A non-fashion request from me. How about a post on stationery, particularly note cards? I love writing thank you notes and notes to go with gifts I give. I’d love some chic but affordable options. Some options out there are, like, $35 for a pack of 6 cards and envelopes and that’s just nuts.

This is my second effort to post -hope this goes through!

How about a GOACA “capsule” for each season? 10 (or 15 or whatever) pieces that can be combined – per you – to make 100 outfits 🙂 Would love it, so thank you in advance!

I used to be hourglass but two kids have made me hourglass with a belly. No one makes clothes for me and fit and flare should work but don’t. Any suggestions on how to not feel like a potato?

I’d love a post on packing light. The only time I’ve traveled without checking luggage was an overnight trip 25 years ago. I’ll be in Scotland and Dublin for 2+ weeks in late September and am determined to pack less than I ever have. (My husband laughs every time I say that.) I know about committing to one color palette, taking only two pairs of shoes and flying in leggings but I don’t wear tights around town unless I’m exercising, so why would I do so on a trip?

Investment-worthy cashmere. Sources, how to evaluate, what to buy, etc. There’s so much inferior stuff out there.

I’m utterly bereft that summer is making its last lap so maybe you could help get me (us?) excited about the fall with posts on:
1) Loafers (please, no mule, shooties or the like! just great, sturdy, stylish loafers)
2) Fall jackets–something in between a one-layer light jacket, maybe with a little quilting or lining inside, and before we get into puffer-ville.
3) Always happy to see a post on fall scarves!
Enjoy the last gasp of Summer! xo

I’d love a post on elegant clothing — gracious jackets with matching dresses, silk appropriate for work as a lawyer (I just adore the Zero + Maria Cornejo clothes you have introduced me to — wore one of her silk twill dresses the other day to work, but it is bright persimmon so can only be worn every so often), stuff that answers the question posed by “Younger” — what do women of a certain age wear? And I second everything else everyone else suggested!

Autumn scents – candles, diffuses, perfumes, etc. I also would you to do a list on your favorite shops and restaurants in NYC.
Thanks!

I have been looking and not finding shoes for fall that aren’t boots. I always feel silly wearing boots when it’s not snowing. Plus I live in Chicago so try to avoid wearing boots in the fall since I’ll wear them constantly during our very long winters. I’m looking for shoes that you can wear with socks and full length pants when it is too cold outside to expose your ankles but not yet winter. Thanks!

Help with what shoes to wear with what pants…what do I wear with ankle length jeans, or wide legged flowy trousers, or straight legs…you get the idea. I never know if it looks right!

I’ve been given a gift of four days at a posh spa in Tucson in early November. I’m thrilled, but I’ve never been anywhere even remotely like this before and have no idea what to pack. Do you? I’d love some help on this! xo

how to dress more edge-y when most of your wardrobe is dowdy-loft and you’re a size 16 GOACA. i miss being a size 10 wearing my leather motorcycle jacket…my body will not allow for anything cropped…what to do? thanks!

I just switched to working in an environment that requires sensible shoes when I go into the lab. I can’t wear my pumps or sensible flats! I don’t know if I’m a Dansko person. Or a sneaker person. Help!

Ditto on the loafer idea and are we too old to wear some kind of Bass Weejun? How about a versatile evening shoe update? I am over stilettos.

Yes!
1. Sleek, simple, well-made Oxford shoes (not clunky brogues, or point-toes) in black, brown, tan, and / or gold — like shoes seen on beautifully dressed women in London. Genuinely comfortable and walkable, meant to last forever, and above all, available at least up to size 11.

2. Gorgeous caftans that don’t cost $800 and up (because: a) it seems ridiculous to pay that much for something that’s going to get wet and sandy; b) you *know* those Oaxacan weavers, Indian block-printers, and Moroccan silk-dyers are *not* getting paid such princely sums).

