Monday Musings: On Calm Colors, Repeat Outfits, and Learning to Listen
Happy Monday, ladies. I hope all the mothers in our community had a lovely day and treated themselves to something delightful…even if just a few hours with a favorite book.
TEARDROP EARRINGS / SUEDE SHOULDER BAG / FRAMES in different color
Why I prefer calm neutrals
People often tell me I should add a pop of color or that red looks fabulous on me. And sometimes they’re right. A color can technically suit me, and I can still have no desire to wear it around all day.
I know because I’ve bought those pieces. They hang in my closet, looking optimistic, while I keep reaching for neutrals. Apparently, admiring a color and wanting it to follow you through errands, lunch, and bad lighting are two different things.
That’s what made me curious. Why do some women thrive in bold colors while others prefer things visually quieter?
So I did a little digging. Color preference isn’t just about taste. It can be shaped by memory, lifestyle, personality, and even how much visual stimulation your nervous system is comfortable managing.
Researchers call one piece of this Sensory Processing Sensitivity, which means some people process stimulation more deeply. That doesn’t mean every sensitive person prefers neutrals, or that women who love color are less sensitive. It simply means we don’t all react to brightness, contrast, clutter, and visual busyness the same way.
That made sense to me. I’m prone to anxiety and have always preferred calmer spaces, so it’s not a stretch to think I’d prefer calmer colors too. My nervous system has never once asked for more visual excitement. Loud noises startle me, too, so honestly, my nervous system has been pretty consistent about its preferences.
Some women thrive on color. A red coat or bright sweater gives them energy and makes an outfit feel alive. That’s part of the idea behind dopamine dressing, and for many women, it’s real. They wear colors the way I drink decalf tea.
For me, neutrals settle things down. A softer palette gives my eye a place to rest, which feels increasingly reasonable at this stage of life.
This is also where color analysis gets interesting. A shade may harmonize with your coloring, yet still feel like more stimulation than you want to take on. Just because a bright color is “your color” doesn’t mean you’re obligated to build a wardrobe around it.
Do bright colors make you feel energized, or do you prefer a calmer palette too?
Worn on Repeat
A reader told me recently she was tired of seeing the same clothes on me.
I’ve been thinking about that ever since, mostly because I wasn’t sure whether to laugh or take it personally. I landed on a laugh.
Here’s the thing. I’m not like most bloggers. Most of what you see me wearing on this blog is what I actually wear in my life. I don’t buy giant boxes of new clothes… steam it, photograph it, then ship it back to the store. It makes great sense as a business model because it provides you with lots of options, fresh content, and lots of links. But honestly? That’s more effort than I have in me.
That’s why I do try-ons in stores. It lets me show you what’s new, how things actually look and feel, how they fit on a body that isn’t six feet tall, and whether something might be worth your consideration even if it’s not right for me.
So yes, you’ll see the same white shirt. The same sneakers. More Eileen Fisher than feels strictly necessary. That’s not a content gap… it’s my wardrobe.
I Wasn’t Pushing Too Hard
We started seeing a personal trainer, which seemed like a sensible, safe way to build strength, balance, and mobility with someone who actually knows what they’re doing.
By the third visit, I’d pulled a groin muscle, and three weeks later, I’m still nursing it along. Ugh. It reminds me of the time I threw my back out getting out of bed, which remains one of the least impressive injuries on record.
The humbling part is that I didn’t do anything dramatic. There was no heroic squat, no impressive athletic moment, and nothing that would make a decent story. Just one wrong move, and suddenly every turn had to be done with more thought than any doorway deserves.
Pilates is on hold now, which really stinks because I love how it makes me feel strong and flexible, two qualities I’m apparently only able to admire from a distance at the moment.
So I’m moving more slowly, listening more carefully, and trying not to be annoyed that rest is sometimes the assignment. I prefer my life lessons with less limping, but apparently, I don’t get to choose the delivery method.
Final Thoughts
At this stage of life, I’m less interested in forcing myself into someone else’s idea of style, productivity, or even strength. I’d rather notice what works, respect what doesn’t, and pay attention when something clearly isn’t working.
That applies to color, clothes, and apparently personal training. Some lessons arrive quietly. Others arrive with ice packs.
Do you find yourself trusting your own patterns more these days?
Honestly Jennifer the reason I was drawn to your blog is because you are DIFFERENT from the other bloggers out there. You just seemed more honest , confident and realistic. I appreciate that at “our” age. I’m not one to be all tready and prefer the classic wardrobe. You are great…YOU BE YOU GIRL!!!
Thanks Terri!
Love your blog, Jennifer, and appreciate that you stay true to yourself. I’m also an introverted HSP, but I feel much more “me” when I wear my True Summer color palette. As I’ve aged, my contrast level is now medium rather than high contrast. My neutrals are mostly white, navy and denim, and favorite colors to wear near my face are purple, green, blue, and sometimes pink. I definitely find myself wearing more of the lighter colors in my palette. So sorry about your groin injury. I’m dealing with hip pain and doing PT exercises for it.
