The 25 Poplin Blog Posts You Read Most in 2025
As a personal stylist for women, I’ve been writing this blog since 2013. That’s a whole lot of blog posts. Each year, we take a look back at our most popular blog posts of the year. But we ALSO look at our most popular content including posts from previous years. Let’s see how many of these are familiar to you and what is brand new. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts. Happy New Year and thanks for more than a decade of styling!
P.S. I’ve added a few notes here and there as things have changed over the years.
25. What's the Difference Between 24 months & 2T?
In the early days, I styled men, women and kids. This post continues to be SEO magic. I even had a friend in San Francisco tell me that they googled this question and were reading the blog post when they realized it was me!
As you know, Dear Reader, I am a personal stylist for men, women and kids. Although the blog predominantly focuses on women's fashion, I LOVE chatting about kids styles and the perplexities involved.
On a personal note, our three year old envisions a different occupation every day and builds his ensemble accordingly. Frequently, we're adding jersey numbers out of colored masking tape to tees or reflective trim along cuffs for our little fireman out of, you guessed it, masking tape. So, tip #1 for dressing a toddler with a vision: start with masking tape.
24. 5 Must Have Shoe Brands That Will Bring an Edge to Your Style
As a personal stylist for women, my goal is to ensure that every woman looks and feels like her authentic self. This ensures she has confidence and power when she’s out in the world. If you’ve been a part of the Poplin community for some time, thank YOU. We hope you are enjoying the new Poplin website which includes pages to shop by body type. Each page links to Pinterest boards that are constantly updated with new pieces just right for your figure.
Soon, you’ll also see pages focused on shopping for your personal style! If you don’t feel like waiting, just jump onto the Poplin Pinterest boards and see what speaks to you.
23. Inclusive Sizing: These 15 Female Founded Brands Make Memorable Pieces for Women up to 3X
As a personal stylist for women, I’m THRILLED that more and more mainstream brands are providing inclusive sizes for women size 3X and in some cases, beyond. But, the options aren’t limitless. And often, the result is that women who wear extended sizes (aka plus size) clothing, end up with boring pieces because they can’t find unique options. No more!
I’m a super fan of these brands that are expressive and size inclusive. If you or someone in your life struggles to find clothes that communicate her authentic personal style in any size, I’m so glad you’re here.
Not a size 3X? That’s okay, too! Remember that these brands include size 3X. The sizes start anywhere from 0 to 10. Enjoy!
22. Must Have: Negative Underwear
As a personal stylist for women based in Seattle, I spend a great deal of my time creating online shopping lists for clients. We call them Uber Wishlists. If you haven’t already seen them, check out some samples from real Poplin clients.
Yes! We create lists that supplement her existing collection and create a cohesive, user friendly and inspiring wardrobe. Fun Fact: We also create Intimates and Loungewear lists. When the weather is cold, those are some of my favorites. The past few months I’ve become completely OBSESSED with Negative Underwear. The pieces are luxurious, super soft and equally sexy. Most of them are sheer! Yes, you can. The colors are spectacular and I’m personally VERY enthusiastic about the Whipped Collection, especially the base layers.
I recently recommended them to my client Isa. At first she was apprehensive because they are an investment. Then her order of a handful of items came and she sent me this text.
OH MY GOD THE NEGATIVE UNDERWEAR…. OMGGGGGGG OBSESSED.
And then she ordered lots more from the company. I had Negative Underwear on my Christmas list and was ELATED when my husband got me a loungewear set. So, it’s only right that I share this magic with you, Dear Reader with a discount code of course. Enjoy!
21. Welcome To The World Of Shapewear
Editor's note: Below you'll find another blog post from Jessica Burton. Jessica brings her wealth of knowledge including an expertise in undergarments and her warm personality to this post. Love her and you will, too. Enjoy!
Shapewear has been around for quite some time now. Depending on the clothing you’re wearing, you’re likely to find just about any type of design when it comes to shapewear these days. The real question though, is what do you do with those particularly hard to wear outfits? Do you often find that those tricky dresses and skirts just sit and collect dust in your closet? As a personal stylist, I’m here to give you some inspiration and show you that you can confidently wear those items. Below you will find choices for shapewear that will properly fit under those difficult ensembles, along with new, innovative styles.
20. Should I Be Wearing High Rise Jeans or Super High Rise Jeans?
As a personal stylist for women, I spend a great deal of time with women helping each one determine what cuts are most flattering, what pieces are authentic to her personal style and what’s ideal for her lifestyle and budget.
