How to Style is back! I get so jazzed about this series you guys! And while I’ve already styled a few things thus far (a cozy turtleneck, red lace pants and joggers) I never really delved into why I love this series so much.
The internet can be a pretty overwhelming place when it comes to fashion and style. Don’t get me wrong, I love to be inspired. I’m the girl that saved all of her J.Crew catalogs and ripped out pages from magazines to put up on my wall. I pin, heart, like and snap pictures of ideas and outfits that speak to me and actually reference them later. But, for me at least, it’s also so easy to get caught in the trap of scrolling through Instagram or browsing retailers’ new arrivals and ultimately feeling like I need all of the things.
The reality is, I often don’t need anything and the more I can use and wear something, the better I feel. So here’s what I’m navigating right now: shifting my perspective to focus on inspiration as a resource versus feeling a need to buy what inspires me. A big part of that is cultivating an abundance mindset. My friend Chloe taught me to repeat “I am enough, I have enough” over and over in my head – it applies to life, decisions, doubts and even clothes! And let me tell you, it helps. A lot.
My goal in this series is never to make you feel like you need something that I’m wearing. Instead, I hope to show you multiple ways of styling the same item, so you can go back to your own wardrobe with a fresh eye and feel inspired to create more looks with something you already have, too! Remember: it doesn’t have to be the same item!
A fun little tangent: I worked in retail (at J.Crew, naturally) all throughout college! Truly, my favorite part about being a sales associate was working 1:1 with my clients to help them style items they truly loved in ways they never expected! These days, I’m my own client, but I still enjoy shopping my closet to find new and fresh ways to wear things.
This week I’m focusing on a faux leather mini skirt (old, similar here). I have to admit, I used to think I wasn’t a leather skirt person. Jacket? Definitely. Skirt? Mehhh. The truth is, I just hadn’t found the right leather skirt! After much trial and error (and many months of searching) I found one that I love: a black pleated mini. I’ve tried plain minis, pencil skirts, midis and always come back to this one. For me, the not-too-mini length feels modern while the pleated accent adds a sophisticated touch – and makes the less expensive faux leather look much nicer! My advice: the key to making leather look and feel good is finding a silhouette and style that works best for YOU!
The other key to styling a leather skirt? Don’t overthink the leather: treat it like any other skirt! I find that my mini is incredibly versatile – it can be dressed up or down and worn so many ways!
And now, the looks!
THE FREAKIN’ WEEKEND
graphic tee, sweater, sneakers, tote (old, similar)
This Anine Bing T-shirt is a favorite of mine. It was definitely pricey for what it is, but the quality is great and I wear it all of the time. I paired it with my ultimate favorite sustainable sweater, sneakers and go-everywhere tote!
AT THE OFFICE
button down (℅), jacket (old, similar), headband (old, similar), earrings (℅), slingbacks
Leather for the office? Absolutely. When styled well, leather can totally be 9-to-5 appropriate! The key is sticking to a neutral color palette and classic, conservative silhouettes. You can never go wrong with a crisp white button down – I paired mine tweed jacket, pearl hoops and a headband for a Blair Waldorf meets the office vibe.
DATE NIGHT
cami (old, similar), blazer, strappy heels (old, similar), bag (℅)
My go-to date night formula = cami, blazer + heels. I typically opt for denim, but love changing it up with a skirt! I paired a sexier lace cami and strappy sandals with ladylike tweed and a bow bag to make the look a little less sultry and a little more chic 😉
GIRLS NIGHT
turtleneck sweater, OTK boots (old, similar), hoops and colorful accessories (lipstick, bag)
Y’all know my motto – when in doubt, go monochromatic! I love how the turtleneck is more conservative, but is instantly glam when paired with a shorter hemline and taller boots! I made this look more fun by adding big hoops and red accessories (the lipstick is called Girl’s Night).
Now tell me, which look is your favorite and what are you planning on re-creating?
Every look here is iconic, and I LOVE it. I love your purpose behind this, Nora! It is definitely something I try to do in my own closet, but need to be better at. You are totally spot on that in your notion that there is a lot of potential in your closet!! 🙂
xx Libby
https://premedwearspearls.blogspot.com/
Oh my gosh ain’t that the truth! Thank you so much for this, Libby. It’s something I am working on too and will continue to share!