Be_So_You on LTK

Here’s a simple outfit I wore running errands last week. /Fit notes/ straight jeans (tts), cardigan (in a L), tee (size up to medium), red flats (old) all from J.Crew Factory.

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Here’s a simple outfit I wore running errands last week. /Fit notes/ straight jeans (tts), cardigan (in a L), tee (size up to medium), red flats (old) all from J.Crew Factory. LTKOver40 LTKSaleAlert LTKMidsize

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Classic cotton cardigan sweater | J.Crew Factory

Mid-rise straight jean in all-day stretch | J.Crew Factory

Short-sleeve girlfriend crewneck tee | J.Crew Factory

Chunky T-bar Chain Necklace-Gold | Boden (US)

T-bar Chain Necklace-Gold | Boden (US)

Nova Small Shoulder Tote | Nordstrom

Modern Crew Neck Cardigan | LOFT

Crewneck Cardigan | Gap Factory | Gap Factory

Andi ballet flats in leather | J. Crew US

Anisa Ballet Flats | Red Crinkle Patent Flats by Dolce Vita | DolceVita.com

I want to live in this outfit this summer. In the past, I’ve struggled to find linen pants I can easily wear with flats, and these come in 3 inseams: 26”, 28”, and 30”. I wore these out to dine al fresco at lunch on an 85 degree day and was perfectly comfortable in the shade. They fit true to the sizing chart. I’m in a Medium in the flax with a 28” inseam. Also in a medium in this tee.

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These drawstring jeans are from J. Crew Factory. They have an adjustable drawstring waist just like sweatpants (or joggers, as they’re currently called), and the material is super stretchy. They fit true to size, have a wide leg, and fit looser in the hips and thighs, with a 29-inch inseam, so they work with flats at 5'6". The waist rise hits at the waist and measures at 11.5 inches on a size 10. These are the jeans you reach for when your regular jeans feel like too much. Striped tee fits tts, I’m in a small.

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White jeans are a great option for cooler summer days and nights. These are super comfy and have a perfect midrise (I’m slightly short-waisted) and measure 30” inseam, which works with flats at 5’6”. The pockets are shorter so they don’t show through, and the fabric is a nice weight that is smoothing. They have a sewn hem, so they’re easy to wear to work. I size up to a medium in this gray tee.

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I’m glad to see short denim skirts making a comeback after maxi skirts took center stage the past few years. This one from LOFT has buttons down the front that create a vertical line and draw the eye up and down. You can easily wear it dressed up with sandals or create a casual look with sneakers. I sized up for an easy fit and to avoid any button pulling. A great option when you want something that hits above the knees, but not as revealing as shorts. I’m wearing this tee in an extra small. It fits big. I own it in several colors.

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I would live in jeans if I could. And during transitional seasons, a cardigan is always high on my list of layering pieces.

I don’t wear a lot of florals, so in spring, one of my favorite ways to create cute outfit combinations is with a colorful cardigan paired with a tee or top. And if you think your only spring cardigan color options are cream, gray, black, or white, I’m here to show you how colored cardigans can add so much personality to your outfits.

If you want to understand exactly why these outfits work, I go deeper in today’s companion blog post on BeSoYou.com.
* LTK limits the number of pieces I can link to this post. If there’s a piece you don’t see linked, scroll through for the individual outfit video.

📏For reference, I’m midsized, 5’6”, slightly short-waisted, 36-B bust, and wear a small or medium top with size 10 jeans.

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Stripes are one of my favorite ways to add visual interest to an outfit! Here I’m wearing a white-and-navy striped tee with a navy cardigan, straight-leg jeans, and red ballet flats for an unexpected pop of color. A brown woven tote bag grounds the look. Fit notes: curvy midrise jeans from J.Crew Factory fit TTS. I sized up to a medium in this tee. I’m in a large for this cardigan but a medium may work too.

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We often default to a white tee and jeans, but a light gray tee is a fresh alternative. It’s a simple styling hack that makes your outfits feel a little more unexpected without changing much else. Here I’m pairing a light gray tee with LOFT medium-wash wide-leg cropped jeans (size down) and this Kelly green cardigan (I wear a medium when I wear it buttoned like a top or large for layering). Pops of black ground the look with pointed-toe black ballet flats and a black woven tote bag.

I’m pairing a blue tee and dark-wash midrise straight-leg jeans (true to size) with a sage-green cardigan (I sized up to a large but could also wear a medium). Dark wash jeans are such timeless jeans, and I love how they straighten the curves of my lower half.

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I'm so in love with watery, luminescent, and fresh light blue lately. Here I’m wearing a cardigan buttoned up like a top with wide-leg jeans. Pair a slim-fitting top with wide-leg jeans for balanced proportions. I like to wear a tank top or tee tucked in with a short sweater for extra security when I lift my arm. These jeans are from LOFT and fit true to size. Size up in this Old Navy cardigan, it fits small and short. I wear a medium if I plan to button it like a top, or a large if I plan to wear it layered.

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Today’s attempts to get dressed almost backfired on me. Every outfit felt off.
Cold spring weather will do that.
My striped shirt from my spring jeans capsule wardrobe got me back on track and out the door to try on dresses (hence the extra shoes).

Captions are auto-generated… please forgive errors.

📏For reference, I’m midsized, 5’6”, slightly short-waisted, 36-B bust, and wear a small or medium top with size 10 jeans.

Fit notes:
@jcrewfactory navy striped tee (sized up to a M) and curvy straight hit jeans (tts)
@oldnavy jacket- size small, fits big.
Brown Mary Janes- sold out from @nordstrom, similar linked
@loft bauble earrings
@biena rockin’ ranch chickpeas
@spindrift grapefruit spritzer
@Tuckernuck brown slides (gifted)

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Tomorrow is Friday, friend! Here’s a super easy outfit idea that can take you through your day to dinner out.

Pair your favorite jeans with a white tee.

Add a necklace stack. I love this black clover necklace from Amazon because it adds a pop of black that ties into the black cardigan, black flats, and black woven tote bag.

I layered it with my gold chain t-bar necklace that’s super similar to the one Anne Hathaway is wearing in Devil Wears Prada 2.

Fit notes:
@jcrewfactory curvy jeans fit tts
@oldnavy black cardigan fits small and short, I own at least 5 in both medium and large
@onequince flats fit tts, surprisingly comfy
@nordstrom tote
@boden t-bar necklace
@amazon clover necklace
@loft white wedge tee, size down, prefer an XS

📏For reference, I’m midsized, 5’6”, slightly short-waisted, 36-B bust, and wear a small or medium top with size 10 jeans.

#LTKMidsize #LTKOver40 #LTKSaleAlert

Barrel jeans are super trendy and modern. This is my favorite pair (Old Navy, fit tts) for its slimmer, curved leg, which creates a more fitted and wearable style that adds minimal visual weight. While initially I was one the fence about them, in the right pair, I love their edgy, laid-back vibe. I’m playing that up by pairing them with this olive green “New York” graphic tee (size down, in an XS), one strap sandals, and this tan cardigan. The leopard bag adds a fun pop of color to the outfit. This bag is from Boden a few seasons back, similar options are linked.

#LTKMidsize #LTKOver40 #LTKSaleAlert

I'm wearing medium wash, curvy fit straight jeans (true to size), and for a fun pop of color, my red-stripe Adidas. Red and yellow are an unexpected pairing that creates a fun and youthful vibe and adds instant impact to a simple outfit built around a cardigan and a pair of jeans.

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Everyone says take one thing off.
I did the opposite and layered two chunky necklaces… and that’s when my T-shirt and jeans started feeling styled.

If you’ve been living in the same jeans and tee on repeat and wondering why it feels a little flat, it’s usually not the clothes. It’s the styling.

Hi!👋 I’m Marya, and I help midsize, over 50 women build outfits that feel easy, comfortable, and styled.

Follow if you live in jeans and a tee and want them to feel like a real outfit 💛

📏For reference, I’m midsized, 5’6”, slightly short-waisted, 36-B bust, and wear a small or medium top with size 10 jeans.

Fit notes: curvy midrise jeans from @jcrewfactory fit tts. @oldnavy cardigan, size up. Similar tee linked. @amazon necklace.

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Old Navy just showed me the dreaded low-stock alert on this dress and I’m bummed that summer pieces sell out when it’s literally 60 degrees here. I’m planning to wear this all summer. It’s a linen blend and so comfy with cap sleeves, a cinched waist, and a-line skirt…the perfect combo for a pear shape. I’m in a medium tall so it hits above the knee at 5’6”. I threw on a leather jacket for the Sassy Smurf effect ( Ted Lasso reference). #SpringOutfit #SpringOutfit2026 #SummerOutfit #Springdress

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A black midi dress is so easy to wear! Styling it is where things get interesting.

The layer you choose changes the look, vibe and where you wear it.

These are the easiest layers to throw on over a black midi dress and how I’d wear each one in real life.

This dress is from LOFT. I picked it up in blue a few years ago and then I saw it in black and knew I needed to add it to my closet as well. With the cap sleeves, defined waist, and a-line skirt, it works perfectly for my pear shape. I’m wearing a size small.

📏For reference, I’m midsized, 5’6”, slightly short-waisted, 36-B bust, and wear a small or medium top with size 10 jeans.

