Monday Musings- Editing Your Wardrobe To Redefine Your Style
Happy Monday, ladies! Today’s musing is pretty stream-of-consciousness, so grab another cup of coffee… you may need it to follow along. The change of season is a great time to cull your wardrobe, so that’s what I’ve started to do. In the process, I’m realizing that I’ve gotten into a style rut. I’m not the same woman I was last fall, and my style objectives have certainly changed, but it’s more than that. I’m sure living out of a suitcase for three weeks has contributed to my boredom, but I think a change has been in the wind for longer than that. Let’s talk about editing your wardrobe to redefine your style…here’s my story.
I’ve been reworking my 3-words to refine my personal style so that my closet can once again be filled with things that represent the woman I want the world to see. As I’m going through and identifying what I reach for all the time and actually wear, I see too much sameness for my taste. Oh sure, there needs to be cohesiveness, but there shouldn’t be boredom. Just how many pairs of jeans does one woman need in her closet?
My love of neutrals has not gone away by any means, but I have been slowly adding some color into my wardrobe and am enjoying it. My style has narrowed down to a somewhat limited classic look over the last few years, and I’ve begun to miss the fun and creativity of other styles. Don’t get me wrong; I will always have classic as a big part of my style equation because I love it. I just want more.
I just bought these semi-classic black and ivory wide-leg pants, and I adore them. I say semi because they’re not a trouser. They’re a pull-on style in classic Houndstooth, but they do make me feel different because I’m most often in jeans. They have a slight feminine vibe because the leg is swishy and wide. I love that, so I’d like to lean into more feminine styling without going girly.
So, how could I make this outfit more interesting? Lots of ways. I could add a color on top, and I already have some ideas about that. I could carry a unique handbag…which reminds me I need to go through my purses and bring out my fall ones.
I did add a deeper lip color, and that changes things from my usual. But I’m looking for more, so I’ll be combing through my accessories next because they are what really give an outfit its personality for me.
I realize I could have worn my black hat, which would have added some attitude. I also could have put a belt over my sweater. My Jennifer pearls would have jazzed it up because they’re anything but classic. I felt totally like myself in this outfit, and it was easy to wear so perhaps what I need is some subtle tweaking rather than a radical shift.
As a fashion blogger, I end up with things in my closet that aren’t my style, so my hope is that as I weed those out and donate them, I will get more clarity on where I want my style to go. It’s still warm here, so there’s no rush, but I certainly feel an urgency. I just need to go slow enough to listen to my gut instinct.
I’m struggling the most with my third style word, which describes and defines the aspirational part of your style formula. It’s the most personal of the words, so it makes sense that that’s where I’m stumbling. It feels like fine-tuning, and a subtle shift may make a big difference, so I’m excited to continue and see what happens. Stay tuned…
** I plan to take a few upcoming Wednesdays off, so don’t be surprised when you don’t see an email from me. I’m rethinking my content calendar and need some time for an upcoming project.
I had a reader mention that she always buys her own gifts because her husband buys her things she will never wear. That’s certainly a way to tweak your style in a new and unexpected way! Another reader mentioned she likes it when her husband picks out her clothes.
What about you?
Have you tweaked your style lately?
JENNIFER, YOU ARE A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN & I LOVE THE LOOK YOU ARE GOING FOR. I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED A CLASSIC BLACK/IVORY CHECK PANT & I AM CURRENTLY ON THE LOOKOUT FOR A NEW PAIR. I WOULD ADD (I KNOW YOU LOVE SILVER JEWERLY) A COUPLE OF TAILORED SILVER CHAINS & MAYBE A SILVER CUFF BUT I WOULD DEFINITELY DITCH THE CLOGS & ADD A NICE PAIR OF CLASSIC BLACK LOAFERS……THINK KATE MIDDLETON OR JACKIE KENNEDY.
