Simplifying my wardrobe still remains the biggest battle in my attempts to live more ‘minimally’.
I make a lot of mistakes; that is, I buy things thinking they’ll work then find that they don’t, or I buy things without even thinking at all. I feel like blogs can be an exacerbating factor in this, too – very good at sharing what we’ve just bought or want to buy, but rarely reflecting on what actually worked.
So this is an honest look back at what I really wore this Spring & Summer. I’m hoping it will help me to shop better in future, and perhaps it might be useful to you too.
Sheer panel sweater – Zara. Similar here, here and here.
If I’d made this list for last autumn/winter, this would have been on that too. I seem to wear this an awful lot – over skinny black jeans, tucked in to skirts to look like a single layer, over leggings for a lazy day. I’m not usually one for faux combinations, but the practicality of this two-in-one piece wins out, & it’s a firm fave.
Gold scallop ballet flats – Boden. Similar here or here.
I have decided that metallic shoes go with everything, thus removing the hassle of having to actually think about footwear in the morning. I’ve worn these flats so much that mine are barely even gold any more, but I sort of like their distressed finish, and they’re so comfy I just can’t quite give them up.
Grey linen tee – Zara. Similar here.
I love linen for its breeziness, texture & drape. This tee grows a little through the day, making it slouchy and comfy with just the right amount of shape. I’ve mostly worn it half-tucked into my skinny jeans, or with an A-line white skirt.
Grey cashmere cardigan – Boden
This being the British summertime, there have still been plenty of rainy, chilly days. This little cardi from Boden comes in a rainbow of colours and is small and cozy enough to preserve the illusion of summer in my outfits.
Black skinny Jeans – Topshop.
As far as I am concerned Topshop’s Joni are the only skinny jeans worth considering; I have them in blue and with ripped knees too.
Linen stripe culottes – Ace & Jig.
These were a gift from A&J, and if I’m honest, were a step away from my usual style – despite being in my ubiquitous grey/white & linen! I was expecting the usual lovely Ace & Jig fabric, but what I hadn’t anticipated was the super pyjama-style comfort; They arrived on a hot and sticky summer’s day, and from that point on I’ve really only taken them off because a) it was rainy and cold or b) they needed washing.
Gold clogs – Lotta from Stockholm
More gold shoes, for the same reason as above; plus, they sparkle in the summer sun, and make me feel like Cinderella with added sass.
Jersey trousers – Next
I’m not usually a Next shopper, but these lovely soft, slouchy trousers in a baroque print are the perfect combo of pyjama-comfort meets daytime-appropriate attire. I’m wearing them with my gold clogs, over and over.
Cream swing dress – BA&SH
This dress is swingy, shapeless and big enough for me to conceive triplets and continue wearing – and for all these reasons, I love it. I’ve come to see the smock dress as a bit of a feminist statement – a shape officially deemed ‘unflattering’, because it doesn’t highlight boobs, waist or bum for people to assess -presumably because all clothes should make women look our most sexually appealing at all times. I’m not bothered what the pervy street men think, so I wear this dress a lot, whilst sometimes delivering small anti-patriarchy rants. Hah!
What have you been wearing this summer? Do you tend to reach for the same things over & over, or are you more varied in your style? I’d love to chat in the comments below.
ps – some links in this post are via an affiliate scheme, which means I earn a teensy commission on your clicks. It doesn’t cost you any extra, or change my opinions – it just helps keep me in toast & gypsophila 🙂
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21 Comments
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Sara Tasker
March 07, 2016
tucked in, little white vests or half-tucked tees. Better late than never with this response – so sorry! x
Hana
August 12, 2015
I have the same trousers and clogs! What tops do you wear the trousers with? Do you wear them tucked in? That cashmere cardigan looks beautiful. Please do a post about your hair and makeup routine. X
All That Is She
August 10, 2015
I started a ‘capsule wardrobe’ recently so I can whole heartedly agree with this post. I was wasting time and money on impulse buys, sale rail disasters and was constantly staring at my wardrobe every morning believing I had nothing to wear. I decided to de-clutter and my wardrobe in particular was hit hard – some items went into storage, some to charity leaving me with just 37 pieces that I will wear continuously throughout this season. I now feel like a weight has been lifted! The initial excitement (that I had thought would wane slighlty) is thankfully still there and the joy of loving my entire wardrobe is refreshingly good. Each morning I open my wardrobe, choose an item and put it on. My once crazy, manic mornings are now uncomplicated and stress-free (or as stress free as they can be when you have two daughters to get ready 😉 ).
You always look so effortlessly beautiful Sara – the minimal approach agrees with you too.
Dominique
http://www.allthatisshe.com
Sarah by the Sea
August 10, 2015
That smock dress at the end is lovely. I always feel so uninspired when it comes to shoes and I tend to buy one pair and live in them till they fall off my feet. Those gold shoes do certainly have a pzazz that I rather admire 🙂 hmm. Shoespiration? I think so ^_^
Minimalist living is rather freeing and enjoyable I find – I get a great sense of satisfaction when I take things to the charity shop or find homes for my old things on eBay! 🙂 Horray for uncluttered living ^_^
Sarah xxo | thesaltyseablog.blogspot.co.uk
Mojo Blogs
August 09, 2015
I love this so much. I have so, so many clothes and still either nothing to wear or I live in the same stuff. I pick up things I am sure I am going to wear and end up in the same five tees & trainers that I love so much. There is much to be said for minimalist living, it’s just not easy for a clothing hoarder like me to accomplish!! I too am a smock fan – staple here! x
Sara Tasker
August 09, 2015
YES! Honestly, they’re the closest thing I’ve found to just wearing leggings, without looking like leggings/jeggings. They’re super soft and super stretchy. Maybe I’m weird, but I find I actually prefer high waists for comfort. I think I got hooked after wearing maternity leggings when I was preggo!
