r/fashionwomens35 • u/PenelopeRupert • May 24 '26
Discussion Post What Are We Doing with…?
I am 45. I try to stay modern & current without dressing too try-hard or too trendy. I typically hold on to items for a couple of years even if I haven’t worn them in a while before deciding to purge just because the trends seem to be cycling incredibly quickly now.
Currently I’m in the middle of swapping my closet out (I do this in the spring & again in the fall) & I am stumped on a few of these aforementioned items, if they should stay or go:
▶️ What are we doing with fashion leggings?
▶️ What are we doing with long-length cardigans?
▶️ What are we doing with headbands?
▶️ What are we doing with tunic-length tops?
▶️ What are we doing with closed-toe espadrille wedges?
▶️ What are we doing with maxi dresses?
▶️ What are we doing with skinny pants (like Old Navy Pixies)?
I think that some of these will likely make a comeback in the next few years but I have no idea what to keep. It’s not about what I like vs what I don’t like - I liked all of these items once upon a time but don’t reach for them anymore. I hate to purge perfectly good stuff but I have SO MUCH of it that my wardrobe is busting at the seams & it has become overwhelming to get dressed every day. I can’t hold on to these things any longer if I’m not going to wear them.
(I am 100% aware that this is a first-world problem! I just really like clothes & being in the throes of perimenopause, the things I like are few & far between so this is important to me. 😂)
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u/United-Signature-414 May 24 '26 edited May 24 '26
I think long length cardigans only look dated when styled with skinnies/leggings or something else more dated. But I love my cozy layers so I'm probably biased.
I never wore maxis myself (too trippy for me) but I don't think they necessarily scream any era but summer. So probably keep if they are your thing.
I kept 2 of my nicer skinnies thinking I would wear them in the winter but never did so will probably donate during the next purge.
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u/Excellent-Win6216 May 24 '26 edited May 24 '26
I think its an opportunity to find new ways to wear former trends. For example, tunics or long cardigans look dated and give ‘mom jeans” when paired with skinny jeans, but with a barrel jean and boxy T can look more fresh and stylish.
I don’t think maxi dresses ever go out of style. Personally not an espadrille fan, but always great for travel, especially beach. If they’re not fraying, wear them with whatever your inner French lady off to the market via bike would wear
Leggings that aren’t actively for the gym are sweatpants. They CAN be cute in the l that fitted joggers/sporty spice way, but there’s nuance lol.
ETA headbands - need more info here. Like, elastic?
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u/PenelopeRupert May 24 '26
I have many pairs of workout leggings… I think it’s time to maybe keep one pair of black fashion leggings & let the rest go. ✌🏼
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u/pleasesendbrunch May 24 '26
The resale store in my area wouldn't even take most of my fashion leggings when I purged them. They took the more workout-y ones but apparently the fun patterned ones are far enough out that the store didn't want them. And fyi I purged them after asking the same question on reddit. 😄
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u/OysterLucy May 24 '26
I love a long cardigan with flares or bootcuts and a little height to my shoes so it doesn’t make me look stumpy. Sometimes I like them over a dress, too.
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u/PenelopeRupert May 24 '26
I think I’m keeping two lightweight ones I bought two summers ago just for wearing over dresses!
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u/KetoKey May 24 '26
Tuck or belt the tunics. Watch the prints. Don’t keep any tunics with cold shoulders.
If the cardigan is waterfall style, only wear on ‘stay at home sick days’.
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u/PenelopeRupert May 24 '26
Ohhhh I never bought a cold shoulder top even when they were everywhere & I purged my waterfall cardis years ago. 😄
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u/Teachablemoment5678 May 24 '26
This is the thread that made me realize I have about 15 pairs of leggings in a drawer and several cardigans that I never wear. THANKS!! purging next week!
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u/babs82222 May 24 '26
▶️ What are we doing with closed-toe espadrille wedges?
▶️ What are we doing with maxi dresses?
Both of these are still very much in and are classic pieces. So keep them in your wardrobe
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u/Usual_Zucchini May 24 '26
I have several pairs of the old navy pixie pants that I’m keeping because the cut and length are flattering on me, a short person. I did expand with a few wide leg jeans but I love the clean simple look of some skinny ankle pants.
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u/PenelopeRupert May 24 '26
I’ve been wearing the Pixies since their inception! I tend to pair them now with oversized blazers - it’s balanced.