Thank you for this lesson today. I have always admired your color choices as they work so well for your coloring. I didn’t realize there was psychology behind your choices as well. Now your choices make more sense to me. Also, I think contrast affects color choices as well. I like stronger colors (not necessarily bold, bright, in your face colors) mostly due to needing more of a contrast to my own coloring (mid brown hair, blue eyes, and cool summer palette). Too neutral and I feel like I am disappearing. Hope your back recovery continues quickly!
Your take on color for a sensitive person was interesting. I seem to be the opposite. I’m an anxious person too who dislikes loud noises, crowed rooms, and stressful situations, but I like color in my wardrobe and in my decor. Nothing over the top like pattern matching, but at least one colorful item per outfit . I have pale skin and neutrals make me look washed out. Color makes me feel more confident and happy.
I’m so sorry you pulled a muscle. That has been my experience at the gym. The mind set at the gym is not good for my aging body. I’ve found it’s best to stick with at home DVD’s that are effective, but gentle on my body. In my own home I can monitor how a work out feels. I do Miranda Esmund White’s DVD Aging Backwards and her Core workout. For cardio, Leslie Sansone’s DVD’s like Just Walking Off the Pounds 3 miles or Four Fast Miles. For strength and bone health, Weight Lifting for Dummies with Tracy York. Tracy is an excellent instructor. I use lighter weights from 3 to 8 lbs. and do more reps instead of added weight. At 77 I am strong, agile and healthy. I enjoy reading about your journey to stay healthy and vibrant at any age. I do like your new haircut. I hope it is working out for you and doesn’t need a lot of care. Here’s to the joy of being you!
Thank you for those recommendations. I used to always do classes at home. It’s certainly convenient. I’ll check them out.
I appreciate the way you do things. There is something about the influencer thing that is bothering me. When they do a “haul” and say they bought that in 6 more colors and they have multiple rooms in their home devoted to clothes it just feels wrong. Who can even wear that much stuff? Even with a fairly nice size closet, I find I don’t wear my things as often as I would like given their cost. I hear them defend that by saying it is their business but it just feels wasteful.
I love to wear color! Wearing a great red, a royal blue or another jewel tone gives me energy. Yesterday, I wore a white top that I think is very pretty with a new denim midi skirt. I knew the two pieces looked good together, and the top and skirt fit me perfectly, but I felt something was “off.” I originally planned to wear the outfit all day, but I ended up changing to a bright blue dress before going to my son’s for a BBQ dinner. Next time I wear the skirt, I’ll choose a more colorful top. Dopamine dressing works for me, but I know it doesn’t work for everyone!
You do you!
Everybody has an opinion on social media, mainly I think because they don’t have to actually interact with the people they are critiquing. I think you give practical views about clothes many of us wear and your try-on content in stores is vert very informative, as you shop in stores many of us do, and give us a view of things we might like. Keep up the good work, and feel better.
I love neutrals. I feel like I can melt into the background, my place of choice. The rare times I wear a splash of color, I get compliments, no idea. My Mother always had a splash of red either a blouse, coat, lipstick just enough to lift her outfits, and she loved pattern, not my Mothers daughter. I think you look great in your color choices, neutral but not dull
Hi Jennifer, I enjoyed your thoughtful comments on the science of sensory perception and why we might wear colors that suit our nervous system, rather than our color chart. I hadn’t even thought of that. As a person with a similar personality, I am dialing in my favorite color palette at age 66. Now I know why. More navy and denim top and bottom, less black (well, always black pants) and favorite accent colors include olive green and deep amethyst. Wild patterns and colors no longer appeal. Thanks for sharing, wear what you feel most comfortable in! 🙂
Yes! The ultimate way to feel confident and like ourselves.
Such an interesting discussion. I am a sensitive quiet introvert but I feel mousy, old, and invisible in neutrals. I do find them chic on others including you.
Perhaps it is because I am an artist but I love color and pattern although I do consider scale. I tend to wear my seasonal colors which light me up. Purple and fuchsia are my faves. Go figure. Oh, I paint brightly too.
I love that you’re an artist! That makes total sense to me.
My closet is a sea of blue. Light blue, pale blue, dark blue, navy, etc. With a few greys thrown in. And black pants. I get your drift. I’ve tried the bright colors, I look smashing in red I’m told. But I have problems wearing it much. Even a red tee makes me put a grey hoodie over it. Yes, its just too stimulating. So I appreciate your neutrals. Even if my neutral is more on the blue or grey side. Yes, its great to see you in more color, but for me, I know actually wearing it can be difficult.
Keep up the good work. You help inspire me and my wardrobe.
You wouldn’t believe the amount of grief I get when I tell people I don’t like (yes, even loathe) the color purple. “How is that possible? Purple is my favorite color. You must have a serious problem.” The closest I’ll get to it eggplant parmesan. I think it’s time everyone got over criticizing other people’s color preferences. You go with your neutrals.
