My favorite spring looks (listed in vertical columns): 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10
Ever a student of fashion, I find taking the time to study past outfits very educating. After a few days of looking over my spring posts and mulling over my favorites, I have learned a few lessons about myself and how I relate to clothes. Lessons I intend to carry over with me as I move forward into the summer and fall.
I am pretty sure I think about clothing and style more than the average person, but that’s because it doesn’t come naturally to me. It’s like the puzzle I am trying to unlock, a skill I am trying to master. Therefore, I find this continuing education to be pretty fascinating.
I intended to share my favorite five outfits of spring, but I ended up settling on ten! In working to identify a theme, or a trend among these outfits, and dissect why I like them, I chose to focus on a few categories to see what I came up with.
Words:
I decided to pick descriptive words for each outfit and see what themes emerged. I came up with two words I can use to describe all the looks here: COOL and SIMPLE. Some looks can be described with both words, and some with one or the other. Now, I kind of feel nerdy even writing the word ‘cool’ but it just seems to be the best word to fit the way I feel about certain looks. Cool embodies effortless, chic and semi-casual. Cool is unpretentious and slightly unconventional. I like ‘cool’ looks because I love feeling all those things. I’m favoring ‘cool-chill’ over ‘cool-trendy.’ Simple often works in tangent with cool. Simple means minimal pieces, minimal fuss and uncomplicated. Simple lets a favorite piece or two shine. Even better, simple lets the person shine. I love simple looks because they require less of me and they can speak volumes. I feel most at home in simple, uncomplicated looks.
Shapes:
I have learned that I love to dress in unconventional shapes. The other day my mom asked me if my husband liked all my loose clothing! I hope he does. (He does, I checked.) But, yeah, sometimes I tend to prefer to dress outside the ‘normal’ shape of clothing – typically, a defined waist and ‘flattering’ lines. I like experimental shapes and sizes. For example, I love the unconventional shape of the kimono jacket I bought from Only Child. I do wish it was slightly warmer, because it’s hard to find the right weather to wear it in. But I loooove styling it. The shape makes me happy. The same with my jumpsuit from Reifhaus. I love wearing this because the shape is so different from the usual skinny jeans, or any other waist-hugging piece. It’s so loose and free-feeling, and it brings a welcome variety to my closet. My striped poplin square shirt from Everlane also breaks up the ‘normal’ look and feel often seen in department store displays. I love the wide shape, and the long tail. I enjoy expressing myself through these unique pieces.
Takeaways:
I’ve decided to take my word association a step further and ask myself, when I’m getting dressed, if my combos fall into one of my word categories, cool and/or simple. Beyond that, before I make purchases, I intend to ask myself the same thing.
Do you take the time to reflect on your favorite past looks? Which words would you use to describe your wardrobe?
xo,
Andrea
Love your spring style! I have followed your blog since the beginning and you inspired me to buy light washed Levi(esque) jeans :)
I love it! I’m so thrilled to have people who have been with me since the beginning. :) I hope you are getting lots of great combos out of your light washed jeans! Thanks for saying hi Katie.
what material is the kimono? It doesn’t say on their website.
Hi Lynn, it is a poly-blend I believe. Haley is pretty responsive with email, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to drop her a line!
Hi! I’ve been reading for a while but never commented before. Just wanted to say I love your blog and style. Your outfits are really inspirational and I’ve enjoyed reading all you have to say about fashion and clothing!
Thank you SO much Brook, and thanks for de-lurking! ;) I am happy to have you here. :)
What a helpful reflection! I’ve been leaning more towards less conventionally flattering shapes too, although my husband does not like it, haha! I’ve been using the same sort of word association for a year now and I feel like its been so effective in helping me determine what should and shouldn’t go into my wardrobe! I can’t wait to see more of your style now that the weather is coming!
Kate
kateintheclassroom.com
This reminds me of an article Paige shared on simplifying getting dressed by using descriptors as inspiration (as opposed to trying to imitate an outfit). >>http://www.whowhatwear.com/easy-way-to-plan-perfect-outfits/ << I've always tried to not get too tied down in 'labeling' my style, but as I continue to experiment and refine it I've found three words continue to emerge to describe my own: understated, effortless and feminine.
I think this is a more meaningful (and useful!) exercise as opposed to defining one's style with the more typical labels such as "girl next door" or "modern edgy" or "preppy" or "girly girl", etc. Mainly because I think every one is a blend of some sort. :)
And I would definitely second the words you've chosen for yourself! I would probably add "modern" to that list, although I realize that's probably a little more ambiguous than then ones you've already shared. ;)
I love this reflection! These looks are all so “you” and I feel I’ve seen your personal style evolve and become more honed since I “met” you. Also, what a great take on the style words – looking at the words that define your favorite looks as opposed to choosing words first. Excellent post, lady!
Thank you so much my friend for being a part of this journey!
My words would most likely be simple and relaxed. I never really feel cool… Ha!! Look in my closet this summer and it is mostly solid linen or cotton tees that I usually wear with denim jeans or shorts at home, and a small collection casual dresses I wear when we go out. I also own a few nice blouses and one nice dress for dressier occasions.
While I love to looser unconventional shapes of clothing on others, it really does nothing for my body shape except make me appear larger than I am. :-( I am pretty curvy on top and the bottom so because of that I mostly stick to shapes that define my waist. I have found when I have bought an unconventional shape I love wearing it….only until I see a picture of myself or catch a glimpse in a full length mirror. :-( Sticking to what I know looks best on my body makes the most sense for me and is the way I got the most use out of my clothing. Those are most always worn until they wear out, while the looser stuff ends up going in the consign pile after a couple seasons because I’m just not wearing it. This is the one thing I have noticed about so many ethical companies is that they tend to lean towards the loose, unconventional shapes. I wish more would also add in more fitted or waist defining options for curvier people like me!
Loving all the looks you posted! Can’t wait to see what you put together for summer!
I love these reflections, they make a lot of sense. I am very un-curvy on top (ha!) and I think the looser tops make me feel more curvy. It sounds like you’ve really honed in on your wardrobe workhorses, I love it! Next time you want to shop for ethically made items try typing ‘Nordstrom USA Made’ into google, and you will be able to sort by only USA made items! And you can narrow it down to tops, or whatever. And Nordstrom seems to have a lot more conventionally shaped pieces.
As always, thanks so much for being a part of this community Rebecca!
Great tip on Nordstrom……I always forget that they carry made in the USA! Have a great weekend!
I enjoy how much you think about it. I think about my style A LOT, too, but I rarely sit down and write about it in the clear and interesting way that you do. I’ve been drawn to looser fits recently, due to the fact that it’s increasingly in style but also because I’ve gained some weight and feel self conscious. In any case, I feel like the freedom of movement makes me more efficient. Some people love clothing that constricts, but I can’t function that way.
Thanks for saying all this Leah, I appreciate your honesty, and you feedback means a lot to me! You should write more about examining your own style, I bet your readers (or at least this one) would like it.