I love the pants! I have some wide leg pants that I have purchased in the last year or so to wear when traveling, but haven’t worn them a lot at home. I am 75 and most of my friends are not wearing them. I am not particularly fashion forward, but I love the comfort and ease of the wider leg, and they are so much easier to get on and off compared to the skinnies. I am a Gemini and feel sometimes like I mirror that in my clothing choices. Usually I am all about casual and comfortable (like elastic waists!) Each season I weed items out, and usually with each season I buy a classic piece, sometimes with bit of trendy, as in ruffled cuffs on a Talbot’s cardigan. Love your dressing room posts, and looking forward to seeing how you approach your goal of making some changes!
Coincidently, I just counted my jeans this morning – 10 pairs! It’s all I wear and I am bored to death. I wish I could find trousers that fit, or had a reason to wear a skirt. I have been getting rid of clothes I don’t feel my best in. Out goes anything thin, clingy, floppy. Oh, and everyone gets cash for birthdays/holidays. My peeps want to be able to live out of a suitcase or are in the death cleaning phase.
Lol. I get the death cleaning phase. I need to get into it because it feels so good to clear out!
Hi Jennifer, great post today. Looks like a lot of us are feeling the same way, wanting to refine and redefine our wardrobes to fit our lifestyle and mood. I’ve been thinning things out in the closet and am working hard to find new things in my Winter color palette. Jeans or black knit pants plus a tee or blouse topped with a cardigan, cute shoes and favorite jewelry seems to be my uniform for most any occasion, with a scarf added if it’s cool enough. I do love color and print and also have a weakness for 60’s and 70’s band graphic tees, but am working toward more solid pieces. My biggest challenge is the warm weather here in San Diego, it makes layering really tough for much of the year. Also, I have a larger frame and bust and don’t want to look matronly. My style words include, simple, classic and polished, but like you, I’d like to include feminine. I so appreciate that you know what we’re thinking and look forward to more posts on this subject! Hope you enjoyed Portugal. :).
It was great, thanks.
I would love you to show us everything you took to Portugal for 3 weeks in a carry on.
Do you think that would be possible, please?
I’m going to try. Be warned. It is boring
Well, if my goal is to remain relevant, not stagnate, then it’s necessary to have an open mind to reevaluate and make changes. I like your attitude and approach to life. A new brighter color top or a fresh lip color sounds fun. Sometimes, the littlest changes can have the biggest impact.
My husband and I don’t exchange gifts but will plan a weekend getaway to celebrate a special event.
I love your look and I love the pants, Jennifer. But I am in the same place – I like my classic pieces, but my style needs something more. I am looking at adding a colorful third layer on top. Some print, lightweight jackets are what I am thinking about to add interest and more personality to my outfits. Since my retirement and then Covid, I have been re-thinking and re-working my wardrobe. It is slowly coming together, but I am still figuring it out.
Scarves ! around ones neck, waist and or purse handle
Love this “entry” in your blog! I constantly struggle with too many clothes and finding my true style. Sometimes I feel like wiping everything out and donating, and just keeping what I’ve recently bought, because I know it fits and I love it.; for now.
I try to edit my wardrobe with every change of season. Seems I still end up with tons of clothes. Jeans….yes, too many. I have 9 “active” pairs, yet I don’t wear jeans that often! Go figure! I dream of a streamlined closet with only things I absolutely love in it. (Marie Condo style). I just can’t seem to get there! A work in progress, always!
I love the outfit you feature; it looks fantastic on you. I look forward to this continuing conversation!
Hi Jennifer. LOVE the tweed pants and they look fabulous on you. You look like you really like them, too.
I have just finished a “wardrobe reboot” and have some tips that may help someone:
1. Create a Pinterest board with styles that you LOVE and can see yourself living in. They may be very similar to what you wear now, but often are a real tell as to what draws you. My three words are “Classic”, “Casual” and “Comfortable.”
2. Determine how you spend your time. This will show you what you need and what you don’t.
3. Using your Pinterest board, divide your current wardrobe into LOVEs, Maybes and Nos.
4. Clean your closet before you add your Loves back in. You would be amazed at what is lurking in it.
5. My closet holds 95% of my year around wardrobe and I limit the number of hangers I have. I “doom tag” with slips of paper over the hanger hook. Some turn the hangers around but I like the visuals of the papers. Tags are taken off when I wear the item. Those with tags at the end of the season were not worn and should be examined for future need. Some exceptions are formal wear and those items out of the current season. For shoes I have tagged with blue painters tape inside one of the shoe which is removed (when I remember, LOL) when wearing.
