Stripes and Polka Dots

stripes and polka dots

going wild with my pattern mixing here

What with stripes and polka dots, and leopard print sunnies… Actually, it doesn’t look that bad, does it? Or even particularly wild, for that matter?

Anyway, it’s late summer, and I’m beginning to feel that I’ve featured all my summer clothes so many times that even I’m bored with them.

Of course, there are some quite a few summer clothes in my wardrobe that haven’t seen the light of day at all this summer. But they were featured extensively last summer. Or the summer before that. Besides, I just wasn’t in the mood for them, even outside the blog.

pattern mixing over 50

So yes, I have a lot of unworn clothes in my closet. Doesn’t everyone? Wouldn’t it make sense to get rid of them, then?

Well, yes and no. Some clothes are clearly one-season hits and should be donated to charity when you get tired of them. I try not to have too many of these. You know, fast fashion is waste of money, bad for the environment etc.

But then there are clothes that are ‘classics’ (summer dresses), or designer finds. And no, I’m not getting rid of those, even if I’m not wearing them at the moment. Because I know that when it comes to clothes, my preferences come and go.

I mean, I always have my ‘favourite-of-the-moment‘.  And I know from experience that I may ‘rediscover’ hidden gems in my own closet: something I haven’t worn for ages suddenly feels new and fresh again. So yes, I keep some (at the moment) unworn clothes hanging in my closet, waiting to be rediscovered one day.

how to wear palazzo pants over 40

summer pattern mixing

This summer I’ve been all about the basics: loose trousers, t-shirts, anything simple and uncomplicated.  And kaftan dresses (because of the prolonged heatwave).  What will it be next summer? Well, who knows.

Style is constant, for sure, in the sense that you may have your own, recognisable signature style. But style is also cyclical: what goes around, comes around. Not just when it comes to trends, as far as personal preferences are concerned, too. You may revisit some old, long ago abandoned favourites (or momentary whims) from time time, and then move on to something completely new, only to come back to the tried and tested yet again.

My point is, quality never goes out of style. So hang on to those ‘special’ items: the fabulous designer dress, the exquisitely pretty handbag, or the heirloom necklace. You may not feel inspired by them today, but one day they may be just what you need.

And in the meantime, there’s nothing wrong with wearing the good old basics again and again. After all, that’s why they’re called basics: they’re the foundation of your style, something to build on by adding accessories and your personal styling. Besides, with the ever-changing trends and constant barrage of all things ‘new’, we all need to hit pause and get back to basics every once in a while. In a way, the basics in your wardrobe are the reset mode: the clean slate you need to start creating a new look.

summer chic over 50

Outfit details:

linen t-shirt: Esprit / trousers: Zara : bag: Furla /

sunglasses: Dolce and Gabbana (old) / shoes: Jenny

location: Lonna (island), Helsinki

How do you feel about wearing the basics?

Tiina

Linking up with:

Not Dead Yet StyleElegantly Dressed and StylishHigh Latitude StyleThe Pleated PoppyStyle ElixirA Labour of LifeDoused in PinkCurly Crafty MomFashion Should Be FunRachel the HatSincerely Jenna MarieMore Pieces of MeColor and GraceThe Wardrobe StylistNot Dressed As LambStyle NudgeCoco et La Vie en Rose,  Living on Cloud NineA Well Styled LifeElegance and MommyhoodPosh Classy MomNancy’s Fashion StyleShelbee on the Edge Over 50 Feeling 40 A Pocketful of Polka Dots Style SplashThe Fashionista MommaTina’s Pink FridayFake FabulousLazy daisy JonesVanity and MeSheela WritesJodie’s Touch of StyleGlass of GlamMummabstylish

18 Comments

  1. Ivana Split
    25 August 2018 / 8:46 pm

    love how you matches stripes and polka dots. You look lovely.

    • Tiina L
      28 August 2018 / 2:10 pm

      Thank you!

  2. Nancy's Fashion Style
    26 August 2018 / 8:46 am

    Ha fantastic look! I wore the opposite last week on the blog in black and white!

    • Tiina L
      28 August 2018 / 2:11 pm

      Thanks! Yes, I saw your post, it was a cute outfit.

  3. No Fear of Fashion
    26 August 2018 / 5:37 pm

    I think you did a wonderful job. It looks classy and at easy. Love the stripes with the polka dots. Funny that I am featuring a polka dot dress on my blog. Nothing as wildly combined as you do.And those earrings!! Love them, they lift the outfit to another (higher) level.Greetje

    • Tiina L
      28 August 2018 / 2:14 pm

      Ah, polka dots seem to be having a moment… Or maybe we bloggers have all been subliminally brainwashed to think it's the pattern of the moment, I certainly seem to be seeing polka dots everywhere these days. Thanks, Greetje!

  4. passion fruit, paws and peonies
    27 August 2018 / 7:26 am

    I agree, quality pieces are usually worth the investment. I'm wearing Autumn clothes already – the temperatures have dropped here in England. I love your casual and chic outfit Tiina. Perfect for days by the sea xx Maria

    • Tiina L
      28 August 2018 / 2:16 pm

      Thanks, Maria.Well, it's still warm. Normal-warm, not over-the-top warm, so I'll keep wearing something more or less summery for as long as possible. It's a long time before next summer, and 'fear of winter' is settling in…

  5. Jill James
    28 August 2018 / 9:19 am

    I do like your stripes and spots, perfect for a Summer day by the sea. I feel the same way about my clothing staples , they work hard and never let me down. I agree with you on keeping things , the next season you may enjoy wearing it all over again .

    • Tiina L
      28 August 2018 / 2:18 pm

      Thanks, Jill. A case in point: a have a bag that I didn't use for a few years and almost got rid of. I'm glad I didn't as it's on trend and perfect for now.

  6. Jessica Jannenga
    28 August 2018 / 5:42 pm

    The rich red is a great color on you, love it in your shirt and lipstick! The pants look breezy and love the mix with the polka dots.. but I am eyeing your bag. I am in the market for a red structured bag.. still looking! thanks for linking!jess xxwww.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

    • Tiina L
      31 August 2018 / 1:03 pm

      Thanks, Jessica. Every woman needs a red bag. Or two…

  7. Mica T
    28 August 2018 / 8:22 pm

    Love your print mixing! I really like your print mixing!It's a great point too about unworn items _ i tend to change up what I wear a little each season. Last summer it was shorts, the summer before it was maxi skirts, it definitely changes what I wear so I don't get rid of things for not being worn, unless they were unworn because I didn't like them! I have a few pieces that aren't kid friendly that I keep year after year as I'll enjoy them once the boys are a bit bigger, haha!I hope that your week has been going well so far :)Away From The Blue Blog

    • Tiina L
      31 August 2018 / 1:05 pm

      Thanks! Yes, what we like varies, depending on our circumstances, activities, mood etc. And something that just doesn't feel right at the moment could be just what you're looking for in a year or two.

  8. Nicole Mölders
    31 August 2018 / 3:27 am

    You look stunning!

    • Tiina L
      31 August 2018 / 1:06 pm

      Thanks, Nicole!

  9. Shelly @ The Queen in Between
    1 September 2018 / 1:23 pm

    Love this perspective on cyclical style! So true and I have pieces that have been around forever….some years I wear them like crazy and other years they hang unworn. Thanks for linking up with The Blended Blog! Shelly | The Queen in Between

    • Tiina L
      3 September 2018 / 11:23 am

      Thanks, Shelly!

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