7 Fall Fashion Trends — Thoughts?

Wear what you live and feel great in if you ask me. Boots tucked into jeans is classic .

Wear whatever you want! Eventually, it will be in style again, even if it isn’t right now! Plus, even better if it’s YOUR style, not everyone else’s.

I’ve been wearing skinny jeans with boots since whenever the hell they were last popular because that looks really works for me. If it works for you too, that’s all that matters

First, yes, wear whatever you like and feel comfortable in because seasonal trends are mostly about retail and social media – real people don’t worry about this stuff as much as the internet makes you think. Second, I think it depends on the height of the boots. I’m not even sure what other jeans you would wear with calf- or knee-high boots if not skinny or slim jeans – too-wide jeans scrunched into boots looks so sloppy and unintentional, in my opinion, not to mention uncomfortable. Slim jeans and tall boots is a timeless look.

Perfection.

Haha, I just bought a new red/maroon striped sweater and my husband keeps calling it my “Freddy Krueger” sweater. You’re not the only one with that association :)

Cooper, I think this means you’ve gotta wear it with a hat. Do it for the people.

lol love turtlenecks and their softer cousin, cowl necks.

Omg that sounds…unhinged. Why couldn’t she just talk to her at the grocery store??

If someone followed me home from the grocery store I would absolutely not be friends with them. That’s quite worrying behavior

Saaaaaame!! Knowing Nathan Fielder, it’s going to go somewhere no one could predict haha

good q! madewell shirts sometimes don’t scrunch up bc of the wide sleeves. this one I can, because I kind of roll them as I scrunch, if that makes sense!

Jules, I don’t have that exact Madewell shirt, but I have a very similar one from Tuckernuck: https://tnuck.com/products/red-stripe-adler-tee?srsltid=AYCX9vJ2gOkq4CU72dIDSt_anOi-Sne77W1RBvzxuTCAb0H1dq3BH5MO The bell sleeves ARE really annoying. Mine have gotten caught in milkshakes, sauces, you name it. I’ll wash the shirt and it’ll immediately wind up in a bowl of chili the next day as I’m reaching over to feed my kids.

I also own this shirt and have worn it basically every time its come out of the laundry – I realized as I hung it up in my closet earlier this week that it was the first time it had actually made it that far, it usually goes straight from the laundry basket to my body, lol. I was also worried about the wide sleeves being annoying, but find they roll up nicely (and stay cuffed after rolling). They definitely don’t do a non-rolled scrunch though!

Hahaha Same! I still have a few that I occasionally wear and always say, “Ready for 1st grade picture day!”

Love this comment, you do sound like the cutest!

OOoh thanks for this rec! I love Levi’s ribcage.

Leopard print is my fun neutral!

reality: Same. I’ve had some sort of animal print in my life since the 1990s. It’s a neutral.

Agreed – animal prints really never go out of style!

In the PNW (US) and same? I’ve definitely been using leopard as a neutral for at least 10 years-15 years. I think there was a brief drop off around 2022, but it didn’t last long

Absolutely!! Now, mix the animal with the tomato-red and you’ve got timeless Audrey Hepburn / Charade / Paris and that is always a good idea. As they say. Trends, schmends!!

I’m also digging the rugby shirts lately based entirely on my pining for one so bad in sixth grade but never getting a real one. Unlike your town all the cool kids were wearing them in my class in Virginia and it being sixth grade (!) I was desperate to be one of them. I’m not entirely sure I’m currently a rugby-shirt kind of person but I might get one for my sixth-grade self.

I love the explorer heritage of a red beanie! I always feel like there’s a little nod of recognition between fellow wearers, like we’ve spotted another adventurer on the path of life. Sending you & your small co-pilot that nod, Celeste! ❤️

I have a couple pair of triple strap Mary janes (one pair in patent bright red) and love them.

I would be very hesitant to change your kids school so you can make friends. What about trying hobby groups? Taking a class and meeting people there? Or reaching out to service organizations that champion liberal causes you believe in?

