Monday Musings: Evolving Your Personal Style and What I Wore
I frequently receive questions about how to discover, refine, or evolve our personal style. While it’s tempting to think we can settle on a “formula” once and for all, that may not serve us well. Growing, learning, and changing are part of what makes life so engaging—and that includes how we dress. Our wardrobes should reflect who we are today, rather than being stuck in the past. This year, I’ll be diving deeper into ways to evolve your signature style, and I welcome any questions you may have.
My personal style is evolving this year because boredom set in last year, which is never a good thing. My closet clean out revealed I had too many duplicates in the same category and the sameness left me uninspired. Versatle pieces that make up the backbone of my wardrobe had taken center stage. Basics are critical but not at the expense of those unique pieces that give an outfit personality. In short, I had put myself and my personal style in a box which stiffled my creativity.
I prefer minimalistic color palettes and shapes, but they need to be styled with attention to the details that make them interesting. Here’s what I wore last week.
New Year’s Day- I worked from home because I had a slight stuffy nose and thought I had a head cold coming on. I knew I wouldn’t be leaving the house, but I never stay in my jammies…unless I have COVID. I put on a navy tank top and navy ponte straight pants from Loft, blue socks that sort of matched, and topped it with a wine-red knit sweater coat from Amazon.
The long sweater has no closure. I felt chilled and wanted it to stay closed, so I buckled on an old woven navy belt from Banana Republic. As always, I applied tinted sunscreen, which acts like a light foundation, and added tinted brow gel and plum-colored lipstick. If I skip brows and lips, my face looks pale and colorless, which would not help me feel better if I caught my reflection in the mirror. I liked the belt because it felt cozy for some strange reason and added a bit of structure to a knit outfit. I spent my day knitting, then worked on the blog a bit, and defrosted some of my husband’s homemade chicken soup for dinner. If the house had caught fire and I had to run out, I would have felt presentable, plus I was cozy and warm.
Last year, I would not have worn the wine red cardigan, and I certainly wouldn’t have bothered with the belt.
Luckily, the cold never developed, so the following day, I met a girlfriend for coffee and an inspiring chat about fashion. Later, my husband and I went out to dinner with some other friends. It was not raining, but it felt clammy out, so I wore this cozy Sweatshirt Peacoat over a soft chambray shirt and denim skirt. I love a double-denim outfit and am always a fan of a column of color.
I accessorized with a bold link necklace (similar), stretch sock booties, opaque tights, and some new lucite earrings that my husband gave me for Christmas. Let’s be honest here: I ordered them, and he wrapped them up.
The outfit was feeling boring, so I swapped out my black belt for this leopard print belt because sometimes matchy-matchy feels uninspired. Before we left for dinner, I added a blue chiffon scarf with little pops of color on it because the neckline felt too bare.
The following day, I met some girlfriends for coffee and a style chat at the mall. It was raining cats and dogs, so I wore my trench coat (similar) over this charcoal animal print blouse and ivory cardigan sweater. I accessorized with these Mother of pearl earrings, a black belt, and a necklace I’ve had for longer than I can remember, layered with a simple strand of pearls. Layered necklaces are making a comeback, and “charm” necklaces continue to be popular, so I strung an extra pearl onto the chain necklace. Black square-toe booties (similar) finished my look.
On Saturday, I headed out for a dressing room try-on, which you’ll see later this week. I wore. a simple black cashmere sweater, my AG Straight leg jeans, and black velvet birdie loafers. I carried my black Totême handbag and added a pop of color near my face with this blue scarf (from my wardrobe archives). Adding a flattering color near your face is a great way to soften the effects of black against your complexion.
The black shoes, bag, and sweater draw the eye up and down my body. I chose a blue scarf (similar) with soft greens to pick up the blue shades in the Baroque pearl bracelet and the green of my new earrings by Lizzie Fortunato. I’m not sure how this fun brand crossed my radar, but I love their aesthetic.
