My 59-Year-Old Mom Went to Madewell, H&M, and More to Find These “Unusual” Items

You might be semi-familiar with my mother, Nancy. If not,
she’s an almost-60-year-old Midwesterner who’s into fashion but
favors an uncomplicated approach to style to work within the
timeless wardrobe she’s been curating for years. I recently
tapped her to reveal the easy
fall 2019 trends she’s been incorporating into her closet.
But because I know she has more to say (she always does…), I
found it appropriate to continue our fall-shopping conversation
right now.

She recently visited me in
Boston, and we made it a point to stop in all of her favorite
stores (in addition to hanging and shopping online) to build her
fall wardrobe. Oh, for reference, her go-to stores happen to be

Anthropologie,
Madewell,
H&M, and
Club Monaco.

Her overall response after perusing the fall offering in each?
“I love going to these stores because I find more unusual items
that ‘cool girls’ wear. You know, those classic but slightly
different things not everyone in my hometown will have.”

Okay, let’s get straight to the good stuff. Go on to uncover
the fall staples my mom is jazzed about and why. (Some she bought,
and many she’s thinking about buying.) As you keep scrolling, you
just might find a special piece (or five) that could work for you
as well—no matter your age. Because after all, your age really
has nothing to do with what you should buy and wear.

Finally, fair warning, you’re going to spot (wink, wink) a
lot of leopard print ahead. But hey, it’s one of my favorite
trends as well—like mother, like son.

“Now
this is a fall jacket. I love that it’s reversible to a floral
print so it’s almost like you’re getting two coats in
one.”

“The
little pom-poms on the balloon sleeves are so fun.”

“The
colors here bring me back to the ’70s. All about it.”

“Not
only are these playful and cool, but they come with ankle support,
too!”

“Yes,
I know this one is more practical, but a functional tote
(especially in this slightly unusual color) is never a bad
investment.”

“I
have a few denim jackets, but nothing as special as this. The
leopard lining is not only so soft but so chic, too.”

“I
noticed this top right away when I walked into the store. I liked
the unique color combo—and the slightly looser fit with the
flattering puff sleeves.”

“I
clearly have a thing for leopard this season I guess. The cut of
this dress works well for me because it’s actually not too tight
and has a nice sleeve detail.”

“I’m
always on the hunt for comfortable flats that don’t look totally
boring. These accomplish that just perfectly.”

“While
I initially thought these were a bit out there for me, the clean
design actually gives them a classic feel to wear every day.”

“I
just can’t get over all the fun leopard-print dresses this
season.”

“I’m
finally trying the plaid blazer trend I see everywhere. I liked
that this style was a bit different with the red tints.”

“I
had never tried H&M jeans before, but they’re actually quite
soft with the right amount of give. And under $40? Score.”

“I
basically live in turtleneck and mock-neck sweaters during fall and
winter in Wisconsin. I liked this find specifically because of the
loose sleeves for a modern twist.”