Jeans, as you can imagine, are a big topic of conversation. While there are quite a few women who are not loving this high rise trend (I see you!) because it doesn’t work for their body types, there is also a sea of women who are loving it. For those who are fans, they are often filled with other questions. One key struggle: should I be wearing high rise or super high rise jeans? Here’s the skinny.
19. The Top 20 Obstacles to Great Style and How to Overcome Each One
As a personal stylist for women based in Seattle, I’ve spent nearly a decade listening to women talk about their struggles with style. These are among the most common challenges I hear from women. What resonates with you?
Identifying your problem is only the first step. Rest assured, there are solutions. As a Poplin client, we take a deep dive into creating a strategy and providing tools to solve your problem on an ongoing basis. For now, here are some approaches you can take right now. Looking for even more perspective? Most also have a client testimonial that is applicable. Enjoy the resources available and as always, let me know how it goes. I always love to hear from you.
18. On Trend: Cropped Jackets + Maxi Skirts
As a personal stylist for women, I get VERY excited with changing seasons. As a person living in the Pacific Northwest, I love my green surroundings but that doesn’t stop me from being a superfan of spring and summer. Around here, spring introduces more color into the often dark wardrobes of our region. We all get excited to get dressed this time of year which typically means a waitlist for my services around now. So, if you’ve been pining to become a Poplin client, now’s the time to reach out.
If you are here for a little style inspiration, I’ve got you. One of spring’s big trends is pairing cropped jackets with maxi skirts. You’re already seeing the straight denim maxi literally everywhere. That’s why I was ELATED to find the leather version masquerading as denim below. If you’re ready for some ideas to have fun with spring’s trends without looking like every other woman with equal enthusiasm, this post is for you. Enjoy! And as always, LMK how it goes.
17. The Universally Flattering Cut that Minimizes Your Stomach and Celebrates Your Curves
As a personal stylist for women, I’m all about giving each client concrete tools to help her look and feel her best every day. Her clothes should communicate her authentic personal style and give her confidence. Each piece should flatter her frame and whenever possible, align with her values.
My client, Jane, was ready for a change. It was time to elevate her look and embrace her feminine side in a sophisticated way. After going through a divorce, she was ready to wear clothes that made her feel confident, sexy, edgy and still functional for life with her little one. As a woman in her early 40’s, she opted for pieces that felt appropriate and pretty, but often ended up feeling forgettable. Her closet edit revealed 50’s inspired fit and flare dresses with some bohemian pieces thrown in.
16. How Can I Wear Summer Dresses When My Legs are Still Winter White?
It's almost summer. I wish someone would just tell my legs. This transitional time of year is a tricky one. It's warm enough to wear shorts or skirts without tights. But, our legs may not be quite there yet. Fear not, Dear Reader, there are a few helpful tips and tricks from your very own personal stylist to make you look and feel beautiful right now. Of course, step 1 is always sunscreen. So, make sure to integrate sun protection into your daily routine regardless of the time of year.
15. Why Seasonal Color Analysis is Important and Why it Isn't
As a personal stylist for women, identifying a seasonal color analysis for each client is an integral part of my process, but probably not for the reasons you might think.
Reading this article while eating breakfast this morning, I was reminded that my approach to the importance of seasonal color analysis is not common. I do think it matters. But, I also think it doesn’t. The phrase I often use with clients is, “don’t let the colors run your life. Choose a season that speaks to you, commit to it, and move on.”
14. How to Style a Silk Slip Dress for Fall
If you, like me, have become totally enamored with silk slip dresses, this is the blog post for you. Yes! They are everywhere. And Yes! They are feminine, functional and can be flattering. They can also be challenging to work with as the weather cools off. If you adore the idea of a silk slip dress but find that it doesn’t feel flattering on your frame or is a chore to style, we’ve got you covered.
Before we begin, All Saints has a stellar collection of “2 in 1s” or “two-fers.” Either name refers to a sweater that comes with a silk slip dress. They are beautiful and not inexpensive. This is one of my favorites. Enjoy a wide variety of prices and several styling options just for YOU. As always, I’d love to hear how it goes. Happy Fall, Dear Reader.
13. Genius! Tricks of the trade: Getting those boots on.
My VERY first blog post continues to bring in traffic. I just shared this tip with a few women last weekend!
This year, I've been fixated on finding the perfect pair of brown boots. And, I did! Thank you, Nordstrom. They can be worn over the knee or slouched down. Dressed up with a fitted dress or down with leggings. And, they are super comfortable. Thank you, Frye.
Sadly, like many other slip on boots (ack, no zipper!), I couldn't get them on my feet. With high arches, this is a common issue for me. However, I had the salesperson of dreams, Alec at the downtown Seattle store. And, he showed me this week's Genius Trick of the trade: Getting those boots on.
