I finally have some time to organize my thoughts on 2016 style, and set down a couple of goals/resolutions. Here they are!
1. Find pants that fit. My son is almost 2, and since he was born I've lost almost 40 lbs. I'm back in my ideal weight range, which is nice, but most of my bottoms are falling off me. I have a couple pairs of straight leg/boyfriend jeans that are good, and one pair of okay corduroys. What I really need are some slightly dressier options (too cold to enjoyably wear skirts right now). I'd love to find some perfect black cigarette pants a la Audrey -- this is a serious HEWI for me. Any suggestions?? Also, chinos in cool colors - graphite, navy, cobalt, etc. I'll take this as my cue to ditch all the khaki/beige pants in my wardrobe that I haven't enjoyed wearing in recent years. I've also been eying the J Crew patio pants as an option for when things warm up a bit -- I like the idea of a slight crop and a slightly widish leg as an alternative to full-on culottes -- plus J Crew's colours and textures are yummy. Also, gear-wise, on the look-out for new hiking pants and running shorts for the spring -- I do at least have decent fleece-lined pants and tights for winter walks, snowshoeing, etc.
2. Bring back the colour. 2015 felt like the Year of Neutrals -- in many fashion rags and for me personally. I bought a lot of navy, black, and grey/charcoal. For Christmas, I splurged on some true-red items: a merino beanie and a sweater. They bring such life to my wardrobe! I'll definitely be looking for more reds, plus jade and evergreen, and cobalt and turquoise. I'm ready for some fully saturated pops of colour! This will give me a focus when I go to replace basics, like camisoles and socks, or when I add accessories.
3. Wear barefoot/minimalist footwear as often as possible. Last fall, I began working to convince myself that buying uncomfortable shoes is just not worth it. Regardless of the aesthetic boost they may give me, I always end up purging shoes that pinch or bind or chafe or blister. I walk, run, and hike a lot, and many miles have taught me that I'm happiest in a zero-drop shoe with a wide toebox and minimal cushioning/maximum flexibility. So for this year I won't be adding any pointy toes, thick soles, or heels of any height to my wardrobe. I do still need my snow boots, which are thick soled and have a fairly pronounced drop, because I really don't need any more frostbitten toes in my life. But for days when I'm not outside much I have a happy little wardrobe of all-flat shoes. Once the snow melts, I'll need to add a couple pairs for spring/summer -- probably ballet flats and mary janes -- to replace pairs I wore out last year. Maybe new sandals too. And trail runners of course ;).
