Life is certainly confusing at the moment and though it’s low on the totem pole of important matters, one of the challenges right now is figuring out how to dress. With weather unpredictable (and often unimaginably hot) and life still somewhat on hold (with few willing to give up the comfortable clothes that got us through the earlier pandemic days), the question is what to think about for the new season ahead- and how to spend your money wisely while still having fun with fashion.

Regarding comfort, do you still find yourself turning to tee shirts and yoga pants no matter what the occasion? At least AARP has some recommendations for how to up the ante (and fashion statement) with some more stylish athleisure outfits. And has the hot weather thrown you for a loop regarding when you can jettison your light colors and return to your more familiar (and comforting) dark-colored clothes, including black? Alyson Walsh (of the website That’s Not My Age) wants you to know that the old rules have been thrown out and yes, despite the heat, you can wear black no matter the weather or season- and even feel cool- if you choose a loose-fitting cut (remember the Buffet dress?) and natural fabric.

There are other stylish mature women who want you to break some fashion rules. Refinery 29 recently ran a post about older women who shatter ageist and old-time fashion norms using the social media platform Tik Tok. Among those they profile? 54-year-old Carla Rockmore, who has over 500,000 Tik Tok followers and who has her own YouTube channel where she dispenses fashion advice to those over 50. She’s irreverent, funny, and sure to give you a smile even if you may question some of her style selections.

Maybe you’re not interested in new wardrobe items but just want one or two accessories to feel good this fall. The website Starts at 60 has a recent post on the best accessories for mature women, be it a new pair of earrings, necklace, or perhaps a handbag. If you’re in the market for a purse, but want to stay within a budget, you may want to explore the new handbag producer JW Pei, whose bags are all vegan leather and recycled plastics but with a noticeable style and flair that won’t cost you a fortune. And hopefully, you can still enjoy a sense of humor about your age and stage of life by watching this hilarious send-up of women who have hit “their statement jewelry years.”

But if you’re looking for a few practical and wearable suggestions, take a look at the list (and items) put forth by Susan Feldman over at In The Groove. With such basics as blazers and loafers, you’re sure to find some comfortable and compelling pieces that you’ll look forward to wearing this Fall.