First, put your foot into a plastic bag. (Any bag will do, but good luck finding a plastic bag in your house if it is in Seattle. I had to get some from friends who live out of the city. Here's a task that a reusable bag just can't tackle.)
12. From Suede to Shearling: 52 Fall Trends Worth Braving the Rain For
One of the great joys of being a personal stylist for women is diving into seasonal trends, especially fall. I’ve been sharing my favorite fall trends for more than a decade, and this exercise never gets old. In fact, my biggest obstacles are narrowing down the list and preventing myself from shopping the entire time I write. Sigh.
As the temperatures drop, being excited about putting together an outfit can feel harder—but that’s where fall fashion trends come in. This year, we’re going for something a little different. Members of Continuum, the exclusive membership for Poplin clients, are integrating fall trends into their daily looks as part of the lifetime style support they enjoy after completing their styling package.
11. Genius Tricks of the Trade: How do I Get Tall Boots on?
And here it is again in another form.
I'm always delighted to see the most popular content on the blog. Lately, this post from 2013, yup, 2013 has been blowing away the competition. As your very own personal stylist, it seems only fair that I'd share it with my regular readers, too. After all, it's especially useful in this weather.
Back in 2013, I purchased a brand new pair of over the knee boots. Sadly, like many other slip on boots (ack, no zipper!), I couldn't get them on my feet. With high arches, this is a common issue for me. However, I had the salesperson of dreams, Alec at the downtown Seattle store. And, he showed me this week's Genius Trick of the trade: Getting those boots on.
10. What Can I Wear BESIDES a Cardigan?
I recently had a client tell me that she thinks I hate cardigans. On the contrary, I adore cardigans. Always have. Always will. The problem is that I've been adoring cardigans for going on 25 years now and let's face it, the thrill is gone.
Here's the thing: when a woman puts together a stunning and thoughtful outfit that communicates her personal style, she is on the verge of achieving pure bliss. She feels confident. She get's more accomplished. She is more willing to take risks in other areas. She is strong.
9. 5 Ways to Wear a Ball Skirt. Yes! You Can.
The holiday party season is in full swing and I have exactly one thing on my mind: ball skirts. Believe it. My go-to for parties last year was a DVF jumpsuit. If you are just getting on that train, good for you. Stick with it. Jumpsuits show confidence without being over the top.
If you, like me, are always searching for the next best thing, if you seek a new way to dress for a party that isn't the same outfit recycled, might I introduce you to the ball skirt? It may seem crazy, but trust me, this one piece can add magic and functionality to your social life. Think holiday parties, weddings, and for the very bold, an evening out. As your very own personal stylist for women in the Seattle area, I will prove to you, Dear Reader, it can be done.
8. What is a Catsuit and When (Why and How) Would You Wear One?
As a personal stylist for women, I’m all over researching trends for each season. it’s true. I guide each client to choose pieces that are authentic to her personal style, flatter her frame and are functional for her lifestyle. But, it’s also important the style feel current, so adding in a few pieces each year (or season) is a great way to do that. The key is to select items that are just right for you rather than pieces that will just camp out in your closet with tags on.
One of this year’s breakout items is the catsuit. And while I can hear you gasping and wondering why I’m even bringing this up, I can tell you that for some women there are times and places that this beauty is just the thing. Let’s see if that means you.
7. Tights + Hosiery: What to Buy and What to Wear With Them
This is going to be a keeper, for sure. Many years ago the decision between a bare leg and nylons would determine whether or not I sat next to Johnny Cochran on an airplane. It sounds creepy, but it wasn't. In fact, it was all about airline dress codes and I was forced to choose between putting on my nylons and potentially missing a flight but also having a chance to sit next to Johnny Cochran OR not putting them on, most likely getting on the flight and certainly not sitting near the legal giant. Why am I telling you this? Well, in real life, it's pretty hilarious. But mostly it's because leg-wear matters, people.
Moving on, I get tons of questions about choosing the proper accoutrement to go with skirts and dresses. Should I do sheer hose? Opaque tights? Textured tights? A bare leg? What color? Truly, this is one of the most frequently asked questions I hear from clients. Inspired by one client in particular, I've opted to put together this one sheet that tells you what you need to know when putting the finishing touches on your outfit.
6. How to Wear a Long Vest.
As we welcome fall, we also say, "hello," to some new styling challenges. As a personal stylist for women, I'm hearing a lot of questions about vests. Should I wear them? Can I wear a vest indoors? What's the point? After all, there are no sleeves.