I find your sensibility with regard to how you showcase clothing refreshing. The fact that you find neutrals a calming go-to really resonates with me as my closet consists primarily of neutral tones and pieces that coordinate; mix and match if you will. Taking the appoach you do toward the blog and your lifestyle provides us all with lessons we can think about and perhaps incorporate some of it into our own lives. Well done…
I love how you don’t style lots of clothing all the time. The store try-ons are perfect because you see how the item fits and you explain how it feels.
Seriously I feel it’s exhausting and hard to keep up with what works and what doesn’t.
Thank you for not overwhelming and I too love your glasses – very classy looking on you
Thanks Jayne
You look so lovely in this picture who knew a white blouse could have such an effect!
Thank you. To be honest, I think the effect is because I’m smiling at my daughter.
Thank you for this wonderful post. I understand and agree with everything you wrote. Much like you, I gravitate to a neutral palette. Today I’m wearing black slacks, a white blouse, and a camel sweater .
Sometimes I start thinking I need to change things up and get some color in my closet. If I do succumb, I usually rarely or never wear the piece.
I also like that your posts are genuine and reflect what is going on in your life. We, women of a certain age, share so much in common. A simple step can result in an injury! Keep doing what you do because you do it well!
Thanks Nancy.
Jennifer,
Thank you for your blog and for not showing things you don’t wear or are not comfortable wearing. I have recommended your blog to several of my friends, telling them ” Jennifer dresses just like me, only better.” After years of wearing business suits, I am embracing a simpler, more casual lifestyle. (I am 70 years old, retired, enjoying friends, family and a bit of travel). I appreciate your take on what is comfortable, what packs well and what classics work on repeat in your wardrobe. I don’t have access to some of the stores you shop at, which is why I appreciate your try-ons, so I can order on-line knowing, for example, that a particular line might be cut on the small size etc. My bad feet really appreciate your testing out all those shoes! Many thanks
Thanks Mary!
Jennifer thanks for another insightful blog post. I always enjoy your thoughtful and informative posts. I’ve learned a lot and connected with a lot of great products as a result. This post resonated with me and maybe helped explain that as hard as I try to have a wardrobe of neutrals the print tops keeping finding their way into my closet. At 75 my silver hair is natural and while I do focus on having all the essentials in my chosen navy and grey — although this year a little medium tan has snuck in — my gravitational pull to prints (mostly with blue) may just be part of who I am — why fight it! Thanks!!
Oh, dear Jennifer, but isn’t that the point? That’s why you are showing us what’s a classic, basic, neutral or investment piece, so we can wear them again and again? But with different combinations, layers and accessories? That’s one of the reason I enjoy your blog, because it’s real and I don’t get overwhelmed with too much and always feel like I need something new or different than what I already have! I like seeing how to style something we already have in possibly a way or combination (yes, colors) I may not have thought of, or just to wear something classic in a fresh way. Keep up the good work, I appreciate it!
Thank you for sharing. I find your blog’s outfit posts and personal stories to be very authentic, relatable, and down-to-earth.
I love soft soothing colors like grey, white and flax on the bottom and pale shades of blue on top. I guess I’m more a jumpy cat and less a sleepy pooch. My mother always loved bright colors and she was also a light blonde. But they feel uncomfortable on me. Now I understand why. Thank you. Sorry about your injury. Not good timing just before your trip to Singapore.
I am new to reading your blog and am so enjoying it! I need the daily pep talk! Somehow I got stuck during Covid and gave up bothering to dress nicely. My closet is 98% jeans and Ts these days. At 68, I believe I could put in a little more effort. I will be shopping soon for some of the classics (neutrals!) you’ve shown. Thank you for the inspiration — and useful advice!
Welcome Carol! I’m so glad you’ve joined us.
Love the new haircut and your style. I also love how you shop your wardrobe, instead of frequent huge boxes of new stuff arriving for just photo sessions. I often wonder where the seemingly massive amounts of returns go after a few blogger pics have been taken and uploaded. A landfill here or overseas, resold as new, resold at a discount? Inquiring minds and all that. Can’t wait to hear and see posts about your latest trip, what you packed and wore, what worked and what didn’t.
I have very recently purchased a completely new wardrobe due to significant weight loss, mostly stress-induced due my husband’s three year illness, at-home hospice care and death a few months ago. I find that I am very much leaning towards calmer colors, unlike what I wore throughout my 30s-60s. Now at 71, I’m still sticking to my Spring palate, but on the softer side. As a friend recently told me, my closet still looks like a roll of Lifesavers, but with much fewer vibrant items screaming for attention. 🙂
I’m so sorry about your husband Judith. Those are very stressful and sad times. I love the way you describe your colors!! So calm and pretty.
I thoroughly enjoy your world view and style!
What a thoughtful , wonderful post.so many things I might buy are shown on tall lean women. And realizing then that it won’t look great on me. Finding the right stuff for my body needs thought and your guidance is most helpful.
