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 donāt 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.
Hi Jennifer- I will be interested in follow up on flats. Cannot wear totally flat either due to Achilles issues. I am thinking of trying Sperry topsiders again for spring/ summer. They supposedly allow for removal of lining and put in orthotics. They made styles not completely flat. I figure these are sorta a classic?
Also I like my Lands End starfish ā jeggingsā They have elastic but very flat and do not fit like a true legging. I think these would be good to going into spring. Also with your slimmer legs you may like these. Very comfortable too! Thank you for all the practical and helpful info you provide us! Enjoy your conference!
I wear elastic pull on pants but hate wide elastic! It is very uncomfortable on my body. Prefer a thin soft elastic. I have several pairs of Sport knit pants from LandsEnd. They are very comfortable. I just purchased three pairs of Skechers on Amazon, slip on and ties sneakers in 6 1/2 wide and 7 wide. Will hope to keep at least one pair. Comfort and arch support are important and hard to find. I have arthritis and peripheral neuropathy in my feet so very hard to find shoes. Thank you for all of your recommendations Jennifer.
I’m glad you found this helpful.
All the young ones here are wearing high waisted pants with big elastic waists and short tops. I can’t see that look working on anyone over 40.
I donāt object to elastic waistbands that can be covered. My challenge is that often this style has some gathering in the front and doesnāt lay flat, not friendly to my apple shape.
Ah, AGL. I used to wear their ballet flats to death. Sadly, they no longer cover my ugly bunion. When I need shoes, I splurge on Sole Bliss. These shoes are certainly an investment, but they fit my wide feet and hide my bunion. And, they are comfortable!
When I retired in 2019, my first donation was all of my shoes that hurt.
Iāve just gathered up more shoes to donate today! Iām tired of sore feet
My hands no longer work well enough to do button and zippers, so if I want my pants to stay up, elastic it is. I suppose this idea that elastic waists drift into frumpiness comes from the fact that older women with age-related handicaps have no choice but to wear pull-on pants. So if I’m heading to frumpiness, so be it. I’m old enough now not to care what the neighbors think.
Iāve seen Mary Jane flats recently making a comeback. I need a strap to keep my arch support in place so I may resort to finding some. Any way to add them to an outfit without looking grumpy?
Iām looking at several pairs with a strap. Iāll let you know what I find.
I am struggling with the elastic band on pants or skirts, ugh.
I like flats but haven’t found just what I want for a skirt or dress, pants are easier.
I nearly always need to put elastic in the back half of a waistband . I prefer it to be flat in front . And no waistbands are not too big for me because I don’t eat enough !
As to shoes I can’t really manage heels at all (and never could) but unfortunately shoes without definite fastenings just fall off me so I tend to clutch too much and get cramp .
The cold half of the year I wear ankle boots , the warm half either sandals or trainers with zips next to the laces .
I don’t like the wide, visible, heavily gathered waistbands on me. The gathering gives me a barrel look around the hips. I’m 5′ 4″ and weigh 125 decently proportioned. I find knit drawstring with elastic are more flattering on my shape.
As to flats, I need a shoe with an arch as my arches dropped from all the years standing when teaching. I prefer Birkenstock and am thrilled with there new line that looks more feminine.
Another wonderful post. Thank you Jennifer. I will pass on the elastic waist pants. I do wear pull-on jeggings with a wide waistband but won’t dream of tucking anything into them. The last few trends or fads or whatever they are called have been kind to my wallet. I wouldn’t touch the “cold shoulder” look or the puffy sleeves. So ditto for pants where the elastic is supposed to show. That look is only doable for young thin girls. Its getting harder & harder to find attractive modern looking items. I’m 5’3″ on a good day and so many tops look like tunics on me. The oversized jackets & sweaters look ridiculous. I love Talbot’s style but unfortunately for me they don’t often offer anything in my autumn palette.
I wear almost flats. I need arch support even in a sneaker. I have recently discovered the Ecco soft sneaker & love it. I need to get the metallic ones next. I have several pair of slip-on sneakers from Jambu that also give me good support.
I love Birdies! Talking about flat shoes l am a fan of Rothyās too. My daughter bought me a pair of the Rothyās loafers for Christmas and they are a gorgeous blue l am going to love wearing them and l can put them in the washing machine if they get dirty. I asked for 1/2 size up that usual.
I need to go up 1/2 a size in them, too because they will not stretch.
Iāve had my 2 pairs of AGL flats for at least 10-15 years. They are definitely the most comfortable shoes I own and still look good. As for elastic waistbands, the only ones I wear are my nicer Eileen Fisher pants during the winter and my J Jill linen pants in the summer, always with a top covering the band. I havenāt seen the wide elastic band ones, but Iām sure I will see them everywhere now that Iām aware of them!
Hello Jennifer, first about your post yesterday on receiving negative comments. Please ignore them. I read your blog everyday and you are always helpful.
My second comment is about comfortable flats. This is completely unsolicited. I have plantar fasciitis and high arches and find Vionic to be very comfortable. They could be more stylish but comfort wins out. I wish they would make something like the two-toned ballet flat you posted. Keep blogging!
Eileen
I must have a low arch because Vionics has never worked for me, but I am willing to give them another try.
Hi Jennifer! We really like our Canopy humidifier, although we have learned to only use filtered water since our water here is so hard. It’s great that most of the parts go into the dishwasher. As to the flat shoes, I’m with Elizabeth. I try to find comfort shoes with cushion, good arch support, and a 1-1/2″ – 2″ heel especially with a platform. Thanks for all the great info you post for us every day! I love your style!
Most of my pants are either Lands End starfish or Talbots T collections, so they all have elastic waists and I love that. But they don’t have those gathers that are not flattering to me. So this trend is a no.
Have you considered Hotter shoes? I have some lovely booties and tie shoes with fur lining. They have some mary janes that I also have. All flats, not bad looking. My feet are wide and need support, so the ballet flat is not for me. My run around shoes are Easy Spirit Romy, which I have in white leather, pink leather, navy suede, maroon suede, and even in silver metallic and black patent. The most comfortable shoes in the world.
Easy Spirit is very, very popular for just that reason.
Iām going to pass on elastic waist pants. I like a more structured pant, be it jeans, cotton, or dress.
I love flats! I donāt worry about extra height (5ā8ā) and crave comfort in my footwear now. I have a narrow foot so I canāt wear slip ons as above but a lace up or a loafer type. Ballet flats and driving shoes slip off my foot. Finding a pair of stylish shoes is not easy with my perimeters. The hunt is real! I purged my heels when I retired. I have one pair of black heels in my closet for those times when I need to wear a dress.
About the waistbands. I had to return a pair of pajamas to Company Store
because they put one of those bulky ones in. I can’t even imagine sleeping in something like that.
No thanks, too many photos of me as a kid with elastic waist pants twisted weirdly. Since Covid, it seems we all want comfortable clothes, unfortunately. Re flat shoes – my feet seem to want support under my toes. Not sure what that’s about.
Elastic pants have to fit right. I stay away from them except in leggings.
Shoes: love those black suede loafers. It is hard to find a comfy shoe without the orthopedic look. I have found some Clarkās with style and that are not too wide. When I find that comfortable shoe, I usually buy it. I know they can be a bit pricey but my feet appreciate them.
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! Weāve 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 š
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 Iāll 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 āChanelā 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 Rothyās 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 ownā¦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 š
I am not happy with the 2 inch elastic waistband that is advertised as holding in the stomach and ādoes not rollā. 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 Eccoās. 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!
.