Here’s the deal. I recently strutted into the sparkling, slightly-sassy, and delightfully unapologetic chapter of my life called: 50 and Fabulous. That’s right, I hit the big 5-0, and I have never felt more in tune with who I am. My vibe? Magnetic. My mood? Mostly grateful. My style? Evolving faster than a pre-teen at a Taylor Swift concert.
And you better believe that this curvy queen walks her talk.
The Sober Style Evolution
Let’s rewind the closet for a sec. The pre-sober me? She had her fashion moments, sure. But the looks were often geared toward fitting in, standing out (not always in a good way), or being cringeworthy and trendy (yes, at the same time). That girl would spend hours pulling together a “going out” outfit meant for a night of drinking that ultimately blurred into regret. Yeah… that ain’t me anymore.
Now? My wardrobe is a Runway for Recovery—a collection of power pieces, comfort bombs, and joy-inducing staples that align with the happiest, healthiest version of me. And this version? She doesn’t dress for trends or approval. She dresses for dopamine. She dresses for the woman who lives inside the outfit.
My sober fashion philosophy: If it doesn’t spark joy, make me smile, or scream “AB THAT’S ME!”—it doesn’t get a hanger.
My Fashion Reawakening: Fueled by Freedom
Since leaving corporate America and ditching the daily Spanx parade (bless), I’ve worked remotely, creatively, and intentionally. And my clothes had no choice but to evolve alongside me. The pandemic may have made “athleisure” mainstream, but this girl went a step further—blending comfort, sparkle, utility, and soul. You know that saying, “Dress for the job you want”? Yeah, I dress for the life I’m designing and curating—and friends, it’s bold, beautiful, and booze-free.
Here’s the truth bomb nobody tells you about aging: You start caring so much less about what other people think, and so much more about how you feel. And that shift? It’s liberation on a hanger.
Curvy Girl, Loud World: Clothes That Fit My Sober Energy
Let’s talk size inclusivity. I’ve always been on the chubby side (I say this with love), and while I’ve had plenty of body image ups and downs, I now live in a space of radical self-acceptance. And part of that healing? Rocking outfits that don’t apologize for my curves.
Thankfully, brands are catching up. The fashion industry is finally realizing that not all of us are a size two—and that we don’t want to be! Give me leopard print, a stretchy waistband, and a sequin bomber any day of the week. Clothes that fit my body and honor my vibe? That’s the ultimate sober style statement.
So, without further ado… allow me to introduce my Top Five Sober Style Go-To Brands, plus one that’s been dancing in my cart waiting for me to make the first move.
???? 1. LALA – “Oh LALA” is Right!
????Dressed in LALA
✨ Sober Vibe Score: 9.5/10
Their tagline is “It’s time you wear what you want.” UM, YES PLEASE. LALA’s bold designs and glittery confidence scream Big AB Energy. Based in LA and woman-owned, they design in-house and drop styles like they’re passing notes in high school—fun, flirty, and full of sass.
Current obsession: Queen of Grunge French Terry Joggers. Seattle native here—so grunge and rhinestones? #ADDTOCART. And let’s not forget the leopard print overalls, multiple statement cardigans, and one epic dress that makes me feel like the sober Stevie Nicks.
???? 2. Wildfang – Queer, Fierce, Functional
????Wildfang
✨ Sober Vibe Score: 11/10
Based in Portland and queer/female-founded, Wildfang is a love letter to everything I believe fashion should be: expressive, gender-bending, and anti-boob-gap.
Their coveralls are my power pieces. Especially my blue tie-dyed pair adorned with a Sober Curator patch and my AB logo on the back. I wore their black suit combo when I gave my “SIP HAPPENS” talk at Ignite Seattle (aka TEDx with caffeine jitters). Catch the five-minute magic here.
They’ve donated over a million dollars to social causes and made androgyny mainstream with stretch, structure, and swagger. Bonus points for the pockets. OBVIOUSLY.
☁️ 3. The Mayfair Group – Affirmation Nation
????The Mayfair Group
✨ Sober Vibe Score: 9/10
Athleisure with a mission? Sign me the hell up. I start every day with gratitude journaling and a hefty dose of positivity—and now my outfits do too.
I own two matching Mayfair sweatsuits, and they feel like wearable therapy. Their messages like “Let Your Angels Lead the Way” and “It Costs ZERO Dollars to Be a Nice Person” are not just cute—they’re critical.
Also, they’re hosting free monthly support groups in 2025 with MyWellbeing. Yes, fashion meets function meets FEELING SEEN. We love to see it.
???? 4. Aviator Nation – Retro Rainbow Magic
????Aviator Nation
✨ Sober Vibe Score: 8.5/10
This brand had me at hand-sewn in Venice Beach. I have a few of their classic surfer-chic sweatshirts and t-shirts, but the trucker hats? They’re practically part of my DNA. My Stay Grounded rainbow patch hat is my go-to when I want to feel cute, casual, and conscious.
Their 70s-inspired style feels like California dreaming with a side of sober sparkle. Think Fleetwood Mac meets Malibu brunch vibes.
???? 5. GAP – Vintage Meets Disney Core
????GAP
✨ Sober Vibe Score: 8/10
Look, I’ve been wearing Gap since dial-up internet and butterfly clips. It’s nostalgic, it’s accessible, and their denim game remains undefeated.
I’ve got a killer pair of denim overalls, a rotating collection of Mickey & Minnie tees (yes, I’m a Disney Adult—deal with it), and fantasies of covering a whole wall in denim. (Seriously, watch this space.)
Bonus? Gap’s commitment to equity and sustainability keeps me loyal. A classic for a reason.
???? Honorable Mention: SABBI – One to Watch!
????Sabbi
✨ Sober Vibe Score: To Be Determined
Designed in Australia, hand-painted prints, and giving cowgirl-meets-cozy vibes. I haven’t hit purchase yet, but I’ve got my eyes on their drops. It’s only a matter of time before Sabbi makes its way into my wardrobe—and I can already tell we’re going to be besties.
The Closet Is a Mirror
At the end of the day, my clothes reflect my healing. My style journey has danced its way through boozy bar nights, boardroom boss chic, recovery meetings, and now—this bright, bold, beautiful chapter of intentional living.
I have different “closets” depending on the vibe—gala glam, gas station chic, comfy cozy, and polished professional. But the one through-line? Confidence, comfort, and authenticity. Whether it’s a rainbow trucker hat or a “F*ck the Patriarchy” blazer, I wear who I am now—and it feels really damn good.
Walk It Like You Talk It
Sober fashion isn’t just about what we wear. It’s about the energy we bring to the room. It’s the non-alcoholic sparkle. The vibe that says “I’m fully here, fully me.” So if you’re still figuring out what sober style means to you, here’s your permission slip:
Dress for joy. Dress for healing. Dress like you’re the main character.
Because you are.
-AB, *that’s me
God, grant us the serenity to #ADDTOCART! Sober retail therapy is our favorite kind of workout—mindful, fun, and community-focused. In this section, you’ll discover unique sobriety gifts, premium recovery swag, and must-have merch we can’t stop raving about. We love featuring small businesses founded by people in recovery, sober creators, and brands that champion mental health and the sober lifestyle. From #QUITLIT reads to stylish glassware and meaningful recovery keepsakes, our curated picks make every purchase a celebration of sober living.
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