Hi friends, last week I posted that my 2020 style resolution is to milk my style. This is my primary and overarching imperative for 2020. I did spend a little time reflecting and writing out a few more specific thoughts about where I think my style is going (important distinction - not where it *should* go, but where it seems to be naturally evolving):
Style words: Classic Ease
Key goals: Build on my solid wardrobe using the "French 5" approach (without becoming zealous about numbers); refuse to be bossed around by platonic wardrobe ideals (I think this was Shevia or Nemosmom's term and I just love it), capsules, plans, 'must have' lists, comparisons, and my own insecurities; manage my wardrobe and style mindfully and relax into the process
Activities & Lifestyle: From a wardrobe perspective, this ranges from very casual and outdoor casual to smart casual. Milk it! This means enjoying jeans and a sweater or t most days in the colder months, shorts and a t-shirt (or an easy dress) in the warmer months, and elevated version of these for smart casual occasions.
Colour: For the colder months, black is the primary neutral, with the odd small touch of light gray. Main colours are burgundy, deep green, and other deep neutrals or 'nearly neutrals' (chocolate, deep blue). My
'planned outlier' (thank you for the concept notsaf!) seems to be red these days. For the warmer months, navy replaces black, and white becomes a secondary neutral. Light blue and pink become key colours, along with some gray mixed with white, or other soft colours. My 'planned outlier' seems to be blue-greens like teal or jade. Given the primarily neutral nature of my wardrobe, adding in a random colour is no big deal! That said, brights (and bold prints) are not speaking to me just now; we'll see if that changes when the weather does. I also have a desire to get a lot of wear out of *most* wardrobe pieces, so discipline in avoiding the temptation to novelty too often is a good muscle to build (not unlike broccoli, which I hate but eat because it's good for me lol).
Things to buy: The only thing currently on my "must get" list is white shorts to replace my current pair which I love and wear so much that they are rapidly devolving into tat.
Things NOT to buy: I forget who mentioned having this sort of list recently, but it's a brilliant idea! I am thinking of it as a big "proceed with caution" flag rather than a hard and fast restriction. On this list for me:
- brights and bold prints (not feeling them right now)
- statement/colourful shoes or pants (love them, rarely if ever wear them)
- things that a list told me to buy (shut up, list)
- things that are "fun" but don't relate to my overall plan (as mentioned, try scratching this itch with a mani, lippie, or small accessory first)
- things that are unlikely to see regular wear, unless they are being purchased for a specific necessary event/purpose/function
- beware the temptations of the transition seasons. At both these times I am SO OVER the extreme weather and I become very tempted by the changeover of clothing seasons. While it's a great time to try something new, I don't need to go nuts over it; just allow an outlier or two and enjoy
- beware the temptation to overhaul my entire style. This usually happens around September, when my kids go back to school and my part-time job tends to be quiet and I question what on earth I'm doing with my life Whatever the answer is, changing my entire style is not it lol!
xx
