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by Lois Joy Johnson, AARP, April 21, 2022
No one’s going to turn down flowers, a cute mug or a bottle of rosé, but a Mother’s Day gift that says “I know you so well” gets way more personal. Whether treating your mom, stepmom, aunt, mother-in-law, partner, wife or daughter to an extra dose of love, start by zeroing in on the habits, preferences and guilty pleasures of the recipients. Here are 10 mom ”styles” and options for all.
PHOTO BY: Billie Eilish; Spice Beauty; Loft
(Left to right) Billie Eilish Eilish Eau de Parfum, Spice Beauty Milk & Rose Salt Soak with CBD, Loft Eyelet Sweatshirt Top in Black
She’s got an Apple watch, the latest smartphone and most current earbuds to accessorize her daily “uniforms” of basic black or jeans and sneakers. Anything else that says “trending this minute” — from CBD bath and body products like the Spice Beauty Milk & Rose Salt Soak with CBD ($58, nordstrom.com) to a puff sleeve sweatshirt like the Loft Eyelet Sweatshirt Top in Black ($55, loft.com) or a hot new fragrance in a statement bottle like the Billie Eilish Eilish Eau de Parfum ($58 for 1.7 ounces, ulta.com) — will get two thumbs-up and a five-heart thank-you.
PHOTO BY: Banana Republic; CVS; BAGGU; Target
(Clockwise from left) Banana Republic Sweater Polo with Silk in Dark Olive Green, Rainbow Hydrate Hydrating Body Butter, BAGGU Medium Nylon Crescent Bag in Chartreuse, Pacifica Sunrise Moon Spray Perfume
She’s into air-dried textured hair, cruelty-free vegan beauty products and clothing by sustainable brands. A gift that’s “green” will acknowledge her choices and get a grin. Gift her with a lightweight bag in recycled nylon like the BAGGU Medium Nylon Crescent Bag in Chartreuse ($49, urbanoutfitters.com), an elegant sustainable knit top like the Banana Republic Sweater Polo with Silk in Dark Olive Green ($75, bananarepublic.gap.com), a vegan body cream like the Rainbow Hydrate Hydrating Body Butter ($18, cvs.com) or a fresh vegan scent like the Pacifica Sunrise Moon Spray Perfume ($22, target.com) to start the day (and end it!) with an uplifting positive vibe.
PHOTO BY: Venus; & Other Stories; Macy's
(Clockwise from left) Venus Plus Size Peplum Jean Jacket, & Other Stories Angular Cat Eye Sunglasses in Brown Tortoise, Madden Girl Teddy-R Footbed Sandals in Black/Rhinestone
She sleeps on a silk pillowcase, applies eyeliner and perfume even before morning coffee and wears clothes that show her shape. Anything that elevates her looks — from updated cat-eye sunglasses like the & Other Stories Angular Cat Eye Sunglasses in Brown Tortoise ($29, stories.com/en_usd) to an hourglass-shaped jean jacket like the Venus Plus Size Peplum Jean Jacket ($49, venus.com) or a pair of sparkly chunky sandals like the Madden Girl Teddy-R Footbed Sandals in Black/Rhinestone ($45, macys.com) — will rate a selfie and Instagram post.
PHOTO BY: J. Jill; Uncommon Goods; Bath & Body Works; Chico’s
(Left to right) J.Jill Wearever Relaxed Two-Pocket T-Shirt Dress in Pottery Vine Jacobean, Maya Angelou “Still I Rise” Scarf created by Tori Tissell, Bath & Body Works White T-Shirt Fine Fragrance Mist, Chico’s Knit and Woven Tiered-Sleeve Top in Lotus Petal
She’s a dress-casual fan who has ditched her suits and blazers for polished print pull-on dresses and print tops that look professional over a desk and counter or on a screen. Give her some new options, such as a fancy-sleeved top like the Chico’s Knit and Woven Tiered-Sleeve Top in Lotus Petal ($76, chicos.com) to spruce up black pants; a wrinkle-resistant print knit dress like the J.Jill Wearever Relaxed Two-Pocket T-Shirt Dress in Pottery Vine Jacobean ($99, jjill.com); an inspirational infinity scarf like the Maya Angelou “Still I Rise” Scarf created by Tori Tissell ($48, uncommongoods.com), which will dress up plain tees; or a crisp, clean fragrance like the Bath & Body Works White T-Shirt Fine Fragrance Mist ($17, bathandbodyworks.com) as a confidence booster for steamy summer work days.
PHOTO BY: Anthropologie; Walmart; H&M; Mango
(Clockwise from left) llume Anatomy of a Fragrance Eau de Parfum in Gardenia Blanc, BCBG Paris Women's Off the Shoulder Maxi Dress in Garden Clusters, H&M Satin Scarf in Bright Blue/Leopard, Mango Flap Crossbody Bag in Black
She’s always in classic mode with floral dresses, silk scarves and kitten heel slingbacks on heavy rotation. The traditional look is now one of the hottest trends around. Add to her collection with a chic scarf like the H&M Satin Scarf in Bright Blue/Leopard ($13, www2.hm.com/en_us); an updated chain strap handbag like the Mango Flap Crossbody Bag in Black ($50, shop.mango.com/us); a feminine floral fragrance like the Illume Anatomy of a Fragrance Eau de Parfum in Gardenia Blanc ($30, anthropologie.com); or an elegant dress like the BCBG Paris Women's Off the Shoulder Maxi Dress in Garden Clusters ($40, walmart.com) that’s machine washable and perfect for barbecues, summer parties and dinner out.
PHOTO BY: Old Navy; Anthropologie; Catherines; Jill and Ally
(Clockwise from left) Old Navy Tiered Striped Maxi Skirt for Women in Chambray Blue Stripe, Calypso St. Barth Eau de Parfum in Casablanca, Jessica London Fine Gauge Duster Cardigan in Sunset Yellow, Jill & Ally Peace & Quiet Amethyst Crystal Manifestation Candle
She rocks a signature look of long flowing skirts and maxi dresses, flare jeans, beads galore and sandals that’s pure fashionista. Give this modern hippie at heart more of the same attitude with a chambray maxi skirt like the Old Navy Tiered Striped Maxi Skirt for Women in Chambray Blue Stripe ($40, oldnavy.gap.com); a seasonal long duster like the Jessica London Fine Gauge Duster Cardigan in Sunset Yellow or Pink Burst ($90, catherines.com) to wear with jeans; a scented mediation candle with crystals like the Jill & Ally Peace & Quiet Amethyst Crystal Manifestation Candle ($45, jillandally.com) — and she can keep the crystals once it has melted; or a spirited, spicy fragrance like the Calypso St. Barth Eau de Parfum in Casablanca ($75, anthropologie.com), which offers hints of coconuts and violets.
PHOTO BY: QVC (2); Lattelier; Ulta
(Clockwise from left) Denim & Co. Printed Wide-Leg Pull-On Crops with Pockets in Black, Sloggers Waterproof Comfort Garden Clogs in Rose, Lattelier Loose-Fit Linen-Cotton Blouse in Mustard or Pale Yellow, Amazing Grace Lavender Twist Eau de Toilette
She loves her laid-back style of elastic waist pants, loose tops and mules that work 24/7, and pivots from baking to gardening to journaling and catching up on her book club reading. Complement her closet and lifestyle with a sophisticated tunic like the Lattelier Loose-Fit Linen-Cotton Blouse in Mustard or Pale Yellow ($69, lattelierstore.com); an irresistible pair of comfy pants like the Denim & Co. Printed Wide-Leg Pull-On Crops with Pockets in Black ($43, qvc.com); a cheery pair of garden clogs like Sloggers Waterproof Comfort Garden Clogs in Yellow or Rose ($35, qvc.com) that are mud- and mess-defying but great for dog walking, too; or a calming soothing scent like the Philosophy Amazing Grace Lavender Twist Eau de Toilette ($54 for 2 ounces, ulta.com) for a mist of serenity.
