While I’m not above a fun statement piece (this printed denim jacket for instance), I’m much more focused on building my “forever wardrobe” these days. And a little white dress is an absolute staple piece to me for summer. I already have a slightly fitted, sleeveless lace white dress that I love – but I’ve been looking for a cleaner, more structured version for awhile now and finally found it. This exact dress is sold-out now, but this one is a dead ringer at a great price.
As long as I don’t stain it – because in full disclosure I ate french fries after we took these pictures and was fairly nervous the entire time – I’ll be wearing and loving this little number for years to come. It’s a blank canvas and could be worn simply for a weekend day date or dressed up for a special occasion.
Below – a few more of my favorites little white dresses – from lightweight linen to structured denim to romantic lace.
I talked about it a bit on Instagram, but I really haven’t done much shopping this Summer. Blame it on shifting all of my wardrobe budget to home goods for the new apartment instead. But the few pieces that I have bought I’ve absolutely loved. And isn’t that how it should be?
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This classic white shirtdress is something I’ve been on the hunt for since two summers ago when I bought a cheap version that was cut above the knee and promptly shrunk it to a length that no longer felt appropriate anywhere besides the beach. Oops. So I’ve been dreaming on a midi length one that has a nice weight and shape to it, fitted but not constricting and in crisp cotton eyelet. Low and behold, here it is. This one (if kept free of any ice cream spills) should last for summers to come and will never feel dated. Oh! And there are pockets! What more could you want?
I noticed a few of my favorite bloggers to follow (Gal Meets Glam and Pretty in the Pines) recently posted round-ups of the items they wore most in 2017. And I thought it was such a great idea as a way to spotlight the things that really ended up being worth every penny (as opposed to more flash in the pan trendy pieces) and also because I often only post items here a time or two but IRL (in real life) wear them constantly.
This year I’m going to try to be better about sharing how I style my most-worn pieces in multiple ways so you can get ideas about how to maximize your own wardrobe. And without further ado – my most worn pieces from 2017. If you’re looking to build a closet of long-lasting classics, I can’t recommend these enough.
**P.S. Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom for your chance to win a $500 Nordstrom gift card – and stock up on your own wardrobe staples!
1. Trench Coat: The first trench coat I ever owned was a big investment for me at the time (21 years old) and I wore it for 9 years until it was honestly barely fit to be seen in public. This year I finally replaced it and I absolutely love the classic color and shape of this Lands’ End version. It works almost year round and will never go out of style.
2. Leather Backpack: I ended up carrying this constantly – to work, on weekends, when I travel. It’s the perfect compact size and such good quality.
3. Overalls: When I bought these last winter I worried I’d wear them once or twice. Turns out – I wear them at least a couple of times every month. So comfortable and surprisingly wearable.
4. Suede Sock Booties: These pull-on boots with a wood block heel are so comfortable but still feel really stylish. They work with dresses, jeans.. everything really. I plan on wearing them well into this year.
5.Wide Leg Chinos: Again, I didn’t expect these to get quite as much wear as they did, but I love the high waist and the neutral color. Whether with tiny tank tops in the summer or thin knit turtlenecks in winter they go with basically everything.
6.Leather Satchel: An obvious classic. I needed a good, professional looking bag that was big enough to hold a day’s worth of life supplies (book, lunch, extra lipstick..) and this checks all the boxes.
7. Denim Midi Skirt: Dressier than jeans but just as comfortable, I wore this with suede boots to the office in the Fall and with flat sandals on the weekends in Summer.
8. Cropped Workout Leggings: Honestly the softest leggings I’ve ever worn. I’m slightly ashamed to admit that I’ve deemed them nearly too good to workout in and solely wear them while lounging around the apartment.
9.Leopard Mules: Leopard is a neutral, right? Crazy comfortable I wore these all Spring and Fall and can’t wait to break them out again this year.
10. Suede Jacket: This one I actually eyed up for a long time before I finally bit the bullet and purchased, so I had a good guess that it was going to be something I got a lot of wear out of. The quality and fit is spot on and it’s just heavy enough. Worth every penny.
This $500 Nordstrom Gift Card giveaway is brought to you by the amazing bloggers above. Enter by performing the actions below in the Rafflecopter for a chance to win a shopping spree that will kick your 2018 wardrobe into high gear!
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Giveaway runs from Jan 16, 2018 to Jan 30, 2018 (concludes at 12:00 AM on the last day). Open to the US, UK and CAN. Winner will be announced within 10 days of the conclusion of the giveaway and entries will be verified by the hosts. Thanks for participating, I can’t wait for you to go check out these bloggers pages!
As I get ready to head into my thirties on Saturday (eek) – I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting on the past decade. On the big things but also the more subtle things, like how my personal style has evolved. I think one of the best lessons I’ve learned is to fill your closet with classics that can be worn for the most occasions and then fill in from there with more personal touches – a vintage bag, a trendy top, a fun pair of shoes. And those classics? They don’t have to be necessarily the most expensive option out there – but they do need to be good quality and fit you impeccably. The above are what I consider to be my own 30 wardrobe staples that I’m happy to be armed with as I head into this next chapter of style (and life).
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Clothes: You’ll want to fill in with more season-specific pieces – but start with a trench coat, great fitting pair of jeans, slim sweater and confidence boosting lingerie underneath and you really can’t go wrong.
Shoes: Walkable, stylish and clean are the shoe requirements for a woman that looks like she has her life together. A pair of suede ankle boots, leather ballet flats or d’orsay heels get you through a week with ease.
Accessories: A classic watch, small stud earrings, and face flattering sunglasses – they’re the polished finishing touches to almost any outfit. I added a structured wide brim hat and a scarf that can be worn on your neck, dress up a bag handle or cover a bad hair day in a pinch.
And there goes the weekend. Adam and I spent most of it relaxing, trying out a new (to us) Mexican restaurant in our neighborhood – because margaritas – and enjoying the 60 degree temps (in between downpours that is) that swept through yesterday. Since it’s supposed to be chilly again this week, I’ll be bundled up at the office in a version of this outfit that includes a few extra layers.