I’m with you on the stretchy though – my favourite is the secret stretchy back panel, so I look totally respectable from the front! Ha! x
Sara Tasker
August 09, 2015
Thanks Elise – good idea about noting what you buy; I often think about my clothes in terms of cost-per-wear and how good or bad value it works out at. These things above are all bargains on that scale 😉 x
Sara Tasker
August 09, 2015
I wish I’d bought more! I need backup pairs! Bring back the scalloped ballet flats, Boden! x
Ally // Digital Diva
August 09, 2015
Great idea for a post! You’re so right about it should be focused on what’s worked, not just what’s new.
http://www.digital-diva.co.uk
X
Caro
August 09, 2015
I’m totally denim, grey and white … and comfy shoes are a must. It’s just so much easier to get dressed in the morning. My fave item this summer is a vest t-dress from H&M (both denim and grey, naturally) which I wear over skinnies and under a t-shirt – it’s great for bending over when I’m gardening! PS. Love those Boden flats, even better when worn in!
Rachael Smith
August 08, 2015
I’ve been in a journey into minamalism since about January time, it’s had a bit of impact on my wardrobe, but needs to go deeper. It’s mostly been “i’ll never fit in that again” or “no more babies so don’t need that” I like the idea of reviewing what I actually wore and using that to help my decision! Maybe I’ll do that at the end of summer! Thanks for the inspiration ?
Lu
August 08, 2015
Are those topshop jeans comfortable? They look sooo high waisted! I find as i get older, i just want more comfort and struggle to find jeans that don’t cut into my internal organs everytime i bend over or sit down. So far i’ve only found dungarees and a H&M pair with an elasticated waist that are truly comfy. Is it sad to be 30 and already into elasticated waists?! ?
Elise
August 08, 2015
Also I totally agree about the metallic shoes – I’ve been trying to find nice silver brogues for ages!
Elise
August 08, 2015
I love this idea! I’ve been doing a similar thing where I take note of everything I buy then look back to see if it was worth it, but it would be good to look at what I actually reach for most in the day to day 🙂
Sheona
August 08, 2015
I need those ballet flats!
All That Is She
August 08, 2015
I can totally relate to this. I started a capsule wardrobe this season and I’m determined to keep it up. At first the whole concept of living with just 37 items in my wardrobe gave me nightmares however, no that I am in the capsule wardrobe flow, I am loving it. I love every single item hanging on the rail! No more impulse buys, sale shopping disasters and no more wasting time deciding what to wear and swearing I have nothing nice even though my wardrobe was bursting with clothes. Now my mornings are easy and stress free (or as stress free as you can get when you have two daughters). My minimal wardrobe has given me a whole different outlook on life and In’t see me going back any time soon. You always look so beautifully effortless so the minimal approach is obviously working wonders for you too.
p.s those stripes linen trousers are just incredible!
Dominique xx
http://www.allthatisshe.com
Sara Tasker
August 08, 2015
So true – the older I get, the more obsessed wth comfort I become. I suspect my choices above all speak to that! I’m not familiar with either of those brands but they sound brill, so will be looking them up! X
Sara Tasker
August 08, 2015
See, I totally think that’s the best way to be! I feel like we were tricked into believing we all have to look different every day, when in fact a uniform of what works is so much nicer and easier and more fun! Thanks for your lovely words, Ieva xx
Dominique Davis
August 08, 2015
I’ve just started a capsule wardrobe this season and although the concept of living with just 37 items gave me nightmares, it’s the best thing I have ever done (when it comes to my wardrobe/fashion choices). My rail is filled with simple yet classics pieces that I love and that I can wear repeatedly without the feeling of doing so. I’m saving time, money (no more impulse buys) and my mornings are relatively stress free (I have two daughters so my mornings will never be completely stress free but not having the usual ‘I have nothing to wear’ dilemma certainly helps). Who knew a minimalist wardrobe could change so much. You always perfect in your photos, your style is so beautifully effortless, it is obvious that it works for you too.
Dominique xx
http://www.allthatisshe.com
Therandomp
August 08, 2015
I’m definitely that person who buys something and thinks that it is going to be on me forever! For most of the times it really is… I don’t like many clothes, but the ones I do – I LOVE them! Till the death tears us apart, haha.
Wonderful post and I really enjoy light colors in your wardrobe. Love them in mine as well.
Kindest regards,
ieva.
Jen
August 08, 2015
I am slowly working to minimize my wardrobe and enjoyed your post. I have three pairs of old, tshirt-jersey shorts that are part of my uniform with a “Life is good” tshirt. Why? Comfort (what is more comfortable than tshirts??) and ease (grab and go), I have looked in the mirror and realized these shorts have outlived their prime days probably a few years ago but they remain. Now I am shopping in Germany (I am from the states) and realize there is a great, comfy style that is still chic here. Cecil and Street One seem to be brands that are suiting me quite well in a comfy, less is more, kind of way.