my Mother’s advice when I was young–“Wear those short skirts and high heels”! She knew there would come a day when that would not be possible!
Thank you for your hard work in keeping us all up to date!
Welcome, Helen! Your mother was wise. Those high heels are adorable but not for me 🙂
I am not happy with the 2 inch elastic waistband that is advertised as holding in the stomach and “does not roll”. It rolls and adds bulk and feels risky. Just give me a plain old elastic waistband. I have a couple of useless fingers that do not help in pulling pants up so a lightweight waistband helps.
I usually wear New Balance sneakers for every day around the house and going for a walk. I wear ECCO sneakers and loafers for everything else since I use orthotics in my shoes and ECCO has a removable foot pad that when removed allows for orthotics. They work great for me. i have been wearing ECCO for 15 years. No ballet flats here because my heels are very narrow and the front of my feet are wide. And bunions, cannot forget the bunions! lol
I love my Ecco’s. Just replaced my black ones because I wore them right out.
The only elastic waist pants I wear are Eileen Fisher but I do not tuck anything in. I don’t care for the new “bunched up” elastic waist look. I didn’t like it when it was popular in 70-80’s either. I wore only AGLS to work when I was in a management role – I owned 4-5 different pairs. I then had bunion surgery that brought great relief but changed the shape of my foot and my old pairs didnt fit anymore and I sold them on ebay and thred up. Nordstrom would re-sole my AGLs (where I purchased all of them) – I’m not sure they are providing that service anymore.
I currently own 5 pairs of Eccos (!) I wear them daily.
Hi Jennifer! I also wear a lot of flats, mostly loafers when it’s warm enough to go without socks or ankle boots. I like at least a bit of a heel for lift, since I’m only 5′ 2″ tall. I’m finding that I’m more comfortable in a shoe with arch support as I get older and have had success with Vionic booties and sandals. I bought a pair of Birdie Starlings but should have returned them. Although they are well cushioned, they are too wide in the heel for me and don’t have a lot of support. I also struggle with shoes that have short uppers. They dig into the base of my big toe and leave a painful red mark. I finally figured out that it might be because I have a somewhat high instep. I’m all about foot comfort now. When I started teaching in the late 70’s, I wore nothing but pumps on the cement floors. I have no idea how I tolerated those! Youth, I guess! lol
I need arch support and one foot is larger than the other. I also have narrow feet. Some Vionics fit, some don’t. I like Naturalizer. Now, I only buy comfortable shoe. Of course I have abt 70 pair that I could wear but go for a little height, wedges and arch support.
Its a big No for me with that kind of elastic. I have a short waist and I would look so fat!
Thanks for all your wonderful ideas and new trends and of course, hair & makeup. You make me look better!!!
I am really interested in that humidifier. Would love to find out how you like it. Ours is not supposed to grow mold but we are constantly cleaning it. I have never worn elastic waistband pants except for sweats at home. I don’t plan on starting now. I really like the shoes you showed. I’m on a mission to find better shoes since I partially dislocated a toe. Most of my flats have to go because they are so uncomfortable now. I’m wearing inserts, that seems to help. Love the black loafers!
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I have seen the new Talbot’s elastic waist pants online and don’t like the looks of them. Yes, you can wear your shirts untucked, but these pants pull tightly across your backside and don’t have back pockets as jeans do, so they emphasize the area. I would not wear them, and my 30-somethings would not be caught dead in them. I have a really old pai of summer pants from Talbots that have side insert elastic that a belt hides, and they ae great.
I wear a variety of elastic waist pants, but it’s usually a hidden elastic. Lysse, Jag Jeans, Wit & Wisdom (made by Democracy), Lisette. Some other brands, like Elliott Lauren and Krazy Larry make a pull-on style that has a dropped waist that contains elastic–this is what several of the brands I first mentioned also use, and it’s what fits me the best. I don’t do well with an actual set-in waistband.
As for flats, my old feet like some structure and padding. I still like the look of flats, so I’ve done pretty well with Walking Cradles. They have nice support and comfort. I wear a 5.5/35.5 M, so my options are limited. Many companies (including Vionic) don’t carry my size. I’ve also discovered I do better in Italian or Brazilian shoes–my heels are narrow, and those lasts fit me better than shoes coming from Asia. Birdies are too wide in the heel for me. I do pretty well with Cole Haan and Ecco. But, brands aren’t always the same across the line–so I read the description. But, “imported” isn’t very helpful. I make a lot of returns.
Just a heads up. When I click on the small humidifier link, it goes to brown ecco7 sneakers.
Thanks! I fixed it.
I feel your frustration at finding stylish clothes that don’t feel like you’re trying too hard or that make you look older! Most clothes from Talbots don’t flatter my figure (not sure why, but they make me look boxy) and I think elastic waistbands would add unwanted bulk at my waist and hips. I don’t have any interest in trying them. I still have several pairs of AGL shoes in that style from the last time ballet flats were trending. They’re incredibly comfortable, but the soles and heels do wear down fairly quickly. I’ve had to have them re-soled/heeled a few times.
I’m watching and waiting on the elastic waistband trend. When I was a young girl, that’s the only pant style I would wear – ack! Although I’m wearing a pair of elastic waisted track pants so…lol…
The humidifier is now in my shopping cart. This unit sure looks promising. I just love your blog – you sure have a keen way of reading my mind, of what’s next on the shopping, consideration purchase list.
Don’t get me wrong, I love elastic waist pants. I just can’t wrap my head around having it show😀
When I retired, I vowed never to wear sweatshirts with polo collars and birds embroidered on them and elastic waist pants. So far, no bird sweatshirts, but hard not to wear those great Eileen Fisher elastic waists and other similar waists that are covered up by a top.
Made me laugh. For me it was no sweatshirts with collars and pictures of kittens on them.
Lol
Hard pass on those visible elastic waistbands, although I do have several pairs of jeans and other pants with less obvious stretch waistbands.
I used to wear AGL flats and loved them, but my feet can’t tolerate them anymore. They just don’t have enough support. I do love the Ecco Soft 7 sneakers, though, and have them in several colors.
I love my AGL ballet flats — I have three pairs (black, navy, nude), all of which I found on eBay as pre-owned, but in great shape.
Love your post this morning! You are always posting about items that interest me. First, the elastic waist band, since I have retired my weight has gone gone way up and now back to my normal size, I’ve gravitated to either stretch jeans (Diane Gilman on HSN) that are great and slacks with the elastic in the back only (Issac Mizrahi on QVC). And am reading the reviews of Talbots pants to take a look at. Pockets are a must have for me so no side zips. Like most of the folks here, I use to love heels, but now I am mostly in flats or low wedges. Vionic is my go to and also Ecco and some Bzees. I find that comfort in all my clothing is most important. And have found that the styles now not only are comfortable but stylish as well.
Hi Jennifer!
On elastic waist pants- NO! Unless they are workout leggings – I want a true waistband! I’m in your camp here.
Abd hurray for my night time bedroom humidifier! I use it year round —but I do have to clean it often.
Really often!
My feet started to feel different this past year but I do see a fantastic podiatrist every 6-7 weeks who is creating inserts and making other recommendations – some of these are helping! If my feet hurt there goes my daily 2-3 mile walking routine abd I cannot let that happen!