I am a color girl all the way! My clothes help me say “I’m here! 👋” stop and say hello.
Dear Jennifer, Your “realness” is why I learn and appreciate your thoughts. You talk about how to minimize our problems; other bloggers make me feel hopeless and inadequate. Never stop please. I’m 87, loving and thankful for music, friends, Mother nature and all the wonderful slices of life in America. God bless you all.
Thanks Diane! I’m so glad you’re here.
I love waking up to your emails, because one, you are sometimes in Northern California (my area) and two, you are true to yourself. Since the pandemic, I have followed a handful of fashion bloggers, but some of the clothes are way out of my budget. As we get older, we don’t need the current fashion style, just our own style. Wear what makes us feel our best, is comfortable and within budget. If we buy quality items, those pieces last forever! It is always fun to see some new fashion come out, but wait, we wore that same thing, 3 decades ago and it’s in the back of one of my closets!
Love this. I think the same is true with prints as it is with color . I love pretty prints, but when I buy them I admire them in my closet, bit wear them . Definitely about quiet and calm.
I agree about the prints.
I am an introvert. I like peace and quiet and reading is a hobby of mine. that and gardening. I am a winter on the color wheel, but I mainly wear navy blue, black and white. Sometimes hot pink and red only at Christmas. I hae an emotional reaction to navy blue. It relaxes me to wear that color! I will wear color if the shirt is white and has embroidery (such as Johnny Was tops). I saw a clip on Instagram where the woman said, ” At our age, do not wear anything that does not make you happy!”. I try to follow that philosophy. I always think you looked great!
That’s a great philosophy!
Hi Jennifer, I am commiserating with your being out of commission. Last November, a new Pilates studio opened near me. I signed up and started taking classes 3 times a week. In January, my husband had shoulder replacement surgery. They sent him home the same day. Big mistake!! He ended up on the floor right after, with much effort, I got him up one full-sized and one half-sized step into our house. My daughter and I tried and failed multiple times to get him up. We had to call the EMTs. I remember saying to myself that I hope I hadn’t injured myself. Then I forgot about it. In hindsight, the biceps pain I had been experiencing dates back to January. I joked with my Pilates instructor that her classes were showing me how poor my upper body strength is. I struggled doing the triceps and biceps exercises that others seemed to be doing easily. Yet, my lower body strength, core strength, and balance were great. I found that very puzzling! At the very beginning of March I took a class and a few hours later discovered I could not lift my right arm. It was no longer just biceps ache, my shoulder was refusing to work. Naturally, I told myself that taking it easy in Pilates would cure it. Eventually, I told my husband what I was feeling. He said that it sounded like a rotator cuff and labrum injury. He should know. His surgery in January was his 5th shoulder procedure! At the end of March, I decided to visit his shoulder specialist. An MRI showed a torn labrum, tendinitis in two of the rotator cuff tendons plus a tear in one of them, and biceps tendinitis. I have just completed my 6th week of trying to rest my arm. It is still not healed. Ugh. I am praying that I can get everything to heal without surgery. I have a genetic collagen defect called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome that will make surgery dicey. My tendons are like fragile tissue paper. Sewing on them is problematic. To add insult to injury, the owner of the Pilates studio saw me with a sling on my arm the last Saturday in April. I had continued taking class 3 times per week all through April and just not using my arms. The teachers were fine with it. When the owner saw me, she banned me from the studio until I could produce a doctor’s note. I got the note, but she is still refusing to allow me in the door. I am mulling over canceling my membership. The owner has put me on a one month hiatus. She thinks I will be all better and can resume coming to class after sitting out during May. Ha, ha. I know my EDS body will not be healed in just another 2 weeks. It will take months of being very careful about what I do with my arm and some luck to get the injuries to resolve. I can top your story about goofiest cause of injury. Back in 2005, I shredded the muscle across my left, upper back, approximately where a bra band sits. This occurred when I took my then college student youngest daughter shopping for jeans. The store had no shopping carts, so I was piling the jeans across my left arm while pushing hangers on the clothing racks with my right hand. The next morning, I awoke with my upper back in spasm. That was the worst pain I have ever experienced. It took 5 months of therapy to get to the point where I could sleep 5 hours straight and many more months before I was completely pain free. I now know that injury was the result of my fragile EDS tissue. At the time, I did not know I had the condition. I hope that you feel better soon!
Oh goodness Kathy, you have been through the wringer!! I’m wishing you the best, thorough recovery.
Your writing is engaging and thoughtful. I appreciate your approach. This was a great post about the psychology of colors – including neutrals. It is interesting to me that I form ideas about people by observing the colors they are wearing — maybe too stereotypical, but bright colors, busier patterns, unusual combinations perhaps suggest a person might have a certain energy or be artistic while neutrals, lower contrast, solid colors might suggest a calmer personality. Sometimes I like to wear something a bit different (for me) as a conversation starter since I tend to be more introverted.
