reflections on personal style and 30 things i enjoyed wearing this year
+ my pre-purchase checklist
Both my high school and college years were marked by a pretty lackadaisical approach to fashion — high school had its uniform, which simplified my mornings, and college wasn't much different; my daily attire was a low-effort, repetitive selection of hoodies, jeans, and t-shirts. There was little thought put into it, almost like mindlessly playing a video game with limited options. By 2022, I felt a bit stuck with my wardrobe.
My internet friend, Heather, says “Style is a muscle, so maybe we just start by trying to combine clothes and put them on… what you wear is your style (right now). If you don’t love it, you can change it, and there’s no need to do it overnight. It will probably turn out worse if you try that route. You have your entire life.”
So, slowly but surely, I worked on it.
First, I thought about which things in my closet make me feel good and why. Just as a gardener observes which plants thrive and which don’t, adjusting their garden over time, I reflected on which items in my closet make me feel my best. I realized:
I prioritize comfort and wearability (I don’t want to be unable to sit in a pair of jeans or constantly pull up a top that simply won’t stay).
I adore a good basic.
I feel like myself in color.
I enjoy wearing athleisure because then I am much more likely to work out, lol.
I love accessorizing and hope to build a forever-collection.
Business casual makes me feel confident.
I want to step out of the confines of what is ‘flattering’ on me (that just feels like a word that means tall and skinny tbh).
I want my clothes to spark joy above all else.
In the past couple of years, I've been swept up in the fast-paced world of clothing trends (I spend a lot of time being influenced on Tiktok) and fashion girlies convincing me that I need the latest "it" items to be well-dressed. Just a few weeks ago, I was nearly swayed into believing that ballet flats and a maxi denim skirt were essential additions to my wardrobe. They seemed so stylish and timeless on others, and everyone around me echoed the sentiment that these were classic, “must-have” pieces. I was tempted. Then I remembered I hated wearing flat shoes, and a long, unstructured maxi skirt would just end up sitting unworn in my closet for years.
It's frustrating. I have this strong desire to be someone who isn't easily influenced — like those people seem smarter, right?
Resisting the pressure to conform to every trend is not just a sartorial choice; it's a way to maintain my mental clarity and self-assuredness.
Now, before making any purchase, I pause and ask myself some critical questions:
Can I really afford this?
Not like, do I have the money in my bank account for this? More: how many hours (post-tax) do I have to work for this?
How long will I use it?
How long will it make me happy?
What do I gain by buying this?
What gap is it filling in my life?
Do I want the thing, or am I being sold a lifestyle/body/mentality/comfort?
Are there other ways for me to achieve that?
Do I even like this brand?
I can talk myself out of most purchases with this question.
Are the materials it’s made out of worth the cost?
Trust me, 9 times out of 10 it is made of polyester, ugh.
These reflections have become a vital part of my shopping process, helping me stay on track in a world constantly pushing The Next Big Thing™. Plus, choosing slower fashion is not just about style; I want to orient my decisions around sustainability and mindfulness.
Ironically, I'm about to show you some items I've genuinely enjoyed wearing this year. But my intention isn't to create a shopping list for you or to add to the 'must-have' noise. I want this to be a shared moment of reflection — I invite you to join me in considering not just the pieces themselves, but why they resonate with me.
What do they add to my life? How do they align with my personal style ethos?
Perhaps there's something in your closet that you haven't fully appreciated yet, or maybe this will inspire you to think differently the next time you're considering a new addition to your wardrobe.
Before we start, I feel it’s important to say that many of these things were sent to me with no strings attached about me posting anything anywhere… if I post, it means I genuinely love it!
Accessories
Every timepiece I own is from Breda. I love their designs and the accent green on this watch. And then there's this other bracelet, a cherished gift from my mother, undoubtedly the crown jewel of my collection. Wearing it, along with other pieces I've received from those dear to me, makes me feel like a living tapestry of their love.
Re: Breda, I have a 20% off code for you that I do not receive any money from — MAAL20. It’s limited to 1 use per person and discount exclusions apply. Unfortunately, I believe this watch is excluded from the discount, but they have several other beautiful styles if you’re looking for a statement piece or a gift.
I put this teeny tiny little ear cuff (it just slides right on and you push it tightly closed, no piercing required) on my ear in March and have not removed it once. I shower, work, dance, sleep, travel, do everything with it. It does not budge. It is the Deia ear cuff from Monica Vinader and I believe if you get it through this link*, a discount will be applied at checkout.
*If you do buy anything from MV through this link, I earn an affiliate commission.
These yellow sunglasses are so fun and a seamless addition. They come in several different colors, and I think they’re such a mood booster. :,)
This year, I thrifted sooo many beautiful, ornate belts. Adding this silver one to loose dresses breathed new life into my wardrobe. Previously, I’d probably want to sinch the waist, but I like throwing ‘flattering’ silhouettes to the wind and having this intrigue instead. It adds texture, breaks up monotony, and acts as a focal point in the ensemble.
My Most-Worn Bags


Bras
This bra is worth every penny, especially if you’re someone who wears tight shirts and wants a certain shape and fullness.
To spice up some of my more neutral outfits, I add a neon bralette underneath. This bright pink one is from Alo Yoga, but I’m not a fan of their quality or pricing — not worth it.


Workout Clothes
If you do want to purchase workout clothes, I have some strong takes. I’ve tried nearly every brand, and I think my favorites are:
Athleta (consistently good quality)
Spanx (their yoga pants without the front seam are the BEST!)
Outdoor Voices (unmatched color and overall branding).

By the way, if you live in a cold place, Athleta’s POLARTEC pieces are quite lovely.

Clothes That Made Me Feel Hot
Shopping isn't the gateway to a new life or a new you, despite the relentless persuasion of the digital panopticon. It's a bit like trying to run away from your own shadow – no matter how much you buy, you're still you at the end of the day.
Focus on understanding what works for you — shapes, cuts, fabrics, colors, proportions, and silhouettes over aesthetics and trends.





Summer Favorites





Fall Favorites




Winter Favorites



In Work Settings


I’ve begun thinking of cultivating my style as tending a garden.
Experimenting with different plants to see which thrive in my soil… pruning and adjusting as I go...
As you look at the looks you've loved, ask yourself:
What is it about these clothes that excites me?
Maybe even save these looks in a favorites folder for future inspiration. Then, reflect on the outfits that didn't quite hit the mark.
What was missing? Was there an element that felt off?
Consider what small changes could elevate your outfits.
Is there a common thread that could make not just one, but many of your outfits feel more 'you'?
Thank you for writing this! Clothes are so hard there’s so many features to consider in making an outfit. Been in a style rut of my own so I’m finding this article at a good time — and LOVE that you use so much color. Do you ever look to any seasonal color analyses? I was thinking of limiting the colors in my wardrobe for simplicity but you pull off colors so well