6. Once the closet is reloaded, make a list on your phone of items needed to be replaced or added to pull outfits together. Do NOT buy anything that is not on the list!
I hope this helps someone as it has really helped me. I have always done fall and spring wardrobe “switches” and purges, but this is the first time I used Pinterest to determine my style. Keep in mind, style and tastes change so continually update your Pinterest board as desired.
Have a great day and keep bringing on the wonderful inspiration that you so beautifully do!
This is fabulous Virginia, thanks!
Hi Jennifer,
I love those pants they are so fun! Looking forward to the new changes and l hope you had a beautiful vacation!
I question the idea I am dressing to show the world something. My style is what pleases me. The world will think what it thinks. Comfortable restrained boho. I know I’ve hit the sweet spot when what I’m wearing makes me happy. My attitude is that anyone who doesn’t like how I look should just look at somebody else.
I am also rethinking my closet and this article was very timely for me. I do shop in JJill and Talbots because they work for my size and they are local, I also order from Nordstrom, especially for shoes. We live in a casual southern environment so most of my clothes are classic casual. I have along way to go to find two more words. Thank you.
Jennifer, I always love your columns and find them helpful, but today’s hit me like a ton of bricks. Over the past couple years, switching into retirement, living in a new community, I have purchased so many items trying to “dress” who I am now and I’m not sure where I have landed. I just looked in my closet and think a stranger would believe it belongs to someone with a multiple personality disorder. After reading today’s post I need to seriously try on everything and figure out if it should be owned by me. As it is, I have lots of clothes, but “nothing to wear.” 😩 Thanks for the wake-up call, Jo
I hear you! It’s so easy for that to happen. Start with what you do wear all the time and you’ll end up finding the orphans and imposters who don’t belong there. That’s what I’m doing.
I will try again….please resubscribe me to your emails. I enjoy them every day
I have spent much of my life as a school administrator and am delighted to have more fun with clothes. I have explored new brands and begun sewing pants, tops and jackets. I now look for clothes and shoes that are comfy in p and fun. Thanks for signing me back up….i
You appear on my email list, so if you’re not getting them, perhaps check your spam folder.
The pants to me are menswear-looking to me, so not a feminine look even with the drape. For those of us who are not image consultants, our lives (and style) are grounded more in practicality and how we live. As you’ve been buying jeans and more jeans over the past few years, I’ve thought a lot about “how many jeans does one woman need” for my own closet — and I live in jeans except in the summer. Most of us also don’t need a dozen or more white shirts. I hope that your answer to your questioning is framed by both reality and sustainability as well as your desire for change.
I love this outfit! I’d probably add a necklace, push up the arms of the sweater and add a fun watch or bracelet and half tuck the front of the sweater – for my style. My hubby and I gave up a long time ago on gift giving for each other. Instead we plan a getaway or activity we want to do to celebrate. Thanks for all the great advice!
Very timely! I started a wardrobe re-work last week, beginning with pants. I came up with seventeen (!) pairs that are now in the thrift store. Those were all ones that I can’t wear (size), wouldn’t wear (style, dated), or shouldn’t wear (worn, faded). Whew. On to the next sections.
Good for you!!
Love those pants, feminine but not to girly. As my kids would say when I had a real job, prior to retiring early and working as a Pilates, Barre & Yoga instructor, everyday was a pencil skirt with blouse or tank, sweater or blazer and pumps – boring but very professional. Now that I have “retired” and am doing what I love, I’m in jeans and a tank, graphic tees or occasionally a blouses or sweater but still on the struggle bus to look completely put together, I still need to figure it out.
I’ve been feeling the need for some wardrobe changes also. I certainly wear jeans way to often but they are just so easy! Everyone in the NW where I live all seem to wear leggings and workout clothes everywhere. I like your comfy tweed pants. That would be a great start for something different. I’ve been starting going through my closet so I hope to make some changes.