Personal style journey and updates - Episode 43
Over the past few months, I’ve been on a journey to rediscover my personal style. I found myself in a bit of a style rut—wearing the same outfits on repeat and feeling uninspired every time I got dressed.
So, I decided to take a more intentional approach to curating my wardrobe. If you’ve been feeling the same way, I hope my process helps you refresh your closet and define your personal style.
Create & consume
What Austen is creating this week: new blog post with 6 upstate towns for an NYC weekend getaway
What Austen is consuming this week: This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub
I also wanted to mention I have created a team for Purple Stride NYC in honor of my father-in-law Mark. You can join my team or donate here.
How I Got Out of My Style Rut
To reset my wardrobe, I followed a four-step process that helped me clear out the clutter, find inspiration, and shop with more confidence.
1. Closet declutter & clear out
The first step was going through my closet and getting rid of anything that didn’t fit, didn’t suit my current lifestyle, or just didn’t make me feel good. The goal was to make space for items I truly love and reach for often.
2. Pinterest board curation
Next, I spent some time curating Pinterest boards of outfits I liked. I saved everything that caught my eye without overthinking it. Then, I went back and identified common themes—specific pieces, outfit combinations, and aesthetics that stood out to me.
3. Color analysis
I also booked a color analysis session with my friend Sarah to figure out what shades complement my skin tone best. Learning about my color season helped me shop more intentionally.
4. Shopping with intention
Once I had a clearer vision of my style, I started shopping for key pieces to fill gaps in my wardrobe. I focused on versatile basics and trendy accents that reflect my personal aesthetic.
What I’ve bought lately
Now that I have a better grasp on my style, I’ve been slowly adding pieces to my wardrobe that align with my refreshed aesthetic. Here’s what I’ve picked up so far:
White cropped sweatshirt – A simple but essential layering piece.
Sleek burgundy/brown boots – Perfect for fall and winter, plus they add a rich pop of color to my outfits.
Tall socks for Uggs – A must for cozy, cold-weather styling.
Plain white tees – H&M unexpectedly has some of my favorites!
Baseball caps in more colors – A casual staple I wear all the time.
Amazon sunglasses – A budget-friendly way to switch up my accessories.
Upgraded belts – The perfect finishing touch for simple outfits.
Leopard ballet flats – A fun, trendy addition that still feels timeless.
Brown aviator jacket – Adds a cool, slightly edgy vibe to any look.
Sheer fleece-lined tights – Ideal for layering in colder months.
What I’m still on the hunt for
While I’ve made great progress, there are still a few items on my wishlist:
Chunky cropped knit sweater – I want a cozy, versatile knit that pairs well with high-waisted jeans.
Raw hem denim – A little distressing adds the perfect casual touch.
Slingback kitten heels – Chic but comfortable for everyday wear.
Pleated mini skirt – A great layering piece for different seasons.
Pointy mules – Something sleek and easy to slip on.
Oversized scarves in brown, gray, or red – For layering in cooler months.
Black silk midi skirt – A classic, versatile piece that can be dressed up or down.
Sweater dress with slit – Cozy but elevated for winter dressing.
Basics with interesting details – Like a white long-sleeve top with unique textures or patterns.
Winter wishlist: Next season, I’ll be looking for an oversized bomber jacket, a long black coat, a cropped shacket, and a cropped puffer vest.
How I’m defining my personal style
Now that I’ve refined my wardrobe, I wanted to find some words to describe my style that I can keep in mind as I continue to shop in the future. I asked ChatGPT to describe my style in 3 words after giving it a link to my Instagram.
Chic – I love polished, put-together outfits with elevated staples.
Feminine – Tailored silhouettes, elegant details, and soft, timeless pieces are my go-to.
Trendy – I incorporate trends in a way that feels natural and wearable for me.
I would also mention some secondary adjectives as well:
Comfortable – If I don’t feel good in it, I won’t wear it!
Streetwear inspired – I recently added Nike sneakers to my wardrobe, and I love mixing sporty elements with more polished pieces.
Summary
This process has helped me feel more confident in my style and intentional with my purchases. If you’re in a style rut, I highly recommend decluttering, finding inspiration, and shopping with a clear vision in mind!
What’s one piece you’ve added to your wardrobe recently that you love? Let me know in the comments!
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