Style goals 2019 - getting specific

Hi all, well I'm fully embracing the January re-boot effect and really thinking through my style, as many of us are! I've already reflected on last year, and put together my "not list" for the year; last step is to get a little more specific about my goals for the year (as Angie recommends, I'm keeping these flexible and am open to adjustments through the year - and feedback!):

Focus on refining rather than fixing or changing: I'm happy with my style, it works for my life, and it's true to who I am. Tweaking and refining should be enough to keep things fresh.
Keep dressing to my style words "classic, polished, casual and contrast". I'm going to drop "Kate" (Middleton, my style muse the last few years) for now; as her style goes increasingly formal and mine increasingly simple and understated, it's no longer serving me (although I still love her!). Be open to a new word emerging, or perhaps four is enough for me. Be open to a two-word moniker emerging, but don't stress over it.
Track outfits. Not obsessively, but at least for a few weeks per weather season, I'd like to see what I actually wear. The purpose of this is to get clear about what I like to wear vs. what I like to buy, and note how the seasons affect my choices (e.g. so I don't get rid of all my colorful pieces in October, when I really do love to wear them, but in spring). I also think it will reveal what items would really help with my refining goal.
Shop mindfully. As per 3, focus on pieces that refine the wardrobe I've got (current wishlist below). Continue with shopping challenge (my goal was one purchase/month) but be flexible.
Dress to feel good. With my stay-at-home, work-from-home lifestyle, this will often mean an uber-simple outfit, and simple (but done) hair and makeup. Embrace this! Be grateful for a simple life and happy to dress accordingly.

Shopping Wishlist - I jotted down a rough shopping wishlist for the year. Of course this may change though the year!

a new everyday belt (spotted one at Urban Outfitters that may get ordered today)
an additional everyday summer dress, as I got rid of couple that were worn out after last summer
something from Boden - just because Maybe in spring.
new nude summer dressier sandals. I've worn my Nine West pair into the ground, but the narrow wedge heel no longer feels current. See what's about come late spring
tall boots for next fall. Black or possibly brown. Based on the success I've had with my last two pairs of Blondos, that brand will be top of mind when looking.
a few, mindfully chosen on-trend items that fit with my style words - possibilities include jeans, a summer dressier top (maybe with crochet detail?), and a bodycon turtleneck for fall
replace a few worn-out workhorses: white shorts for summer, white Birkenstocks, sunhat for summer (one pool and lake-friendly, one for out and about).
and of course, my necklace when I complete my 'not list' challenge

If you got this far, thanks for reading! Feedback and advice welcome xx

5 years ago

Elizabeth P

Veteran

No advice TG, it seems like you have this well in hand. I'm impressed. I like the way you drilled down on this in separate posts... great approach! Your shopping list looks well thought out, but I am curious as to how the one item per month will go Funny, it seems like it should be plenty, until you try to live it.

I'm looking forward to seeing/reading how this goes through the year.

Helena

Thanks Elizabeth! I'm curious too! I feel like I don't shop a lot, but I definitely go though spurts - so I actually have not even a guess as to how many pieces I buy in a year.

My bigger goal is to be mindful about it; I'm hoping the 1 item/month goal means that at least if I'm going to buy more, I'm going to feel compelled to put some thought into it! I had also excluded replacing truly worn-out workhorses from the count, so the shorts, Birkenstocks and hat won't count

JAileen

I think your style is already great. Tracking for a short period of time sounds doable to me. It was like Jenn’s challenge to photograph outfits for a week. Doable, not impossible.

SarahD8

"Be grateful for a simple life and happy to dress accordingly."
Aha! I bow to you! This is so, so wise. I am trying to take this attitude, but I confess I'm not quite there yet.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

NICE. You are very good at this.

High rise trendy jeans are #1 on your shopping list

Helena, you look very much like the beautiful Kate Middleton, yet your style is much more in line with Jennifer Aniston. She wears EXTREMELY simple tees/knitwear/blouses (mostly neutral), trendy jeans and shorts, classic footwear, dainty jewellery, natural make-up, and very polished hair.

Voila! That's YOU, with your personal stamp of course.

Suz

Fantastic. I like your approach -- some flexibility and self-compassion built in but also a lot of clarity about what works for you generally and which items would add the most fizz (or simply use-value) to your closet.

I am thinking I might join the "# of items per month or year" challenge. But I'm not sure 12 is remotely realistic for me, used to buying one per week (on average!) Then again, my closet is in a great place and I have few true needs. Mulling this for now but might shoot for 25 this year and 12 next year. Or 12 "specials" along with permission to replace key essentials outside that total.

Sal

Well done Helena. I think this is all realistic and you sound in a good place. You do know your style and what works - and it is just small tweaks to keep it fun and current.

Style Fan

This is great Helena. Your style is well defined and works so well for you. I agree that Kate has gone in a different direction. I love Jennifer. Interesting idea.

JAileen, thank you! Doable was the goal ... setting myself up for (hopeful) success rather than frustration!
Sarah, me neither - that's why it's a goal!
Angie, that's an interesting idea! I love Jennifer's style and there's a lot there for me to emulate - the simplicity as you say, as well as the casual polish. She great at keeping her tried and true formula fresh too. Thanks for the suggestion! Trendy jeans are next on the list *thumbs up*
Suz, thank you! And 12 "specials" is a good way to describe my goal too - essentials and worn-out workhorses needing replacement are not counting towards my total either
Sal and Stylefan, thanks for the encouragement! SF, she has, hasn't she - good on her; she knows her clothing is her work uniform and she's dressing for the job she wants!

Helena, if you google Jennifer Anniston's style - on Pinterest too - you'll find a lot of inspiration.

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