I’ve been searching for tailored nines for women over 40 and Zera has turned me into a discerning shopper. Their approach to remodeling made me rethink my relationship with clothes. As you may know, Zera has developed a fascinating method of focusing on organizing clothes in an organized way. Many of you have shared how it has changed their lives, and I couldn’t agree more. The beauty of this process is that you get to touch each item with your own hands and determine if it truly brings you joy. If it doesn’t, you have to reflect on why. It’s an eye-opening exercise that reveals your personal connection to your closet. For someone like me who talks about clothes a lot, this is invaluable. I made a promise to myself that I would no longer make impulse purchases of clothes that didn’t fit my style or values.

Why do we keep clothes we don’t wear?

Acquired behavior

I’ve always been a bit of a clothes hoarder before purging. I didn’t hoard anything other than clothes. It wasn’t until I embraced the Zera Method that I confronted this strange habit. I realized that many of these habits stemmed from my upbringing. My parents went through a time of scarcity during World War II, and my mother was always worried that rationing would be instituted again. She kept everything, and this mentality was somehow passed on to me. Acknowledging this inherited fear was the first step. Once I faced it, letting go of it wasn’t as hard as I thought – it was just a deeply ingrained behavior that I needed to let go of.

Lack of self-confidence

Some of the clothes I kept were brand new with the tags still attached. Looking back, I see how they reflected a period of low self-confidence for me. After having children and feeling disconnected from my sense of self, I would buy clothes from catalogs like Boden or White Company in hopes that they would make me feel better. Even if they didn’t fit me, I kept them as self-punishment for not looking like a model. Ironically, I should have known better. During my time overseeing fashion shoots, I’ve seen firsthand how garments can be tweaked to perfection. Inspired by Zera, I’m grateful that the clothes taught me to be more picky and donate them to charity, much to my husband’s amusement.

Nostalgia.

Another category of clothes that are hard for me to part with are those associated with special memories-gorgeous evening gowns from unforgettable parties, outfits from my son’s christening, and even my mother’s coat. But as I held each piece of clothing, I realized that the memories were not in the clothes, but in my heart. With a bitter goodbye, I let go, knowing that the moments they represented were firmly imprinted in my heart.

Lack of self-awareness

I also noticed patterns in my shopping habits. For example, over the years I had accumulated many wool sweaters that I rarely wore. As I sorted through them, I noticed a common thread: the wool sweaters I didn’t wear all had buttons. After some thought, I realized that I didn’t like the way buttons ruined the clean lines of my clothes. It’s a small detail, but it’s important to me. In the future, I’ll be more aware of these preferences to avoid repeating them.

Blindly following trends

Like many people, I’ve been known to blindly follow trends that don’t suit me. Take baggy boyfriend style jeans for example. They looked great on other bloggers, but they never felt quite right on me. Dealing with them in the Zera process, I realized why – they didn’t fit my body proportions. My legs are shorter from the knee down, and I need to wear pants that elongate my legs or have a flattering cut. This realization made me more aware of trends and made sure I approached them with a perspective that fit my style.

The power of “handling”

What sets the Zera method apart is that it requires hands-on experience with each item. I’ve cleaned out my closet countless times over the years, but usually I just scan it and decide what stays, and the Zera method turns that on its head. Taking everything out and scrutinizing it piece by piece forces you to confront your choices in a completely different way. It’s transformative. If you’re looking for another way to improve your self-awareness and decision-making skills, try workouts like the Bulgarian Deep Squat, which also require focus and willpower to master.

Recently, I spent a long time cleaning out my dressing room, scrutinizing every piece of clothing, talking to them, and then deciding which ones were worth keeping. Now that the space is cleared, I finally see a void in my closet. That was the start of today’s mission – to find the perfect pair of tailored nines for women over 40. My goal? A chic pair of white or beige pants for the (warm but wet) Lakeland summer. There are so many options on the market that it’s hard to know where to start. So I went all out and maxed out my credit card, ordering a variety of styles and brands of pants. I also tried on some “versatile” styles to see if I could find a “source of joy”.

The best tailored pants for women over 40

Before I get into the details, let’s just say that these photos are not pretty. I’ve been so busy this week preparing for a class I’m teaching that I look a little tired. For consistency, I paired it with the same solid color knit top and shoes. In the photo, I also purposely lifted up the top to reveal my belt – don’t worry, this is not what I usually wear! For reference, I’m 173cm tall with a slender frame (sadly my legs aren’t long enough) and I usually wear a UK size 12 and most brands fit me well.

Zera Double Stretch Trousers

Model Showcase
Zera Double Stretch Trousers

In real life
COMMENTS: these pants are so comfortable it’s like wearing leggings. The high-waisted design and elasticity make them very easy to wear. However, the lack of front pockets makes the front of the pants look monotonous, which may not work well if worn with a short top or blazer. However, they work well with long tunics or flowy tops. I love the zipper design at the ankles, it’s just the right length, just over the ankle bone.