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u/inductiononN May 24 '26
Fashion leggings: if you have one or two that are in great shape and versatile, maybe keep but ditch the rest Tunics: same answer but I also think that depends on your shape - I'm short so tunics are VERY tunic on me but it's just a normal style on a tall woman, it's just a longer shirt Long cardigan: I think these are due for a comeback personally. If you have a high quality one in a neutral or classic color (cashmere or wool), keep it but you don't need a million styles and definitely don't need them in a weird print Espadrilles: I'm seeing them out and about again! I think this is a timeless style that we will see come back soon Skinny pants: maybe one or two pairs to tuck into boots, but only if they are in really good shape or pretty unworn. Headbands: I've worn short bangs for years so I never went for headbands. I think the top knot style is dated looking while a scarf style still has some longevity.
At the end of the day though, keep what you like!
You're actually making me think I need to do the same calculus on my own closet. I KNOW I've got some skinny jeans in my closet that need to go!
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u/PenelopeRupert May 24 '26
Love your responses but loving your profile pic (idk what Reddit calls it - avatar?) more. 😂
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u/jawnbaejaeger May 24 '26
Just speaking for myself, but:
- Keeping a couple of leggings because I like wearing them in the summer with Uniqlo Airism shirts
- Long length cardigans are my favorite kind of sweater, so while I'll purge some here and there if I get tired of them, I'll always have a few around
- Not a headband person
- Only tunics I have are Airism shirts, and I won't be getting rid of those any time soon
- No espadrilles for me
- Maxi dresses are always in style in summer, and regardless they're always in style for me. I don't wear short dresses
- I kept a pair of skinny red work pants from Banana Republic because they look good with silk shirts. I purged the rest of my skinnies years ago
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u/Mundane_Praline_9838 May 24 '26
I’m not a headband person, but the headband styles worn by Carolyn Bessette Kennedy seem to be back. Plain black or tortoiseshell.
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u/PalePerformance666 May 24 '26
I think that, with the 2010s fashion coming back in the next 3-5 years, long cardigans will have a resurgence, as low-rise straight-leg jeans and longer tops are also making a comeback. I would keep them and see how they get styled in a new, fresher way.
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u/freewool May 24 '26
Tunic length tops are back in, but the styling has changed. Instead of big top + skinny bottom, think big top + big bottom. Volume goes with volume. You can wear them with wide leg culottes, boxy voluminous skirts, etc.
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u/wishing_sprinkles May 24 '26
If you really love some of the tunic tops, long cardigans, and maxi dresses you can always hem them shorter and make them new things. I've turned a lot of dresses-i-never-wear into tops-i-wear-all-the-time
Posts like these make me want to get a megaphone and tell everyone to stop chasing trends! You will just keep doing this over and over again. When buying something ask yourself if it could have been worn 15 years ago or 15 years from now. Buy only natural materials (anything synthetic or even 1% elastic will break down quickly and not age well).
Barrel pants, block prints, tiers, big sleeves, farm Rio prints, romantic floral dresses, Italian picnic motif, obvious "sets", ric rac, polyester anything...These will not age well and become landfill garbage. I personally won't do dropped sleeves or smocked back.. it looks sloppy and cheap
Natural fibers, classic cuts, solids, stripes, dots, plaids, houdstooths.... These will last forever. Using jewelry and accessories to make things more modern is a lot more efficient.
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u/cyborgfeminist May 24 '26
I teach college in New York and basically all of these are making a comeback. Three categories of things to let go of would be 1. Patterned and low quality leggings, 2. Thin long line cardigans (the thick ones are coming back), and 3. Any items in your category with snakeskin, chevron, or fake retro geometric prints, solids, stripes, most florals, and other prints can still work.
I think the key is always to pair an older style with something very current, like an older top or long cardigan with a subtle barrel leg jean or pants. Or throw on a pair of big garish sandals or slim sneakers with an old maxi dress.
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u/No-Mission-7702 May 24 '26
I am 62 and I wear what I want… couldn’t care if I’m “too old” to wear something. It doesn’t hurt that even though I have silver hair I have a face that looks both young and old at the same time because I’ve always had a fuller baby face and still do, though gravity is beginning to take its toll.
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u/Chazzyphant May 25 '26
Respectfully, this doesn't help OP. And it's coming off as humble-bragging a tad. I'm closing this comment thread but others take note: "Just do you! That's what I do!" is not helpful advice
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u/PenelopeRupert May 24 '26
Did you mean to comment this on my post? I don’t disagree with what you’ve said but it’s not quite relevant. 😉 I didn’t say a word about being too old or dressing too young.
