Real (approachable) Style Advice for Real (grown-up) Women with 

Real (smart) Budgets

Dear First name / friend,

Newsflash! I believe spring may have finally arrived here… And just in the nick of time, because the natives were getting restless 😄

 

The entire mood and vibe of Newport seemed to shift yesterday with the beautiful weather, a local college graduation, the annual Oyster Festival, and lots of visitors back in town. Last night we ended up at our favorite Italian spot down the street from us—Vieste, if you ever visit Newport (highly recommend). They have a cozy wine bar, our good friend was singing and playing guitar, and the place was packed with familiar faces and good friends. It was one of those perfect nights.

 

Today is looking like another good one, and we plan to spend as much of it outside as possible…finally.😎

 

Wherever you are, and whatever your weather, I hope you can do something fun today—or at the very least, slow down a little and enjoy some downtime. And if you're new to my Weekend Update…Welcome! I'm thrilled to have you here! 

 

I do have one quick recommendation before we get into this week’s update: if you haven’t already seen the viral UNC commencement speech by Eric Church, it’s absolutely worth the watch. I had never heard of him, but it’s one of the best commencement speeches I’ve ever seen—thoughtful, funny, encouraging, and refreshingly free of politics and division. You can watch and share it here:

And now, here’s what you may have missed this week at B.Styled…

1.The all-new Summer Style System is officially ready to go! 

This year’s version is more streamlined and practical, designed to help you get dressed faster with simple outfit guidance that actually works in real life. 

 

From updated basics and targeted shopping to outfit prompts and styling direction, everything is built to make summer style feel easier, more current, and less overwhelming. 😎 

Watch here 👇🏼

One of the most common summer style comments I hear from women over 50:
I don't wear shorts. Period. You are not alone and thankfully there are alternatives.

 

So I put together a few easy options that still feel cool, comfortable, and pulled together.  

3. Pant Length Pant Review (for everyone, but especially PETITES)

Repeating a tip from last week because it’s THAT important—and we also have lots of new subscribers here this week (welcome!).

 

One of the biggest reasons jeans and pants feel “off” has nothing to do with your body and everything to do with length. Especially for petites, even a 1–2” difference can completely change how flattering a pair looks. 

 

 

Straight ankle pants should hit about 1–2” above the ankle bone and show just a small amount of ankle—not a full crop or capri.

 

Relaxed wide-leg pants should be longer, covering most of the top of the foot with a slight break so the fabric falls and drapes instead of kicking out.

 

Below are a few visual examples so you can see the difference between too short, almost right, and just right.

Note: If you’re not petite or  have relatively long legs (which many Petites do), you have a bit more flexibility with pant lengths. But if your goal is to visually elongate your legs and create a sleek silhouette, these guidelines are a great place to start.

All of the jeans in these examples are from my current favorite denim source, Quince—great quality, modern styles, multiple rises, rinses, and inseams, and most are around $50. 

 

Another important note: the model photos on the site don’t always show the most flattering length for real women, especially petites, so pay attention to the rise and inseam measurements—not just the styling photo.

These 100% organic cotton sweaters are the kind of elevated basics you’ll wear for years. The quality is beautiful, the styles are timeless, and at just $39–$49, they’re such a smart investment for a polished, pulled-together wardrobe.

 

I’m especially loving the classic stripe pullover and the crew cardigan with the tortoise buttons — both are versatile, easy pieces that are so easy to wear and look “stylish."  Layer them over a simple tee or crisp button down now, then drape one over your shoulders for that effortlessly on-trend (and practical) look that is so popular now. 

 

I’m not sponsored by Quince — I just genuinely love the brand and wear their pieces constantly. Some of my most worn sweaters, cotton basics, washable silk pieces, and denim are from them. I’ve consistently been impressed with the quality, service, and value for the price.

 

One thing to know though: their website photos often do not do the clothes justice.  A lot of the styling and photography can look a little underwhelming. 🤔

 

So if something catches your eye, don’t overthink the model photos too much. Their 365-day free return policy makes it really easy to try pieces at home and see how they work for you.

 

This is one of those brands that has become a go-to wardrobe staple for me.

That's it for today! 

Have a great week ahead, and remember to #justgetdressed. ✅👍🏼

On Instagram @b.styled