Yesterday, I had to run to the pharmacy, and then I hung out at home to work. I wore a simple long-sleeve tee, a lightweight vest, and my J. Jill cuffed jeans, which appear to be sold out (similar jeans here). I added my new Cuyana tote bag and low suede booties, along with an old coordinating belt from the wardrobe archives, earrings, and a silver necklace. I could have skipped any accessories because I was only racing into CVS and then staying home for the rest of the day, but the earrings, belt, and necklace helped my outfit feel finished.
A reader commented last week that she doesn’t dress up “just to go shopping”, but I believe that’s precisely when we need to make an effort. I encourage you to get up, dress up, and show up! Every day is a special occasion, so dress to express your vibrant self, and don’t save your best or favorite pieces for a day that may never come.
It only takes a moment to add a few accessories or interesting layers to your look, which makes the difference between simply getting dressed and styling your outfit.
How is your style changing this year?
Hi Jennifer! This question is not about wardrobes, but about the Purito Essence you mentioned yesterday. Please feel free to email me directly since my question doesn’t fit in today’s topic! (I promise I won’t stalk you!) How do you use the essence? I just ordered it on your recommendation and I’m not sure where in my skincare regimen it goes. Looks like there are no directions on the bottle either. Any tips you could give me would be appreciated!
Hi Jamie, It’s the first thing I apply after washing my face am and pm. I just put a few drops into my palm and press into face and neck.Then I apply Retin A at night, and Vit C in the am, followed by moisturizer and sunscreen in the am. It hydrates my skin so much it’s amazing! I hope you love it too.
I just put the red sweater coat in my Amazon grocery cart. You look amazing in it and the belt was the perfect finishing touch. I am very fond of long jackets and sweaters and have several in my closet. Speaking of closets, I followed your advice and spent Saturday going through my clothes. We took 9 kitchen size trash bags to Goodwill and there are a half dozen cocktail dresses and evening gowns going to Cinderella’s Closet (a local charity that supplies formal and semiformal dresses and accessories to young ladies that can’t afford to buy a dress for proms and other high school dances). Next weekend I’ll be going through my shoes and boots, doing the same thing. I hope you have a great week.
Huge BRAVO Christine!! It feels so good to remove what no longer works so you can really see what you love.
I really like every outfit you wore. I completely got it when you said you were wearing mostly basics. That’s how I feel right now. I really want to look for some special pieces to add to my wardrobe.
I think you looked super good in that long red cardigan and the belt gave your waist definition and made you look slimmer. My other fav was the outfit with the pretty blue scarf at your neck. It also was slimming because the scarf drew your eyes up, not centering on your body. I can’t believe how many try ons you do for this blog, it must be exhausting but thanks!
Love your new looks, Jennifer. Styling makes all the difference. You have incorporated ‘nods’ to trends without actually replicating them verbatim. (Love the trench coat outfit, for example!)
You are looking GOOD! Love that you are wearing color. Really brightens life!
Thanks Jan
Thanks to you, I purchased the $50 Cashmere black sweater from Quince. I’ve not worn it yet, but love it and will order another in wine. I love you in that sweater coat. I’m always afraid to buy those because I’m on the petite “fence” at 5’4″. It doesn’t look like they offer petite sizes, so glad to see it looks great on you. How tall are you?
I’m 5’4” too. Try one.
Good morning,Jennifer-I love seeing your daily outfits! Seeing your choices inspires me to shop my closet with a better eye. Thank you and you look fabulous!!
Have a wonderful week.
Pat
Happy Monday!
Do you use a pilates machine in your class? Or is it just pilates exercises?
Yes, the reformer.
I enjoyed seeing what you wore! I think it’s nice to dress up and you have encouraged me to add an extra “piece”. I usually can’t add a third layer here in SW Florida, but I can add a necklace. I’ve done that recently and it feels good! Thanks for your blog.
Jewelry is a great way to up your outfit. Maybe light layers in thin fabric is something to try too.
I love, love, love everything you wore last week! I wish I could add every single outfit to my closet! Lol. I love seeing what you wear on a daily basis and hope you will continue this addition to your blog. This year I plan to buy more outfits that actually reflect my very casual lifestyle. Last year I purchased things that were really not appropriate for grocery shopping. I agree with you that one should make an effort to look nice whenever going out in public, and I always do so, but I was going overboard. I was also purchasing too many duplicates and hope to avoid that going forward. Thank you, Jennifer, for everything you do! I look forward to reading your blog first thing every morning.
Hi Sandra! I agree with you on dressing for a casual lifestyle. Maybe Jennifer will show some gussied up Athleta, Zelle or Lululemon outfits to inspire us. Cheers to a casual and free lifestyle!
Will do! I love Athleta and Zella
Jennifer thank you for showing us some of your outfits !
I love your style and seeing how you put things together helps me to try putting outfits together differently from my closet.
I also am in a rut and I’m going to try mixing up my outfits and accessories. I have LOTS of clothes and accessories but it seems as I always wear the same things. So this year I’m going to wear more of the things I own in different ways.
Yay!! Put the accessories where you can see them.
Great outfit choices and how and why you chose those pieces.
Thank you, you have given great inspiration to make some needed changes in my appearance🥰
Jennifer, I’m so enjoying your “new” looks.
You are so right, it’s the little details that make an outfit feel finished. I need to remind myself of that detail and the important point of doing it!
I’m retired and mostly a stay at home hobbiest, and too often fall into the habit of wearing old and tired clothing. When I zip out for an errand, I feel sloppy and find I look at other women and think that they look so put together, that I have those things, what am I saving the “good stuff” for? It’s not black tie evening wear! I need to remind myself that I can put on that cashmere sweater and a nice pair of earrings everyday. I feel better when I do.
I deserve to feel and look my best ……a motto I know you use so I add, I need to wear what “makes me feel comfortable”. Physically and mentally!
Brilliant observation. Please go through your closet now and take 4 tired worn out items out of your wardrobe and put them in a bag.
If they’re not there, you’ll reach for nicer things. As you said, you deserve it. You bought that cashmere sweater and earring to wear, not save.
I love posts like this Jennifer and seeing your personal style. Come january, I’m ready to add some colour as black and grey have dominated the last few months. I’m at the awkward really short, really curly post chemo hair stage now, and feel that some of my clothes don’t suit me. That will change as my ever evolving hair changes. The last few years have shown me that my hair, both style and texture really is part of my personal style equation.
I’m so glad you’re thru with chemo♥️♥️ Hair does make a big difference. Great point. I love having bend and volume in my poker straight hair which does change my whole vibe. Maybe that’s why I got so many perms in my past. Be well! Xo
I think you look beautiful in every single outfit! Happy New Year!
You’re so kind. Thanks and happy new year!
I love that you are sharing your daily outfits! I find it very inspirational.
I also appreciate the reminder to always look our best and to not save our nicer things. I have been making more of an effort lately, even when “just” working from home. The other day my huband looked at me and said “oh, do you have a video call today?”. LOL. I took that as a sign to look good more consistently!!
Love that!! It does help us feel better.
Oh my! I loved every single outfit in this post! This is exactly my style! I love love those mother of pearl earrings and need to save a bit to splurge on them. I’ve seen you wearing them multiple times and love them every time. I have the other items in that outfit but think they would be a great accessory. Thank you for all you do! I’ve learned so much from you! Wish we could go for coffee and talk fashion! Ha!
They’re such a simple little earring I reach for them often. You could search for “glass tear drop earring” and find something similar!
Love your styling! My challenge is to put my daily outfits together in a reasonable amount of time, whether for work or play. Once you assess the day’s weather/activities, how do you start to formulate that day’s outfit?
I experiment a bit. Sometimes I’ll swap out a belt like I did last week or change my top. I usually lay the items on the bed first to see how they look together, then I add accessories.
I love the last two looks in this post. I can see myself wearing those. During COVID, I fell into the legging and tunic rut and am trying desperately to work my way out of it. It’s hard because those outfis are easy and comfy. I found a great pair of jeans that is making the transition easier. Thanks for the advice and this post. It is what I needed.
It’s so easy…too easy to fall into a rut. I know from experience.