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?
What are the first two words for your wardrobe?
Classic and polished
I ordered these pants yesterday. They are out of my comfort zone a bit since they have a wider leg and I usually wear a straight leg pant or jean. Thank you for inspiring me to try something new. The black and white sold me.
I like those pants on you! They are classic, understated , and sleek.
I like the clogs , they balance well on your physique. I envision a classic handbag like Tory Burch makes, and possibly a tiny neck scarf. Nice.
i love the pants and just bought an almost identical pair on amazon. a yellow sweater would be pretty, and i would change the shoes—they seem too “sturdy” for palazzo pants. maybe a low heel or slingback? push the sleeves up a little, and add a classic watch. pretty girl, pretty outfit!!
I had written a long comment earlier and them my internet went down and I guess it got lost!
Firstly – I really like those pants and it is something that I would wear. I stopped buying jeans years ago when manufacturers were adding excessive stretch and each year I’ve planned to buy a pair but then I find something I prefer in a cotton or wool blend or ponte or just recently fuax leather and to be honest I haven’t missed wearing jeans.
I’ve re-evaluated my style again recently and am back to what I’ve always been – a bit classic, a bit sophisticated and a bit dramatic.
I’m looking forward to seeing where your style direction takes you Jennifer.
Personally what I found is; if one also learns the styles that exist (not to be confused with trends) they may surprise themselves, as similar to body types they are a mix. In other words, do not pigeon-hole yourself thinking that your style or what you wear is just Classic when it can also have a nod towards another. i.e.: A jacket that is designed to tick all the boxes of it being a Classic however if it is embellished with soutache cord, then IMO it also leans towards Parisian, Vintage, Bo-Ho to name three. Last but not least; on the subject of culling a wardrobe/closet recently did it for winter outerwear and donated it to a women’s shelter. -Brenda-
I like to donate my things to our women’s shelter too!
Whether one uses three words or can “picture” their look is really helpful. I’ve moved beyond what appears like a great item because of one wrong detail. Ex: a double breasted blazer that cuts straight across is a big No. I’ll only do double breasted if both sides have a slight angled cut that creates an inverted V when open or buttoned. While being a natural-classic, “detailed” is one of my words. I love a puffer vest…. but only ones with a slim silhouette, nice finished details and my 3rd word “comfortable”. For me “detailed” is usually the deal-breaker! Detail can be color, fabric, finishes, cut, etc. It’s the style word when standing infront of a mirror that makes me say “eh” something isn’t right. So I begin the detail search and find it. 4-H sewing has left a lasting scar…. don’t even show me plaid that doesn’t match!!!!
J.Jill is having their annual Gently Worn Clothing Drive Oct 12-18, it’s part of of their Compassion Fund which helps support women in need. You get $10 off, check their website for specific details. I’ve used this as a great way to pass along some of my better used clothing when cleaning out my closet.
I just did the same thing yesterday for a few itmes