I remember being teased for “flood” pants too. I do have a smile at some of the cropped styles I see, thinking back on those memories.
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On a different dressing young topic - a friend recently told me that my fav winter work attire (skirt, black sweater, black tights and chunky shoes) was ‘dated’. 
She suggested knee high boots with skirts/winter dresses.
Wondered if anyone has done this look and made it work? I’m kinda struggling lol. Don’t want to give up my black tights!
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Knee high flat boots with winter skirs/dresses is my go to, but I’m wearing tights underneath!
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Does she mean dump the/any tights? Are you in a job that requires you to be dressing “up to date”? How old is your friend?
I say wear what you like to wear as long as it fits the etiquette of your workplace!
That said, I’m not sure how the outfit you describe is really “out of date” - unless you’re wearing like a Black embellished Christmas sweater with a long shapeless black skirt and scuffed black chunky shoes!!! 
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I don’t think tights with loafers and skirt/sweater is a dated look… unless the skirt or sweater look worn or just a bit dated themselves.
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Thanks all for the feedback! Skirts are kind of fitted in winter fabric (houndstooth etc). Sweaters are also usually pretty fitted (not super tight). Shoes are Dansko clogs tho 
. Want to keep feet healthy and figuring the Danskos aren’t too bad with the tights…?
My friend is in early fifties and works in the legal field (private sector). I’m happy to get style feedback - even if my own work place isn’t super style conscious. Just want to stay a bit current and fresh if possible!
I did buy knee high boots at her encouragement and will probably still wear my fav black tights with them!
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I think the current trend in knitwear is chunkier sweaters or cropped ones over more fitted tops, so there is another possibility for an “update.” Don’t ditch the tights. They will be perfectly fine with the boots IMO.
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Thanks, Bunsen!
PS although I think squarish cropped type of sweaters make me look chunky I will keep an eye out!
I’m old enough that I have seen knee high boots go in and out of fashion so many times I can’t keep track! I have seen them again on some influencers so I guess they are trending again. I like them because they are warm and a riding boot is very comfortable.
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Lands’ End has most clothes (tops, bottoms and dresses) in tall, petite, regular and plus.
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I had a birthday gift card from Lands End and bought a sale V-neck black thin sweater in Petite size. At the last minute I threw it into my luggage for recent London trip… so helpful!
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I returned some stuff that I bought a year before and I have a large credit from them. I really don’t need anything but maybe I will 1) buy stuff for the babies and little kids in my life, and 2) set aside a little bit to indulge.
ETA: Lands’ End usually goes to 50 percent off right after Thanksgiving. I can wait!
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I like to buy clearance items, when they have free shipping deals.
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Need advice, especially from those of you who dress up (I rarely do anymore).
H and I are attending a black tie event at his work. I have not been to a black tie affair other than weddings, and those are all decades ago. Does black tie still mean my dress needs to be long?
Without going in to boring detail, I am feeling a little self-conscious about attending this event and my goal is truly to just not stand out in any way. Is a knee-length dress ok?
I’m no expert, but I would go long in this case, something really nice but probably without bling.
I always wear long to anything black tie.
Emily Post says you can wear a short dressy cocktail dress.
Black Tie Attire for Women
- Formal (floor length) evening gown
- Dressy cocktail dress
- Your dressiest “little black dress”
But Harper’s Bazaar says:
Floor-length is preferred, but a mid-length also works. Anything shorter starts to feel more ‘cocktail’ and too relaxed for a black-tie occasion
And according to Elle:
Unless otherwise specified on the invitation, ‘black tie’ in general permits any length, so midi and even shorter styles, within reason, are acceptable. But, given the formality, showing a lot of skin might draw stares from other guests. Midi-to-full hemlines are your safest (and chicest) bet.
So overall, midi or longer would seem the most appropriate option.
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I’d go simple and understated in navy or black in a non cotton fabric.
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If you’re sort of self conscious already (I get that!) I would probably go with midi or long - just so you are “safe” and therefore don’t feel out of place. So many midi dresses out there these days!
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There are a lot of nice midi dresses out there. And on short me, they are more of an ankle length style… handy for avoiding alterations.
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