Earlier this year, I took the opportunity to evaluate my (admittedly overflowing) wardrobe and make some decisive edits. I realised I hadn't done a deeper audit of things in quite a long time, so not only was my closet in need of a healthy reshuffle to make everything finally fit on the hanger again, but my style has notably pivoted over the past year towards a more elegant and classic look and many of my older clothing items just no longer feel like the things I want to wear.
I'm guilty of trying a lot of different trends and, during the height of the Y2K redux, I tried dozens of things that feel overly-trendy when I look at them now. It turns out that I was holding onto plenty of items like baggy cargo pants and colourful plastic jewellery that I thought I'd get wear out of but never really did. At the end of the day, I've always preferred more timeless styles to trendier ones, so I'm taking it as a lesson to be pickier when trying new styles. Below, I'm discussing below several of the swaps I've made to move my wardrobe and personal style in a more elegant and less trend-driven direction that will (hopefully) withstand the test of time.
The Elegant Fashion Items I'm Choosing Over "Trendy" Pieces
1. Pausing: Crop Tops
Keeping: Classic Bustiers
Style Notes: The first items I removed during my recent cleanout were crop tops with bright colours and kitschy prints. While they were fun to wear in the moment, I look at them now and they immediately remind me of a very specific era of my life, a surefire sign that they're anything but timeless. Instead, I held onto a few bustier tops I had that were on the simpler and more refined end of the scale.
Shop Bustiers:
So easy to dress up or down.
This two-tone style has caught my eye.
Wear with jeans, shorts or a poplin skirt.
2. Pausing: Tall Platforms
Keeping: Sleek Slingbacks
Style Notes: Speaking of trends I was only convincing myself I liked, I admit that platform heels are one item that's never been very "me." When everyone and their mother seemed to be wearing a pair, I simply couldn't help myself from doing the same. Now, though, I'm focusing on slingback pumps that recall the sleek and simple style of the '90s.
Shop Slingbacks:
The beige pair will go with everything.
So sleek.
The perfect summer event shoe.
3. Pausing: Baggy Cargo Trousers
Keeping: Column Skirts
Style Notes: Cargo trousers are one of those cool items that you either pull off flawlessly or not at all (take a wild guess at which category I fell into). Yep, I tried to love them but ultimately could never shake the feeling that the pants were wearing me and not the other way around. One trend that suits me especially well, however, is the column skirt. When I'm not feeling jeans, I always reach for a tailored maxi skirt for a dose of polish.
Shop Column Skirts:
I'd style mine exactly like this.
This chocolate brown hue is calling me.
Simple, but so very effective.
4. Pausing: Printed Mesh Pieces
Keeping: Lace-Trim Pieces
Style Notes: Vintage Jean Paul Gautier and Cop Copine tops are still in high demand on the resale market, but being print-averse, I've accepted that the style just isn't for me. In place of them, I'm interested in lace-trim pieces to wear going out on the weekends.
Shop Lace Pieces:
Simply throw over a leather jacket or a boxy blazer once the temperature drops.
This is selling fast.
How sweet are these?
5. Pausing: Colorful Plastic Jewellery
Keeping: Sculptural Statement Pieces
Style Notes: My jewellery box was overflowing with colourful plastic rings and quirky beaded necklaces just a few years ago, but one glance at it now and you'll notice it's a sea of gold and metal in organic shapes.
Shop Sculptural Jewellery:
This will elevate any outfit.
Pendant necklaces are a huge deal this summer.
These also come in a silver finish.
6. Pausing: Bright Mini Bags
Keeping: Glossy Leather Bags
Style Notes: Silly little mini bags have their place, but after years of not having enough space for my keys, phone and make up, I'm willing to put them in retirement in favour of roomier styles. In premium leather, a big tote will serve you well for years to come and actually carry all your stuff when fashion meets function, hey!
Shop Leather Bags:
This is at the top of my luxury wishlist.
This is a bestseller for good reason.
You'll reach for this no matter the season.
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