Thank you all for weighing in on this weeks stripe discussion. It was interesting to hear from all the stripe lovers as well as non-stripe fans (ladies we are outnumbered!), as to what attracts us to a certain look, style, or pattern.
What I heard was stripes are easy to work with. You like them for work and play – pair a stripe top with a solid bottom and you have a put-together look in seconds. Some of you like to pattern mix with your stripes. I can’t say I have ventured much into this territory, but I have seen some great looks that involve a stripe tee mixed with a camouflage, animal print or floral print.
Reflecting on my own style this week, I took a look back at what I wore over the past year, ear-marking looks I recalled feeling my best self in. And what do you know, I found a pattern! It would appear I favor well fitting, yet comfortable investment pieces in solid colors (cashmere and quality knits) that I can remix with eclectic accessories (hello fun handbags and shoes!). And when it came to stripes, I did find I wear one type, either black/creme or black/grey combos…interesting. I gravitate towards bohemian prints – in dresses. Premium denim is a core piece in my wardrobe and it appears I can never have too many long cardigans. My happy colors? Black, grey, taupe, camel, merlot (wine), rust orange, army green, and mustard yellow.
So why is this helpful? If we know what looks we feel our best self in, we can then work to cultivate a closet filled with items WE love. It can also stop us down the road from purchasing items we won’t wear – for me this would be skirts, pattern tops and shoes I’ve bought “because they were on sale”. Armed with a little insight into what makes us feel our best can be life changing. And getting dressed and out the door each day will prove much easier when the closet is filled with items that work for us exclusively. It’s called a cultivated, curated or workable wardrobe…
What Works For Me
Well fitting, comfortable investment pieces in solid colors (cashmere and quality knits) that I can remix with eclectic accessories (hello fun handbags and shoes!). Bohemian prints – in dresses. Premium denim is a core piece in my wardrobe and it appears I can never have too many long cardigans. My happy colors? Black, grey, taupe, camel, merlot (wine), rust orange, army green, and mustard yellow.
Stripes:
Sometimes I wear STRIPES and it looks something like this…paired with leopard print, LOL!
Pattern:
When it comes to patterns, they’re best for me in the form of a dress.
Your Turn!
What items do you feel your best self in? Think about a few outfits your’ve loved that past year. What did it look like? What pieces make up that look. Think about a look you wore that you didn’t feel yourself in, what did that look like? Do you see any patterns?
Then take a look at your closet. Do you have enough of the items that make up your favorite looks in your closet? Are there items you rarely or never wear? Do you see another pattern?
Something to think about…join the discussion down below. I’d love to hear your findings!
Drop me a line down below, I would love to hear your thoughts or what you discover.
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As always Suzanne, you look amazing in everything you shared! I might have to go back and look over my selections for the past year. I wonder what patterns I will find!?
Hi Julie! Once you take a look back, I would LOVE to hear what you find. It was really an interesting exercise for me. part 2 was me pulling out all the items I never wear, trying them on and then if I was just meh about them or they didn’t make me what to create outfits with them, I drove the straight over to my local consignment center! Just like that. Left with itmes I loved, I realized all I was missing was a few topper pieces; like long cardigans or vests – that 3rd piece over tanks etc. The last few days have been a piece of cake to get ready and I have liked every outfit. Do let me know what you discover, I am really curious! xx Suzanne
Great looks! I discovered a dress in my closet that I haven t WORn for years and TRIEd it on, to find out that it was perfect! Haha! I hope to see you on my Fancy Friday linkup party!
HI Nancy! Isn’t that fun, you never know what treasures might lie in the closet when you dig around a bit. Most helful for me was pulling out items I haven’t worn in a year and trying them on – each and every one. Most went to the consignment store, but a few stayed. I restyled them and how they are back in the closet. I’ll pop by Friday, thanks for the reminder! Suzanne
Brights and fun patterns are definitely what i feel best in. Dresses are my go to. i Almost never wear flats. A denim jacket is my best friend. And i prefer a good necklace over any other accessory. Fun To see thru my posts.
Hi Robyn! Thank goodness for IG so we can go back and look at our outfits! It’s interesting to me that many of my most popular posts were not looks I felt my best in…hmmm. You look amazing in brights and pattterns and you are so lucky you can wear heels. I keep a list on my phone with my favorites, as well as items that are not so good for me – so that when I am out shopping I don’t get swayed off task.Thanks for stopping by! xx
So many beautiful outfits Suzanne! I love browsing through peoples past instagram photos, it gives inspiration for seasons to come. Have a great sunday xx
Me too! It’s so fun to see what REAL women are wearing, there is always such incredible inspiration to be had. I just always have to remind myself to not jump and buy – to first shop my closet and make sure the look is right for ME. thanks for dropping me a line! xx
These are fabulous outfits Suzanne, I think they all look super chic. thanks for sharing on #chicandstylish today. Jacqui Mummabstylish
Thank you Jacqui! Have you ever looked back on your IG feed for patterns in what you wear? I found it fascinating! There is definitely a theme to what I love to wear….
Hi Suzanne, would love you to pop over to the blog – you’re my favourite blogger from last weeks #chicandstylish #linkup. xxx
What an honor Jacqui! I will head on over there right now! Thank you so much for the feature! xoxo
I just love that Lilac tie front blouse! Lots of fabulous outfits here Suzannexx
Thank you Laurie! I do love that blouse, especially once I figured out how to tie it, LOL! Thanks for stopping by! xx Suzanne