encore appearances
One of the aspects of posting outfits I’ve found most difficult to balance is that push-pull between creativity/novelty and keeping it real. As a blogger, there’s always a certain pressure to provide a constant stream of new outfits or looks. But the reality is that I tend to wear the same kinds of outfits (and many actual pieces) over and over again because they work for my life and style. My style philosophy/strategy has been to invest in good, wearable basics that can be styled in multiple ways, and to use accessories to enhance or freshen the look. The truth is I get overwhelmed by too many choices, and at this point don’t want to add to my wardrobe unless I find that occasional piece that’s a combination of wearable and high-impact. This poncho is one of those pieces.
earrings | poncho | turtleneck | bag (similar) | cuff (similar) | pants (similar) | boots
This was an outfit I threw on without much thought, and then was so happy wearing all day. It just felt…right.
Do you sometimes feel pressure to wear something different every day? Or are you happy wearing mostly the same pieces?
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I’m totally happy wearing the same/similar pieces over and over again. It simplifies my life. I know that I will always look like who I am and feel comfortable in that self. My shopping is now limited to replacing worn out items and the occasional accessory. This results in more money to do the things I really want to do – like travel. Thanks to you and other bloggers I can throw together a stylish carry-on travel wardrobe in minutes and be off on a fabulous journey no matter the season or destination without agonizing about what to wear.
My thoughts, exactly.
Yes, me too! As an added bonus, when we buy fewer and better quality clothes, we also do not encourage the exploitation of cheap labor and human rights violations against the 40 million garment workers abroad.
Robin, that’s a very good point.
totally agree
Jaye, thanks! I’m glad to hear you’ve found the travel posts helpful.
I really like your outfit. I’ve been hesitant about all the poncho looks I’ve been seeing shopping – just not sure if I could pull it off. I don’t mind seeing “repeat” outfits for that exact reason – it’s real. How you might style an the same outfit differently helps me think about how I might style my outfit different. Change the shoes? cardigan? jewelry? I find those blogs that constantly post new outfits constantly not relatable. I don’t have the budget to be able to constantly add to my wardrobe. I love the idea of basics that can be worn over and over again. I’m stretching my wardrobe this winter by adding boots, tights, and a sweater to my summer dresses.
Dee, thanks! I’m often wearing many of the same pieces in multiple outfits, but will make a note to indicate that and focus on different ways to style.
I am very happy to wear the same pieces over and over again–until they wear out. Like a commenter above, I like simple. I do have a poncho (an EF piece from some years ago), but find that I seldom wear it because it is not easy to take off if I get too warm. It is a good piece for something like going to the grocery store on a very cool day. Your blog has helped me realize that shoes DO add to an outfit. I’m mindful of that now.
Susan, thanks. Yes, the shoes can really make a difference!
Do you wear that poncho all day? It looks great; I’m just wondering if it’s easy to move around in at the office.
lhart1612, thanks and yes I do wear it all day in the office. It stays put quite well and doesn’t interfere with working at a desk.
For a long time I avoided ruanas (the “open in front” version of a poncho) for the very reason that I thought they “moved around” too much on me. Then a couple of weeks ago I took a chance on a pretty, thin, paisley bordered ruana. The first time I wore it was to church, thrown over a sweater, skirt, tights and short boots. And immediately received a compliment. And I’m only 5’3″.
Not only that, it felt sort of glamorous and carefree. I kept it on through most of the service, and while walking around later it stayed on almost as perfectly as a slightly oversized cardigan would. It moved just a little bit, contributing to the nonchalant feel!
If you are worried about movement of the garment, I’d stick to a poncho or a ruana. Experiment a bit and you might find something that works great. A regular, less structured, straight-cut shawl, however, is something that travels around more, and for me is a bit trickier to wear.
nell, I think the weight of the garment is important too when the front is open. This one is SO lightweight that it doesn’t get dragged down by it’s own weight, and feels effortless to wear. Your ruana sounds lovely!
I never feel pressure to wear different things everyday. I have a fairly unifier way of dressing that I’ll switch up or add punch to, using accessories.