#springoutfits2026 #springdresses #summeroutfits #workoutfits

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Here’s a look that works for transitional weather. I’m wearing simple wide leg cropped white jeans with a white tee, and brown clogs and this olive bomber jacket. The clogs and bomber jacket both add to the laid-back vibe of the outfit. Wear this for an easy dinner out. These LOFT rivete wide leg jeans fit small in the regular fit. Size up. I’m in a small for this jacket.
#springoutfit2026

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Easy outfit from Friday night when I ran out to do errands. These are pieces from my long weekend capsule wardrobe. I’m wearing this LOFT dress in a medium. I just picked it up in a heathered oatmeal color too. This bounce fleece bomber hoodie from Old Navy is so comfortable. I sized up to a medium.

Saturday’s lunch and errands outfit. Our temps bounced around by 25 degrees this weekend. I added this dress to my closet in a second color. Last year I picked it up in black. Given how much I wore it, this oatmeal color gives me another option to rotate through as a shorts alternative. The material is smoothing and the defined waist makes it easy for a pear shape to wear. I’m in a medium with a 36-B bust and size 10 jeans. I’m wearing this @onequince jacket in a medium. It’s true to the sizing chart.

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Birthday dinner outfit! The erratic spring temps were fluctuating by 25 degrees from day to day, and this was a cool day (lucky to hit 60 degrees), but I still wanted to wear my spring dress with short sleeves. I chose Mary Janes over open-toed sandals and threw on this jacket for an edgy look. I was actually a little warm in the restaurant and just kept the coat around me, and was perfect. Size down in this LOFT dress (gifted), I’m in a 4, it fits big and has a side zipper. It’s very forgiving in the midsection. I’m in a small in this bomber jacket, it fits big. Similar Mary Janes and bags are linked.

#springoutfits2026 #springdresses #summeroutfits

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If you have a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear, it might be because your closet is full of one-and-done pieces. The kind you buy for one event… and never reach for again.

This is the question I ask before I buy anything:
Can I wear it 3 ways to 3 different places?

That’s how you start building a closet full of pieces you actually wear.

I’ve been trying on a lot of dresses lately, looking for ones that earn a permanent spot in my closet… and this one passes the test.

It works so well for a pear shape (cinched waist, cap sleeves that balance an A-line skirt), and it’s incredibly versatile. I could’ve styled it at least 5 more ways. And it’s 40% off and under $30 right now.

It’s officially on the short list for my nephews’ graduation events.

Fit notes: this @oldnavy linen blend dress runs short. I’m wearing a medium tall, and at 5’6” it’s the perfect length. I’ve seriously considered grabbing it in more colors.

📏For reference, I’m midsized, 5’6”, slightly short-waisted, 36-B bust, and wear a small or medium top with size 10 jeans.

#springoutfits2026 #springdresses #summeroutfits #workoutfits

#LTKSaleAlert #LTKOver40 #LTKMidsize

I had so many requirements for this skirt and lots of returns along the way. Sometimes a girl just wants a simple silhouette that feels as comfy as sweatpants. This Target skirt ended up being the winner! I tried a medium and a large as a size 10 and a medium could work but it was tighter than I’m comfortable with. The fabric is a casual jersey and this is marketed as a beach skirt. It’ll be an alternative to shorts for me. Throw a tee on with it and go. I sized up to a large in the LOFT tee.

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Today’s errands and lunch outfit. If you’re looking for an alternative to shorts, these linen pants from @onequince are so good. They are lightweight and feel like you have nothing on. I’m in a Medium in the flax with a 28” inseam. I wear a size 10 jeans and am 5’6”. They fit true to the sizing chart. I’m in an XS for this LOFT top (size down) and a Medium in the Quince denim utility jacket (TTS).

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Today’s errands and lunch outfit. If you’re looking for an alternative to shorts, these linen pants from @onequince are so good. They are lightweight and feel like you have nothing on. I’m in a Medium in the flax with a 28” inseam. I wear a size 10 jeans and am 5’6”. They fit true to the sizing chart. I’m in an XS for this LOFT top (size down) and a Medium in the Quince denim utility jacket (TTS).