About the pulled muscle — so sorry! You have already heard too many times, I’m sure, about rest, ice, and heat. In addition to my regimen of ice and heat, I recently tried a small amount of over-the-counter generic diclofenac (Voltaren) cream on a strained pec (front of the shoulder around the collarbone) that has given me grief for weeks in spite of skilled PT, and the cream gave me surprising relief (not immediately, but within some hours) that has helped tremendously! It is an anti-inflammatory and one must follow the directions carefully so as not to use too much. Husband also uses it for arthritic fingers. Maybe it would give some relief to your feet as well.
I am using the Diclofenic cream and find it fabulous!
I also think the amount of contrast we like in our wardrobes has to do with our coloring. I had very dark hair most of my life and now have dramatic salt and pepper hair. Put that with my pale skin and my coloring is high contrast. I need a wardrobe with high contrast or I feel lost.
With your blond/gray hair, I see you as a low contrast person, which is what you wear.
Jennifer,
I love that you stay true to who you are. That’s why I enjoy your blog and keep coming back. Please don’t ever change.
Sincerely,
Ginger
This is a great post pal!!
Thanks my friend!
I like the way you dress! That’s why I’m here. And I am sorry to hear about your muscle pull. When I started with my personal trainer 6 months ago, I ‘pulled’ a muscle in my hip (I think it was my gluteus medius – I’m learning a lot of new things!). It was honestly the worst pain I have every felt in my life -including childbirth! I had to spend a week rolling it on a foam roller, but once that muscle finally released, it was amazing. The chronic hip and ankle pain that I have had for years is mostly gone and I am now getting so much stronger. I think that muscle was so tight due to years of just being out of balance and having tight hips. All of that is to say, I hope that you can work through your pulled muscle and that it might be the key to improving your strength and balance. (Also your trainer should give you suggestions to help release it – I don’t know if the foam roller would help – but if not, look for a new trainer)
I think I’ll look for a new trainer. She’s just not careful enough with us old folks.
I love how you wrote your truth about your wardrobe. I’m the opposite; I love color and paisley patterns, but I also love your blog. I’ve found some nice pieces that you have promoted that fit in with my colorful outfits.
Awesome
Groin injuries are the worst and re-injuries are common. HIGHLY recommend PT sooner rather than later.
Thanks Terry! I’ll see if I can get into one as soon as possible.
Keep doing what you do, Jennifer. Your blog is often the first thing I read. We must be on the same color wavelength because I enjoy your outfits and fashion/beauty tips. Your try-ons are engaging and satisfy my shopping itch.
Hope you recover soon.
Jennifer, I have said it before and here it is again—I feel like you are a friend —when I am wondering about hair loss, out of the blue, your daily blog is about hair loss remedies! When I am feeling at sea about what jeans to shop for—you have a blog on jeans. Whether it is comfortable shoes, dresses, or whatever—you write blogs I can relate to. I really love your approach and being true to who you are!
Thank you Kay!
I love the pictures of you out in the world. Your relaxed vibe and mine are very similar. I do love color in my wardrobe. It is generally just a sweater. Most of my closet is shades of blue and grey. I have discovered I am not a “blazer” and feel more comfortable in a cardigan. My daughter benefits from those mistakes. Like you, when you wear your uniform of colors and styles you feel more like yourself and that radiates confidence and beauty. It took me to be 71 years old to figure myself out. Heal quickly and stay strong
I always consider myself a work in progress 🙂
You are smart to know and be who you are. To my amazement, I will be 86 next week. My body is falling apart piece by piece but that is MUCH better than the alternative of not being around to fall apart! I love clothes as much as I did in kindergarten when I pestered my mother to buy me black patent leather ankle strap shoes that were like a classmate’s. I wear mostly colors in the blues and whites together or blues and blues together or blues and blacks together, but have some shocking pinks and some sequins. And depending on the day, it is fun to add a little bright color. But it doesn’t matter. Each of us is who she is. And that is as it should be! To quote, “and this above all, to thine own self be true.”
I love this Lee! Thank you. I’m so glad you’re part of this community. Wishing you a very Happy Birthday.
Well, pooh on that reader. I’ve only tapped into your blog recently but I love it more than any others because it’s the real you. You give great tips and leave me with thoughtful ideas for updating my own wardrobe (although, personally, I love bright colors so…). Loved your sidebar about Pilates. I, too, hurt myself lifting weights and have been dealing with “tennis elbow” for almost a year. Ugh. Keep on blogging!
Ouch! Feel better soon
This is so helpful! I have always gravitated to neutrals, when I was younger my sisters teased me to brighten up! But I still choose mostly neutrals, I feel more put together, clean and sophisticated that way. So two thumbs up for your explanation and celebration of women like us!
Yay! Glad this resonated with you Rachel.
Yes you are correct. The repeat of some of your photos are very helpful to me. I am a single woman with no children. Sometimes I don’t know how to put the pieces I have and love into a new fresher look. But I always enjoy your blog and style tips. I love your classic style with pieces that I’ve seen before.
