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.
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.
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.
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 Style, Elegantly Dressed and Stylish, High Latitude Style, The Pleated Poppy, Style Elixir, A Labour of Life, Doused in Pink, Curly Crafty Mom, Fashion Should Be Fun, Rachel the Hat, Sincerely Jenna Marie, More Pieces of Me, Color and Grace, The Wardrobe Stylist, Not Dressed As Lamb, Style Nudge, Coco et La Vie en Rose, Living on Cloud Nine, A Well Styled Life, Elegance and Mommyhood. Posh Classy Mom, Nancy’s Fashion Style, Shelbee on the Edge Over 50 Feeling 40 A Pocketful of Polka Dots Style Splash, The Fashionista Momma, Tina’s Pink Friday, Fake Fabulous. Lazy daisy Jones, Vanity and Me, Sheela Writes, Jodie’s Touch of Style, Glass of Glam, Mummabstylish
love how you matches stripes and polka dots. You look lovely.
Thank you!
Ha fantastic look! I wore the opposite last week on the blog in black and white!
Thanks! Yes, I saw your post, it was a cute outfit.
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
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!
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
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…
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 .
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.
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
Thanks, Jessica. Every woman needs a red bag. Or two…
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
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.
You look stunning!
Thanks, Nicole!
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
Thanks, Shelly!