I wrote a piece last year about “strange things in my 40s,” one of them being that I prefer clothing that barely touches my body. I was being a tad sardonic, chirping after the overstimulation of certain fabrics and sounds (the hood vent…) as we hit perimenopause, but in all reality, I do find myself reaching for the pieces that are body-skimming and loose-fit a lot more. (TG that barrel leg pants and loose-fit utility style trousers are very on-trend at the moment.) A couple of key pieces that fit this profile:
01. The Ruti pants, of course. (Use code JEN15.) Are you tired of hearing me bang on about these? But trust me: they are insanely comfortable, insanely flattering, and insanely practical. Wear to work, to catch a flight, to chase the kids, to run errands! These are my de riguer travel day pants, but I’ve also worn them for spa days, meetings, and everything in between.
02. The Rhoback shorts. Featherweight and somehow magically flattering on the leg. Technically athletic wear but I really bend these into daywear by pairing with tees, big sunhats, sandals, etc.
03. La Ligne Andie dress. Belted loosely (or worn sans belt), this is as close as you can get to wearing a nightgown in public while looking polished. T-shirt material but has some structure and sheen to it. Use code MAGPIE10.
04. The Delphine skirt (wearing above, along with the next item on this list). Non-restricting smocking. Just feels so good and easy-breezy on. The way this dress silhouette works, it really does barely touch your legs but looks so polished. Available in 14 fab patterns and prints.
05. The Buck Mason pima tee. Ultra-soft, brushed cotton. An invisible base layer.
06. Negative whipped loungewear. Cloud-like, drapey micro-modal. Start with the track pants (go up one size) and watch your closet slowly add more to its collection. The underwear are a top regrettably worth it item. I don’t wear anything else to sleep in!
07. Eby Relief bras (use code JENSHOOP15). As close as you can get to wearing a bra and feeling like you’re wearing nothing. So comfortable, not cut-ins or wires. I think it’s important to note that Eby does not offer a strapless bra at all. This is because all strapless bras are torture! (And they’re determined to offer only comfortable undergarment.)
08. Spanx Air Essentials wide-legs and matching half-zip. I love the handfeel of this lightweight spacer fabric — feels silky against skin.
09. Alice Walk’s Triple Gauze pieces. They used to make pants (please bring them back, Alice Walk!) and I liveeeed in them, but the shorts and button-down are great, too, and also feel cloud-like.
10. Marine Layer Cloud 9 Reversible Fleece Sweatshirt. Probably my most-worn sweatshirt. The interior is like a fuzzy, soft, well-loved stuffie, but you can wear either way. The fit is 10/10. Perfect amount of give and release.
11. SoldOut’s RSVP dress. OK, this is fitted up top, but it’s a small tiny price to pay (and in a stretchy cotton material!) for the way the skirt of this dress just floats around your body. Use code jenshoop.
12. Frank + Eileen linen Tuscany set. Breezy, effortless, body-skimming goodness. Nancy Meyers core.
13. Anything from Splendid’s Goldie fleece sweatset line. Lined in the softest, plushest material (almost like Barefoot Dreams) — a great set for travel, for recovery, for sick day, for post-beach lounge, etc.
14. Varley slim cuff pant. Come in a petite or tall inseam and just so soft but FLATTERING on the leg. Love that long cuff! And the waistband doesn’t cut in anywhere — it’s a really good, stretchy elastic.
A few items I’m eyeing right now that look like they belong on this list:
01. Mirth pants. Loose fit, wide elastic waist band. Deeply chic. Love.
02. Frank + Eileen shirtdress. Nancy Meyers core, continued.
03. Xirena Cate dress. Ultra-plush double-faced cotton gauze with a loose belt. DREAM.
04. Vuori Halo Wide Legs. I haven’t tried these yet but have heard from several petites that these are a TKO. Come in a petite inseam, super soft, are a great travel day option.
What else would you add?
Special Note: Two Sales to Shop.
First, for my legacy RL Magpies: Macy’s is running a really good sale on RL loungewear, which I think can be incredibly chic mixed in with other pieces — it almost has a normcore vibe to it. Sizes going really fast. I like this terry set (shorts here), these wide-leg sweats (currently writing this from Norway, and ALL the girls wear wide leg jeans and sweats here!), and henley sweatshirt. I’ve been eyeing the latter since I saw a gal leaving the tennis courts with this layered over her tennis whites. And chic striped swimsuit is 50% off — LOVE.
For little boys: great pull-on basic shorts. (Don’t tell anyone but I sent my son to school in these shorts when he should have been wearing a belt for his uniform for the last three years.)
AND: legendary lip oil in the best colors for 30% off (seriously beautiful colors and a great consistency) plus my favorite tinted SPF.
Second, I somehow missed this while traveling, but Lake is running a mid-summer sale! I brought my kimono jammies to sleep in while traveling — divinely soft and comforting — but these would be the perfect buy for a trip where you’re not sure if you’ll be hot or cold. And of course you can never go wrong with an extra Relax Set!!! My recovery pajamas!
P.S. The lighthouse keepers. (We all know who they are!)
P.P.S. “He named the bright spot on the moon after her.” (Swoon.)
P.P.P.S. The best advice I have on pursuing an alternative career path.
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