I’m not looking to do a huge closet haul over here, but after pregnancy I feel this urge to express my style in ways that I haven’t before. Maybe it was the months of only being able to wear certain things, but I am now excited to get back to my style roots! Plus there is something about motherhood that makes you want to simplify every other aspect of your life. So I’m hoping that by revamping my closet just a bit to accentuate the elevated staples, I’ll be able to easily put together look after look, no matter what occasion (or sleepless night I had just hours before).
MY NEW TOP 5 ELEVATED STAPLES
1. Flats + Loafers
I feel like flats used to be the business casual necessity everyone needed for the office but never really liked. Now we have chicer options that are the perfect and comfortable way to add a pop of Parisian style to your outfit. I have two pairs of Mary Jane flats that I have worn a ton already and keep finding ways to style them as well. They are perfect with a pair of ankle-cut jeans and button-down with a sweater draped over your shoulder to feel like you are in a Nancy Meyers movie.
Loafers have also been huge lately and I hope that stays on-trend. I was so bummed to see how the Fall fashion was fleshing out this past year because I was missing out on it in my last trimester of pregnancy. I think people embraced the pure 90’s vibes when it came to loafers (and tube socks), and while I wouldn’t necessarily wear them like that, I do love their overall look.
HOW TO STYLE
2. A Small High-End Handbag
I’ve actually felt the need for one for a few years since I don’t have one that I can wear with a nice outfit out to dinner or special occasions. I usually just end up carrying my leather wallet that looks like a clutch, but I’d much rather have one or two high end pieces that I can wear with everything. I have been hoping that The Row would restock their Margaux 10 in dark brown, but it’s not looking good, so I have had to hunt for an alternative that I like just as much.
HOW TO STYLE
3. Staple Knitwear
This one actually isn’t new for me, and if anything I probably have too many sweaters, but I want to find new ways to style them. Now that I don’t have to wear maternity leggings, layering these knit pieces with jackets, matching knit pants, or jeans and those lovely loafers, is at the top of my list. I think the best knitwear wardrobe has a few classics (crewneck cable knits, button-down cardigans) as well as one or two style-forward pieces. Maybe there is a little ruffle, pattern, or color detail to them that set them apart from the classics and gives you a little pop of character.
HOW TO STYLE
4. New Denim
No, I’m not buying any low rise jeans. I don’t care what Gen Z says, or what trends come back, that is one era I refuse to go back to. But I do want to get a little more adventurous in my denim game. I recently bought a pair of barrel leg jeans and, while I’m not sure if I can pull them off, I loved the extra touch of style it gave my outfit. It just felt more fun than it would have with my normal ankle-length pair. The return of the 90’s has brought some more fun style options as well like loose fitting with rolled cuffs that I might try out as well!
HOW TO STYLE
5. Sweater Sets
My main goal these last few weeks has been comfort, but what I realized is that I want to be comfortable but still look put together even when I’m a walking zombie at home with no one to see. It just makes me feel better! So I want to clear out some old rundown sweats and replace them with nicer sweater sets or sweats that I can pair with cute sneakers, one of those staple knit pieces and a ball cap for a cute fit running errands or bopping around on the weekend.
HOW TO STYLE
Style Accounts I love to follow and constantly get inspiration and outfit ideas from: