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Women’s Fashion

Women's Fashion

Dreamy Dresses That Made Me Feel Like a Goddess (You’ll Want Them All!)

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


There’s something undeniably magical about slipping into a dreamy dress. Whether you’re heading to brunch, a garden party, a summer wedding, or simply want to feel beautiful just because—you deserve a dress that makes you look and feel your absolute best.

Dresses are more than just garments—they’re statements of self-expression, confidence, and ease. Today, I’m rounding up some of my favorite dreamy dresses that work for every occasion, mood, and lifestyle. From playful florals to effortlessly chic neutrals, you’ll find a piece here that suits you perfectly.


Fun & Floral Dresses

Floral dresses are a vacation staple—and when it comes to dreamy, destination-ready fashion, resort-style florals lead the pack. These dresses are made for sun-drenched days, ocean breezes, and al fresco dinners under the stars. Lightweight fabrics, bold prints, and breezy silhouettes make them the perfect travel companions.

This Farm Rio tropical maxi dress is a true showstopper—vibrant, flowy, and full of joyful energy. I wore this exact one in the Seychelles, and it was perfect for the tropical weather. The fabric breathes beautifully, the bold botanical print pops against lush landscapes, and the slimming silhouette flatters every figure. Whether you’re exploring beachside markets or sipping cocktails at sunset, this dress makes you feel instantly elevated and effortlessly chic.

💬 Style Tip: Pair floral dresses with neutral accessories to let the print shine—you can’t go wrong with a simple slide sandal, gold jewelry, or elegant crossbody.


summer capsule wardrobe 2025

Neutral & Chic Dresses

Neutral dresses are the easiest way to achieve that coveted quiet luxury look. They’re sophisticated, timeless, and incredibly versatile—perfect for every style moment from work to weekend, brunch to boardroom. And the best part? These understated pieces can be styled a hundred different ways, making them investment-worthy wardrobe heroes.

Whether you’re layering for transitional weather or accessorizing for a night out, a neutral dress adapts beautifully. Just switch up your shoes, jackets, and accessories to take these timeless staples through every season.

Black is often an under-utilized summer neutral. The Rails Franca black dress that I’m wearing above left is a best-seller for a reason—it’s also the only LBD you need this summer. The fitted top creates shape while the flowy skirt adds drama and movement. Wear it with elevated sneakers and a cropped jacket for daytime errands or dress it up with mesh heels and bold gold jewelry for an evening dinner. It transitions seamlessly from spring to fall with the simple addition of a leather jacket or structured blazer. (I’ve worn it for both winter and spring!)


For more style tips, wardrobe essentials, and more, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter right here!

beige and white full skirt dress by Cinq a sept with straw hat and sam edelman bay sandals

While this Cinq à Sept dress is a bit of a splurge—it’s so worth it. It drapes and fits impeccably! This stunning dress is perfect for elevated occasions—think resort-style getaways, graduations, parties or even a stylish dinner date. The thick cotton and neutral tone make it breathable for summer and incredibly versatile.

💬 Style Tip: Choose flattering, neutral dresses for maximum versatility and try styling it in fresh ways to reinvent the piece. Belt it, try a bold gold necklace, wear a hat, pair it with sandals in summer—the possibilities are endless.

Which dreamy dress style are you loving right now—floral and flirty or neutral and chic? At the moment I think I’m more on team neutral.




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Women's Fashion

How to Earn 10%+ Rebates with Cash Back & Online Shopping Rewards

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


Thank you to FreeShipping.com for sponsoring this post. FreeShipping.com is a rewards program where members earn 10% cash back at over 1,000 retailers every day. 

Get paid to shop. Earn money on purchases you were going to make anyway. These are the promises of cash back and online shopping rewards programs. Do they deliver? Yes. Are the payouts enough to warrant changing your shopping habits? Yes, if you work the system right. 

Cash back and online shopping rewards programs pay you cash, gift cards, shopping credits, or free product in return for purchases you make. Based on personal experience, the value of these rewards is commonly 1% or 2% of your purchase totals. But you can earn far more with the right programs and strategies. 

Source: Canva.

1% cash back  may not be motivating, especially if you must shop differently to get it. But how about a 10% or 12% payback on your purchases? That’s a more compelling number. So let’s explore how cash back programs work, which types pay the best, and strategies to maximize rewards and earn 10% or more every time you shop online. 

Understanding cash back programs 

Cash back programs reward you for buying things. Often, the reward is calculated as a percentage of your shopping total. When you complete a qualifying purchase, your rewards account is credited according to the program’s terms. 

Some programs use reward points which can be redeemed for cash, store credit, account credit, gift cards, or merchandise. Other programs reward you directly in cash, which can be sent to you as a check, PayPal payment, or bank transfer. 

Types of cash back programs 

The type of cash back program often dictates what purchases qualify for rewards, how much you can earn, and how fast you can redeem your rewards. Five primary types are online shopping portals, data apps, credit card programs, store loyalty programs, and hybrid programs. 

Pro-tip: Understanding the types of rewards programs helps you identify opportunities to earn multiple rewards on the same purchase. 

Additionally, online shopping rewards can be paid memberships or free to join. Paid memberships typically have richer benefits than free programs. Amazon Prime, Walmart+, and FreeShipping.com are popular paid programs.

The table below summarizes how different types of cash back programs work. A more detailed discussion of each follows. 

Program Type  How to Earn   Typical Earnings 
Online shopping portal  Make purchases with partner retailers through the portal to earn a percentage-based cash back.  1% to 15% cash back on purchases made through portal. Paid memberships offer higher, more consistent rewards. 
Data apps  Share purchase data to earn small rewards.  Up to $0.01 to $0.025 per purchase. 
Cash back credit cards  Use the credit card to earn rebates of 1% to 5%. Some cards offer a flat percentage on all purchases, while others have higher percentages for certain types of purchases, such as hotel stays.  1% to 5% of purchases made with the card 
Store loyalty programs  Shop in a specific store to earn rebates on your purchases.   Varies. Some programs offer perks like free shipping and gifts. Others have a point system with earnings usually amounting to 1% to 2% of purchases.
Hybrid  Hybrid programs may require you to shop a specific retailer while using a specific credit card.  1% to 5% of purchase value, often along with other perks. 

Online shopping portals 

Online shopping portals reward you for making purchases with their network retailers. To earn rewards, you must access the portal’s application before completing the transaction. This usually involves visiting the portal’s website and clicking through to the retailer or using a browser extension to link your transaction to your account with the portal. 

FreeShipping.com is an online shopping portal featuring 10% cash back and rebates at more than 1,000 retailers, including budget shopping favorites Asos, Chico’s Off the Rack, and J. Crew Factory.

What to consider when evaluating free and paid online shopping portals: 

  1. Speed and timing of rewards payouts. Paid memberships will offer faster purchase approvals and quicker payouts. FreeShipping.com pays rewards monthly via check or PayPal. Free programs can wait 45 days or more before approving rewards. Some sent payouts automatically each quarter. Others make no automatic payments, but instead require you to redeem rewards.  
  2. Reward type. You can earn cash payments or points redeemable for gift cards. Cash is the more versatile option. 
  3. Quantity and quality of retailers. You can maximize your earnings with a portal that partners with your favorite stores.
  4.  Process for reporting missed transactions. Sometimes transactions made through the portal don’t appear in your account or are declined for rewards. This is problematic if you made a purchase decision because you expected a big reward. Before joining an online portal, verify there is a process for reporting missed purchases. 
  5. Consistency and value of rewards. FreeShipping.com pays a minimum 10% cash back on all qualified purchases – sometimes up to 20% cash back during seasonal shopping holidays! Free providers typically have fluctuating rewards of 1% or more.

Data apps 

Data apps reward you for sharing your purchase data. They collect the data by connecting to your bank accounts or accepting receipt uploads. Some offer other earning opportunities, such as shopping portals and rewards-based games. 

What to consider when evaluating data apps: 

  1. Ease of use. Look for apps that make earning easy. Your time is too valuable to spend three hours playing a game or watching ads to earn $0.01.
  2. Minimum payout and redemption fees. Payouts should be low — say, $10. And you should not pay redemption fees. 
  3. Data privacy. Data apps collect a lot of information from you. They might encourage you to link your bank accounts and your shopping accounts. Some offer to maximize your earnings by tracking your location. Consider how much information you want to share and if the earnings are worth it. 
  4. Use of advertising. Data apps have a heavy advertising component, which can be mind-numbing. For example, you may need to watch an ad to upload a receipt or request a payout. 

Credit card cash back 

Cash back credit cards rebate a percentage of your purchases. Some cards offer a flat percentage, such as 1% or 2%, on every purchase. Others have a tiered structure. For example, you might earn 1% on grocery purchases, but 3% on gas. 

What to consider when evaluating cash back credit cards: 

  1. Annual fees. Opt for cards with no annual fee. 
  2. Cash back percentage and structure. Flat-rate reward structures tend to produce the highest earnings, especially when the rate is 2% or 2.5%. 
  3. Ease and speed of redemption. Ideally, the card will allow you to apply your earnings as statement credits. Some also allow you to deposit your earnings as cash in a linked bank account. If the card offers other redemption methods, check the conversion rate before you proceed. As an example, Citi will prompt you to use your rewards for purchases at Walgreens and certain gas stations. However, the value assigned to the points in this application is less than if you redeemed for a statement credit.  

Store loyalty programs 

Store loyalty programs offer rewards based on your shopping activity with that store. Some programs offer flat-rate rewards, while others give you perks without disclosing an earnings formula. 

  • The loyalty program for athleisure brand Athleta earns 1%. You get 1 point for every $1 you spend, and each point is worth $0.01. The rewards are shopping credits, redeemable at Athleta and sister stores Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy. 
  • The rewards program for bakery chain Panera offers occasional free bagels or beverage discounts, without telling you exactly how you earn them. Once you meet some unknown threshold, the rewards appear in your account. 

What to consider when evaluating store loyalty programs: 

  1. How often you shop at that store. You cannot accumulate measurable rewards at stores you only shop occasionally.  
  2. Earnings structure. Clear earnings formulas help you make better purchase and budgeting decisions. On the other hand, the Panera model can be more fun because each reward is a new surprise. 
  3. Rewards expiration. Rewards should be active for an extended period, so you have time to use them. 

Hybrid 

Hybrid shopping rewards programs have broader rewards and redemption opportunities. They are usually paid memberships or require you to use a specific credit card. Examples include Amazon Prime, Walmart+, and Macy’s Star Rewards Silver, Gold, or Platinum. 

What to consider when evaluating hybrid rewards programs: 

  1. Cost vs. value. Amazon Prime gives you free shipping and streaming content — but these are only valuable to the extent you use them. If the program has a membership fee, evaluate the fee next to the value you expect to receive. 
  2. Ease of redemption. Cash, statement credits, and gift card rewards are the easiest to redeem. Avoid programs that require you to buy something to redeem rewards.

How to maximize your online shopping rewards 

Three strategies can maximize your online shopping rewards: consolidate purchases, stack rewards, and optimize your payouts. 

Consolidate purchases 

Prioritize your rewards memberships as you shop. For example, if you are a FreeShipping.com member, use that membership for every online purchase you can. 

Stack rewards 

You can earn rewards from your online shopping portal, credit card, and store loyalty program at the same time. For example, you can shop Athleta via FreeShipping.com and pay for the purchase with your Citi Double Cash Card. Here are the numbers on a $500 purchase: 

  1. You may earn $50 from FreeShipping.com or 10%. 
  2. You earn 500 points, worth $5, from Athleta. 
  3. You earn $10 cash back from your Citi card or 2%. 

Your cash rewards from FreeShipping.com and Citi total $60 or 12%. The $5 Athleta credit is only valuable if you use it on something you would have bought anyway. Include that and your total earnings are $65 or 13% of the original $500 purchase. One risk to note is that stacking certain coupons or multiple cash back programs may cause one or more of your rewards not to track. 

Optimize payouts 

The way you collect cash back rewards can affect how much value you get. Some strategies to maximize your reward value include: 

  1. If you have a choice, opt for cash rewards or credit card statement credits. You can use cash and statement credits to reduce the cost of your purchases. 
  2. Redeem for gift cards cautiously. Some retailers don’t allow you to combine a gift card payment and a credit card payment for the same purchase. That means you can only use a gift card when its balance covers your entire purchase. Worse, you often up with a small, random balance on the card that never gets used.  
  3. Don’t redeem to buy. Rewards that require you to make another purchase are less valuable. Old Navy Super Cash is an example. 

Save 10% on online purchases 

Routinely saving 10% or more on your online purchases is one way to manage inflation and a slowing economy. To do it, join the right programs, consolidate your purchases, stack your rewards, and choose cash redemptions whenever possible. 

As a last step, track your rewards across programs. It’s surprising and motivating to see how much you can earn over time. 

About FreeShipping.com 

FreeShipping.com is a paid membership program that pays consistent 10% cash back on purchases made through the FreeShipping.com network of 1,000-plus merchants. During special seasonal promotions, members can even earn as much as 20% cash back on their purchases.  FreeShipping.com members also have built-in price protection on their network purchases and earn cash rebates on their costs for shipping, return shipping, and food delivery.



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Women's Fashion

How We’re Cracking Down on Fraud to Protect the Bonanza Community

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


At Bonanza, our mission has always been to create a safe, trusted, and profitable space for buyers and sellers alike. With over 20 million items listed and millions of visitors each month, maintaining the integrity of our marketplace is more important than ever. That’s why we’re taking serious steps to eliminate fraudulent sellers and suspicious buyers who disrupt the experience for everyone else.

Why We’re Cracking Down

 

Fraud hurts everyone.

  • Sellers suffer from chargebacks, lost inventory, and wasted time.

  • Buyers risk losing money, receiving counterfeit goods, or experiencing poor service.

  • The community as a whole sees trust decline, damaging the reputation we’ve all worked hard to build.

We’re not standing for it.


What We’re Doing About It

Here are the concrete steps we’ve implemented (and are continuing to improve) to protect our trusted sellers and genuine buyers:

1. Real-Time Fraud Detection Tools

We’ve upgraded our backend systems with AI-driven fraud detection. These tools analyze behavioral patterns, payment anomalies, and account histories to flag suspicious activity before it impacts other users.

2. Stronger Seller Verification

All new sellers must now pass a multi-step verification process, including ID verification, payment account validation, and proof of inventory or fulfillment capability. Our goal is to ensure every seller on Bonanza is legitimate and ready to serve buyers with excellence.

3. Buyer Risk Profiling

We’re actively flagging buyers who exhibit risky behaviors, such as excessive return requests, chargeback abuse, or using fake identities. Repeat offenders are removed and banned from the platform.

4. 24/7 Fraud Response Team

Our trust and safety team is now available around the clock to respond to reports, investigate claims, and take swift action. We also proactively monitor account activity to shut down fraud before it spreads.

5. Community Reporting Tools

We’ve made it easier than ever for buyers and sellers to report suspicious listings or behavior. When you help us spot bad actors, we act fast.

 

What This Means for You

These steps aren’t just about stopping fraud—they’re about empowering our honest, hardworking community to thrive.

  • For Sellers: You’ll spend less time dealing with scams and more time fulfilling orders and growing your business.

  • For Buyers: You’ll feel more confident knowing the seller you’re purchasing from is vetted, trustworthy, and committed to your satisfaction.

  • For Everyone: A more secure, trustworthy marketplace boosts traffic, conversions, and long-term value for our entire ecosystem.

 

Your Voice Matters

We want to hear from you. If you ever notice suspicious behavior or have ideas on how we can improve trust and safety on the platform, please contact our support team or use the “Report” feature on any product or profile.

Together, we’re building something better.

Thank you for being part of our community—where integrity, transparency, and growth go hand in hand.

 



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Women's Fashion

striking summer stripes

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


May 30, 2025

blair eadie stripes, striped dress, summer stripes

Thank you to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post

Dress: Staud // Bag: Savette // Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell // Lipstick: MAC Morange

Hello from the Big Easy! The streets of New Orleans are bursting with color and made the perfect backdrop for this stunning stripe dress. Stripes are always at the top of my list – particularly so as we enter the summer season! Sharing many more of my favorite striped stunners below…



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Women's Fashion

Review – Short Story Petite Clothing Subscription Box

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence



*This post was created in partnership with Short Story.

There’s a new petite clothing subscription box in town, specially curated for petite women! If you’re petite and have ever tried a clothing subscription service, you may have run into the problem of a real lack of options in your size. A few years ago, I worked briefly as a stylist for one of the major subscription box companies where I saw firsthand how they lacked actual petite sizes for their clients, despite advertising them heavily. It was very frustrating as a stylist to see so many dissatisfied clients who specially asked for petite clothing and ended up receiving only one, or absolutely none, just due to a complete lack of inventory.

So when the petite subscription box, Short Story, reached out, I was excited to see someone stepping up to serve this market! Below is my experience using the service, and if you’re interested in trying them out yourself, this referral link will waive your first $25 styling fee.

Not sure if this service is for you? You may find this petite clothing visual helpful.

The Process

How Short Story Box Works:

  • Sizes they carry: 00P – 18P
  • Styling Fee: $25, which is credited toward any items you decide to keep
  • Returns: 5 days to try on and decide. Prepaid return envelope included
  • US only at this time

After signing up, you will be directed to take a Style Quiz which is where your budget, sizing, fit, and style preferences will be noted. Along with questions about your height and the usual sizes you wear, you can also further dial in on your personal style by noting typical fit issues, general style and color preferences, and even pieces you’d rather not receive. There’s also a note section where you can leave more detailed information. A petite stylist will use these answers to pick items specifically for you.

I admit I am a picky customer, so I was very curious about what my stylist would choose for me. I asked for clothes only (no shoes or accessories), and kept my color preferences very neutral.

Box Arrival

The items arrived in a branded soft pink medium-sized box. Take note of this in case your living situation requires less enticing packaging (you may need to redirect packages to a work, paid mailbox, or friend/family address). Inside, the clothing items were nicely folded, stacked, and wrapped in tissue. An insert includes a note from your stylist, a list of the box contents, and an itemized price list. A large pre-paid envelope is included for any returns.

The Pieces

Try-On Review

First, A Little About Me:

I am 4’11” tall, short-waisted (longer legs, short torso), narrow on top, and curvier on the bottom. I usually wear an xxs/00 on top, and am somewhere between a size 24/25/0 on bottom. Being so short and also having a short torso means petite sizes will ALWAYS fit better on me. I really need those shorter proportions when it comes to necklines, lengths, rises, armholes, sleeves, hems, etc. I often get away with regular clothing sizes through styling tricks or embracing oversized fits, but when it comes down to it, if I can find an item I love in a petite size, it’s what I’ll reach for and will ultimately look better on me.

Ok, let’s see what my petite stylist picked for me:

Items:

  • 24/7 Knot Front Tee – petite size XS
  • Kyle High Rise Slim Fit Ankle Skinny – petite size 0P

These first two items are both in petite sizes and definitely in my style wheelhouse. A high-rise grey wash distressed skinny is always welcome in my wardrobe, and a knotted drop shoulder stripe tee is fun mix of classic with an edge. Note the perfect petite proportions: the cropped tee ends right at the waist, the high-rise is proportioned to my frame, and look at that perfect ankle length on this petite jean.

Items:

  • Blake Fitted Cardigan – petite size XSP (fits like XXSP)
  • Kyle High Rise Slim Fit Ankle Skinny – petite size 0P

Same petite jean, but now let’s look at this cardigan. Also in a petite size, this fitted cardigan follows my figure and hits at the perfect spot on my wrist. After so many years of wearing loose and oversized top layers, it’s nice to have something a little more fitted and short to pair with this season’s wide and baggy bottoms. In fact, I already wore this cardigan on a trip to Vegas where it paired much better with a pair of wide-leg pants than the oversized fits currently in my closet.

Items:

  • Colette Contour Bodysuit – petite size XXSP
  • Kyle High Rise Slim Fit Ankle Skinny – petite size 0P

Ok, this bodysuit is something I was really interested in trying. In my “about me” above, I noted that not only am I pretty short, but I also have a short torso. This means that even petite proportions on tops can end up a little long on me, making things like one-piece bathing suits or bodysuits very difficult to find. Not only does this petite bodysuit fit, but it’s also a nice thick fabric that makes going braless a possibility. Very excited about this gem! I won’t show you the full bodysuit because I’m not about to put photos like that of me on the internet, but as you can see it’s a nice smooth fit (it would bunch if the bodysuit were too long for me).

Items:

  • Colette Contour Bodysuit – petite size XXSP
  • Porto Striped Ponte Pants – petite size 0P

Pants are always a tough thing for me to find so I wanted to have my stylist include a pair for me to try. This petite pair has a nice bit of stretch and good rise. I prefer my ankle lengths a tad shorter than this, so I’d end up getting these hemmed if I were to keep.

Items:

  • Texture & Thread Front Knot Jacquard Top – non-petite size XXS
  • Porto Striped Ponte Pants – petite size 0P

Here we have the single item sent to me not in a petite size. As soon as I tried on this top, I could immediately feel the difference in fit. The sleeve and length could both stand to be a tad shorter, but let’s be real…I wear way more oversized proportions than this on the regular so I definitely recognize the petite-friendly fit of this item.

Final Thoughts

My main curiosity when it came to the Short Story subscription box was just how many actual petite clothing items they’d be able to send me. Turned out, 5 of the 6 pieces sent to me were indeed an actual petite size, evident by the good fit and proportions. The one item that was not a petite size ultimately felt a little “off” especially after trying on so many properly proportioned items just before it, but still qualifies as quite petite-friendly in my book.

From my personal experience, Short Story gave a much better hit rate of actual petite-sized items than what I saw from similar services and is worth a try if you are a true petite and enjoy the idea of subscription box personal styling. You can give Short Story a try with the first styling fee waived through this link.



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Women's Fashion

Travel Style Tips for Women Over 50

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


Packing has become less of a guessing game for me, mostly because I’ve made enough mistakes to know what actually gets worn and what just takes the scenic route in my suitcase. (Looking at you, shoes that gave me blisters on day one and blouse that needed a cami so everything wasn’t on display). I’ve also learned that trying to dress like the locals can be a dismal failure when you’re abroad, especially after 50, so now I dress for myself.

These days, I pack more intentionally and I’ve built a travel wardrobe that feels appropriate, polished, and easy to wear. It’s not about dressing up, it’s about dressing in a way that feels like you, wherever you land. If you’re planning a trip and wondering what to wear abroad over 50, here’s what I’ve learned to skip and what I pack instead to feel confident, comfortable, and respectful on the road. You may also enjoy Why I’d Rather Be Overdressed (Every Time)

Layered outfit idea for cool mornings while traveling abroad over 50
NAVY TRAVEL SET size S / SIMILAR LOAFERS / LARGE CARRY-ON BAG / WOVEN LEATHER SHOULDER TOTE

You may find these posts helpful too:

What Not to Wear Abroad for Women Over 50

Loud Logos Can Undermine a Polished Look

Wearing big brand names or graphic slogans might feel casual and fun at home, but abroad, especially in Europe, it can read more touristy than stylish. I prefer a quieter look when I travel with solid colors, subtle patterns, and timeless silhouettes. They’re easier to mix and match, and you’re less likely to feel out of place. Those loud, logo-heavy pieces can also make you a more obvious target for scams or pickpockets.

If you’re looking for more ways to elevate your travel wardrobe, you might enjoy my post on How to Look Expensive On Any Budget.

Athleisure Isn’t a Universal Dress Code

While leggings and athletic tops are standard weekend wear in the U.S., many cultures still see them as gym clothes, not daywear. I don’t wear workout clothes to run errands at home, and I certainly don’t pack them for travel. Instead, I count on easy, comfortable trousers, knit dresses, or relaxed silhouettes that are just as comfortable but feel a little more thoughtful. Here’s where things like my amazing Endless pants from Athleta come in. They feel as comfy as leggings but look elevated and put together.

