So I have some time off today and am trying to regroup, purge some clothes, and then go shopping for MOTB dress!

More in the saga of style persona, style journey, style confusion! Many thanks to all of you who have chimed in, since, though it may not show (yet), it has been helping me develop more focus.

Here are some things I have learned over the past year, in no particular order;

I have trouble defining my style ! Last Januaray, I made a "new start" on trying to update style with a lot more intentionality than I ever used before, but seem not as far along as I'd wish.

Some things I learned that surprised me: I think my goal is more feminine than before and that is a surprise and hard to define and I need a different word. In fact I can't figure the right adjectives at all. Angular feminine? Relaxed elegance?Refined classic? But certainly not ruffles, not boho, not curvy-girly. I don't think "ladylike" works (but maybe that's where I'm wrong!). What's weird is that I am not especially ladylike or feminine (now, that sounds bad!) but instead have always been casual, informal, not prim. Partly, I think of myself as a bit gawky because of body shape that is pear, but small boned in some areas, long torso, not petite but not tall and lean, hard to make my top and bottom halves "work together" But I found that my past tailored styles look too ? plain, mannish, frumpy and it seems to be way more so at my current age.

For work I need an authoritative look, but I was surprised to find I feel more so if somewhat more feminine (there's that word again) instead of boyish or casual.

The flip side is if fit or style is too delicate, I think I look twee (the word of the week).
So some kind of precise, refined fit but not prim. What on earth is that? Maybe I am confusing good fit with feminine.

I still love jacketa and they can contribute hugely to "style" for me. however, I need to find my groove on how to get some similar effect under the lab coat (which is not particularly stylish but does provide "authority" in my profession) during the workday--top detail, necklace, sleeker footwear, better-cut trouser.

Big mistake of the past year or so: allowing myself to expand to guest room closet.
I feel like a confessing addict--it started off for years just being "special occasion" clothes. Then I thought was just winter sweaters swapping with summer tops.
Now it appears I have more for each season that I can possibly wear. However, what it really does is add to my style confusion because it keeps one from really confronting what's there and what's not and what are "happiness 10's" or not.

Angie and Gaylene were huge in helping me realize this is a big mistake. I over-duplicate stuff within categories and instead I need to run leaner, overlap more each season, and buy/discard within seasons for fresh looks rather than try to hoard "classics". So lesson learned but not fixed yet--need to get most of the 4 seasons back in the one closet.

I have SO overbought wool sweaters because I'm cold-natured. We get a 2 months or so of cold weather, can be 20's but seldom, some freezing days, once-yearly ice & snow, but are more mild-moderate 4 season clime and I don't need 25 wool pullovers to get through. Even in the cold months, we have days in the 60's pop up, so I can re-use fall and spring items. Need to use layers, undergarments, and fewer sweaters "in stock" but refresh with a new color or style more often.

I need a new pants style! But one that allows 14-hr footwear. I have too many AT trouser pants and I think the width is schtumpifying. If this doesn't sound like going backward, I think I may try to find more bootcut or barely bootcut styles, but these can be hard in a real "trouser" fabric (not jeans, not chino). In the right such style, I can get a curvy hip, a bit of taper in the leg, and still wear a boot or shootie that is made for comfort. Also have not given up on some kind of slouchy-tapered trousers with oxfords for shoes.

I have some photos below:
1) my favorite purchase of last year is this "angular feminine" T. Tahari jacket.
2) green linen blend jacket trying to get a similar fit
3) gray knit fitted blazer that felt modern to me--but is more for casual wear
4) Silk tunic top, trying it belted, trying a wider belt because narrow gets lost on long torso
5) Peplum top, also belted
6) My tweed Ann Taylor blazer that now looks "mannish" worn with just a cashmere crewneck--I'm tempted to toss it but maybe would like it better with different tops
7) V-neck merino sweaters worn over a blouse--not happy with sweater fit. Aim was to layer and put color near face. Looks too casual/preppy, straight
8) Anthro cardi--my cardigan addiction still in play. Love the colors and pattern and slightly fitted. Shown with faux leather/inexpensive gray clutch

If you are still awake, thanks for reading! Any and all comments welcome.