My heart aches for you! I moved to a more conservative city after living in a huge blue city about 2.5 years ago and it is HARD. Do you want to tell us what city you live in now? (Maybe it’s mine!) A few things that have helped me feel less lonely: getting to know my literal neighbors, like the sweet grandparents across the street. I suspect we are polar opposites politically but they lend us power tools and we swap baked goods and they are kind to my kids and it feels sooo nice to know people in my immediate vicinity. Also: setting up your own meetups by vulnerable-ly posting in Facebook groups. Awkward but you may just reach the right people! Also you could go to the hippest coffee shop you can find and ask the baristas for advice.

Hi there, I can relate, but in a different way. We have moved 10 times in the last 20 years for my husband’s job. I have 3 kids, oldest is 20. We have been through it with friends. When my daughter was young I did it all, play dates, groups, classes, babysitting jobs to meet other kids. People guilted me into needing to meet other moms. After the next kid, same thing, did meetups, group hangs. Then kids got older and they played outside nonstop with other kids. Then a sleepovers when they were older. Last kid went through the same except sleepovers. We used to travel a ton, but the kids loved playing with friends so much we all just got good at being home. This last move (been here a year), has been different. We have been focused on our family and not so much else. I am nice to people, and I will talk to anyone, but I am just not wanting the strings of a relationship. I don’t want to hang with other moms or have other stuff to do. Mind you my husband works late and 6 days. My point is ? I dunno if the world has changed or if I am just looking at this through a mom lense. We will move again next year I think, so maybe I just don’t want to get attached to leave. Just know that you don’t have to stay somewhere for your kids. My kids have become very good at moving and have made friends at each school. But I also think politics aside, there are good friends to be had on either.

Oh, this really resonates with me- you’re not alone! I felt very similar a year ago- we moved for my spouse’s work, and she loves her job & is basically up for tenure- so we’re here for the duration. The moms at pick up weren’t mean, exactly, but also made it clear they already had their friends, and I just felt too fat, frumpy & queer to fit in. We ended up transferring schools (to a public Montessori!) partway through my kid’s kindergarten year. They did NOT love the first school we enrolled in, which made the choice easy for us. There’s no harm in gathering information about other options, and you could choose to finish out the year or this semester @ your daughter’s current kindergarten. I’d say that transferring schools after kindergarten is not a terrible time to do it, if that’s what you decide. Your daughter will make new friends, and may keep some old ones. Montessori will be different from Kindergarten at a conventional US public school especially in the way they approach math, and they use cursive writing, but it’s not insurmountable. I’d encourage you to tour the school you’re thinking about- often you can see classes in progress. At our kids’s school there’s plenty of talking & interaction along with the independent work. In terms of making friends, well I’m in the same boat, but some things that I’m hoping to implement- lean into hobbies if you can find the time. It can expand your circle, AND it’s good for your mental health. local political campaigns are a good way to meet other progressives (it’s not too late to doorknock or join a postcard writing party!) The first year is often the hardest- you got this.

Hi Anon, this does sound hard! Here are some things that have worked for me when I’ve wanted to meet new folks especially when I’ve moved. 1. don’t discount your neighbors just because they are older, I understand wanting people who are in your same stage of life but some of my most rewarding friendships are intergenerational, and many older ladies are really progressive and and passionate about politics. one of my friends (who i met during a choir rehearsal) is a 75 year old retired art professor, we’ve gone to protests together and she inspired me to call my senators every day this year! 2. join a book club. you can often find a book clubs at book stores, libraries, etc. and you can usually discern the type of folks that are in the club based on the books that they are reading. 3. find a choir to sing in. if you can read music and can sing even a little bit most choirs would love to have you. singing in choir is a really powerful community experience and doing a weekly communal task is really great at creating deep relationships. and in my experience as a professional singer, choirs are mostly filled with deeply thoughtful and progressive people. 4. become a regular somewhere and talk to the people who are also regulars.. this obviously can be a coffee shop, a restaurant, a bar, but also could be the farmers market, the library, a yoga studio whatever, and then be bold and invite someone over for a coffee or a walk. 5. and finally lots of people feel really lonely right now and so know you aren’t alone in feeling like it’s hard to make friends. I hope this helps and I hope you find your people soon <3

That sounds hard! I live in a purple area politically. I think it is always hard to move somewhere new when others seem “settled.” I don’t know if I have good advice but if I were you, I would give it more time. Maybe try to find friendship beyond your kids’ schools. Look for hobby-based groups or hang out at parks and ask for other parents’ phone numbers and set up playdates. You can always switch your daughter’s school next year and that may help. But you may still not find your “people” I don’t think switching her at second grade could be harder. Good luck! Finding community does feel like a big challenge. You may have to settle for friends that aren’t super close to you but are still nice acquaintances.