ATHLETA ENDLESS PANTS / SLIP ON SNEAKERS / SIMILAR KNIT JACKET / HANDHELD TOTE / ROLLER CARRY-ON BAG / CONVERTABLE BELT BAG

Heavy Denim Can Weigh You Down

I love a great pair of jeans, but they’re not always the most practical for travel. They’re heavy, slow to dry, and stiff after a long day on your feet. If I do bring denim, it’s usually a lightweight, broken-in pair I know I’ll wear more than once. I usually favor breathable cotton pants or wide-leg linen styles. They take up less space and help me feel more put-together in warm weather. You may also find some new favorite travel pants here that pack like a dream and work just as well for sightseeing days as they do for dinner out.

older woman wear casual travel outfit with travel purse and supportive sneakers
BROOKLYN ANKLE PANTS size 8 / PLATFORM SNEAKERS / SHOULDER BAG

Prioritize Shoes You Can Walk In All Day

Nothing will ruin a trip faster than sore feet. I’ve learned that the hard way. Now, I only pack shoes I’ve already worn and trust, like slip-on sneakers with arch support, cushioned flats, or a low wedge sandal with a sturdy sole. Style and comfort aren’t mutually exclusive. You just have to shop carefully.

MOST COMFORTABLE TRAVEL SHOES SANDALS SNEAKERS FOR WOMEN OVER 60
ECCO FLOWT 2 BAND SANDAL / ATHELTA ENDLESS PANTS / PACKABLE FEDORA

Need a supportive, stylish travel shoe? You may find some options in these posts:

Keep Jewelry Understated and Low-Risk

When I travel, I leave anything valuable or sentimental at home, not out of fear but out of practicality. I pack a few classic pieces I wear every day at home, like silver hoops, a cuff bracelet, and a simple pendant. This is when nice costume jewelry is your best bet. It’s one less thing to worry about, and understated accessories tend to suit more settings anyway.

older woman wearing Minimalist jewelry and travel accessories
LO & SONS CROSSBODY BAG

As for bags, a crossbody style that zips closed is always a smart choice. If it has anti-theft features or a slash-proof strap, it’s even better. My favorites are from Lo & Sons, but there are also plenty of affordable options on Amazon, like this one and this one.

Lighten Up on the Black

Black is elegant and dependable, but in hot weather, it can feel heavy and harsh. Instead, I suggest soft neutrals like beige, taupe, gray, or camel. These neutrals reflect light, keep you cooler, still hide dirt well, and photograph beautifully. If black is a non-negotiable in your wardrobe, I totally get it…balance it with breezy fabrics and lighter accessories. You might enjoy my tips on how to wear black without looking washed out or boring, for ways to make black clothing work for you, no matter where your travels take you.

over 60 woman showing What to wear abroad with casual dress and supportive sandals
SLINGBACK SANDALS / SUNGLASSES / CLUTCH BAG / ARITZIA MAXI TANK DRESS size M / SIMILAR SILK SCARFJENNIFER BAROQUE PEARL NECKLACE save 20% with code AWSL

Cultural Norms Deserve Respect

What feels normal at home might be inappropriate abroad, especially when visiting religious or historic sites where modesty is expected. In some places, exposed shoulders or knees aren’t welcome, and it’s best to be prepared. That doesn’t mean you need to cover head to toe, but it does mean planning ahead.

I always carry a scarf or light wrap in my bag. It takes no space, adds polish to any outfit, and can provide instant coverage when needed.

Pack Lightweight Layers for Changing Weather

Even in the middle of summer, weather can shift quickly. I always include a few layering pieces like a cotton or linen sweater, a knit blazer, or a light trench. These add flexibility and elevate even the simplest outfits. They also help me feel a little more finished, even when I’m living out of a suitcase.

Why This Matters

As we get older, getting dressed becomes less about following trends and more about trusting ourselves. When I travel now, I want to feel comfortable, appropriate, and like myself. That doesn’t happen by accident…it takes a little planning.

The right clothes won’t make the trip, but they can absolutely make it more enjoyable, while the wrong clothes can ruin your trip. You just move differently when you’re not tugging at your hem or hobbling in painful shoes.

Applying This to Your Wardrobe

If you’ve ever arrived at your destination and realized half your suitcase doesn’t work, you’re not alone. I’ve done it plenty of times…packed things I thought I might wear, only to rely on the same familiar few pieces day after day.

rolling rack of clothes for river boat cruise on A Well Styled Life
ROLLING RACK OF CAPSULE FOR MY 2019 VIKING RIVERBOAT CRUISE

Now, I keep it simple by building a small travel capsule wardrobe with a handful of versatile clothes that mix easily, feel good in the climate, and suit the way I actually travel. It takes the guesswork out of getting dressed and helps me feel more put together with less.

