A Party-Dressing Hack?

Hi friend,

This diatribe about faces and aging got us thinking about how we’ve stumbled into a very strange moment.

Look: None of us have ascended to an ethically flawless level of existence, no matter how we comport ourselves online. And not all people who call themselves feminists are perfect feminists. We don’t have to twist feminism (quickie definition of the word here, because we definitely aren’t the be-all and end-all on this front) into a pretzel to justify Botox injections.

A facelift isn’t a feminist act. Sorry! The more that women do things to their faces — expensive things — the more that other women will feel the need to do these things to keep up. We fully, fully understand the desire for Botox and a facelift. It is hard to look at the gradual slippage of your face and your crepey neck skin on a daily basis. No judgement here.

But why aim your slings and arrows at a high-profile woman who says she doesn’t like beauty interventions, and who is pointedly choosing a different path? Why is Kate Winslet remarking in an interview that she finds aging beautiful so triggering?

Watching yourself age is challenging. Just ask Valerie Monroe, who admits in Allure that after decades of standing firm in the “no surgery” camp, she’s rethinking things at age 75.

We will leave you with the wisdom of another longtime beauty editor, Jean Godfrey June. “The dysmorphia-that-affects-everyone is not new,” she says. “20somethings have been cornering me to ask when they need to start Botox since the late 90s…To enjoy your (far lengthier than you think) youth — and the incredible skin and hair that accompanies it — is a radical joy that is worth pursuing. We are all only here on the earth once.”

Bye,
Your friends at Gloria

Why is dressing for a holiday party so challenging? Is it the time of year: cold, dry, not suited to skin-baring clothing? Perhaps it’s the environment. Getting dressed to see work colleagues, or family members you don’t hang out with much, adds extra pressure and confusion. You want to look like you tried, but not too much. We went in search of solutions for this conundrum, and came up with 19. There are sweaters, pants, a few dresses, even jeans and a coat.

• This is a hack: A slinky, slouchy top that’s festive but also comfy. J.Crew Metallic Mockneck Sweater, $98. Size XXS to 3XL.

• A pretty, floaty blouse. Róhe Gathered Voile Blouse, $205. Size FR34 to FR44.

• We saw a woman wearing these at a party recently and they were cute! Maeve The Colette Crop Velvet Ruffle-Hem Pants, $158. Waist size 23 to 34. 

• Sexy, but in a “can wear it to a work event” type way. Everlane Cotton-Silk Organza Midi Skirt, $168. Size 0 to 16.

• Soft pull-on pants in a statement-making chenille jacquard. Rachel Comey Jinx Pant, $389.60. Size XS to XL.

• Super-sparkly statement tights. Beaufille Cassia Stocking, $135. Size XS to L.

• So good that it’s almost sold out. Reformation Regin Jacket, $298. Size XXS to XL.

• A fun pant for a great price. Chicos Juliet Feathered Flared Cropped Pants, $55.80. Size XS to XXL.

• This brand always nails leopard. Rixo Moss Leopard-Print Silk Blouse, $244. Size 2 to 16.

• A hint of shine on a cozy sweater. Sézane Ferdinand Sweater, $160. Size XXS to XXXL.

• This dress is sultry, but still offers plenty of coverage. Rue Sophie Pierres Rhinestone Mesh Dress, $230. Size XXS to XL.

• A stunning lace-adorned top. Sea Rosaline Top, $237. Size XS to L.

• Dress it up with a blouse, down with a sweater. Gold Hawk Velvet Bias Skirt, $119.20. Size XS to L.

• Jewel-adorned jeans are an interesting idea. Mango Wide-Leg Jeans With Crystals, $140. Size 0 to 14.

• A simple button-up. Le Bop Felicity Satin Top, $108. Size XXS to XXL.

• You could style these black pants in lots of ways. Apiece Apart Hana Pull-On Full Flare, $218. Size XXS to 2XL.

• They have a hit on their hands with this dress. Tuckernuck Velvet Elodie Dress, $198. Size XXS to XXXXL.

• This coat is the outfit; just toss it on top of a normal look and go. Cynthia Rowley Satin Fur-Collar Coat, $375. Size XS to L.

• Wear it now with black pants, later with jeans or shorts. Coniglio Palm Beach Classic Silk Duponi Button-Down, $425. One size.

Shop the Story

The first signs are almost universal. A little more shedding in the shower. A part that suddenly looks wider. A ponytail that doesn’t feel as thick as it used to. Hair loss shows up as a set of small but undeniable shifts, and it can leave you feeling unsure where to even begin.

That’s why we’ve been looking at Hers’ personalized hair regrowth treatments. They make the whole process feel simpler and more supported. Get access to a range of treatment options like gummies, pills, chews, and serums, personalized to your hair needs, all formulated by dermatologists. A licensed provider helps you understand what’s going on and finds the right prescription treatment for your specific needs, so you get a plan that feels doable and actually tailored to you. If you’ve been thinking about taking action, Hers is a great place to start. #partner **

TO WATCH There comes an age where everyone seems to develop a fondness for rock documentaries. Speaking of: HBO’s next Music Box focus is the Counting Crows. Have You Seen Me Lately?, streaming Thursday, is all about the pressures of overnight fame and features band members (including Adam Duritz) as well as other musicians and celebs.

TO GIFT A certificate to this clothing rental company is such a great last‑minute option. Get the continuous gift of clothing with infinite new pieces on rotation and none of the shopping stress. It’s a month (or more) of great outfits, styled to her taste and delivered when she’s ready. Right now, gift cards are 10 percent off and no code is needed when you purchase through this link. Or, if you’re buying for yourself, you can still get up to 64 percent off your first month plus two bonus items when you sign up with code GLORIA. Either way, it’s a gift she’ll actually want to receive. #partner

TO LISTEN Juliana Hatfield has had a crap few years. Luckily for us, she turned tragedy into music and now we can listen to it on her new album, Lighting Might Strike. Even though a lot has changed, she still sounds the same.

TO BAKE We really want to try this sweet (but not too sweet) challah. It doesn’t look complicated; you can watch her make it here.

TO TRY This doctor-recommended vibrator that everyone is talking about intensifies intimacy. It’s designed to help increase arousal and support natural lubrication, with an ultra-flexible shape that finds all the right spots and actually delivers. Right now, it’s 35 percent off, plus an extra 15 percent with code H4PPY15. #partner

“When does a divorce begin?” • Millennials, once cringe, are perhaps no longer so • The headline of this essay is doing it a disservice. • The weird emotions evoked on a dead-mall tour. • A look back at some of this year’s lowlights.

_{*Gloria may receive an affiliate commission on purchases made through our newsletter.
**Hair Blends are compounded treatments and have not been approved by the FDA. The FDA does not verify the safety, effectiveness, or quality of compounded drugs. Prescription products require an online consultation with a healthcare provider who will determine if a prescription is appropriate. See website for full details, restrictions, and important safety information.}