Posts about living in, understanding, and finding the best of mavenhood.
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Building a style that feels like you is a journey. After running through the questions, including: What do I actually spend my time doing? What pieces do I need on repeat? How do I want to show up? And the big one: What feels most authentically me? (Phew!), it’s time to find brands that will meet you where you are today.
Add in hormonal shifts in body shape and temperature, and dressing yourself can feel as tricky as threading a needle in a poorly lit room.
Magazines and online style guides offer trends that rarely match what works for us or with what we already own. Eventually, we all need that guiding hand—a stylist or maybe just a friend with great style. Whether it’s someone you follow on social media or an in-store stylist, they can offer fresh ideas and inspiration that speak directly to us.
Often, the best fashion finds come from someone who just gets it, whether it’s sharing a similar taste or a similar shape. At home in New York City, I’ve been known to stop women on the street or in boutiques to ask about a standout piece. Some people are flattered, others are wary, but that’s a story for another day.
The thrill of finding something perfect, and even better, in multiple colors, is incredible. But we’ve all been crushed by the “sold out” heartbreak when a favorite piece disappears before we can stock up. To combat that, some friends have turned to vintage finds to shape their style, mixing timeless pieces with current ones. I applaud their patience and strategy. Blending vintage with new or high with low is the secret sauce of great style.
Once you have a better sense of what works for you, it’s time to make your wardrobe feel effortless. Here are a few key strategies to help you build the best closet for you.
1. Buy Less, Choose Better
Fast fashion is tempting, but a closet full of cheap, trendy pieces is detrimental to the planet and your personal style story. Invest in high-quality fabrics, including cotton, linen, and wool blends over time. They breathe, drape beautifully, and stand up to multiple wears. Think of your wardrobe as a curated collection. Each piece should earn its place.
2. Fit Over Size, Always
That number on the tag is irrelevant. What does matter is how your clothes fit and flatter your shape. If something is too tight or too loose, it won’t feel good, no matter how stylish or on-trend it is. Look for a local tailor, and have them make the small adjustments that make each piece look like it was made for you.
3. Build a Capsule Wardrobe
Picture this: a closet where everything goes together: the perfect blazer, the timeless pair of jeans, and an effortless dress. When you have a group of versatile staples to choose from, mixing and matching becomes much simpler. Add in a collection of curated accessories, and your closet becomes a supporting player in dressing with ease.
4. Highlight Your Best Features
Love your legs? Show them off with tailored pants or a knee-length dress. Have a gorgeous decolletage? V-necks and open-collared pieces draw the eye to this area. Celebrate what makes you feel amazing.
5. Comfort and Style Can Coexist
If stilettos aren’t your thing, opt for block heels or chic loafers. Soft, breathable fabrics with a touch of stretch keep you looking polished while still allowing for movement. Suffering for fashion is pre-pandemic thinking. Your wardrobe should work for you, not against you.
6. Reevaluate Your Color Palette
Skin tones shift over time, and the colors that once looked great might not work as well now. A color analysis is the easiest way to determine which shades suit your skin tone. If that’s not readily available, look for simple swaps, e.g., if pure black feels harsh, try navy, or if pastels wash you out, try a jewel tone like emerald or sapphire. Experiment and find what lights you up, or get a color analysis to find your season.
7. Accessories: Small Touch, Big Impact
Accessories can make an outfit. A statement necklace, a classic watch, or the perfect bangle can elevate even the most basic classic white button-up and jeans look. Keep in mind that the power of a great pair of sunglasses and a chic bag cannot be overstated.
8. Shoes That Work for You
Trendy shoes are fun, but they’re useless if they leave you aching. Invest in stylish yet comfortable footwear. Think supportive sneakers, cushioned flats, and well-made boots. Your feet will thank you.
9. Master the Art of Layering
Perimenopause and menopause often bring fluctuating body temperatures, making it necessary to dress in layers. Lightweight cardigans, open blazers, and jackets are great options that you can add or remove throughout the day to stay comfortable. A great t-shirt is key for layering, and our go-to favorites are from our sister company (ResilienceAvenue.com), which offers fun colors and graphics that add a little personality to any outfit. Be prepared to layer by keeping a folded scarf in your bag to add warmth and style any time.
