I always enjoy end-of-year posts here and hope I  too can contribute something interesting !

To preface:  I don't use finds anymore ,nor do I track wears or purchases . This is not for any reason other than lacking time /not willing to make the commitment to full-on wardrobe management .  I find it very interesting that others do - and always gain knowledge from those types of posts.  I no longer promise to do things I can't /won't follow through on .....but I secretly would like to dive deeper than I do into keeping track of what I buy ,wear, and pass on. We'll see if that happens in 
2023

That said, I do think a lot about clothing and fashion , and the role it plays in my life.  I found 2022 to be challenging, fashion-wise. I have said this before on the forum, and I stand by it:  2022 was the year when a LOT of brewing  changes in mid-market fashion coalesced into a whole new look for a lot of us. Sure, we have been dabbling with high rise/high waist pants for awhile now, and we've been playing with wider legs /shorter tops, chunkier footwear, etc ., but it seemed to me that all of these things came together at retail and nothing else was readily available.  This big change in silhouette finally crystallized this year.   I struggled to find "my" look, and struggled to find pieces I was really drawn to among all of these new fashion "basics" . It was also a year when I felt my looks changed the most - I hit 61 in June 2022 and noticed quite a change in my body and face.  Putting forth the whole package was not easy, and felt off my game a lot of the time. How do I dress for my age (literally and figuratively) and what do I really want to wear?  

So....I experimented a lot in 2022.  

1.Because I have to wear black pants/bottoms at work everyday, I found myself ordering, buying , returning and rebuying every g-d*** version of a black pant that existed. I want to look "dressed" at work, and I like wearing updated versions of things to maintain an identity among a sea of masked faces and uniforms .   I became obsessed (really oddly) with slit front flared fluid pants at one point and didn't stop until I all-of-a-sudden had 4 pair.  I actually don't love any of them and don't wear them now.  I bought wide leg, mom-fit, flare leg , straight leg, you-name-it black pants and jeans, and on and on it went.  What I don't like and won't go forward with: flared pants.  I read a comment recently on a fashion IG acct that hit the nail on the head: they can look costumey on some of us, me included.  Pass .  Verdict: one trend at a time.  Go through the collection , be real with what I am wearing, and cull those that are past their prime or are not flattering. Don't be lazy with online purchases that aren't 100% and RETURN THEM. 

2. I experimented with the oversized look in jeans and knitwear, and discovered I don't love it on me.  That experimentation taught me that oversized looks still need to fit, and that moderate versions of this look are best.  I have a very boxy sweater and big wide leg shorter jeans that are probably a size too big, and wore them together a few times before deciding this look does me no favours. Again, the extremes no longer work on me as I age - which I am fine with .  Verdict?  Probably pass going forward .  This trend has legs though, and does look modern.  Will have to experiment a bit more?

3. I love the oversize outerwear trend , but didn't invest in it . I have  a lot of outerwear and couldn't justify buying anything this year, but I feel this is a look that will be around for awhile and looks very updated and modern to me. I plan to buy a loose trench of sorts for spring (if I find the right piece that isn't fitted and strict)  and a loose fit fall jacket  - not sure what that will be but I do like the oversize bomber look (a la TIBI) and will on the watch for something .  Passed on this for now but intend to invest in 2023. Quick and easy way to update a basic outfit.

4. I am a big footwear lover and have used shoes and boots as the easiest way to update my wardrobe for years . Shoes always fit  (whereas clothes - not so much anymore). But 2022 seemed a retread - pun sort of intended- of lug soles, chelsea boots, etc etc and I was already over it. I started on this look a few years ago - don't want to add more of the same .  Angie has shown  and discussed the snip toe and square toe trend lately, but they aren't showing up at retail here  yet .  I did buy a pair of Free People western influenced suede boots in a lovely caramel colour, but it was the wrong time of year for me to buy them (end of fall )  and I haven't worn them yet . What a waste. I think I was "desperate " to add in another pair of boots this fall/winter and fell prey to a good looking item .  Passed on most shoe/boot looks this year = a good thing as I have LOTS. I have had cream boots/loafers on my mind for a long time , but again, wasn't willing to invest in the same lug sole look. Until I see something new and different, I'm sitting on my hands. Verdict: not a great year for footwear .. 3 clear fails in photos below . Passing on the navy and olive sneakers but hanging on to the boots (mine are suede) . Persisting with these because they were spendy and are comfy . Just not a good style match for me .

5. Bags also have changed a lot this year - and I do like the plushy/cushy/quilted/pillowy totes and bags.  My collection of bags is very non-trendy, which is good, but I did wish I had the need for an updated trendier one.  Pass on this one though - don't use a purse often enough anymore to justify it. Maybe this look will pass sooner rather than later anyways.

6. Shorter knitwear - I have to watch it because I don't have the figure for it . However, it still looks best and newest, and longer baggier sweaters are flattering on just about no-one.  Verdict : need to come to terms with my body because this look isn't going anywhere anytime soon.  Always on the lookout for banded bottom tops, and medium/not cropped length tops.  

This got away from me, sorry. Husband in the background: "what are you doing??"  .  I didn't buy a lot in 2022 (other than my inexplicable collection of spilt hem flared leggings) , didn't shop as much, and honouring the reality of my job and lifestyle fared me well.  Do I have a lot of pieces I love? No. Do I wear all of my clothes? No.  Do I have a handle on my style?  No.  See what I mean?  2022 was an odd one.

Here's hoping all falls together in 2023!