Does it come in any other colors? Stone color.
Would I buy it in another color? The comfort is definitely worth it.
What’s it good with? Great with long tops and loose tops.

Zera Stitch Detail Capri Trousers

On the model
Zera Stitch Detail Capri Trousers

In real life
COMMENTS: these pants are medium length and look really cute on the front, but the sheer back pockets are less than ideal. I like the line of the front pockets and the fit at the calf. However, they are a little tight overall and I need to size up.

Do they come in other colors? Gray and light pink – I’d rather try a darker color.
What occasions would it be appropriate for? If the colors were darker and the sizing was right, these would make excellent tailored nine-minute pants. However, they are not suitable with white due to the transparency.

Zera Clean Front Pants

On the model
Zera Clean Front Slit Trousers

In real life
COMMENTARY: I couldn’t help but laugh when trying them on – they don’t suit my fuller figure at all. They are more suited to a straighter figure. Transparency is a big issue, and even in flesh-colored underwear, the pant line is still clearly visible. Additionally, they are longer than I would expect from shorter pants. Overall, the quality does not match the price.

Do they come in other colors? None.
What occasions are they suitable for? Unfortunately, I cannot recommend these pants due to transparency and fit issues.

Zera Twill Stretch Pants

On the model
Zera Twill Stretch Trousers

In real life
Comments: another super comfortable option from Zera. However, the opacity leaves something to be desired and the length is less than ideal – too long for a seven-quarter length pant and too short for a long pant.

Does it come in other colors? Yes, in stone, but the fit was not flattering enough and I didn’t really want to try on other colors.
What body type is it for? These pants are for women with a straighter, more cylindrical figure, but the white version is too sheer.

That’s my summary of the Custom Nine Pants. While there were a few pants that performed well in terms of comfort, transparency and fit, transparency was always an issue. The journey to find the perfect pants continues!

Zera Twill Stretch Pants
Model
Zera Twill Stretch Pants (UK)
Zera Twill Stretch Pants (US)

Real Life
COMMENTS: I had high hopes for these pants as they were the most affordable option and I’ve always loved Zera’s twill pants in the past. Unfortunately, the fabric felt rather thin, especially in white, which was particularly disappointing to me. The pants fit snugly at the calves and bulged at the knees. To make matters worse, they are very sheer.

Do they come in any other colors? Yes: pink, mint green, navy, black and stone.
What occasions are they suitable for? I might consider trying other colors as I really liked last year’s style. However, I would opt for a longer length this time around as these pants are a bit shorter than I would like. The longer length might also result in a better overall fit.

Zera Richmond cigarette pants
Model
Zera Richmond Flat Tube Pants (UK)
Zera Richmond Flat Tube Pants (US)

Real Life
Comments Off on The Richmond Smoking Pipe Pants stand out for their exceptional quality, made from Zera’s signature thick cotton spandex fabric. However, the placement of the pants pockets doesn’t work for me – it accentuates the curve of my hips and makes them look wider. The pants pockets are sewn in, so opening them would only exacerbate the problem. There is also a center seam on the back of the pant leg that I can’t decide if I like or dislike.

Do they come in any other colors? Yes: navy, dark green and black.
What body type do they fit? These pants are perfect for women with narrower and straighter hips. If you have a body type that meets these criteria, then these Richmond cigarette pants are sure to keep you comfortable.

Zera Richmond 7/8 Pants
Model
Zera Richmond 7/8 Trousers (UK)
Zera Richmond 7/8 Pants (US)

Real Life
Comments Off on I was pleasantly surprised by these pants when Zera’s pants haven’t been fitting well lately. I just put them on and someone commented “they look good on you” and I have to admit. They remind me of the Bistro pants I used to love. The pants are flattering, not too tight, but I’d like to buy a size up next time for a looser fit.

Do they come in any other colors? Yes: black, coffee, green print, dark green, navy, navy speckled, red, rose quartz, navy and white.
What occasions are they suitable for? If you can find the right size, these colors should be universally popular. I really like these shoes and they are a great addition to any closet.

Versatile Pieces

Zera wide leg pants
Model
Zera Wide Leg Pants

Real Life
COMMENTS: after reading the reviews, I realized that a lot of people suggested buying one size larger, which is unusual for Zera, but definitely a good idea here. The pants are just the right length and I love the way they fall from the knee down. However, the pants are cut oddly at the top and the pocket linings show through, which is a big deal for me. They are made from a fabric similar to cricket pants, which I had high hopes for, but sadly, they don’t fit me.

Do they come in any other colors? Yes: midnight blue.
What occasions are they suitable for? I wouldn’t recommend the cream color as it’s too sheer, but the dark blue might be nice – remember to go a size up.