3. This one’s a bit hard to articulate, but I would love your thoughts on how to deal with changing pant and denim silhouettes. It seems that about every seven years or so, there’s a dramatic shift in the dominant shape of jeans and trousers. I’m 47 now, and clearly remember the move from Dittos in elementary school, to straight-up-and-down Guess jeans (which I couldn’t wear because of a small waist) in junior high, to — if lucky enough to be super-skinny and have a boyfriend — faded 501s in high school (or, failing those, high-waisted / loose, peg-legged “mom jeans”). Then there was a shocking-feeling transition to low-rise bootcut / flare jeans after college, which led fairly smoothly to low-rise straight-legs for a few years; then in our 30’s, we all had an agonized time trying to decide whether we could handle the prevailing low-rise skinny-jean; then adjusting to that and feeling as if skinny Levi’s and mid-rise black skinny jeans were the answer to every question in the universe, along with low-rise boyfriend jeans for bloated days; then vintage and Redone Levi’s had a huge moment, which may still be happening, along with the culotte and Jenni Kayne pant; and now, I’m in middle age, with fluctuating weight, struggling to figure out how to pair existing tops and sweaters with newer high-waisted mom jeans, kick flares, etc. Wondering about trying to adapt by purchasing some new high-waisted skinnies, when I don’t even know if someone my age should wear skinny jeans … All of the parallel trouser shapes have been confounding as well — from wide-legged high-waisted, to low-rise fitted cigarette or cropped bootcut, to elastic-waist Celine-style easy pants, back to high-waisted trousers. The cuts and fits of slouchy tops and sweaters that worked with original skinny and BF jeans simply don’t work with high-waisted, wider cuts of pants, and I’m confused, and can’t figure out how to get dressed. Will any silhouette last? Are we too old to wear skinny jeans now? Is there any such thing as a classic, forever jean?

Thank you! (-:

Yes, glasses would be great.
But, I would also really love another playlist:-)
Kids are headed back to school and I would like to go to my work space, get slightly covered in paint and drown out the news of the day with another fabulous playlist of yours!
C.

Yes to glasses, esp. oval ones which are hard to find. And ones for narrow faces.

And as ever, high-rise jeans for short people with junk in the trunk…..

And stylish flat shoes with some padding in the sole!

Red lipsticks, Belt bags and vegan jackets. Can we see some that are under $100 too? Thanks Kim, love it when you do these!!

I’d be so into your take on — and a roundup of — backpack purses!

I wish I could remember where I read this, but I don’t––it was a comment about a woman who was wearing “glittery butterfly clips” and the writer felt the woman was far too old to do so and by doing so the butterfly clip woman was aging herself. I’ve always been of the mind that when you get to be a certain age you should wear whatever you want and the rest of the fashion world can go [email protected]$k itself, but maybe I’m wrong. Is there a line in the sands of fashion that even GOCA should not cross? I don’t have a desire to wear glittery butterfly clips, but I did pull a vintage pajama top out of my closet the other day thinking I would wear it, then put it back when I thought maybe I was “too old” to wear a vintage pajama top. I don’t want to look foolish, but I do want to feel free to wear what I want. Perhaps I’m not looking for a “request” so much, but more of a “permission slip.”

Others have mentioned glasses, and I am specifically interested in reading glasses – ones that are stylish, low magnification (this is my first foray and I only need 1x for reading), and under $50. I don’t need them often enough yet to shell out big money, but I’d like something better than the CVS cheapies I’m currently wearing.

In no particular order I am looking for 1) pants with zippers, 2) shoes with 1-2 in. heels 3) soft jackets, and 4) tops with non-fussy sleeves/elements. In other words, business casual clothes for grown-ups. This may be impossible, , but I would love a post on reliable resources for these items.

I’d love some booths that come up lower on the ankle, for us shorties. I’ve seen them called “shooties” (cringe).
I’ve also been craving a transitional jacket that is light enough to wear before November ; )

How about a post on cute but sturdy work bags? I’ve been using my company-issued (Timbuk2) backpack for the last four years. I’m ready for something a bit more chic, that’s still functional – able to hold a laptop, book, water bottle, etc. I looked at the Madewell Zip-Top Transport Carryall and Medium Transport Tote, but both were too small and seemed on the flimsy slide. Maybe a Cambridge Satchel? Help! Thanks.

I’d love a post on closet purging. How you decide what to toss and what to keep? Konmari method (get rid of anything that doesn’t “spark joy”)? Do it all at once? Get rid of “anything you haven’t worn in a year/two years/three seasons?” Do it twice a year/once a decade/as things get raggedy?