I just moved from a big blue city to a smaller red one. I was pretty nervous about making the big change but I’ve found a ton of like-minded people by volunteering for an advocacy group I’m passionate about (in my case, it’s safe streets advocacy and active transportation). If you volunteer for a cause you care about, you’ll probably find your people and there’s the added bonus of feeling like you’re doing something to try to save our country from descending into fascism.

Hi Anonymous! It’s so hard to make friends! I moved to a very conservative state in my late thirties, and into a community of older people, and then had two kiddos. Not that you can’t make lasting beautiful friendships with older people, and also those whose views are outside your own (and we all should!), but it’s also nice to have friends your own age with whom you can talk about the state of the world through a shared lens. I would encourage you to visit the other schools–not just for yourself, but for your daughter. My daughters attend a progressive leaning school in a very conservative state, and that’s so much of what I appreciate about it. I love that they are being taught by caring adults who share some of our same core values about equality, the environment, and many other things. Also, the friends they spend their time with are interested in many of the same outdoor things we are. And the students get a lot of time outside. One of the other reasons we like the school is that it does not have screens, which is critical for us for elementary education. My oldest daughter is the most talkative person I know, and she has been in a Montessori school since she was two (now fourth grade). They get to talk in class, and move around, and often work in groups. The phrase many Montessori teachers use to describe the sound of an elementary classroom is “buzz of activity” which describes the energetic hum of students collaborating and moving around the classroom. I could go on and on about Montessori (welp, I already have!), but you can read about it yourself, or get the scoop if you take a tour! Our daughters doing well is the priority and they are, but the plus? I have met many very dear friends there after years of not having any when my girls were young. I am active in the PTO, and invite people to gatherings. It took a while to amass a group of mom friends who would join me at karaoke, but I’m glad to say I have finally reached that summit of friendship!

Are you me? Do we live in the same place?! My tiny little neighborhood is WONDERFUL but in a city that overall feels so… Full of southern conservative bankers

Hi yall. This sounds challenging. Maybe this is a nudge for you to find a hobby of your own, even though it’s harder when your kids are younger. Find your YMCA or pickleball gym, or Bodyrok/pure barre. Does your library offer gardening classes or book clubs? Download Nextdoor as ours is always featuring posts for breakfast meet ups and lunch groups. Maybe a bible study would interest you just for the historical knowledge? They’re usually welcoming and they won’t shove anything down your throat…just share that you’re honestly trying to find fellowship. Also, try to let your politics be an afterthought in friendships. I have friends of all political positions and we don’t let that get in our way! So many other topics to cover lol.

I would encourage moving your kids to the school where you match the parents and parenting. You will be swimming upstream if they stay and sounds like you could use the life raft. I’ve been a better parent because of the parent friends I’ve made through school and I want that for you and your family too! I also WFH and have to make appointments to leave the house. Gym, coffee shop, a local grocery store where they have outdoor seating…just seeing people exist lifts my spirits even if we don’t interact.

Why are you afraid of their points of view? As you get older you will learn to respect them. As long as they are not in your face. Have your far left progressive group and also have a group that does not talk politics. I am conservative and doing this and it’s a lifesaver. Republicans are just as down to earth as democrats fyi. Step outside of the echo chamber of liberal media and you will find that we are not all like that. Rarely anyone I know is hardcore maga. One thing most of us can do is criticize our politicians when they are not doing what we voted them in for. I guess all this to say do not let politics control your family. When my kids were younger the parent group got contentious over policies. Both sides made active efforts to understand and we agreed more than disagreed. Once your kids get a little older it’s much easier making friends as you sit at activities for hours. Maybe you can even start a democrat moms group locally. There has to be many who feel like you do. I also would not worry about changing schools at kindergarten bc your daughter is happy there. Kids are so malleable at that age.