And the list goes on. I fell in love with vests a few years ago with my first leather vest. I picked it up on sale at Nordstrom and wasn't sure if it was for me. Quickly, I discovered the magic of vests and have been rocking them on the regular ever since. Here are a few tips if you think you are ready to try out this trend. (If you think you might be, that means you actually are, by the way.) FYI- Vests of all lengths are pretty spectacular, depending on styling. I'm focusing on long vests in this post and will offer up suggestions on shorter options in future posts.
5. How to Order an Amazon Gift for Your Partner and Keep it a Surprise
Fun Fact: As of this moment, you can no longer do this. I expect that will change again.
As a personal stylist for women, I spend a very large amount of my time on the interwebs. In that capacity, I’m on the hunt for items that help each client communicate her authentic personal style to the world using a strategy to balance her budget, body type, lifestyle and personal style. As a mom and wife who likes to keep things fun and eventful, I also spend a lot of internet time trying to keep my online orders a surprise from my husband and son…. which has been challenging… until now.
First off, yes! You should absolutely shop local, if you can. And full disclosure, my husband is a designer for Amazon. Personally, I tend to search for a specific item I’d like on Amazon and then move on. But, that doesn’t mean I don’t struggle with this surprise factor. And, I know my clients face this, too. So, this holiday season, here are a couple of game changers for shopping on Amazon when gifting to your family. Off we go!
4. 4 Ways to Style Your Legs When Rocking a Skirt or Dress. Go!
Lately, it's been all outfits all the time for me. What do I mean? Well, for one of my clients, I create outfits using anything she owns, take photos and then she can scroll those pictures every morning to ensure that getting dressed takes less than 5 minutes. My husband often refers to this as, "the secret sauce."
This time of year, the inevitable question comes up when I'm chatting with clients about their outfits: "and so, with what? Tights?" Whether you are rocking ankle boots, mid calf, heels, over the knee boots, you name it; you're going to face this question. Here's the thing, your hosiery serves a purpose and communicates your style. So, let's break that down to help you look like the very best version of you everyday. Start by imagining wearing one dress and one pair of shoes. Now that you have that image, picture wearing these different hosiery options with that outfit as I describe the pros and cons. This should help you get a clear view of the effect of various options. Also, these photos are from a site I adore: Celebrity Hosiery Daily. It's a dream. Make sense? Off we go!
3. When A Bra Won't Do The Job: 5 Bra Alternatives for Tricky Dresses
Editor's note: Below you'll find another blog post from Jessica Burton. Jessica brings her wealth of knowledge including an expertise in undergarments and her warm personality to this post. Love her and you will, too. Enjoy!
With warm summer days ahead, it’s time to break out your favorite sun dresses and sleeveless tops. While backless, one-shoulder and strappy dresses are a great option, it can sometimes be tricky finding the right type of bra to pair with them. Well, fear not. Your personal stylist is here to help! You can rock these looks while feeling supported regardless of your bust size. Say goodbye to the days of feeling limited with purchases just because finding the right type of bra can be intimidating. Below is a list of fun and functional alternatives to help take the place of a traditional style bra.
2. Sustainability: How to Buy a Sweater that Won't Pill
As a personal stylist for women, I spend a whole lot of time in closets. That means I see an extraordinary number of sweaters- and most of them aren’t holding up.
It’s vital that each piece in your collection communicates your personal style, is flattering for your shape and is functional for your lifestyle. Equally important: the pieces in your wardrobe should all show the world that you are successful. When you are wearing a sweater that has pills (little balls of sweater-ness all over), your clothing is not consistent with who YOU really are. You are a successful professional. You are on your way to the top or already there. You are someone who doesn’t feel her best in a pilled sweater.
1. What Body Types Look Good in Barrel Pants aka Barrel Leg Pants or Balloon Pants?
No surprise here. Styling barrel pants is tricky, to be sure. My favorite hot tip- hem them to be ankle length and they’ll have a very cool barrel shape instead of feeling like an oversized boyfriend jean.
As a personal stylist for women, I see lots of trends come and go. Some clients prefer a classic look and if that’s your vibe, this silhouette is likely not your jam. But, if you are into options that feel current (as opposed to timeless) and are pushing the envelope, this may just be a style for you. I got my first pair in Montreal last spring. At the time, they seemed insane and yet I loved them. Mine have a crinkled black fabric. This coupled with the unexpected silhouette makes them feel pretty fashion forward. I’ve been surprised to discover that I wear them all the time. After all, they are super comfortable and once you understand how to pair them, you’ll find they are a go-to.
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