A New Sort of Look

Hi friend,

Apparently, Gen Z is the most nostalgic generation, followed closely by millennials and Gen Xers. And who can blame them?

Sometimes, this nostalgia is sweet. Take artist Gracie Abrams covering the Counting Crows’ 1993 banger “A Long December” for the Fire Aid benefit concert last week. Other times, it’s gross, like the attempt to bring back casual usage of the R-word. 

Not everyone wants to go back to the ‘90s. There’s also a desire to roll the clock back to a “fake 1950s,” as Kathryn Jezer-Morton puts it. Why? “To reinforce the privatization of family life, and the maintenance of autonomous, isolated economic and social nuclear family units, where patriarchy could rule unchecked, with dependent women and children safely contained within ‘traditional’ social and economic roles.”

Legislating a path to trad values is one thing. Swaying the court of public opinion is another. We’re far from the ‘90s now when it comes to cultural norms; this was clear at the Grammys, where, on a standout night filled with incredible performances, multiple artists asserted their support for the trans community and diversity and inclusion.

Enter the influencers. In an investigative report, Bloomberg found that, ahead of the election, a web of male podcasters and streamers pitched similar messaging to their millions of mostly young and male listeners. 

“In half of those videos,” they write, “hosts raised questions about elections, including casting doubt on democratic processes and on the results of the 2020 US presidential vote.” Videos demonized trans people, and offered up vaccine skepticism and messages of how American men are “victims of a Democratic campaign to strip them of their power.” Reporters also observed that many of these channels had few or no political guests until right before the election — and anecdotally, we saw a similar pattern in the wellness podcasting world.

To be clear: Media manipulation isn’t limited to the “manosphere.” A new episode of the Slate podcast ICYMI explores the terrain of PR smear campaigns, which ramped up during the Amber Heard-Johnny Depp trial and have confused the narratives around the It Ends With Us drama between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni (which is going to trial in a month). Informative and concerning!

For more listening recommendations, as well as our shopping guide this week, just keep scrolling.

Bye,

Your friends at Gloria

You can call this look understated elegance, or ladylike dressing, or simply chic. It’s a move away from overly trendy or casual items and towards clean-lined, classic, sophisticated pieces that area also work-appropriate. You don’t have to wear it head-to-toe; even one or two styles can dress up the jeans and tops you already own. Here are a few of our favorite ways.

• A pretty blazer-cardigan hybrid. Everlane Knit Blazer, $178. Size XXS to XXXL.

• This full cotton taffeta skirt is really appealing. La Ligne Avalon Skirt, $225. Size 00 to 14.

• A dressy coat in an interesting color. Paris Georgia Duster Coat, $498. Size XS to XL.

• A slinky cotton-silk knit. Massimo Dutti Knit Polo Sweater, $100. Size XS to XL.

• Sleek and polished (and also comfy). Margaux Cap-Toe Pointe Flat, $295.

• A crisp cotton button-down in a beautiful shade of navy. Sold Out NYC The Everything Shirt, $195. Size XS to L.

• Perfect with an oversized sweater for winter, and a tee come summer. Banana Republic Satin Midi Skirt, $140. Size XXS to XXL.

• An extremely cool blouse. Dries van Noten Crepe Top, $161. Size FR34 to FR44.

• The sort of sock that looks good with a loafer. Maria La Rosa Ribbed Socks, $30.

• Tiny buttons make this silk top feel more luxe. Club Monaco Helek Silk Blouse, $178. Size XXS to XL.

• This is such an easy, office-appropriate outfit. Me + Em Ponte Fit-and-Flare Midi Dress, $192.50. Size 0 to 12.

• A soft, versatile wrap. J.Crew Cashmere-Wool Poncho, $94.50. One Size.

• Fancy flats that are as cushy as house slippers. Le Monde Beryl Apres Ski Shearling Flats, $549.40.

• We’re finally entering coat-sale season (and this one’s great). A.P.C. Ginny Coat, $370. Size 34 to 42.

Shop the Story

For the perfect off-duty look – timeless, casual but put-together, comfortable – you should really check out Ann Taylor. They’ve managed to master weekend dressing, offering a capsule collection that includes this cute polo top, this toss-it-over-everything parka, and these crisp utility pants. And the restrained color palette makes it easy to mix and match, meaning you’ll get many more outfits out of each piece.

You can see and shop the entire collection right here. #partner

TO STREAM In the wholesome-looking new series Clean Slate (on Prime Video), Laverne Cox plays a trans woman trying to reconnect with her father, played by comedian George Wallace. On Lifetime, the new film Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story offers a behind-the-scenes look at freestyle legend Lisa Lisa’s experience coming up in the music industry. And if you didn’t catch Babygirl in theaters, an FYI that you can rent it online now.

TO TRY We love this cute and simple service for creating personalized Valentine’s Day cards. You can add your own photos, a heartfelt message, or even a voice note. And with a few clicks, you can have your cards scheduled, sent to yourself, or even mailed for you. Give it a try, and get a free card, with the code GLORIAFREE. #partner 

TO LISTEN We’ve been listening to this soothing Flow State mix (found via the Dinner Party newsletter) while working this week and last. It’s great background music, particularly for those with jangled nerves.

TO MAKE This one-pot chicken-and-rice dish was delicious, comforting, and kid-friendly. And the leftovers were a perfect bring-to-work lunch the next day (though we agreed with commenters on adding hot sauce).

2025 energy. • A thought-provoking look at how weight-loss drugs can affect relationships and sex. • “Why is it so hard to create a Black Sex and the City?” • Does MAHA care about microplastics and our health, or is the petroleum industry off-limits? • Related: “How white nationalists infiltrated the wellness movement.”

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