Hello all lovely forum members,

It is mid January now and tomorrow I have my youngest son turning 21!  Wow.

I wrapped up 2025 a couple of weeks back and have done some thinking since this time.  I enjoy fashion, style and wardrobe management and find it fun and relaxing.  Our business is fairly stressful even on the smoothest weeks (aviation, workflow, staffing, property matters etc) and I work with my husband.  I like thinking about clothes, outfits for events, and trying to get 30 wears from most things I buy.  My wardrobe hovers between 90-100 pieces (clothing and shoes) plus about 40 pieces of activewear and gear.

I don't dress especially similarly to my peers here - I don't stand out as being different but I march to my own tune. Sometimes it works and sometimes it does not - that doesn't faze me.

In 2026 my style words are

Bold - I like my outfits to be strong in one way or another.  It might be colour or silhouette or via an accessory.  I don't achieve it always but that's an intention.

Elegant - I need the reminder to keep up the polish and professional edge.  I don't want to lean too casual.

Unfussy - this replaces breezy.  I simply won't wear things that are fussy on me.  This might be too many layers, or with a small pattern, or a top that does not sit nicely.  I like longer lines and simple shapes.  I don't wear much jewelry either.

Sporty - Angie's suggestion.  I am no great sportsperson but I am active and ourdoorsy,  I like watching sport and I like participating.  Walking, the gym, yoga, cycling and pickleball are my main activities.  I love swimming in lakes and in the ocean.  I am a Kibbe Natural (probably Flamboyant) and whilst my hair is not natural I like it to look as though it could be.

My moniker has been Grown Up Charlies Angel - I love 1970s style and the attitude of being ready for anything whether a cocktail party or a chase or going undercover.  I don't think I look like any of the Angels (1970s tv show).  But maybe does not resonate as strongly now.  I don’t want to force something but am open to ideas.

In 2026 I really want to keep on going as I have.  I am mindful of the following:
- I have big toe arthritis and so I have exited a few pairs of shoes, it's hard to predict what will work and what won't so shopping in person is often better.
- I am trying to shop bricks and mortar where I can to support retailers here.  I want exceptions to be rare. We do have local options and I like to shop when I travel as well so that’s another option.
- I want to keep trying second hand - I had good success last year with second hand pieces and this is both fun and a way to be experimental.
- avoiding muddy and muted pastel colours.  I am in the mood for lighter and clearer colours.  But neutrals remain important to me and I am open to a variety of these.  Black, Navy, Caramel, white, denim, ecru and the odd chocolate piece.  I also wear charcoal grey although mostly in lounge and hiking gear.

My shopping list so far is
- light weight puffer
- black boots
- straight dark denim jeans
- replacement white sneakers (what is modern here?)

My do not buy list is 
- heels
- patterned blouses
- summer dresses
- any new active wear is on a one-in, one out basis.

I will attach some photos of outfits of mine that I have enjoyed recently or from the archives of looks I enjoy. It is a bit eclectic but I like something about all these looks even if the later ones on the list comprise pieces I don’t own any more.

Thanks for reading and look forward to your ideas.