You may also enjoy Cruise Wear for Women Over 50: What to Pack

Here’s what I usually include:

  • 3–4 tops in breathable, easy-care fabrics
  • 2–3 bottoms that pair well with everything else
  • 1–2 dresses that can be styled up or down
  • 1 lightweight layer for warmth or coverage
  • 2+ pairs of shoes and or sandals for walking, with one slightly dressier
  • A scarf, a crossbody bag, and a few simple accessories to finish the look

I focus on clothes that can handle a bit of walking, weather shifts, and repeat wear without requiring constant adjusting or attention.

You don’t need a suitcase full of options. Just a few well-chosen things that help you feel like yourself in unfamiliar places.

Do you have any travel plans abroad this year? I’d love to hear what you’re packing and the one thing you never pack anymore.



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Women's Fashion

An eco printed dress fit for an elven queen – A Curious Fancy

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


Wearing ✶ Eco printed linen dress by Gillian Smellie {Similar in a different print here} ✶ Hair crown from Eclectic Eccentricity 8 years ago ✶ Wide Welly Co. wellies

✶ Get 15% off your purchase from Gillian’s online shop or in person at any of her pop up shops with my code CF15 ✶

Who else is watching the middle earth fanfic also known as The Rings of Power? I’m supplementing my viewing with a re-read of The Book of Lost Tales (Vol. 1) and it’s fascinating to revisit Tolkien’s earliest penned tales from over a century ago alongside the latest retelling fanfic. Elvish lore was very much on my mind when I received this breathtaking eco printed dress by Gillian Smellie, and it immediately transported me to the woodlands of Doriath, the hidden city of Gondolin and the shade of the mallorns of Lorien. For this is truly a dress fit for an elven queen!

Some collaborations unfold in the most serendipitious way. I met Gillian at her stall at the Brancepeth Castle craft fair back in the summer and instantly fell in love with her magical leaf prints. The next day when I posted some photos from the fair on my Instagram story, I tagged Gillian in one of them and to my surprise and delight I found an email from her in my inbox the next morning asking me if I’d like to style any of her pieces! Of course I jumped at the chance.

Gillian Smellie is a textile artist based in County Durham who uses locally foraged leaves to create unique and magical prints on preloved garments. You can read more about her dyeing process on her website here. Sustainable and eco friendly fashion is at the heart of her work and the reason she mostly prints on preloved and vintage garments. In my conversations with her, Gillian expressed her keen interest in expanding the size range of the garments she prints on. As pre loved garments in larger sizes that are also suitable for eco printing are rare, Gillian has been sourcing plus size linen dresses and tops from a manufacturer in Italy to expand the size range of her products. The dress I’m wearing is one of these.

At the craft fair, I was very taken by a pair of dungarees with a striking fern print that was sadly too small for me, so I requested Gillian to print my dress with all the ferns! As luck would have it though, ferns have been very low in tannin this season and produced rather faint prints, so Gillian redid the dress with sumac and rose petals and the results exceeded all my expectations. There are a few garments in my wardrobe that I’d classify as wearable art, and this dress is one of them. Despite being a huge Tolkien nerd for more than 2 decades now, I’ve never felt particularly inclined to dress up as a hobbit or elf…until I put on this dress and was enveloped in it’s ethereal beauty. The linen is also buttery soft and has a lovely weight to it. I’m wearing a size large and it’s very roomy and oversized on me (I’m currently a UK18-20) For sizing reference, I feel this dress is more of a UK 22-24.

You can shop all of Gillian’s available products at her online shop here. Gillian also does a lot of pop ups and fairs in and around the north east of England, and you can see her schedule for upcoming shows here. As she has recently started expanding her range of plus size garments, it’s worth dropping her a message if you want to buy one of her creations but can’t find your size in the webshop. Gillian can also print on any suitable garment from your own wardrobe – here’s what she told me about custom printing: “Yes I do print to order. I cannot guarantee the outcome but I can aim for a specific look/use specific leaves etc.  I’m not doing any more bespoke before Christmas but happy to take post Christmas orders.” So if you’d love to have a piece of wearable art in your wardrobe but can’t find your size in the online shop, get in touch with Gillian for a custom printed garment just like my sumac and rose elven dress!



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