Wardrobe Sweet Spot

Lately, and perhaps for the first time in my life, I’ve found myself feeling at home in my style. Using “at home” to describe style is perhaps a little strange, so to put it another way: most days now, I head out the door feeling pulled together, but comfortable, unfussy, and – most importantly – like myself.

Obviously, I’d love for it to stay this way, so I put some thought into trying to figure out how this may have happened. Here’s are a few things I’ve been putting into practice that I think may have helped lead me to finding my wardrobe “sweet spot”:

1. I’ve learned to stop trying to box in my style. This is going to sound silly but, for a long time, because I wanted my style to be “classic”, I dictated my purchases based on what I thought that meant I should have in my wardrobe. Among the staples for a classic wardrobe, of course, are a trench coat and white jeans. For years, I searched long and hard try to find renditions of both that I felt good in and flattered my body, but everything kept falling short. Once I became honest with myself and realized that I don’t actually like either of these garments all that much, I stopped looking. I can definitely say that it’s been refreshing to simply wear what I like instead of what I feel like I should wear to “fit” into a style, to say the least!

2. I’ve learned to make a good haircut a priority. This one may have made the biggest difference because it’s been the simplest way to elevate a look! For the last several years, I held on to my long hair because it took so long to grow out and I didn’t want to chop it off. However, it was pretty limp and felt kind of like a big mop on my head that I couldn’t control, and I never liked how heavy it felt. Ever since I got my hair cut short and found a way to style it in five minutes flat (tutorial eventually, I promise…), it’s been a quick and easy way to add some interest and personality into what I’m wearing everyday. I get my hair cut by Roberto Sousa, who I now trust completely!

3. I’ve learned to invest in pieces I really love. I’ve had enough cases of buyer’s remorse in my life to know that if I don’t absolutely love what I’m considering, I’m much better off not adding it into my wardrobe at all. This mentality has made me the pickiest I’ve ever been – I don’t shop much these days, but when I do I probably end up purchasing maybe 5% of what I try on. Most of my additions are carefully considered and get worn on heavy rotation. Perhaps the best example of this in the last year is my A.P.C bag, which is used almost every single day and makes me feel put together no matter what I’m wearing, even if it’s just my white t-shirt, high-waisted jeans, and leather sneakers.

4. I’ve learned to dress for comfort. Ever since we moved into the heart of the city, I’ve been walking a lot more. I have to choose my footwear wisely each day depending on how much I’ll be on my feet, so I now build my outfits around my shoes. A byproduct of this is that I now get to be super comfortable in my clothing, and I believe that this feeling has allowed me to feel more like myself in my style.130

I’m sorry I’ve been a little quiet here lately… I just started a new job last month and have been trying to balance that with exercise, cooking, husband, friend and family time, which hasn’t left much margin to document my style! I’d love to hear any tips you have on getting as much done as possible – I feel like there’s so much more I’d like to do but don’t want to give up anything that I’m currently doing. I really don’t like the glorification of busyness, but I do wish there were more hours in the day!

Top | Modern Citizen
Pants | Aritzia
Slides | Everlane (also really love the bone colour!)
Bag | A.P.C
Sunglasses | Celine

Photos by Brian Chan