Zera short jeans
Model.
Zera Short Jeans (UK)
Zera Short Jeans (US)

Real Life
COMMENTS: I am very impressed with these jeans. Normally, I’m not a fan of ripped jeans, but the fraying on these jeans is great. They are very comfortable to wear and the high waisted design is perfect for pairing with summer tops and tees. These jeans will be back on the shelves next week and I can’t wait to get my hands on the vintage wash version – which has already sold out once!

Who it’s for. Anyone looking for stylish summer jeans. These jeans are worth the investment and I think they’ll last two to three seasons.

Before they look outdated

My conclusion.

As I sorted through my clothes after trying on the Marathon collection, I found myself slipping back into the tidy mindset that comes with the Zera collection. It dawned on me that in another year, I’ll probably be donating white pants to charity stores and complaining about how I can’t wear them because they’re too much of a hassle to wash and iron. However, the short beige jeans seemed more practical and easier to care for, so I decided to keep them. I might even try Zera’s sand colored 7/8 tailored pants.

Life lately.

I’ve enjoyed spending spring break with the kids, relaxing at home and enjoying little adventures. The weather is getting warmer and I’m gradually shedding my winter knits for sweatshirts. This photo was taken during a family trip to the Docklands. My youngest son has always wanted to visit the War History Museum, so we spent a couple of hours looking at the sword and cannon exhibits (it’s good to have a son!) , and then a leisurely lunch. You can see them in the background, patiently enduring mom’s blogging quirks!

Peacoat (last season), Zera sweatshirt (last season), Zera striped t-shirt (last season), Zera baggy jeans (last season), Zera ankle boots (last season ) On Saturday, we took part in a great scavenger hunt in the Lake District celebrating the 150th anniversary of the birth of a much-loved fairytale character. I didn’t think the kids would be interested, but the promise of a treasure hunt was too much for them to resist.

On Saturday, we attended a great treasure hunt in the Lake District to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of a beloved fairy tale character. I didn’t think the children would be interested, but the lure of the treasure was too much to resist and both my eldest and youngest sons joined in. The event was challenging as the clues and maps were posted online and anyone familiar with the Lake District will know how spotty mobile signals can be.

Classic Lakeland outfit – jacket, waterproof boots, Zera jumper, Zera leggings

Despite the odds, we cracked the clues and managed to find the beautifully hand-painted ceramic eggs hidden within a 50 mile radius. Although we didn’t win the grand prize, we had a fantastic day of laughter and adventure as we traveled through the picturesque villages.

These quirky Herdwick sheep sculptures appear all over the county and are sponsored by local businesses in support of charitable causes.

Sunday’s dress code was relaxed and the weather was nice enough to even show your ankles! I’ve been rediscovering hidden treasures in my closet and enjoying shopping for myself.

Zera striped top (last season); Zera tailored pants (last season); Zera pointed toe flats (last season )

Monday is here, start the week with clear goals and high spirits!

Zera sweatshirt (sold out); Zera faux leather jeans (last season); Zera ankle boots (last season )

This week has gone by so fast because I’m off to college again to give a marketing talk. In the meantime, I’m mentally preparing my eldest son (aka the reluctant walker) for his DofE Silver Award Walking Exercise at the weekend. He has absolutely no idea what it means to walk 18km a day and is far too casual about it at the moment. What makes me laugh, though, is that the route they walked on the first day went right past our front door. I’m sure he’ll say how he feels when he gets there. We’ll be staring out the window all weekend!

If you’re looking for ways to streamline your closet and embrace minimalist must-have pieces, check out my take on the back-to-basics tee. The key is to create a collection of versatile, classic pieces that bring pleasure and reduce decision fatigue.

So, tell me – are you a Zera style organizer too? My husband and kids make fun of me all the time for walking around the house and randomly talking to items, but I still think it’s a fantastic approach. Has it changed your life? Let me know in the comments; we might start a happy revolution!

Other Spring/Summer Style Essentials

• Must-have pieces to build a core closet
• New Season Fashion Inspiration
• Modern College Style
• My favorite Zera picks

Zera Shoes Review

When it comes to effortlessly blending style and comfort, Zera shoes truly stand out.Known for its timeless designs and impeccable craftsmanship, Zera has become the go-to brand for shoes that combine both looks and comfort. Whether you’re dressing up for a special occasion or looking for the perfect shoe for everyday wear, Zera offers a range of options to suit any closet.

The attention to detail in Zera footwear is unrivaled. From the quality materials to the careful finishing touches, every element is thoughtfully considered. The result? Footwear that not only enhances your overall look, but also provides all-day comfort.Zera understands the importance of versatility, and its shoe collection is perfect for seamlessly transitioning from day to night.

If you’re looking for footwear that combines elegance with practicality, Zera is a brand worth exploring. Their dedication to quality and design ensures that you find a pair of shoes that not only fit perfectly, but also stand the test of time. For those who value both style and quality, Zera shoes are a must-have addition to your shoe collection.