Have been away, so sorry to chime in a bit belatedly: I would Love a GOACA capsule! 10 pieces (or whatever the magic number of your choosing) that can be styled for a season’s worth of outfits – a Fall 2018 GOACA capsule; a Spring 2019 GOACA capsule; etc. I am really struggling to buy less and wear more of what I own & am always tantalized by the 10-items/100 outfit features. I just feel like they all trend 20-something . . . . . Thanks in advance for considering the request. – Linda

I’m a late-in-life new mom, just back to work from maternity leave, and am dying for some fashionable, professional, and machine washable work clothes, particularly tops. I still have a bit of a belly. Can you help me so I’m not wearing jersey all the time?

Good pencil skirts. And by “good” I mean, about knee length, high rise, and body hugging with a taper to the knees but not so body hugging that it’s a wiggle skirt. I used to have one that I could wear with a silk blouse & boots, and it looked both office appropriate and damn sexy depending on the boots, and the blouse buttons. The ones I’ve found now are either skin tight 50s wiggle skirts, or corporate. I’ve tried J Crew, Eloquii, White House Black Market, Loft but none of them are quite quite. Double plus extra points if they come in petite because I have a hella short torso and it’s a problem.

Glasses! Possibly the most important style choice some of us will ever have to make…

I’d love to hear Kims (and others’) favorite health-food-store beauty items. I’ve been trying to save money as I just bought a house, and have been rediscovering some of my 90s favorites. Would love other recommendations.

That’s so funny! I was just going to make a request for glasses as well. I have to wear them for the first time, and am having trouble finding a pair that I love.

A post about cold weather coats that are not just Canada Goose type parkas would be most appreciated. I live in Montreal where we spend around six months of the year all bundled up and I am looking for new options. Thank you for asking!

what would you wear to NY fashion week?

How about exercise clothes for women who may need to camouflage various areas, skincare regimens, and everyday makeup?

I love it when you shop the dowdier catalogs and share your picks. I would LOVE to see your picks from some of the extended-size catalogs like Woman Within!

Companies that make their clothes in petite, regular, tall and extended sizes, and what some of their best pieces are. Who is looking out for a wider variety of customers right now, and are they doing it well?

Hi Kim–I hope I’m not too late for this post. I’m an author and am heading to NYC next month after a long *koff* sabbatical from the publishing industry (read here: burnout). I’ll have meetings with my US, film, and foreign rights agents, and two of my old editors. I’m West Coast-based and in a hot climate, so I’m less familiar (and confident) in regards to business fashion in the city. Any thoughts on looking put together while still representing my creative side … or do I simply give in to the all-black trope? Thanks in advance!

I would like to see more posts using ivory instead of white. I am older and my teeth are not as white as they used to be and white seems to highlight that.

I don’t wear makeup but have started to think about sometimes wearing something tinted…ish on my lips. I have a Burt’s Bees tinted lip balm but the color disappears immediately quickly on my lips, and yet also smears around being tinted anywhere it’s not supposed to be. My normal lip go-to is a Whole Foods store brand lip balm (tangerine flavor) because it’s mild and not petroleum-based. I wonder if something like a lip stain would work, with then lip balm over it? Basically I’m looking for something that doesn’t look super makeup-y, but would add a color, and wondered if you had any ideas. Or if this is too specific, maybe just makeup for makeup incompetents? Or any information on how to pick a shade if you find something that is a good option?

I own a lot of great pieces that I love (many are thanks to you!) but I struggle with knowing how to put together interesting outfits. I’m great at picking out individual items that I love but terrible at turning them into cool outfits. Would love to see some outfit-building posts in your style. Thanks!

What are the new trends for earrings? Making it simple for you.

Shoes! What are the boot, bootie, pumps and flats we should be investing in for Fall? Can you do them as splurge and save too? Nothing too cheap…Zara on the low end is fine. Xx

I’m pregnant for the first time at 39! I work in a professional environment and would be so grateful for recommendations for clothes that flatter my growing belly & hips. I’m trying to avoid buying maternity clothes band would love options that I could continue to wear postpartum.

I just adopted a dog and would like more pet picks! Open to any, including products you didn’t think you needed but discovered you did, especially in terms of pet grooming and “beauty.” Also anything that helps you keep your apartment from being ruined by dogs’ indiscretions.

Non-leather shoes and boots for those of us who are vegetarian. Thank you!