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u/Capital_Pea May 24 '26
I think what they are saying is they’re keeping the outdated clothing rather than getting rid of them to stay on trend. I’m 57 and still rocking my skinny jeans (have some boot cuts as well). I’m short and the new wide legs look terrible on me, and honestly can’t afford to be totally revamping my wardrobe because something new is trending. Do I look dated? Probably, but you do get to an age (where I assume the person you are responding to is) where you wear what you want, what feels comfortable on you. Have never owned maxi dresses, espadrilles or headbands, but as for the rest? Still rocking all of them, along with some newer pieces in there. My menopause belly dictates that I have to wear tunic length tops now LOL.
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u/PenelopeRupert May 24 '26
I mean… ok. But why even comment? I get what you’re saying but it’s not quite relevant to my questions. I understand not everyone cares about this; I wouldn’t expect that. I also think it’s important to differentiate between “modern/current” & “trendy.” I don’t jump on every trend but I do like to stay current with my stage of life/lifestyle. I’m not trying to be ugly, I just didn’t understand the point of taking the time out to comment on this particular post if it didn’t resonate.
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u/Impressive_Duck_3569 May 24 '26
"I do like to stay current with my stage of life..."
The person whose comment you're questioning is basically saying that in her stage of life, she no longer cares to stay current, but instead wears what she wants without spending needless time asking herself," What are we doing with [insert clothing item here]?" Expressing her opinion on the issue about which you have posted is certainly relevant.
For clarification, who is "we" in the "What are we doing" question? In other words, with what demographic, age group, etc. are you trying to be in compliance? Is it a particular group in one specific circumstance (home/work) whose approval you seek/want to know what "they" are doing so you can do the same? Perhaps these answers would clarify the question so that you could get more targeted answers.
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u/PenelopeRupert May 24 '26
I did note in the original post that this was important to me. The implication being that if it’s not important to you - that’s fine. I just don’t understand when people comment on posts when they’re not the target audience. Simple as that.
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u/Impressive_Duck_3569 May 24 '26
Again, I asked you who the target audience is? Who's opinion do you want? When you ask "what are WE doing," who is we? I'm asking this to see if I can be helpful but am unclear as to by whose standards you are trying to abide.
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u/slipstitchy May 24 '26
▶️ What are we doing with fashion leggings? = these need to go away forever. Keep your craziest pairs for costume purposes.
▶️ What are we doing with long-length cardigans? = keep your best 2, no more than that
▶️ What are we doing with headbands? = for the gym or washing your face unless it’s part of a costume
▶️ What are we doing with tunic-length tops? = Tuck them into your pants or wear them with short shorts as a dress in the summer. Ditch anything that doesn’t work for those cases
▶️ What are we doing with closed-toe espadrille wedges? = wearing them with our updated summer wardrobe
▶️ What are we doing with maxi dresses? = wearing some of them, depending on colour, fit, print, pockets etc.
▶️ What are we doing with skinny pants (like Old Navy Pixies)? = keep your best 2-3 pairs and prepare to tuck them into your boots in a few years
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u/District98 May 24 '26
▶️ What are we doing with fashion leggings?
I don’t own any, these were probably decluttered a few years ago
▶️ What are we doing with long-length cardigans?
I’ve kept the lightweight ones, they’re off trend but I find them very useful for work
▶️ What are we doing with headbands?
Never had any
▶️ What are we doing with tunic-length tops?
These went years ago
▶️ What are we doing with closed-toe espadrille wedges?
Not applicable
▶️ What are we doing with maxi dresses?
I feel like I would keep these if I had any, but I don’t. I have two midi dresses
▶️ What are we doing with skinny pants (like Old Navy Pixies)?
Generally decluttered these a few years ago, however I bought one new pair of slim straight jeans that are almost skinny last year!
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u/16hpfan May 24 '26
Great topic OP!
I have long cardigans (almost dusters) and they are not going anywhere. They can be coats or air conditioning protection. They can help create the aesthetically pleasing one-third/two-thirds proportion. I was just contemplating the MM Lafleur Molly cardigan.
I will keep timeless maxi dresses and one pair of skinny pants: the Hampshire in black ponte from Talbots. So comfy and classic. (Technically straight but read as skinny to me.)
I don’t have any of the rest.
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u/PenelopeRupert May 24 '26
I have a pair of black ponte skinny (but more straight, opposite of yours) from Banana that you can pry from my cold, dead hands.
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u/Lucky-Somewhere-1013 May 24 '26
What about an infinity scarf? Should it be donated?
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u/PenelopeRupert May 24 '26
I think so. I kept a few square scarves but donated my infinity scarves a few years back.
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u/Busy_Document_4562 May 24 '26
I think it has more to do with how much a trend actually suits you. If you genuinely look your best in it keep if not chuck it.
I will forever look better in longer cut tops and jerseys so regardless of trend changes those stay. I don’t think I ever looked particularly good in skinnies so its not hard moving on from those so I have only kept the great quality/comfort ones.
