The idea that women have no more effs to give when they turn 40 is a topic that’s often in the back of my mind, particularly in the work I do as a personal stylist for women in midlife. So when I was on Dr. Jenn Huber’s The Midlife Feast podcast last fall and she asked me what I thought the missing ingredient was for women in midlife, it’s the first thing that came to mind.

Although I’m not much of a trend-follower, I’ve been enjoying some of the new year social media trends I’ve been seeing, like the “what I left in 2025” compilations that have filled my Instagram feed this month. I think I’m drawn to the general theme of “what I left behind” because it aligns with the simple idea that you should stop doing things when they no longer work for you.

I’m starting the year by rewearing what I already own—yes, even for special events and on vacation. Here’s why I’m done buying new “just because,” and what it’s changed for me.

Are you tired of January closet purge pressure from strangers on the internet? Same. Learn my smarter approach: ongoing closet edits that actually work—and don’t require an entire Saturday.

When you think about what’s on your calendar for the next few months and what you’ll be wearing, how do you feel? If the answer is anything but effortless, let’s fix that.

Last month, I shared what I wear when I don’t know what to wear, which is something I’m experiencing at the moment. Although I typically experience a style shift this time of year—ready for fall styles but still living summer weather in Austin—it’s undoubtedly been exacerbated by our move.

So more than ever, I’m focusing on pausing to reflect before making any changes to what’s in my closet.

Until I reached midlife myself, I didn’t realize that losing one’s style was often part of this season of life. And yet, it’s very much a thing, but no one expressly tells you about it. 

The other day, I was standing in front of my closet, trying to pick out something to wear for my day, which consisted of dropping our daughter off at basketball camp and meeting a new friend for coffee. I was spiraling. Nothing felt right.

So I paused and did what I always encourage my clients to do.

In this stage of midlife, when I’ve become more self-aware and more focused on not beating myself up constantly, and not dishing out negative self-talk, I’ve come to realize I don’t need a new body. I need a better relationship with the body I have, and I need to use my clothes to help me achieve that. 

Last month I was gifted five pieces from SPANX, a brand I’ve loved and recommended to clients for years. While I first discovered SPANX through their shapewear, I’ve grown to appreciate their full clothing line ideal for midlife women—especially during the summer months when comfortable, versatile outfits are a must.

Swimsuit season is coming.

If your first reaction is 😬😩😵‍💫 — you’re not alone.

Finding a swimsuit that works for your body in your 40s, 50s and beyond should count as cardio. But it doesn’t have to be such a dreaded exercise.

This month marked two years of JGP Styled Me! I honestly almost missed this milestone until a friend called it to my attention. I guess I was so heads-down busy that it just wasn’t on my radar. But I do think it’s important to stop and take stock of how far I’ve come.

I was unusually—happily—busier than normal with clients, school was back in session (along with a new after-school activity keeping Mom’s Taxi in business) and it was the seemingly neverending month of post-holiday nothingness. Still, I continued to get up and dress myself in things other than leggings and sweats most days, making me feel like myself and putting my mind in a more productive place. As someone who’s exclusively worked from home for nearly a decade, “getting dressed” has always been a must for me.

I wish December had been cooler in Austin. It had its moments but more often than not it was mild. There weren’t really any opportunities to pull out beloved heavy sweaters from my days as a northerner (but as I type this in early January, that’s changed). Still, I found plenty of opportunities to embrace layering with light jackets, blazers (my favorite!) and festive outfits.

‘Tis the season for a lot of noise about what you should be doing when it comes to your body and your style. “New year, new you,” closet purges and the like. I can’t remember the last time I made a New Year’s resolution and gleefully, I’m no longer forced by my employer to select my word of the year.

Have you ever found yourself staring at your closet in panic, hours before a casual-ish family or friend get-together? Suddenly, your usual outfits feel all wrong, and you're wondering when dressing for something simple like a birthday party became so complicated.

Fresh off the heels of Halloween we traveled to Grand Canyon—literally, on November 1. And we saw snow! We saw the Canyon, too, obviously, but also snow! Between that and our next trip to Berlin, Germany (where I neglected to take any outfit photos 🤦🏼‍♀️), we had a few birthday celebrations, house guests and Thanksgiving. And the weather finally cooled so I could wear sweaters and all my blazers, which you know I love.

If you’re always reaching for your go-to black top, it’s time to stop playing it safe. Sure, it’s easy and gets you out the door, but does it really feel like you? Is it really what you want to wear everywhere you need to go? My guess is no.

Why is it that figuring out what to wear can sometimes be the hardest task to accomplish on any given day? You’re juggling work, family and a social life, and yet somehow, figuring out what to wear feels like the hardest task. You’re staring at a packed closet but still feel like you have nothing that makes you feel amazing for that big meeting or night out.

Here are my looks from October—the ones I remembered to capture—for a busy mom in midlife juggling running my own small business, family stuff, attempting to have a social life and last but not least—corralling two feisty dogs.