Your style does not need to be dictated by trends, age, or outdated rules. Whether you’re refining your wardrobe, mixing vintage finds with modern staples, or just looking for a little inspiration, remember fashion is an expression of who you are. Own it, enjoy it, and wear it well.
All the paths that lead to a childless life converge when faced with the expectations and assumptions of society in general. No matter how you arrived there, a life without children can be a lifestyle rooted in thoughtful choices and personal clarity, with space to explore and grow. Daily routines often reflect deeply held priorities, and while having no children is not at all the same as having no responsibilities, some approaches to an intentional life are more readily available.
Shaping a Fulfilling Life
Childless, child-free, and post-parenting women often lead active, engaged lives. Professional work frequently plays a central role, whether it’s through entrepreneurship, creative endeavors, or a dedicated career-track. Community involvement and volunteering are highlighted in many schedules. Mentorship and faith-based activities may also be in the mix.
Instead of living by default, many women build their routines around what brings them purpose. Early morning workouts, laps around the park with the dog, and uninterrupted creative time are scheduled in regularly. The structure looks different from person to person, and it’s rarely idle unless it’s planned that way. This sense of purpose and clarity empowers you to take control of your life and design it according to your values.
Travel and Exploration
Travel often plays a central role. With more flexibility, many childless child-free, and post-parenting women take advantage of the chance to see new places or revisit favorites. Weekend road trips, annual getaways, and spontaneous travel can all have a spot on the calendar, making the world feel simultaneously smaller and more expansive.
Exploration isn’t always about distance. Short day trips, becoming a regular at a local coffee shop, or attending a local art fair are small, often inexpensive ways to change your surroundings.
Learning and Creative Expression
Creative pursuits can provide a space for self-expression and are easily scheduled into day-to-day life. Online courses, book discussions, and language apps have exploded in availability in recent years, and can teach and inspire. New interests and challenges can add personal meaning and deep satisfaction. Creative work and skill-building opportunities all offer ways to foster connection, growth, and joy.
Energy and Well-being
Self-care becomes both a habit and a form of stability. Movement, rest, and nutrition often receive more attention as routines shift and priorities become sharper. Wellness routines can take many forms, from Pilates and strength training to acupuncture, massage, or quiet time in nature. Each choice supports energy, balance, and a stronger connection to personal well-being. This emphasis on self-care can make you feel valued and prioritized in your own life.
Cooking at home can be a key part of daily life for many child-free, childless, and post-parenting women. Preparing nourishing meals or experimenting with new ingredients can turn the kitchen into a space for self-care, creativity, personal expression, or the setting for an impromptu tapas spread for the latest marathon-worthy series.
Relationships and Social Connection
Relationships remain a strong focus. Deep friendships can evolve into chosen family, regardless of how and where the relationship originated. Many women host gatherings, plan trips with friends, or make time to meet for errands or exercise on a regular basis. For those with partners, these relationships are often rooted in shared values and mutual respect. Time spent together can involve everyday rituals, shared hobbies, or intentional conversations.
In any lifestyle, time spent with people who bring laughter, perspective, and support is enjoyable, and relationships with like-minded people are invaluable.
Home as a Reflection
Home becomes a place of restoration and expression. Some women take pride in creating spaces that reflect their taste, history, and future goals. A cozy reading corner, a well-stocked pantry, or a dedicated creative nook can offer a sense of calm.
Home reflects what matters most. It carries the details of your personality, your pace, and the life you’re actively shaping. In the design aesthetic, colors, textures, and objects are chosen with attention and joy.
Living with Intention
A sense of intention is an underlying current of this time. We focus on meaningful projects, conversations, rest, or other pursuits. We choose our priorities, defining them internally and adjusting as needed.
This path includes decision-making, reflection, and change. Whether that involves shifting careers, taking sabbaticals, or simplifying commitments, the focus stays on alignment.
Your Time Is Your Own
When you decide how to spend your time, you protect what matters. All are part of building a life that fits.
Your days can include quiet mornings, busy afternoons, or spontaneous evenings. The key takeaway is that they reflect your values and bring you closer to the life you want.
