My wardrobe heavy-hitters aren't what I expected

What I learned from last year's favorite outfits

At the end of last year, I compiled pictures of my favorite outfits from 2024. This was meant to streamline my process so I could visualize proven looks anytime I felt uninspired.

But the results were so much more eye-opening than I'd expected:

Nearly every look fit neatly into one of several prominent themes; there were hardly any outliers. Of course, I'd been aware of how much my style has evolved over the years, but I hadn't realized just how consistent and intentional I'd become in how I dress. And that’s not to say I never switch things up. I do! But interestingly enough, those weren’t the looks I liked the most.

Some themes:

1. I live for a button-down shirt —usually blue or white. I once thought they felt too businesslike or formal, but now I wear them intentionally oversized, with the sleeves casually rolled up and the buttons undone in various ways. I like how they look tucked into high-waisted pants or open over a fitted tank.

2. My old blog looks were bursting with colors—neon green beanies, every shade of pink imaginable, and several pairs of bright red pants. But now I feel much more myself in toned-down neutrals, opting for a subtle pop of color with my accessories rather than dominating the entire look.

3. Nothing makes me feel like an outfit is complete than finishing it with great accessories. I gravitated towards colorful lenses for glasses, though I always return to my tried-and-true black pair. Jewelry forever plays a meaningful role, and I’m never without several rings, a stack of bracelets, multiple earrings, and a tangle of necklaces. Belts made a considerable return for me this past year - they’re like jewelry for your clothes - and I invested in my first one in over a decade (a thin Celine while in Italy).

4. Proportions had never played much of a role in how I dress, but they’re one of the things that made the most significant difference. I used only to wear fitted clothes and wasn’t open to going up a size. But a drapey chambray over silk track pants or a voluminous button-down tucked into oversized trousers gives a sort of undone, effortless vibe that translates to cool style.

5. My favorite looks (minus two with air-dried hair) featured a sleek blowout. I thought I had worn my hair up in a sleek bun or undone pony with some regularity, so I found it interesting that wasn’t the case.

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My 2024 heavy hitters:

Tennis necklace, barrel jeans, chambray, sunglasses, blue button-up, white t-shirt, woven ballet flats, sparkly gold studs, wide-leg trousers.

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Random things I’m searching for: