The Good Buy/Good-Bye Book: Dusters

September 15, 2026 / 16 Comments

Dusters are one of my favorite types of garments. Long and dramatic, feminine and bold, they perfectly suit my old lady hippie aesthetic. Nancy, on the other hand, hates the concept of dusters. They just aren’t for her. But I’m grateful that she has indulged me for this round of The Good Buy/Good-Bye Book featuring Dusters!

A duster is a long coat-like garment that is meant to be worn as a protective top outer layer. They got their name from 19th century duster coats which were long, lightweight coats worn by carriage drivers and equestrians to keep the trail dust from permeating their regular clothes. Over the generations, the duster has morphed into any garment worn on the top half of your body that has an open front with a hemline that falls below the knees. Dusters can be made of any material and in any style. They can be long sleeved, short sleeved, or sleeveless. They can have a front closure as long as it can be opened (otherwise, it would just be a dress). They go by many different names these days as well…kimonos, robes, ruanas, maxi coats…but the term duster seems to be an adequate catch-all for all long flowing topper pieces. Let’s check out what you all shared with us for this month’s theme.

If you sent me a photo, but do not see it in my post, be sure to check Nancy’s post. If you don’t see your photo in either post, please let us know right away and we will add it. Sometimes the submissions get lost in the shuffle.

The Good Buy/Good-Bye Book

The Good Buy/Good-Bye Book is a monthly series hosted by Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style and myself. Every month, we invite you to share a photo or two of your Good (or Bad) Buy items that fit the stated theme. We ask that you also provide a short description explaining if the item you are sharing was a Good Buy or one that you will be saying Good-Bye to (formerly known as Bad Buys). Nancy and I will both publish a round up post featuring all of the submissions on the 15th of each month.

Anyone who would like to participate and be featured can send us their photos with a short description via email. You do not have to be a blogger to join. Anyone is welcome! We will give you the theme for the next month at the conclusion of each post. Photos will be due to us by the 10th of the month. 

Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style
Nancy's Fashion Style
“And here’s another item that’s supposed to pass for a duster (it’s actually just a long cardigan, folks). This dates back to the time when I’d only been blogging for a few years and wanted to change my style. Don’t do it, just stay true to yourself! So, Good-Bye to the cardigan and the belted look.”
Di of Di-alog
Di-alog
“The second outfit does not provide much contrast and is very dark, but it is a maroon rib knit duster cardigan over black straight leg trousers. This duster is very versatile because it buttons all the way down the front and could possibly also be worn as a dress. Completing this outfit with a whimsical two dogs embellished grey knit top under the duster and a long skinny black and white polka dot scarf. I have had this duster for a long time. I do not wear it often because I have not mastered long layers, but I like the piece, it is a classic and I do wear it occasionally, so I would call it a good buy.”
Joanne of Slices of Life
Slices of Life
“I seem to always pair this duster with a column of black underneath. It’s something I found on Amazon and I’ve gotten so much use out of it. It’s been a really good buy.”
Jodie of Jodie’s Touch of Style
Jodie's Touch of Style
“I’ve worn this dress twice as a duster (because it just feels a tad short as a dress) and I’ve gotten multiple compliments both times. I call that an absolute good buy.”
Marsha of Marsha in the Middle
Marsha in the Middle
“Here’s my duster. I think I wore this for a Style Imitating Art challenge. I love the print as well as the black trim.”
Trina of Chic Persona Style
Chic Persona Style
Chic Persona Style
“This Leopard Duster is my favorite! I purchased it many years ago from Walmart and I had to have it. I paired it with my Black Jumpsuit and I also wear it around the house with sleepwear. It stays on my bed at all times lol! A good buy for me.”
And Me!
“In my last Songful Style post, I shared a vintage April, Too! by April Cornell periwinkle floral shirt dress that I bought secondhand years ago. I also bought this indigo floral shirt dress by April, Too! during the same thrifting adventure. Both were really good buys because (1) they are vintage, (2) they are beautiful colors and floral prints, (3) they are shirt dresses that can be worn as dusters on top of an outfit, and (4) they were preloved which is always better than new!”
Up Next for October: Maxi Skirts

Maxi skirts is just a fancy term for long skirts. However, the maxi length generally indicates that the hem falls below the middle of your calf. A long skirt that is calf length is usually referred to as a midi skirt. Then, of course, you have short skirts that hit just above the knee, mini skirts that usually hit about half way down your thigh, and micro mini skirts that show your bum if you bend over. But we’re keeping it maxi for this edition…so any long skirt will do. We aren’t that picky, we just like to see what you’re wearing!

Image Source

If you would like to join us for the next round, all you have to do is take a photo or two and email them to us with a brief description about your maxi skirt and whether it’s a Good Buy or a Good-Bye. You are welcome to submit two photos if you’d like to be featured on both blogs. Please email your photos and descriptions by the 10th of October to shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com or to info@nancysfashionstyle.com so we can add you to The Good Buy/Good-Bye Book. And be sure to stop back on October 15, 2026, to see what everyone shares. 

*By joining The Good Buy/Good-Bye Book, you agree to receive a monthly reminder email for this series.

Keeping it on the edge,

Shelbee

I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.

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