Because that is who I am. I want to really wear what I have. Not constantly looking at trendy things that make me look bad. (Barrel pants) Thank you for your input.
I Love that you blog about what you actually wear. I look forward to seeing what you have on each day. You’ve helped me to put together clothes that I actually want to wear. Thank you for being true to yourself and for helping me to looking more put together.
I’m happy to hear that. Thanks.
Hi! I loved this post. Lately I’ve been wondering if our colors (skin) fade as we age? Back in the day I was an Autumn, and wore a rich deep palette of fall tones. But the last year or so I realized I don’t wear those tones in clothes or makeup, particularly lipstick. I want softer colors, and navy, rose, and olive. Mid-range tones. And soft lipstick colors!
Do our colors fade?
Our coloring certainly fades so choosing softer colors in your palette may feel better on you. You never change seasons.
Jennifer,
I really enjoy reading your blog, as you present yourself as a real person with ups and downs like the rest of us, and a life beyond shopping for clothes/accessories.
Your advice on clothing types ‘best shoes/bras/swimsuits/etc.’ for women over 60 is priceless. Thank you.
I’m glad it’s helpful.
Excellent musings today! I too am prone to anxiety, and lots of noise especially drives me nuts. I know it’s one of the reasons I gravitate to black, blues, and white. I will throw in the occasional color, and I love to look at color, but I do not appreciate it on me.
I know you wear your own things most of the time, and I appreciate the dressing room try ons. You’ve saved me a lot of time and I mostly have given up on JJIll because their silhouettes are not right for me. I can see this when you do the trying on and it is much appreciated! I too wish that some of the clothing items were not so expensive, but I can look around and find Levi jeans, quince cashmere, and Nordy Rack or Macy’s items that are good duplicates. I just cannot justify in my mind paying 200 dollars for jeans, or most cashmere. Maybe a dress, or a coat. It’s not that I can’t, it is just that I won’t. Each to her own.
Your haircut by the way is the best ever!
Good Morning Jennifer. As always, love and look forward to your Monday Musings. And with each one, learn another reason why I relate so well with you. I startle at loud noises and don’t know why. And I’m with you on the neutral color selections. I have one pair of orange/red slacks from Anthropology. I’ve worn them a couple of times, and even though they’re a very flattering fit on me, I don’t feel comfortable. and actually feel like a spectacle. They’re a Summer pant, so will make myself wear them a few times this season. But routinely, I’ll stick with a scarf for that pop of color.
Good morning Lee Ann. I’m so glad to hear this resonates with you too.
Love your posts Jennifer. Still wish you were on FB but I understand. I can read it easily online so no big deal. Nice to see some comments from others today as well. I’m not much of a color person now at least anymore. At 72 I’m not caring about looking like I shop all the newest stuff. I prefer looking good in my EF as well and matching sweaters, mostly in black. I don’t find it boring but black is easy and mysterious. Not for everyone but perfect for me. Keep up the good work please. Love it!
Hi Jennifer,
Interesting post. I had no idea color affected people that way. Personally I really like your try-ons. Please don’t stop doing them! Hope you had a nice Mother’s Day.
I will absolutely keep doing the try-ons.
I love the softer colors on you. I really like this pic, the soft mushroom bag has a lovely elegant color that suits your coloring. Sorry you pulled something, I do that also, from time to time, and I am a personal trainer! Gentleness has its benefits ❤️
You are so right about gentleness.
Thank you for this! I so relate to your need for calmer visual stimulation. I, too, am a bit sensitive to bright, bold colors, and people, and noise. Even gardens, when filled with ever color under the sun, make me anxious. I like peace — peaceful colors, clothes, people, music (even rock), and environments. I do wear some color among my neutrals, but never real bright or bold hues.
I love your dressing room try-ons, so please continue with that. And Monday Musings is one of my favorite posts. You just keep on doing YOU.
I will keep doing the try-ons. I hope I wasn’t unclear and say I wouldn’t.
Your comments resonated with me. Like you, I tend to feel most comfortable in soothing neutrals. I moved away from an all black base, reluctantly at first. And that was a big change–big enough for me! I do occasionally buy a cobalt shirt or a red jacket, but they never seem to be the pieces I reach for everyday. Thanks for giving me permission to embrace the neutral me. Plus, I don’t want to buy a piece that happens to be the color of the moment just so it can end up in a landfill when the trend fades. So keep doing what you are doing with the blog, please!
Sorry to hear about your groin injury. I threw my back our reaching for shampoo in the shower. At first, I was embarrassed to admit that that was how I injured myself. But then my physical therapist said that people almost always note that it was a small movement that caused the pain. Hope you heal quickly.
Ouch! Thanks for making me feel normal about hurting my back just getting out of bed!
I love that you stay true to yourself.
You can enjoy a slight change now and then with our wardrobe but we as women know what works.
Thank you for making me feel normal!
