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| cardigan/ thrifted | necklace/ Caroline G. | shirt and booties/ Target | jeans/ Old Navy |
I've been thinking a lot about my style lately, and how it's probably boring to a lot of people, and I think I've figured out why. My closet and style are all about the staples, the essentials, of the "everywoman" 's closet.
As a stay-at-home mom, I feel like I'm automatically opted out of a lot of trends (such as the crop top). I feel like I can't participate in any trends that make me look really young, lest I be mistaken for my daughter's nanny and not her mom. Aside from the ones that are just plain impractical for me, there are also a lot of others that just don't make sense in my closet. The trendiest item I own is my pair of cobalt skinny jeans. (But I can definitely see the benefits of colored jeans, and how much more interesting and remixable they can make your closet, so I hope they stay around for awhile.)
So I stick to the staples. Maybe I just need to push myself to be more adventurous, and play around with more trends? My style really isn't about being trendy, though. It's about looking put together and not falling into the trap of sweats or yoga pants all day every day in a lifestyle that really makes it easy to fall into that trap. In my mind, as long as I feel like my outfit says that I put some thought into it, then it's a good outfit.
I don't really know where I'm going with this, I just wanted to put all of this out there. Maybe eventually I'll figure this whole thing out.
This is an interesting topic. Style is so personal, and yet so closely tied to community (especially the whole style/fashion blogger thing). I've never thought of myself as a super trendy person, but I just try to wear things that I like. Depending on the trends, sometimes it is really easy to find the things I like, and sometimes it is harder. I would say emerald green is a good example. I love this color, and think it looks really good on me. I remember about 10 years ago, I could not find anything green at any stores! Everything was dark green or more lime-colored. So I didn't have anything in this color. Then it has slowly become more popular and I have a bunch of perfectly green items now. Maybe in 5 years, I won't be able to find anything again. I don't know. But no matter how popular oxblood/maroon or mustard gets, I won't be participating, because I don't like those colors. I guess I just try to keep a balance of staying true to myself and my style regardless of what is trendy. And I don't think your style is boring, but just simple/classic! Sorry for the novel! :-)
ReplyDeleteNo, I really enjoyed reading your thoughts! And I totally agree with you about emerald (I'm so glad it's an "in" color right now). But then that begs the question of what qualifies as a trend. Skinny jeans and colored jeans have been going on for awhile, and I don't see them going anywhere any time soon, but they are definitely not "classics" in the sense that a simple black cardigan is. Then there are the trends that just come and go in a matter of months. I really do think it depends on perspective. People unfamiliar with blogs may find what I wear interesting, but as bloggers/people who read blogs, we get so over-saturated in fashion and style that people who wear basics (while still looking cute and put together) look a little "tame" by comparison. You have a good point with staying true to yourself, and if something "trendy" fits into your definition of style, then there's nothing wrong with adding it to your closet. Thanks for not thinking I'm boring. :) Simple/classic sounds much better!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, it will be a cold day in hell when you see me in a crop top. I feel like style is more learning how to layer, mix colors, and figure out what looks good on you (a skill? something more timeless?). I'd rather wear something slightly plain that I feel good in and looks good on me than feel and look like a fool in something I'm wearing just because it's a trend. You are put together and I think that is stylish. :)
ReplyDeleteHaha I'm with you on crop tops. That's a perfect definition of style, I think! Learning what you like and what looks good on you (and making sure it all works together). I agree, I'd rather feel good than weird. But I also want to push myself out of my comfort zone more, so it's a bit of a balance, I guess. Thanks, Laura. :)
ReplyDeleteLOL, you had me at crop tops! I absolutely adore reading other fashion blogs, but, as someone who lives by the Goodwill, I've always had to march to my own little drummer and change my style to whatever I've found while thrifting. Do I want amazing little leather booties for fall? UM, YES. But, sigh..., I haven't found them thrifting so I won't let myself get them. (And do I gaze at all those fashion blogger booties with a hint of whispy wanting... I do. Sigh, I do.) That said, I think we all have our context and our parameters, and those distinctions are what make us interesting and colorful. As a busy gal myself, sometimes I feel like I deserve a high five for just remembering to wear pants. And, if I put on a cute belt over those pants, well, that's just gravy. You're awesome, and this is a journey; so here's to the process! And high five for those great skinny pants, too!
ReplyDeleteI think staples are the best things to have in your closet, they're interchangeable and good for multiple occasions. I think it definitely looks like you put thought into your outfits without them being overdone and I think tats great!
ReplyDeleteGinny
For the record, I love what you're able to do with a mostly (completely?) thrifted wardrobe! I think it's really admirable that you can have a definitive style based on stuff you score at Goodwill. I actually passed up the perfect little leather booties today because of the price and I couldn't see myself wearing them enough to justify said price. You're right, style is very subjective, and that's one of the many things that makes it so fun. Hooray for wearing pants! :) Thanks, Cynthia!
ReplyDeleteWow, this really turned into an interesting discussion! I love it. You are 100% right about staples-- there's a reason they're called that. Thanks, Ginny!
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely good to push yourself out of your comfort zone, just not to crop tops! ;) But seriously, it is about balancing trends and keeping your personal style in mind. And I figure that I will never know what looks good on me if I don't try new things once in a while, too!
ReplyDeleteI think there's nothing wrong with your style right now, Kim! I think you always look appropriate for your lifestyle AND put together at the same time! It bothers me so much when SAHM bloggers wear tight pencil skirts and heels every day...how can you play with your kiddos and be comfortable in an outfit like that?! Pet peeve... PLUS, to be honest, I'd much rather read a simple style blog (it's more accessible and relatable for me!) than a high-end fashion blog with crazy pattern mixing and ridiculously expensive clothing items. That's just not who I am or what my lifestyle is about, so I pass on those big ones :) Keep on keeping on, Kim, but if you want to be a little more adventurous, give it a shot! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Brynn! That's exactly what I want my blog/style to be: accessible, realistic, and relatable to others with a similar lifestyle to mine, but also cute and put-together. I know I have a lot of work to do, but I finally feel like I'm in a pretty good spot right now due to all the positive comments!
ReplyDeleteStyle shouldn't be about being trendy. You're doing it right. :) Love the patterned top and boots in this outfit!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! It means a lot to me to hear that I'm hitting my mark with my style. :) (Sorry I took so long to respond!)
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