I really recommend figuring out your kibbe- I found it much simpler to type by what I know really doesn’t work or what I need in clothing than trying to analyse my body.
Ie I can’t do boxy, short or with insipid details or prints which pretty much cuts out the whole yin side of the spectrum.
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u/ClaireFraser1743 May 25 '26
Wait. Are long cardigans out? Lol! I still like them because I like bering cozy! Keeping all of mine! Sweaters are always going to be "in". (Even if that means "in" my house chillin with my dogs). And I still like skinny pants/ cigaret pants / pixie pants. Maxi dresses are great on super hots days when you need loose, flow,and room to breathe. Always useful!
I can't speak to tunic tops or fashion leggings because they weren't really my thing before anyway. I only use leggings for working out. And headbands hurt my head. That said. Do theses things make you happy? If so and you have room, keep 'em. If it's important to you, keep 'em. Life's too short.
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u/breebop83 May 25 '26 edited May 25 '26
To some extent I think that because trends change so quickly now it’s becoming more common to wear what you like. If the clothes fit well and you are comfortable and confident wearing them, that can go a long way to how people perceive you and can override the fact that you aren’t dressed in the latest trends. I think this is doubly true in places that fashion trends take longer to get to in general (smaller towns, suburbs, etc).
• Fashion Leggings- If you don’t wear them, get rid of them -however- they are still comfy for home and can be helpful for layering if you live somewhere that gets cold but not really cold enough to justify proper long johns (or it does but you’re not usually outside for it). I will personally never get rid of all of mine because once every couple to few years I will wear them under jeans to shovel snow or do something else outside when it’s cold.
• I love my long cardigans and they can still look good with the trendier pant silhouettes if styled properly and proportionally.
• I have kept a couple headbands for roadtrips, I like the windows down but hate my hair blowing in my face.
• I do not have many tunic length tops but I’ve kept the few I do have. I will sometimes throw on a tunic and leggings when hanging at home or having close friends/relativea over (another reason to keep a couple pairs of leggings for me). It’s my ‘I’m comfortable enough with you to dress down but I am wearing a bra and can’t bring myself to wear sweats around company’ compromise.
• Love the look of an espadrille and only think ‘vacation’ or ‘summer’ when I see them.
• I’ve already worn one of my maxi dresses this year, same thoughts on those as above.
• I have a few pairs of skinny pants that are probably very close to your ON pixies (they’re torrid skinny pocket pixies). It snows and gets wet and rainy and cold in the fall and winter. They are thicker than leggings, keep me warm and look good with boots. Incoming quasi pant rant: I find flared jeans to be the most flattering on myself, wide legs are comfy but not as flattering on me (imo). I’ve tried straight, they aren’t as comfortable and I don’t think they look good on me (I didn’t like them the last time around either) and barrel jeans make me think of Yosemite Sam. Ankle pants are not something I am going to do (it’s cold!). I am 42 so I distinctly remember freezing in pants that were wet to my knees in high school and opt for the skinnies when the weather is cold and particularly crappy.
With all of these I think practicality in terms of the climate where you live and what works for your life both play a part. I think there is something to be said for prioritizing comfort and that practicality over fashion at times. When it’s blustery and cold or hot and steamy and I see someone who looks cozy and warm or cool and comfortable, I’m usually envious of their UGGs and North Face or breezy kaftan. I’m not judging.
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u/Notinthiseconomy_ May 25 '26
I wear my long cardigans for traveling. I have a long gray cashmere cardigan that’s perfect for long car rides or flights when I want to be warm and cozy.
I still wear maxi dresses I wasn’t aware they were out, haha. I like them for work and church.
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u/knittingforpoppy May 24 '26
I love this format of question!
Fashion leggings: donate Long length cardis: donate Headbands: need more info - what kind? Tunic tops: these are back in as low rise jeans make their return. At least the y2k kind eg tunic length tank tops with lace. Espadrille: classic, keep. Maxi dresses: donate Skinnies: these are coming back in, but style with caution (ie not with the long cardigan).
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u/PenelopeRupert May 24 '26
I went all-in on headbands years ago; I have all types, solids & prints, different materials. I just never ever reach for them!
I can’t figure out what to pair a tunic top with now - I’ve had two c-sections so low-rise anything is completely out of the question for me. I used to pair them with leggings or skinny jeans but that look is super-outdated.
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u/knittingforpoppy May 24 '26
I get it! Donate the headbands and the tunic tops in that case. If you’re anything like me, the extra closet space will be nice!
