GEN X UGC Creator & Creative Strategist
Fashion Tips,Tricks & Saucy Picks!
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Discover the trendy collections curated by Rachael Jackson-Stapleton. From chic streetwear to elegant evening wear, find the perfect pieces to elevate your style and express your individuality.
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They called it "The Change" — but what’s so wrong with change?
Midlife is absolutely the best time to focus on your style. It’s not about catching up with trends — it’s about catching up with yourself. You’re rediscovering who you are, and that’s a beautiful thing. Everyone is always evolving, and midlife is just your chance to embrace the next chapter, wearing it confidently and with a touch of flair. The “change” isn’t something to fear; it’s something to celebrate.
Welcome to RaeSeesStyle, a blog for women over 40 who are discerning, eclectic, and unapologetically themselves. You’ve got a little more life experience, a little more confidence, and yes, a little more disposable income — but you're also savvy enough to know that style doesn’t have to break the bank. You love balancing timeless investment pieces with fun, cost-effective, single-season finds that keep your wardrobe fresh and exciting.
RaeSeesStyle is not about compensating for age; it’s about celebrating it. It’s about knowing exactly what suits you now and owning it — because, really, at any age, there’s nothing more stylish than confidence. So, whether you're rocking an investment jacket that’s a lifetime keeper or flaunting a budget-friendly seasonal trend, RaeSeesStyle is here to help you embrace who you are — and look damn good doing it.
Get inspired by Rachael Jackson-Stapleton's unique sense of style. Learn how to mix and match different pieces, create versatile looks, and stay fashion-forward with her expert tips and advice.
Style Lessons
Lesson No. One
The 8-Point System for Dressing is a simple, fun way to evaluate whether your outfit feels balanced, stylish, and not overwhelming (or underwhelming). The idea is to give each piece of your outfit a "point value" based on its complexity and prominence in the look. For example, basic items like shirts, belts, sneakers, jeans, and statement jewelry are considered 1 point because they’re straightforward and not too visually heavy. On the other hand, more complex or eye-catching items, like jackets, dresses, or pieces with patterns, get 2 points because they add more volume and can make a bigger impact. For an everyday look, I would say the goal is to aim for a total of 6 points. If your total is lower than 4, your outfit might feel a bit too "underwhelming" or minimal, lacking interest. If it's higher than 8, you might be overloading your look, making it feel "too much" or overwhelming. Keep it mind for special events, the goal is to be too much. So, for example, if you’re wearing a patterned dress (2 points) with a simple belt (1 point) and sneakers (1 point), your total would be 4 points — perfectly balanced. This method helps you fine-tune your outfits to achieve that effortlessly stylish vibe, where everything works harmoniously without feeling too heavy or too plain. I personally love jewelry so I tend to live on the higher side of the point system but I'm okay with being a maximalist. Lol. Here's an example of an 8-point outfit I wore to Christmas dinner. Pants - 1 Shirt - 1 Belt - 1 Shoes - 1 Simple Gold Jewelry - 1 Purse - 1 Blazer/Coat - 2 (I don't wear both coats at the same time at least not visibly so I don't consider it 4 points but I live in Canada so warmth is key. I also wore a grey beanie while driving but didn't include cause it was strictly for warmth and didn't make it inside the event. Lol. I hope this helped. Happy Styling! Rae
Lesson No. Two
Elevating your outfit doesn’t always mean adding more — sometimes, it’s about refining the pieces you already have. Simple adjustments can take your look from good to great with minimal effort. Start with a belt: adding a belt can cinch your waist, create more structure, and instantly make your outfit look more polished. Try a sleeve detail, like rolling up your sleeves or adding a cuff to a shirt or jacket to give it a more tailored, intentional look. A well-placed tuck can do wonders too — whether it's tucking in your shirt for a cleaner silhouette or just doing a half-tuck for a casual, chic vibe. Cuffs aren’t just for shirts — rolling up the cuffs of your jeans or trousers adds a relaxed yet stylish touch, showing off your shoes and creating a little more dimension. And, of course, layers! Layering a simple jacket, cardigan, or vest over your outfit adds interest and depth, making the whole look feel more curated. These subtle tweaks can transform a basic outfit into something effortlessly elevated, giving you a more put-together appearance with just a few thoughtful details.
Lesson No. Three
The key to balancing is to avoid head-to-toe bagginess. Pairing an oversized item with something equally loose can create a shapeless silhouette. For example, if you’re wearing an oversized button-up shirt or a roomy sweater, balance it out with tailored trousers or straight-leg jeans that have a bit more structure. If you're opting for wide-leg pants, pair them with a more fitted top, like a cropped tee or a fitted knit. The idea is to create a balanced contrast between your loose and fitted pieces so that the overall look feels cohesive and flattering. This way, you can embrace the comfort and style of 2024’s looser silhouettes while keeping your outfit looking polished and well-proportioned.