Like many millennials, I emerged from the pandemic feeling like fashion moved on without me. Style used to feel so effortless, until one day it didn’t. As I aged out of my twenties and into my (mid) thirties, I struggled with how to balance simple, slightly more modest looks without feeling frumpy. I don’t need to look younger or be mistaken for a 26-year old, I simply want to have fun with fashion while looking pulled together and elegant at any age, at any size.
I don’t have a huge shopping budget and am still more focused on home decor purchases than fashion, so I try to be intentional about purchasing clothes I’ll get several seasons of use out of. In the moment though, it can be hard to discern trendy from timeless, or to picture if I can see myself wearing a particular piece into my 40s, 50s, and 60s.
Then one day I stumbled upon the outfits of Cheryl Sparks, and instantly I knew I had found my fashion North Star. Cheryl posts weekly outfits on her Instagram page, @_ifitstuesday_. Sporting a tidy silver bob and beautiful skin that that reflects the wisdom of her years, she is never not the most tailored and chic woman in my feed. As a fellow New Englander, I adore her classic, preppy-leaning style – especially her collection of voluminous skirts and shirt dresses, and her elegant styling of belts and jewelry. Here are some of my favorite looks:
^^ Obsessed is an understatement. Cheryl is so great at styling maxi skirts.
^^ I love a good shirt dress, and was able to snag this one during Tuckernuck’s January 2025 sample sale.
^^ This gauzy Alice Walk shirt dress is on my wishlist, as is a classic leather belt.
^^ I also love this shirt dress + hat + striped sweater combo, especially with the sleek sandals.
^^ This look makes me want a pair of cream pants to pair with a pastel striped sweater for those chilly New England spring days.
^^ With the right styling, even jeans + a sweater can look elevated and pulled together.
^^ This blazer top + matching suit pants is a look I would love to channel for professional events
^^ Okay final one. I just love a shirt dress, and I love the bright blue + bright orange combo!
Who are your style icons??
Bookworm Cottage Style 
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