My pleasure, we are all unique and perfectly normal.
Jennifer I love your posts and the best part is your transparency and honestly! The try-ones are helpful and inspiring, but I appreciate the real you in repeat outfits even more! By doing that you validate finding and feeling comfortable being ourselves (but stylish always!) Thank you!
Well said. I agree!
I can relate to pulling a muscle when doing the most ordinary things. Apparently, I am at the age (69) where I need to do warmup exercises before I pull weeds. For the past two Springs when I started pulling weeds in my garden, I pulled a muscle as well. Lesson (finally) learned and I vow that next year I will do better!
Ouch!
Thanks, Jennifer. I too reach for neutrals all the time even though there is some color in my closet. I’m comfortable with doing that — I am old enough to accept that is just the way I am. But your description of why that might be hit home with me. Thanks so much for your blog. I’ve been reading it for years.
Jennifer, hope your injury heals quickly….please do not change a thing about your blog. I appreciate the fact that you post outfits you actually wear on a regular basis. And the dressing room diarys are very helpful. Keep up the good work!
Jennifer!!
I was never so happy in my life that you wrote this article especially about colors!
I never really liked wearing colors on me as i grew up and especially as a lady of 69! I always felt I looked awful in these.
Problem is my husband and daughter always buy me these articles of clothing then get upset they never see them on me!!
Now I just sent them both your article and hope they get my drift!
Lol! I’m so glad it resonated with you Susan.
May I say your new haircut looks wonderful!
Thank you so much
Jennifer, don’t change I thing. I love seeing what you wear in real life and how you put things together. So many bloggers show constant new clothes but give no guidance on how to wear them or incorporate them into your wardrobe. Tbh I get tired of that and everything starts to look the same. As for color, I find intense colors interesting and relaxing. I get bored with neutrals. My Gemini needs that stimulation. I also think a big factor is my poor eyesight. Things are blurry without my glasses (and sometimes with) but I can SEE color very well. I’m a regular Monet over here! 😂
I love how you describe your colorful outfits Shari. It makes me wish I liked wearing color!
I really enjoy reading your blog and appreciate all your advice. I just wanted to jump in to say how much I love the glasses you’re wearing! Are they your new ones? The shape and color look great on you!
No these are older. The new ones came in and sat too close to my eyes so my lashs hit them. No matter how hard they tried to adjust them, they wouldn’t work, so I’m now waiting for the new ones to arrives.
I love color. When I dress in all neutrals I feel too blah. But then I had 2 wonderful parents who also loved bright color. And you love neutrals and that is perfectly ok too. I had never thought about someone wearing neutrals because they needed the calm. Thank you for the insight. And what a boring world it would be if we all liked the same thing. Maybe that is why we have winter. It is the calm after all the bright colors of the other 3 seasons.
Hope your back gets to feeling better soon. I just started PT after doing something to mine. I have no idea what but guess that is part of old age. Have a beautiful week!!!
Sorry about your back Judy. It seems like it’s always something with me these days. Have a great week.
I appreciate the fact that you show your wardrobe and not order in clothes you might have us believe you’ve bought and love. It’s nice to see different ways of wearing your everyday clothes.
I think you always look classy.
If I can’t afford certain brands I use your ideas for inspiration when I am needing something.
I love your blog. It’s feels totally authentic – not contrived and chasing trends. And I love all the Eileen Fisher. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and your wardrobe with us!
I understand perfectly your personality, because I have the same type. It’s called a sensitive personality. You startle easily, prefer calm spaces, enjoy reading, and dislike loud, crowded rooms. Same, girlfriend, same.
I appreciated your business model explanation. Made a lot of sense.
Yes, I am a HSP and was so relieved to read about it. Thanks for being here!
OMG and LOL….I had to google what does HSP stand for, now I know. Interesting read today and have a good one.
I had never heard of HSP until this column. I identified with Sandy’s description of it. Very helpful!
I totally agree with you and Sandy! That’s why I don’t like cats. They move too suddenly. Give me peace and calm in environment and clothes!!!
I never gave it much thought about the color I wear, I just know what I like. I’m into color and my closet looks like a rainbow exploded in there. Neutrals drain me, especially beige and browns. You always look lovely in everything you wear, I learn a lot from you!
Interesting and thoughtful take on dressing with color. I am wondering if it might align with being an introvert or extrovert.
I suspect it does.
Jennifer,
I fell and strained a groin muscle that was not healing until I went to Physical therapy. Rest may not cure it.
I’ll give it a few weeks, then call my Dr for a referral.
Hello Jennifer, I follow you because I like your outfits, your style, and for this reason I enjoy read your blog; your outfits are a source of inspiration for me. I do exercises by myself at home and I love red colour , but don’t wear often. Rosalba from Rome, Italy
Hi Rosalba!! So happy you’re here.