Ooof, that sounds hard. I find community is really important, and I love being around people, so I know I would struggle in your position, too. I’m sure you’re busy with kids, but have you thought about volunteering? Food cupboards, local Democratic committee, etc. That way you would be meeting people AND helping people? I do find that many people who have free time to volunteer are retired, but it’s wonderful to meet folks from all age groups. Or whatever exercise you are into (if you are into that)- I have met so many great people in my running group.

I agree with the other posters who have suggested looking around at other schools. You will be among this group of parents for a long time. You could also consider what the parent group looks like for your younger kids. Another idea, when we moved to a more conservative area, I started a girl scout troop, and that helped me find my people. It was genuinely an awesome group.

Have you tried Meetup.com? I’m not sure how active it is anymore, but I was the first of my friends to have kids and ended up having two babies back-to-back. I needed the support of like-minded moms, I joined an AP moms group on meetup and 15 years later, even though our kids don’t play together anymore, I am still friends with those women! Good luck!

my son also likes to talk but he’s thriving at Montessori don’t let that little part hold you back ❤️

Hang in there! I think the most important ingredient in all this is *time.* We moved to our town the year before my daughter started kinder. I remember feeling pretty desperate to make friends with other parents, but the ones who had older kids at the school already had their community; it was also 2021 so people were still a bit shy after the intense COVID period. But, over the years, we have found people. We’ve befriended two couples that feel like “our people”–similar values, interests, and tastes. One of them, it took two years (!!) of casually talking at school drop-off, etc., before we became real friends. The other, we *just* started becoming real friends last year–when our daughters were in fourth grade! A lot of the people in our town have been here forever, so they’re not necessarily looking for new friends. But I’ve found that if you’re willing to initiate, they often reciprocate! And then there are the moms of my daughter’s friends. She’s been in the same group of five girls since kinder (they are in fifth grade now!) and were in a Girl Scout troop together, and also all go to after-school care–lots of time together! The moms have bonded out of necessity and logistics, but we also hang out sometimes. These moms are much different from me–ideologically, values-wise, education, interests–so I would not pick any of them to be my friends, but I still get a lot of value and meaning from being in community with them and helping each other out. One last thing: I wonder if it would be good for your kids (and you) to remain in a school where people are different from you? My husband and I often get annoyed with the other parents at my daughter’s school and are mystified by their choices (like giving kids smartphones in third grade). Sometimes I wish we were at some little bubble of a private school or in a town with a bunch of other intellectuals lol. BUT I love that my kid is growing up with lots of different kinds of people, classmates whose parents are everything from professors to delivery truck drivers. I think that will serve her well as she gets older! And it’s important for people with different political views to be in community with each other–some of our loveliest and most helpful neighbors vote differently from us, but because of our relationship, we’re able to not just write them off.

I thought of one more thing. What if you started a group as others have suggested? I started a parents’ group at my synagogue and we’ve met lots of families that way. I realize you are secular but you could do something like a family hiking group or park clean-ups. Or even a group that just caters new to families in town! Post signs in libraries, mailboxes, bulletin board in cafes, etc. sometimes you controlling the social group makes a difference

Are people skinning dogs to make shoes and bags?

This feels like a strange comment – there is a lot of faux leather/animal print out there…

Yes, there are so many great vegan options out there now … Anthro is actually pretty good at this, got a great super-soft chocolate brown “leather” weave bag there. Re ‘skinning dogs’ – really, what’s the difference between skinning dogs versus cows and other animals?

Me, in rural northern Wisconsin, with sandals that are only appropriate maybe once a week for approximately six weeks out of the year 😂 I also just look really good in them!

I’m in San Diego and would love to just be able to put on a pair of jeans at this point lol. I’m going to a wedding in Ohio next month and hoping to pull out some fall clothes to wear!

Lol! I just look really good in scarves, I live in western PA so luckily I can wear them a lot, but man my style takes a hit in the summer!

I also live in Texas and my sweater collection looks like I think I live somewhere much colder. I always freeze in the AC so that’s my excuse.