Wow, February and March came and went really quick, and I guess that means we are overdue for a wardrobe update! I had hoped and planned to share these monthly, but real estate season in Portland kicked off so swiftly that my blogging time is limited. But I am still having fun getting dressed and I can’t wait to show you what I added.
In February and March I added 7 more items to my wardrobe, putting me on a faster-adding pace than I’d hoped. (My goal for 2024 is to only add 24 items to my closet.) More on that later in the post. First, I’ll share what I’ve added and how it’s working for me when I get dressed.
THE ITEMS
Agolde 90s Jeans (Straight Leg) – (size 27)
I hemmed and hawwed over this purchase for too long before finally doing it. I already owned black Agolde 90s jeans, but in a size down, which is how i have been wearing the style for years. But with the shift of jeans silhouettes, they had started to feel a bit skinny-jean esque. I eventually decided to repurchase these in my true size, and I am wearing them how I believe they were meant to fit, a bit slouchier in the waist. I wish I had a better photo to show you how these sit on me. Overall they are loose-ish and very comfortable.
I have found it a slow process to untrain myself on always wearing the smallest jeans possible, with the goal of looking smaller or ‘holding’ it all in. But I have learned, a slouchy, loose jean looks 1000x more effortless and is 100% more comfortable.
Black straight leg jeans are a classic item to have in any wardrobe. These jeans feel pretty tame compared to my other, large-volume styles, but they make a great supporting character in the cast of an outfit. Their timeless style means they will probably stick around in my wardrobe for a very long time.
AGOLDE Balloon Jeans (TTS)
These are slowly replacing my staple straight-leg silhouette! I have worn the Agolde 90s Jean (a straight leg) very steadily since 2019. It’s my everyday, go-to jean, for just about everything. But in recent months, I have found myself pivoting to these, as well as my Ayla jeans. Loose jeans are fun and interesting to style. And they make a great ‘everyday’ pair as well!
At first styling them felt a bit challenging, but as I’ve started to embrace them as more of an ‘every jean’ I realized they look good with a variety of styles and shapes on top, fitted, tucked, partial tuck, oversized, etc.
ABLE Leather Jacket
This leather jacket has been on my wish list a LONG time! The shrunken fit pairs so well with trousers and baggy jeans. A black leather jacket is a wardrobe classic in my opinion. I love the understated vibe of this one with the black, tonal hardware.
Aritizia ’90s Carla Oversized Denim Shirt
Stepping into an Aritizia store is my weakness. I came out with this shirt and two others several weeks ago. Their clothes are a fabulous mix of sporty, chic and interesting. I picked this up to pair with trousers and jeans. I love wearing this denim shirt as a top or open like a light jacket. It’s a great item for spring because it’s so versatile. I have already worn this one several times.
Madewell Harlow Wide-Leg Pant
I’ve decided I really like trousers for my work uniform. These skew a tad casual, but I love the way they look with sneakers and a smart jacket. I am not sure they photograph super well, but they are fun and interesting IRL.
Not pictured: Elevated White Tee + Black Vest – These are the two other items I walked out of Aritiza with awhile back. I was buying a bit ahead for the warm season, and I haven’t worn them yet. I don’t recommend buying out of season like that, and it was a bit impulsive on my part. Crossing my fingers it all pans out this spring and summer. More to come on them!
Even though my progress is dim, I am still committed to reaching my 24 in 2024 goal. I know it’s going to be harder than I think. Typically spring and fall are the seasons when I tend to add more to my wardrobe. I don’t plan to buy anything for summer because I am pretty well stocked on my favorite tanks and shorts. I even pulled out a pair of sandals I haven’t worn for a few years, and I expect those will be my go-to the summer. If you have a wardrobe goal this year, I hope you crush it! Being mindful of what we buy and add to our wardrobe is well worth the effort. It helps us cut down on waste and build a more stylish closet.