This post really resonated with me. I like that I’m reading about someone who is telling her story and preferences and not “selling” all the time. Your coloring differs from mine, but I learn from your selection criteria and certainly from all the discussion of health, hobbies, family, style, hair and skin care. Keep up the great authentic sharing!
Thanks, EP.
I love your real life fashion!
From lots of experience in the fitness industry as a Certified STOTT Pilates Instructor, stick with Pilates and if its group Pilates, add a private Pilates session focused on other equipment for strength. Mat Pilates is overlooked and will strengthen your core like no equipment can. Interview your prospective trainers to find out their history with injuries and especially aging. Building muscle and lifting heavy isn’t the same for everyone. Stick with it but be very cautious and listen to your body.
Thank you Anne. I truly love Pilates. I do group on the reformer and some of the instructors are so knowledgeable.
Thanks for letting me know why you prefer neutral colors. I’m old enough to remember when we were picking colours that had to do with our season – winter. summer, fall, spring. That system worked for me and still does.
My husband died over two years ago, and I hadn’t realized it, but I have been wearing dark colours since then. However, as I am processing my grief and learning to become “me” rather than “we”, I find that I am moving back into the brighter, more intense winter colors. I think that you’re right that psychology has a lot to do with color preferences.
I’m so sorry to hear about your husband, Bev. Color can be very therapeutic.
I think that is why I started following you. You could calm me down some in taste as I moved forward. Yesterday since Mother’s Day I put on my red Talbots blouse and loved it as much as I did when I got it last year. I do love color!!! My skin blahs out sometimes in beige or too light a shade of pink. I am still watching and listening and learning. Thanks for helping!
Fabulous!
One truly learns something new everyday! I wasn’t aware I have an HSP personality. At 75 I thought I was just aging, LOL, and need less stimulation. The description defines me to a “T”, and more so now.
I read your column everyday Jennifer and really like your sense of style and business mode. We’re similar in size except for the extra inches of your legs which makes a difference and creates pangs of jealousy!
I hope you feel better soon. I suffer with a diffuse arthritic spine and just keep moving, as much as I can. A big hug and thank you.
It is rather freeing to realize being a HSP is perfectly normal. We do have to keep on moving!
Prayers for your recovery and smooth healing. It is so aggravating to try to get healthy and get hurt. I wish you well and I enjoy your common sense blogs. I think you have a great sense of your SELF when choosing your wardrobe. Thanks for sharing.
Like Heather I am also an introvert who wears colour. I am a redhead who wears lots of warm carmels and moss greens. Blues are very tricky for those with warm undertones as they need a little green /yellow in them. My hair(curly) and skin (freckles) both have texture and so I look best if I have some texture or pattern in my clothes. The popular neutral colours make me look sick. In addition to those reasons, my introverted self is happy letting my clothes speak for me.
Love this! Your colors sound beautiful for you.
People are different…Whatever makes you feel good! Hooray! Getting compliments when I wear a particular color reinforces this idea for me.
Absolutely it does!
My own pattern is exercise by myself and be home whenever I can.
Now I’m trying to take more y classes and making new friends or at least trying.
I love your hairstyle. Looks darling! I so appreciate your everyday style.
Since I’m not a “gala affair” woman ….its perfect.
Thanks Karen. I’m really enjoying it.
It occurs to me that I love your style and that is why I read your blog! I read other style blogs, and enjoy the fashion, but I mostly seem to click through to purchase things I see on your blog. I just realized that I do wear red, but only during the Christmas season when it’s an easy way to look festive. It’s also the time of year when it’s seemingly everywhere so it becomes more of a background color, if that makes sense.
It does make sense to me!
Thanks for today’s “musings”. I’m in my 70’s and a “cool, clear” winter with a sporty/classic style. I am an introvert but love colour – hot pink to icy pink, navy, cobalt blue to icy blue and hot turquoise. I also love contrast so would wear a hot pink top with white capris for example. Muted shades don’t suit or appeal to me but depending on a person’s skin tone they can look fabulous. I have seen people wear cream and beige and look stunning but those shades would make me look very unwell. Unhappy also. Its nice that we’re all so different and have the right to wear whatever colours and styles we enjoy.
Exactly, Heather
Hi Heather…….You must be my twin!
Bonnie
I’m the same. An Introvert who loves the same colors as you do, Heather, with the addition of royal purple, and now that I’m retired, I am free to experiment more with it. The only neutrals I wear are white, navy and black, and they were my staples when I was working. Although beige and cream neutrals are considered more chic and expensive looking, they drain my complexion. Bright colors, on the other hand, invigorate me and make my eyes sparkle. And accordingly, while I’ve been following Jennifer’s styling recommendations, I’ve been incorporating pops of color to replace some of the neutrals. At this point in our lives, we’ve earned the right to be individual about our style and get away with it.
Jennifer – One of the best things about your blog is that it’s real. Personally, I can’t relate to someone who expects me to believe that life is an endless shopping spree, and my closet should be larger than my living room. Keep doing what you’re doing. Just don’t hurt yourself !
Thanks Susan!