#LTKSaleAlert #LTKMidsize #LTKOver40

A button-down shirt is a great style to wear untucked and to cover a belly.⁠
⁠
The vertical line created by the button placket in the center draws the eye up and down, elongating the torso for a long, lean look. The structure creates a clean and streamlined silhouette.⁠
⁠
Start with a shirt that fits in the shoulders and doesn’t pull or gape across the bust or belly.⁠
⁠
1️⃣ Choose a shirt with sides that are cut up, to show the hip and lengthen the leg line. ⁠
2️⃣Keep proportions balanced by wearing jeans or pants that are fitted in the hips and thighs.⁠
3️⃣ Leave a few buttons open at the neck to create a v-neck that draws the eye up to your face. ⁠
4️⃣Leave a button or two open at the bottom to create movement ⁠
5️⃣ Roll up your sleeves. The rolled sleeve draws the eye to the waist, creating the illusion of definition. It shows your wrists, the slimmest part of the arm, and breaks up the wall of fabric. ⁠
⁠
On me: midrise straight jeans from @jcrewfactory. The shirt is from LOFT a few seasons ago. A similar option is linked. ⁠

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A black leather jacket adds just the right amount of edge to a feminine dress. Loafer mules are a slightly unexpected choice that keeps the look grounded and a bit warmer on cooler nights. A black bucket bag pulls it all together. This dress fits tts, I’m in a small.

#LTKOver40 #LTKSeasonal #LTKSaleAlert

Here’s a casual look that’s easy to throw on for a day on the road or sightseeing. Add your denim jacket, comfy one-buckle slides, and a woven taupe tote bag. This denim trucker jacket ends at the hip and has a slightly relaxed fit in a lighter wash for an easy, breezy feel. This dress fits tts. I’m in a small.

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Black and olive are such an easy pairing together. Here I’m styling this short olive jacket with my loden suede Mary Janes, originally from Madewell, and a dark brown woven tote bag from Quince. Adding a stack of necklaces draws the eye up to the face. This dress fits tts. I’m in a small.

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I’m surprised by how much I love this outfit and this jacket (it’s perfect for a cool morning or evening). This olive bomber jacket has a slight sheen and a relaxed fit, adding an edge to the outfit. Pushing up the sleeves draws the eye to the waist and adds to the laid-back feel. Simple black sandals and a black bucket bag finish the look. I’m wearing this jacket in a small, it fits big, and the dress in a small (tts).

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Kelly green and black always feel fresh together. Draping a cardigan over your shoulders adds a relaxed, styled look that works perfectly for a winery day. Paired with black sandals and a structured crossbody, it feels easy but intentional. This dress fits tts. I’m in a small.

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This black-and-white cardigan is a wardrobe staple that adds so much visual interest when layered over a simple black dress. Tan and black cap-toe ballet flats are classic and make this outfit feel put together. I’m carrying a relaxed, oversized black bag for an unexpected pairing that feels laid-back. Fit note: dress fits tts. I’m in a small.

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This black-on-black look with a splash of leopard print feels perfect for dinner out. Keeping the base all black lets the brown tones stand out with a chunky bead necklace, a clover chain necklace, and the leopard-print Mary Janes. It’s simple but eye-catching in the best way.
I’m wearing this LOFT dress in a size small. It fits TTS.

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This works for a family of four too, just double everything.

A @wholefoodsmarket organic rotisserie chicken is something I buy every week. I usually get two dinners for two and one lunch out of it (5 servings). I eat the breasts and Adam eats the legs and dark meat.

I individually wrap each serving and heat it in a 400 degree oven for 10 minutes. Adam leaves his in a little longer.

Meanwhile, I heat frozen brown rice on a covered plate for 90 seconds, increasing the time in 30-second increments for a larger portion and fluffing it as I go so it doesn’t overcook.

I heat frozen cauliflower rice in a covered pot over medium heat, adding a little olive oil spray so it doesn’t stick and stirring frequently. I add nutritional yeast, salt, pepper, and dried dill to make a quick cauliflower rice pilaf. It’s done in the blink of an eye.

Cleanup is minimal.

#LTKOver40 #LTKfoodie #LTKMidsize

Felt cute in today’s errands outfit thanks to this color combo of blue and green. I’m still trying white jeans and have tried about 10 pairs right now. These curvy midrise jeans fit true to size. This tee and cardigan color is sold out, similar options are linked.

#LTKSaleAlert #LTKOver40 #LTKMidsize

When you’re dressing a midlife body, especially if you carry weight in your midsection, it’s easy to reach for the longest, loosest tee you can find. Oversized tees that cover your rear feel like the safe option, but they don’t always do what we want them to.

Why Oversized Tees Can Backfire

A tee that hits too low on your rear or mid-thigh can actually make you look boxier and bigger.

The Goal: Create the Look of a Waist

Even with a belly, the most flattering thing you can do is create the illusion of a waist. There are other ways to do that besides belting your pants and tucking in your shirt. Choosing shirt hemlines that are strategically placed close to your natural waist creates the visual proportions of a defined waistline and helps your outfit fall better and look more balanced overall.

Scroll to see what to wear instead.

📏For reference, I’m midsized, 5’6”, slightly short-waisted, 36-B bust, and wear a small or medium top with size 10 jeans.

#LTKOver40 #LTKMidsize #LTKSeasonal