PHOTO BY: Knix; Walmart; Ann Taylor
(Left to right) Knix Waffle Robe, Poppy Faux Leather Women's Crossbody for Cell Phone/Wallet Holder in Coffee/Brown, Ann Taylor Tie Neck Top in Black
She works an upscale urban look of a crisp bob, red lipstick and neutral colors that’s timelessly terrific — whether home is a big city, suburbs or small rural town. Equally happy at the ballet or a baseball game, volunteering at a local food pantry or dining out at a fancy restaurant, she’ll love a versatile tailored blouse like the Ann Taylor Tie Neck Top in Black ($55, anntaylor.com); a posh cross body cell, cards and cash bag like the Poppy Faux Leather Women's Crossbody for Cell Phone/Wallet Holder in Coffee/Brown ($40, walmart.com); or a black spa robe like the Knix Waffle Robe in Black ($65, knix.com), which will make every day a staycation.
PHOTO BY: Walmart; Anthropologie; Summersalt; L.L. Bean
(Clockwise from left) Free Assembly Women’s Short Anorak Jacket with Hood in Maize, Simper Goods Sunday Soak Bath Salts in Cocoa & Bergamot, Summersalt The Beach to Brunch Wrap Skirt in On the Dot, L.L.Bean Boat and Tote, Medium Zip-Top in Red
She’s energetic and wellness-centric and lives in leggings and a sports bra. Whether she is a yoga fan, spends time at the beach- or pool, or just brisk walks a few miles each day, give her something other than the usual fitness and athleisure wear. For a slam-dunk success, go for a swimsuit coverup like Summersalt's The Beach to Brunch Wrap Skirt in On the Dot ($80, summersalt.com); a sturdy canvas tote like the L.L.Bean Boat and Tote, Medium Zip-Top in Red ($40, llbean.com) for stashing water bottles, snacks and essentials; a handy summer rain jacket like the Free Assembly Women’s Short Anorak Jacket with Hood in Maize ($42, walmart.com); or a soothing Epsom salt mix like the Simper Goods Sunday Soak Bath Salts in Cocoa & Bergamot ($28, anthropologie.com).
PHOTO BY: JC Penney; Gap; Lane Bryant; Ulta
(Clockwise from left) St. John’s Bay Women’s Boat Neck Elbow Sleeve T-Shirt in Navy White Stripe, Gap Packable Straw Hat in Smokey Gray, Lane Bryant Livi Lace-Up Hooded Dress in Rouge Red, Dolce & Gabbana The Only One Eau de Perfume Travel Spray
She sports a casual style that’s always ready for a road trip, weekend away or a quick jaunt to a new outlet mall. No need for TSA-size bottles, travel shoes or an overnight bag. She’s got that covered! Provide extra incentive with a sporty “sneaker-dress” like the Lane Bryant Livi Lace-Up Hooded Dress in Rouge Red ($70, lanebryant.com) to wear solo or over leggings; a packable sun hat like the Gap Packable Straw Hat in Smokey Gray ($40, gap.com), which is perfect for city or country; an updated nautical striped tee like the St. John’s Bay Women’s Boat Neck Elbow Sleeve T-Shirt in Navy White Stripe ($27, jcpenney.com); or a portable fragrance like the Dolce & Gabbana The Only One Eau de Perfume Travel Spray ($29, ulta.com) to freshen up en route.
Lois Joy Johnson is a beauty and style editor who focuses on women 50 and older. She was the beauty and style editor at Ladies’ Home Journal and a founding editor of More magazine. She has written three books: The Makeup Wakeup, The Wardrobe Wakeup and The Woman's Wakeup.
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