{J.Crew Factory shirt, Banana Republic sweater, Old Navy Rockstar jeans, Gap jacket + snood (similar), H&M flats (similar), Juicy Couture necklace, INPINK bracelets + ring c/o, Asos spike bracelet, 3.1 Phillip Lim pashli satchel}
“The most stylish people I know have spent lifetimes searching for what complements their body shape, their professional and personal lifestyle, local climate and how much they can reasonably budget for this pursuit. Let me stress that this is not about how much money they have, but how attuned they are to their reality. It’s an almost zen-like sense of self-awareness. It stands to reason that if you only fill your closet with what works then just grabbing things from that closet will be a million times easier…hence the perception of effortless.”- The Myth of Effortless Chic, The Sartorialist‘s Closer
A couple weeks ago Juley shared this quote from Scott Schuman’s latest book, The Sartorialist: Closer. His words really struck a chord with me and got me thinking about my closet and style. Over the years I’ve experienced with different trends, cuts, and styles, and I can say I have never been more self aware of what I buy and what I wear then I am today. Through trial and error and throughout the years I’ve studied my style, my closet, and what looks best on me for my lifestyle (reason number 1 why I’ve created Shop My Closet). My closet may be the smallest it’s ever been, but I can truly say, I wear and love almost all of the pieces in it. And I’m happy to say, this Banana Republic sweater has been with me for almost five years and the cable knit snood and military jacket are going on three! Some items you love and stick with you and some don’t. Take note and fill your closet with those that make it easy to get dressed everyday, that have a special meaning, that speak to you, or that you’ll wear forever. Putting on something you love makes getting dressed easy. To me this is effortless style.
Would love to hear your thoughts.
I have to agree with this thought of “effortless style.” My style has changed so much over the years…some looks I cringe and think “why?” and others I think of fondly and want to replicate over and over. It’s very much trial and error and learning what works for your body type. While I love the way certain items look on others (bloggers), I know they won’t work for me (and just wish it did!). I used to force things on myself because I liked the item, I liked how it look on someone else or I thought it was such a deal, I’ll make it work. I’ve learned to stop that as I’ve gotten older.
Effortless style to me really is a showcase of pieces that work with your body, style and “owning it” when you wear things. I too own many pieces that have been there for several years but I keep loving it and I have never thought “why do I still have this?”
Filtering is key in this and it’s definitely been a learning curve (and still is for me).
xo,
nancy
i so agree! not only because i move and travel so much has my closet gotten smaller, but there was a time i got rid of god knows how many pairs of jeans and now i only wear my favorite pair. i think you’re right about that being part of effortless–how can you not be when everything you love is right in front of you?
+ love your snood! where did you get it?
Thanks for sharing! The snood is from Gap a couple years ago
I’m wearing the jcrew plaid today too! And could NOT agree more. I’ve been working on cleaning out things I never wear to replace them with more classic pieces.
That tartan print will be with you for years as well
Love it so much!
What a great quote! It’s definitely something to keep in mind when I shop. I agree that by now I know my body well enough to just look at an item of clothing and know whether it’ll be flattering or not. I really, really need to clean out my closet and you are inspiring to do so! (It’s going to be such a huge undertaking though that I really am almost dreading it…at least I’ve got 5 days off over the Christmas holidays, so hopefully I get around to tackling it then!) And, I love when I find things in my closet that I STILL wear and love. (Think I have to finally let go of my “skinny” clothes though…sadly. haha)
I agree with the “effortless style” idea… Since I started working from home as a freelance translator I am trying to buy things that for my current lifestyle & not the office life I used to have… I want to have clothes that I can wear everyday, feel good in them & comfortable… For me this means less high heels & more flats even though sometimes I slip & give in to a pair of fabulous heels even though I know that I won’t wear them as much as I would want…
I really liked your outfit once more, especially your white snood & silver flats…
xo, Violeta
http://www.shoegaloutintheworld.com/
I love all the layers! The plaid button up is amazing, I love plaid and I love that scarf! You look so cute!
XO,
Rachel Ashley
http://fashionablyliving.com
That is some great advice. I have become so incredibly picky about what I buy and have tried to get rid of anything that doesn’t accommodate my lifestyle and it makes it easier to pick out what I’m wearing each day. Although there are a few staples that I’m missing, but I’ll get there little by little. I think the best buys are the things you keep and wear consistently for years… like your snood, sweater and jacket…which I LOVE btw!!
It’s taken me a really long time to get to the point of understanding what actually works for me and my style, personality, lifestyle and body. But I think it’s an important thing to realize for anyone- it makes you feel so much more confident about yourself. I’ve just found your blog and immediately started following you on Bloglovin’. I love it- your style, the design, your writing. I have no doubt it’s going to become one of my favorites.
just discovered you blog and I love it! I’m your newest follower — hope you can check me out as well! xo
http://allthingsprettyandlittle.blogspot.com/
I totally agree! I’ve recently been going through a huge closet overhaul – which has resulted in my closet being half the size it was when I started. Honestly, having less makes it so much easier to get dressed, especially when I love all the pieces AND they flatter my shape.
Thank you for inspiring me even more!
xo
CK
http://loveyourclothesloveyourself.com
Definitely effortless! Perfectly layered as always….love it all!
So loving this look!