As I look back on the last year I can tell you I struggled with style in 2023 on a few fronts. I struggled with the new trends of silhouette and shape and how that fit into my body type, I struggled with what retailers to shop at or even what I actually wanted or needed to buy. 2023 style felt discombobulated to me; it seemed like everywhere I looked my current style wasn’t up to date but everyone else was dealing with the new trends effortlessly. With TikTok and Reels moving so quickly, it felt like we were bombarded with so many different looks, trends and ideas that it became hard to parse it all out with our own closets that we’ve spent years curating. I can see that as I review my outfits of 2023, my hesitancy to embrace certain styles and trends. But I think now I have a good grip on where style — or at least my own — is going this year. I will admit that last year was a hard year for me style-wise, so if you felt a bit meh towards me / my style — I did too. It’s actually a funk I’m trying to get out of with my monthly style challenge. But I’m already feeling sparks of inspiration and so I know I’ll be able to navigate whatever trends this year brings. Unless it’s top knots and peplums and then at that point I feel like I should bow out of the business. I covered those lessons in chapters 2012-2013 and there is no need to repeat the curriculum.
I went through month by month and found my favorite looks for each season! See my favorite outfits + the corresponding posts below:
Winter
This is one of my favorite outfits of last winter. It went wild over on Pinterest, too! These were some jeans I had rented from Nuuly and I’m actually kicking myself for not keeping them. They fit so perfectly but alas.
I loved this outfit so much. It’s funny when I look back on January I remember feeling so … off and uninspired. But I’m loving these outfits I created! This is another Nuuly rental pair of pants and I’m again kicking myself that I didn’t keep them. Not me opening another Nuuly account so I can find these to buy them…
This was that viral Zara sweater which I think turned into a viral Amazon dupe sweater which is WILD to think about a dupe of a dupe. I’ve since sold this sweater but I do love this outfit.
Another item I sold in the pre-loved shop but I still love the outfit. I just knew I wouldn’t reach for this dress more than the one I wore the other day because it was just a bit short on me. But I love a dark denim for winter and mixing it with black? *chef’s kiss*
Another Nuuly rental! Wow I am literally talking myself into re-activating my account right now. I loved this Free People hooded jacket, again should’ve would’ve could’ve kept it but I sent it back. I love a big loose jacket and this one was perfect. I love a gym to street look and this is an adorable look. I don’t know if I would crop top it right now, but it’s such a cute look.
Oh hey chambray! Ok but what I really like about this look are these Charlotte Stone mules I need to figure out how to wear more this spring. It’s on the to-do list and if I can’t figure it out…to the pre-loved shop they go 😉
This was one of the reader favorite’s last February! And I 100% agree. This polka dot shirt gives pajamas meets Betty Draper. I do think I should have done a shorter heel so my jeans hit the floor more, but hindsight is 2024 😉
Spring
I love the harsh bun and the serious sunglasses with this super sweet eyelet dress. I’m hoping I didn’t sell this dress because I’d like to bust this out this spring.
This Anthro dress is just gorgeous — I think I had just finished the second season of Bridgerton and it was on my mind. Also — another Nuuly piece! My work here is done (AKA I’ve reactivated my Nuuly account lol)
Activewear dress: 10/10. I especially love them for spring / summer.
Gorgeous crochet dress and I think one of the best sellers from May, if I can remember! I also just want to point out the versatility of the oversized denim jacket — what a champion.
I love this floral blouse and it really spurred something in me this year to start bringing in more color. I loved the retro vibes of this whole look from Florida.
See? More Color! It wasn’t a huge theme throughout 2023 but I definitely feel like it is getting me out of my black / white mode.
If you haven’t noticed it yet, you’ll see a theme of ‘white dress’ throughout 2023. Dresses in general were a huge thing for me last year as I went up a few sizes and dresses were the nicest way to get dressed last summer.
Summer
Still can’t believe this dress was from Target! What a fun find for the summer.
I told you I was into exercise dresses last year…
I loved this flowy tank from Anthropologie — this was a top I wore over and over again in real life. I think it was in my July capsule too! A favorite for sure.
Probably my last purchase from H&M for a while, but a favorite for sure. A gauzy white dress perfect for summer.
This was a look from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, or the hottest time of the year when the warmest clothing possible is on sale. Although I’ll rock a blazer year round, no questions asked.
White dress number 4, if you are keeping count on this countdown. I love a quirky take on a classic and the bubble hem can come back around any time.
This dress was one of my better Amazon finds of 2022 and it’s still a nice fit in 2023 and beyond.
Would you believe me if I told you I’ve not been able to find these exact jeans in months? Please someone help me. What’s the equivalent of someone setting up a go fund me but for losing things in your own home? I’ve got it! Come Find Me, a new service where someone who isn’t a garbage person helps you in your own giant mess. But for real — where are these jeans because I’d like to wear them. I’m also missing one ugg. Just one.
Oh I LOVED this look with the ballet flats. Ballet-core was such a quick lived trend – but I’m bringing it back this year, some way, somehow.
Ah the faux leather shorts I stand behind forever. I’m just trying to figure out if tights will work with them for this winter…only time will tell.
This is a reminder that I still can’t find these jeans.
No notes, all vibes.
The ol’ sweater over the dress trick…works every time, my fiends. Also I love this sweater, such a versatile piece I’ve found.
This is one of my favorite looks of the year. So classic, so very J.Crew. It’s probably all on sale now too, lol.
Another J.Crew Classic that I would repeat tomorrow…and maybe I will.
Turned 39 this year, so that’s pretty cool.
This outfit was a reader favorite for sure! I loved it to — give me a pop of color any day.
I will conquer these shoes this winter. I think they are just so cool, no?
I really embraced neutrals this year but I love this outfit so much. This coat is canon for me, a keeper for so many years to come, it’s just the most classic look. I just love it all.
The faux fur vest returns and we launched a little collection on shop kendi!
The launch of a small collection on Shop Kendi! Such a fun shoot and this look reminds me that I really like feminine pieces and these jeans! These jeans have saved me this fall — so flattering and comfy.
Which look was your favorite? What are you looking forward to seeing this year? Color? Neutrals? Trends or Classics? I’m excited to tackle it all. Thanks for sticking around this year. I can’t wait to see where style takes us this year and where we take our style. 🙂
2 Responses
I resonate so much with your opening paragraph. I also have struggled this year with my style. Here’s my take:
1. as we get older and see styles repeat themselves, most are an Ehh, no thanks the second around.
2. I think that much of the trend this year was to make women’s styles much more masculine. Certain masculine styles always look great on women. But taken too far I think most of us look fraudulent. I think most women love and appreciate and look best in timeless, feminine style and want to flatter their body. Note: not girly, just feminine. I Promise in 2 years the styles will have shifted off of baggy and shapeless trench coats, puddle jeans and adidas sambas. Long live floral prints, eyelet, stripes, and dresses with a waistline!!
Please keep doing classic, SOPHISTICATED, and sporty Kendi. We love it!!!
So nice collections I like it lot of outfits.