Feeling inspired today with posting some outfits I wore in January and February to work. Between work and fighting off viruses for most of February, I didn't feel the urge. Hopefully the post isn't too long and navel-gaze-y. Some outfits are hits and some are misses (IMO) and need "something." I have been really inspired with columns of colour, NOT being too matchy-matchy, layering, and improving my accessorizing game which I think perhaps may need some improvement. I think I like outfits with good texture as well as a good colour.

Pic #1: This was worn when we had a cold snap in January. I'm pretty happy with the layering and proportions, colours, and the textures of the wool sweater with the cotton shirt and wool pants, although I'm wondering if a pointy toed boot would have worked better for a "slim" idea? Perhaps not as comfortable.

Pics #2 & 3: Column of burgundy. I like the colour, I also like that there is texture as the top is merino wool, the pants are cords and the booties are suede. Maybe it needs something else? I can't remember which earrings I wore. I like it with the ink blue coat on top and matching hat. Worn with my ink Uniqlo bag (not shown).

Pics #4 & 7: Column of grey. I like the tonal greys with the white boots, but I think the outfit is missing some texture and looks too flat and boring. I really love varying textures in outfits. My daughter told me, "You look like a rock." ahaha! Too funny. So I doubled down on the rock theme and added "rock" earrings. Silver ring and silver bracelet. Black wool coat on top and black bag. I like the cut of the coat. I think it looks elegant and it adds some texture. Also, I'm not sure that a turtleneck is my friend. Maybe not this turtleneck as it makes me look busty (I'm a 34C).

Pics #8-10: I like this, it's simple and comfy. It doesn't have a lot of texture, but I think it makes up for it with the pattern in the pants. I enjoy that the white boots highlight the white in the plaid of the pants and is a more interesting outfit, IMO. It looks better than pic #9 which I think is too matchy matchy with the black boots and black pants, or #10 with the burgundy boots matching the plum top. What do you think?

Pics #11-13: Now this outfit I really love! Yellow isn't "my" colour, but I couldn't resist this skirt bought in 2020 because it's so cheery and has lots of texture! To add to the texture of the skirt, the texture of the cable knit sweater and the leather of the purse. I opted to wear tall black boots because I wasn't happy with the look of the "skin sandwich" with skin showing between the top of the boot and the hem of the skirt. Also, I thought the black bookends my hair. Clip-on earrings (vintage!) from my mom from the 80s. Black moto with lots of zips and snaps, fun colourful scarf and the "extra" earrings. I love how maximal this looks! I did receive compliments for this outfit. I need more fun and interesting outfits!

In trying to analyze why I like certain outfits I think in terms of colour, texture, pattern, shine, and adding a 5th element of structure, I think for me my preferences are:

• colour with good texture
• structure
• pattern
• shine (accessories)

I see that the columns of colour perhaps look boring, or maybe it's the "simplicity" that is a good thing. I sometimes feel I am of two minds with what I wear (quiet and simple vs maximal).

When you buy something, do you focus on colour, texture, pattern, shine or structure? If you wear a column of colour, how do you make your outfit more interesting?