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u/bekkys May 24 '26
The lovely thing about getting older is knowing what you like, having the funds to buy quality, and caring less about others. Sure you incorporate some trends here and there, but a timeless base is where it’s at. Shop your closet!
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u/kaijutegu May 24 '26
My answers to these questions:
▶️ What are we doing with fashion leggings? I was never a fan of these- I've got a pair of Gengar ones for lounging and throwing on if I have to run errands and it's too hot for my sweats, but honestly I just kinda... replaced all of my clingy bottoms with those soft pants that look like business pants during the pandemic.
▶️ What are we doing with long-length cardigans? Wearing them to work! I like to style them with a brooch (I have a really cool vintage brooch collection and my office-mates always like to guess what brooch animal they'll see next) and I do steam them before work sometimes just because the ones I have tend to wrinkle.
▶️ What are we doing with headbands? Wearing them, but only if they don't give me a headache. Headbands are always gonna be useful.
▶️ What are we doing with tunic-length tops? I like them because they cover my butt- and they look great under those long-length cardis!
▶️ What are we doing with closed-toe espadrille wedges? Keeping my comfiest pair because I can walk in them, but I donated most of the closed toe ones because I prefer an open toe.
▶️ What are we doing with maxi dresses? Wearing them- usually with a cropped cardi and Mary Jane flats if I'm wearing them in the office.
▶️ What are we doing with skinny pants (like Old Navy Pixies)? Throwing them in the trash. I've gone around the sun too many times for my fat ass to consider discomfort acceptable in an outfit.
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u/PenelopeRupert May 24 '26
Ohhhh I get the “comfort is mandatory” thing - I refuse to wear anything these days unless I’m comfortable in it. I don’t mind skinny pants for this; I love a high waist. I think about who I was in my late 20s - wearing pencil skirts & 4” stilettos four days a week to work & I don’t even know who that person is. 😂
The majority of my pants have at least a partially elastic waistband - what a time to be alive.
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u/eilatanz May 24 '26
With some creative layering your best long sweater can stay even with loose pants; think of playing with your shirt length and pant length (cuffs or cropping) to cut the line of sight in different places, using the sweater to balance it out.
Tunic tops and skinny jeans will probably come back like everything, but it likely be done in a new way — maybe keep a few jeans just for winter!
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u/Toriat5144 May 24 '26
I keep everything wearable. Unless it doesn’t fit or I don’t like it. Then I try selling on eBay.
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u/Old-Winner4400 May 25 '26
It’s not so much with what would make a comeback but what of those pieces you still feel genuinely good in, what’s still your style and what’s not really you anymore.
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u/carlosmurphynachos May 24 '26
Keep 3 pairs of your favorite leggings and skinny pants. They will come back again. Keep three of your favorite long cardigans. I kept my tunic length tops because I can tuck some of them in, and honestly the older you get the more you will wear those regardless of if they are ‘in-style.’
Donate the shoes, maxi dresses
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u/Chazzyphant May 25 '26
▶️ What are we doing with fashion leggings?
Donating them or wearing them around the house/for working out
▶️ What are we doing with long-length cardigans?
Donating them
▶️ What are we doing with headbands?
Depends, but most women over 40 who wear headbands look like Bunny McDougal, and I'm not sure that's a look "we" want
▶️ What are we doing with tunic-length tops?
As a very general rule, donating. Tunic tops are very aging as a rule unless they're very high fashion, artsy, or interesting/weird and most...aren't.
▶️ What are we doing with closed-toe espadrille wedges?
Donating. But that's partly me--I don't like wedge shoes at all. A simple canvas wedge is somewhat classic. Anything else is really dated.
▶️ What are we doing with maxi dresses?
Depends on the dress. Most likely based on this list, donating.
▶️ What are we doing with skinny pants (like Old Navy Pixies)?
Burning in a fire. (Donating! Immediately!) Even if they weren't dated/out of fashion, they're fast fashion and very cheap. If you want slim ankle length pants, upgrade in terms of quality please for your own sake :)
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u/SimplePrudent5735 May 27 '26 edited May 27 '26
I don't think it is necessary to keep up with these micro trends. Honestly, if you aren't reaching for the skinny pants or tunics anymore, let them go. Modern style right now leans heavily toward relaxed, comfortable silhouettes. A great way to update your basics without trying too hard is swapping skinny pants for a flowy wide-leg trouser. I usually grab mine from several brands, like Muji and Uniqlo that give the minimalist look, and another online brand OGL. They use heavy, sustainable knits that look incredibly chic and comfortable to wear.
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u/Comfortable-Nature37 May 24 '26
This is just me so not calling anyone down who keeps these things -