Be_So_You on LTK

Every year for my birthday, I think about what would actually make getting dressed easier. As I’m deciding what to add to my birthday wishlist for Adam, I keep coming back to statement accessories. Pieces that feel a little more special. A little more like a treat (and a bit of a splurge). The kind that can completely change a simple outfit like a white tee and jeans. For this post, I didn’t add a jacket or a cardigan on purpose. I wanted the accessories to do all the work. Scroll to see the difference they make. The white tee is from @loft (I own this cap sleeve tee in several colors, size down, I wear an XS). You’ve seen these jeans on repeat, they’re the straight midrise jeans from @jcrewfactory and they fit true to size. 📏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

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Paid links

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

Resin Interest T-bar Necklace-Classic Tort | Boden (US)

Women's Italian Leather Pointed Bow Flat in Black | Quince

The Lexington Small Tote in Raffia | Madewell

Woven metallic espadrille Mary Janes | J.Crew Factory

Raffia Emma Layered Necklace | Tuckernuck (US)

Mini Straw Tote-Khaki/Natural Stripe | Boden (US)

Italian Leather Mary-Jane Ballet Flat in Cognac | Quince

Coin Cluster Large Hoop Earrings | Madewell

Coin Cluster Wire Cuff Bracelet | Madewell

Madrid Big Buckle Raffia | Birkenstock USA

Solara Delicate Gold Necklace | Julie Vos

The Camren Gathered Shoulder Bag | Madewell

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.

#LTKSaleAlert #LTKMidsize #LTKOver40

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.

#LTKOver40 #LTKSaleAlert #LTKMidsize

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

#LTKOver40 #LTKMidsize #LTKSaleAlert

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

#LTKSaleAlert #LTKMidsize #LTKOver40

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.

#LTKOver40 #LTKMidsize #LTKSaleAlert

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).

#LTKMidsize #LTKOver40 #LTKSaleAlert

A button-down shirt is a great style to wear untucked and to cover a belly.⁠
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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.⁠
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Start with a shirt that fits in the shoulders and doesn’t pull or gape across the bust or belly.⁠
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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. ⁠

#LTKMidsize #LTKOver40

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.

#LTKOver40 #LTKMidsize #LTKSaleAlert

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.

#LTKSaleAlert #LTKOver40 #LTKMidsize

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).

#LTKOver40 #LTKSaleAlert #LTKMidsize

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.

#LTKOver40 #LTKMidsize #LTKSaleAlert

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

Today’s shopping outfit. I had luck with home decor but not with clothing. Some days are like that. I did get complimented on my outfit by someone on the escalator over. This Amazon dress is a go to. I’m in a medium. I sized up in this LOFT cardigan but now I’m thinking maybe I could do a medium instead of a large. The sandals are old. Similar options are linked.

#LTKOver40 #LTKMidsize #LTKSaleAlert

Today’s easy Saturday outfit for errands and watching soccer. I love bottoms that I can wear with my hands shoved in my pockets. And I love the contrast of this light blue striped tee with a taupe cardigan and this fun bag (similar linked). Jeans: TTS, Tee: TTS, Cardigan: size up

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Today’s errands outfit. These straight midrise jeans fit true to size. I’m in a medium in this Amazon cardigan.

#LTKOver40 #LTKootd #LTKMidsize

I first saw drawstring waist jeans on Kristin Cavallari over a year ago. She was wearing them with a white racerback tank top, and I loved the casual, comfortable vibe, but in jeans. It’s like sweats and jeans had a baby.

These are the jeans you want when your regular jeans feel too hard to wear.

For me, that’s a morning after a bad night’s sleep when I need my clothes to feel like pajamas. Or a travel day. Or an early weekend morning when I’m being forced out of bed and out of the house way too early.

They have an adjustable drawstring waist and the material is super stretchy.

I’ve ordered and returned several pairs over the last year.

And then J.Crew Factory dropped these a few weeks ago. 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.

Scroll to see how to style drawstring waist jeans.

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

#LTKSeasonal #LTKMidsize #LTKOver40

Here’s a more elevated way to wear drawstring waist jeans.
I’m wearing a fitted cardigan sweater buttoned up like a top, with the hem left untucked. I tucked the jean ties into the waistband so they’re not visible, since the ties create a more casual feel.
These jeans fit TTS. Size up in this Old Navy cardigan. It fits short. I’m in a medium.

#LTKSaleAlert #LTKOver40 #LTKMidsize

Here are those drawstring waist jeans (fit tts) with a loose crewneck sweater for that relaxed all-over vibe that’s so popular right now. I’m wearing this sweater in a medium but prefer a small.

#LTKSaleAlert #LTKOver40 #LTKMidsize

I finally found a pair of drawstring waist jeans that I love! These are new from J.Crew Factory, fit true to size and have a 29” leg inseam and 11.5” wait rise on a size 10. This tee is from Old Navy and I wear a small.

#LTKMidsize #LTKOver40 #LTKSaleAlert

This simple black top from Tuckernuck has an A-line shape, a slightly thicker, forgiving fabric, and hits just below the hip bone. The bell sleeves add interest; they hit a little higher on the arm to show off the wrists. I ordered my true size (small), and it fits with a relaxed shape. It also comes in white. These J.Crew Factory midrise straight jeans fit true to size.

#LTKMidsize #LTKOver40

If you’re looking for a crisp white top to wear untucked, this one has a notch neck that draws the eye up to your face along with puff sleeves. It’s from Amazon and looks much more expensive than it is. It is a bit sheer. I’d wear it with a tank top. I’m in a size small.
These white LOFT midrise wide leg jeans fit true to size.

#LTKMidsize #LTKSaleAlert #LTKOver40