Can you do another series where you shop those random catalogs and still manage to find cool things? I love that trick. Even now I’ll get the Vermont Country Store or the J Peterman catalog and think, “What would Kim buy?”

I work in a casual office (in a male dominated field) and I pick up my young kiddo (1.5 years old) on my way home from work. Usually we go right to a park or play in the backyard and I don’t have time to change. I am looking for comfortable, washable outfits that let me move, and I’d love some suggestions. A lot of times I wear dark jeans, a blazer and cool sneakers, but I am stuck for other ideas.
Everyone else has asked such great questions above though. I always look forward to reading your posts.

My base wardrobe is black. I would love to know what your strategy is for accessorizing, and what accessories and color combos are coming in.

I’d love myself recommendations on jeans! Thank can never get enough.

I’d also love to hear your thoughts on ankle boots, short trench coats, and non-frumpy cardigans.

And recommendations on what to wear when going out to dinner or a house party would also be great!

Thank, Kim.

I travel a lot for work and I’m desperately searching for a nice looking carry-on bag that will also transition to being a work bag when I arrive. Here’s the big hitch—I really want a bag that can slip over a rolling suitcase. I’m having an impossible time finding an option that doesn’t make me look like a stodgy businessman. I’m fine with it being tote shaped or even a backpack, just want a reasonably stylish option!

Good lipstains if you know any? I’ve never had one I liked as much as Stila’s acai berry stain, and they no longer sell it. I’ve been looking for other good ones ever since.

I have a specific-ish request: I’m having dinner at Per Se next month, with family. I’m not sure what to wear—I don’t want to look too work-function-like since it’s family, but I also don’t want to look like I’m on a date—since it’s family.

What would you wear to dinner at Per Se with your folks?

Tall pants (esp. for work, that arn’t cropped). Comfortable shoes. The best clean beauty products.

Bomber jackets…

My partner and I are planning a celebration of love/commitment ceremony (non-legal wedding). I want a party dress with a whiff of bridal, something in cream or white which has been hard to find. The sequin dress from this post https://www.girlsofacertainage.com/shopping/things-i-didnt-buy-last-week-redux/ is close to the mark. Can you find more fun dresses for special occasions to share? Thanks from a quiet but loyal reader!

I would love a post on crossbody bags under $100 (even cheaper would be better as my budget is limited!)

High-school-reunion-outfit ideas, please. Casual is the word on the invite. Chic and comfortablis my jam. Thank you!

My question is kind of general, because I’ve got enough clothes….MORE than enough clothes! So, what are a few pieces you would suggest to update a GOACA’s wardrobe for Fall/Winter?

Wide width (or even extra wide width) shoes. Or even just incorporate them into roundups like you do with extended sizes.

Splurge-worthy winter coats — but no fur or leather please!

“Grownup” clothes for those of us in arty/casual professions that don’t cost a million dollars. I’m a comedy writer/professor/director and I’ve started doing a bunch of keynotes, Ted Talky presentations, and panels. I’m happy with my normal funky jeans, button down, and boots aesthetic but in the clothes for these kinds of events I feel frumpy and some combination of under or over dressed.

Fall shoes that can go from casual Friday to weekend which include loafers, clogs & sneakers, please.

Fall casual midi dresses with sleeves and skirts that can go from work to weekend.
And more corduroy, velvet or wool midi skirts or jeans!

Thank you!!!

Circle/round crossbody bags

Thanks!

My niece’s Bat Mitzvah is a few months away and I am already stressing about what to wear. How about a post on appropriate outfits for family gatherings. This would be broadly useful for Thanksgiving and the holiday season, too.

I’d love a post on pretty, printed tops (without collars) you can wear under blazers, that aren’t camisoles, either – something you can feel comfortable with when you take the jacket off. This is such a weirdly elusive category of tops!

Not sure where to comment this – hope it reaches you. I’m a long time reader who is perfectly happy with the revamped site, but terribly disappointed in the new search engine. I love the archive!

As an example: before, if I searched “capsule work wardrobe”, I would get a list of pertinent posts, just the titles, not the full-blown article. Now, when I do the same search, the only post that comes up is “Your Questions, Answered”. Why?

I would be so grateful if you could return the old way of searching through the archives. I know exactly which posts I am searching for, but now have no way of accessing them.

Thanks!