In my palazzo era
- Danielle Hughes
- 13 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Sunshine and quality time brings me joy
Last week I was in Miami. I didn’t plan to go to Miami. It wasn’t on my bingo card. And while my Mom lives in Florida, it’s just not a state I love for so many reasons. But a friend offered me an opportunity to join her for a very last minute getaway, and since it had been raining, cold and grey in NYC for seemingly months, I jumped at the chance. I needed some warmth and sun. And Miami delivered with the most perfect 5 days of weather ever.
Speaking of closets
Leaving for a warm weather vacation when you live in a NYC apt. means going into storage containers to find appropriate clothing. It’s not a fun or simple endeavor. But I decided that in lieu of shorts, I wanted to try some lightweight pants that could serve both day and night purposes. So I went online and ordered a bunch of palazzo style that looked like they’d do the trick. All elastic waist. All light weight and with varying lengths and patterns. I had no idea if I’d keep or like any of them.
Jackpot
Of the five pair I ordered, I ended up keeping four. Score! Not only were they all soooo comfy, they were light, fashionable and fit perfectly. I could wear them with a tee or tank, or dress up with a nicer blouse or top. They made me excited for the trip and excited to get dressed. Which, for someone who wears joggers almost daily, is saying something. I decided that I was officially in my palazzo era.
Move over Eileen Fisher
Any woman over a certain age is familiar with the brand that symbolizes a woman of a certain age. For decades Eileen Fisher has made flowy, shapeless, yet not inexpensive clothing for “older” women — whatever that means. Most of us have mocked this brand and I’ve honestly never been in a store. But we all know the look and the type of woman that wears it. And here I was, essentially embracing another version of the EF woman. And I couldn’t have been happier.
With every palazzo pant I was more comfortable and cool (probably more the temperature than the vibe). Something vital for a woman my age as well. But while EF clothes always seemed too billowy, my palazzo pants were just fitted enough. I was telling everyone I know about my new era. Look how fun they are!
Let’s get comfy
One of the things that comes with growing older is comfort. Not just dressing comfortably, but comfort in who you are. There’s something amazing when you remove the need for validation of others and do what feels good to you. From what you wear to how you express yourself.
I have friends who’ve let their hair grow in grey and love it. I have others who no longer wear makeup. This doesn’t mean they don’t care about their appearance, it means they won’t allow others to dictate how they should look. And the backlash they’ve gotten from friends, family and clients? There isn’t any. Obviously. Because that doesn’t change who they are or the work they do. The quality of myself as a human and a writer isn’t different if I wear a dress or sweatpants. Palazzos or pumps (god forbid). Although I might argue it’s improved because these things are magic.
Whatever era you’re in, I urge you to embrace it. To own it. To flaunt it. None of us know how much time we have left and the time we do have should be spent being as US as possible. And if you need help, you know I’m ready to send some pants your way (or we could talk about your brand).
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