Free People sweater (currently 25% off!) and lace tunic (also 25% off!); Old Navy built in sculpt jeans; Sam Edelman booties; Rebecca Minkoff bag.
Free People open back sweater (similar colors, under $30) and lace tunic (25% off!); Old Navy jeans; Matisse fringe booties; Rebecca Minkoff bag; necklace from Rocksbox (use code MEAGANBFF57 for a free month of Rocksbox. Hint: I’m obsessed!)
I’ve been learning a lot lately about my own personal style and what I want to be wearing on a dialy basis. I’ve been cleaning out my closet and seeing what is left (and what I really wear), and it has been eye opening. It turns out, I am a pretty basic gal. I like simple silhouettes and all neutral looks. I also really like a formula. I’m 36 and I’m figuring it all out again, which is actually really fun. My style has been changing, it is simpler and less flashy, and I’m happier than I’ve ever been with what I have and how I’m portraying myself. I wanted to write a bit about how I’ve figured my style out lately, and hope it helps anyone that has struggled (like me) to find who and what they are and how to get dressed in the easiest way possible. Let’s do this!
1) Look to your Pinterest boards.
Back in the day I would cut out pictures from magazines and make a collage of outfits and pieces I liked each season. Now I do this exclusively on Pinterest (you can follow me here to see what I love!) Here’s the deal: If you pin a lot (like me), you will start to see patterns. I noticed that I pin a lot of slouchy cardigans, ripped jeans, and ankle boots. I tend to like neutral outfits and very minimal looks. My preferences change by season, obviously, but the minute I looked through my boards and analyzed WHAT I was pinning, I saw the same themes. What are some patterns you see in the outfits you pin? Is there a common theme?
2) Don’t be afraid to wear what you like over and over again.
As a style blogger there can be a lot of pressure to wear the newest and latest all the time. You find yourself purchasing things just because it is popular, or wearing things you may not really love because you need to post different looks on a daily basis. Since I took a small step back from blogging this summer and really just wore what I felt like without the pressure of having to photograph it, I found that I really like a very basic look. The two outfits above are ME. I wore them out to dinner with my family on two separate weekends, and they make me feel very comfortable. I like sweaters in black, grey, white, and pink. I like dark colored skinny jeans. I like neutral ankle boots. And I like pretty accessories. That’s my formula. When I’ve been shopping lately, either online or in stores, I keep this in mind. The pieces I wear all the time are all neutral and can be mixed and matched. While my head may be turned by a bright blue body con dress or burgundy heels, I know that I just won’t reach for these things. What are the pieces in your closet that you love? Why do you love them?
I find that I really enjoy slouchy/oversized sweaters in basic colors. I invest in these and they are my go to tops that look great with skinny jeans. It’s my thing, so I go with it. Am I making news with super trendy/blog worthy looks? No. But I’m building a closet that works in my real, everyday life.
3) Invest in quality pieces that ground your look.
I’ve struggled on and off with wanting multiple things for cheap (that I wear a couple of times and give away), or investing in items that I can get less of, but wear more. It’s hard! I’m a shopper. I truly enjoy wandering in stores and seeing what is new. I love getting things for cheap and having 10 new things for little money. Yet this rarely works out for me. While there are many things I buy for cheap and never regret (Target boots and sandals, Old Navy skinny jeans, most of my jewelry), most of the items I truly cherish and wear to death are items I invested in. Case in point, my Sam Edelman ankle boots. While you can find these at any price point nowadays, these particular boots are so worth the splurge. They work with everything (especially the tan ones), and they are so seriously flattering. I’ve had both my black and tan pair for 2-3 years and they show little wear and tear.
Another thing I love to invest in is a good handbag. It just elevates any look. I tend to get these as a gift for my birthday or Christmas, and I love being able to search for the perfect one to fit into my life. I suggest going simple with a black or tan one before branching out to other colors. You will never regret it.
Lastly, this time of year I love investing in pretty sweaters from Free People. I search deals at Nordstrom and Macy’s online daily, and the second pieces go on sale I stock up. I love how these sweaters fit me, I have yet to find a cheaper place that gives me the exact same look for less. Quality, fit and proportion is really important when it comes to finding THE PERFECT piece to invest in, and Free People always works for me. I get the exact look I’m looking for, and I can wear and re-wear it for seasons to come. While the term investment piece changes (my version of investing is a lot different than it was when I was 25), it really just means buying the best possible version of something you love, so you cna wear it for years to come.
Tell me, how have you defined your personal style? Do you have any tips or tricks that have worked for you?