Jennifer, accessories really are where the magic happens… 😉
Please, Sue – continue to do what you do. It’s real, it’s classic, it’s easy for me to replicate. I’ve said it before…I just copy your outfit and move on with my day. I also have many “vintage” pieces in my arsenal, from my very stylish mom and aunt (from the 60’s & 70’s) that I love to break out when I’m able. One happens to be a large, plaid cape! Over black, over brown, over any color “base”…I’m instantly transported from a suburban “haus frau” to a glamorous “woman of style” with places to go and people to see! And the heavens smile down! Thanks for keeping it “REAL”
Thea, thanks so much! I love seeing how people mix vintage and modern pieces. That plaid cape sounds fabulous!
Your great suggestions for combining a few new pieces with an existing wardrobe is a great help! As a retired clergy-person, I have a lot of basic black — a good foundation for adding some of your featured items (or something similar). Many, many thanks for your clever and practical comments and tips.
Judith, thanks so much! I’m so glad you find it helpful.
I agree . I like to play with the same pieces worn differently,no pressure. All my friends buy much more clothes than me,I have no problem with that
Une Femme,I have a moral problem,I heard from you about Eileen Fisher,and,when in London,bought some things. So,I have to give you credit here and thank you.
Dee- I have large and thick cashmere pashmina from Istanbul and wear it poncho style for years,with or without a brooch to keep it together in front. Maybe you can try this for beginning?
Dottoressa
Dottoressa, thank you, and I hope you enjoy your Eileen Fisher pieces.
Great look!
I keep coming back to the same pieces over and over. I try to switch up jewelry/scarves/shoes/etc., but I work with a rather small number of basics. It’s practical for my life.
I always like seeing your outfits; they are nicely put together and things I would wear. I can’t really relate to bloggers who constantly wear new outfits. I have neither the budget nor the space to buy a whole new wardrobe each season. Plus, I think we often look best when we wear those basics we know look good on us and work for our life.
Andrea, thank you!
You know I’m sorting this out for myself at the moment, Sue, tending to stay with a few key pieces in variations on a theme. I suspect that I will begin to crave a bit more variety before long, especially as I add more social life to my retirement schedule, but I’m hoping that I’ll stay closer to a core and keep my wardrobe more compact than it’s got over my last few working years. We’ll see….Meanwhile, I like the way you maintain a consistent overall impression while still managing to keep your look fresh, modern, and classic at once.
Frances, I did enjoy the unplanned synchronicity of our thoughts. I’m still finding that balance between serenity and boredom; perhaps that’s just life? And thank you!
I don’t crave variety at all. I think I know what looks and feels best on me, works for my life, and makes me feel like me. I love that poncho on you and glad that you’re wearing it often.
Kathy, I imagine that because you are an artist, that’s where your creative energy is focused. Nothing wrong with knowing what works and sticking to it. 🙂
I do find myself wearing same pieces over and over: they’re that happy combination of comfortable, looks good, feels good. I DO find that I wear some pieces out of guilt (why the heck did I purchase this???). I’m still striving to be a more savy shopper.
Sally, perhaps those pieces that you’re wearing out of guilt could be someone else’s favorites? What if you were to donate or consign them?
Words that resonate with me!! I would probably lose my mind if I had to gen up a new outfit with different shoes, purses every day of the year. Completely agree with your approach – that’s probably why your blog is one of my favorites. I appreciate the way you style your classic pieces & accessories in a variety of ways. Never boring, visually interesting and helpfully inspiring.
Pam, thank you very much!
I love your blog, love your style, and ditto to Pam on your approach and your blog being a favorite! I love your travelling tips, and am headed to Australia to spend the summer there, while everyone at home will be wearing sweaters/scarves/panchos. I know I previously found a warm weather travel wardrobe that you had posted before, can you please guide me to navigate back to it? It has some very helpful hints that I would love to re-visit. Thank you so much for this blog!
Tannis, thank you! The posts you might find most helpful are this one: https://unefemme.net/2015/08/encore-warm-weather-travel-wardrobe-tips.html and this one: https://unefemme.net/2014/10/have-wardrobe-will-travel.html Hope these are helpful!
I do tend to wear the same pieces over and over again: black top with jeans, colored top with black skirt, ankle boots when possible, etc. As my hair has now gone from gray to silver (a subtle distinction, I know, but I cling to it), I find that anything black compliments my appearance. One thing about Eileen Fisher: her pieces wear like iron, and are worth the investment. I like to see how you combine your Fisher pieces differently. It is very helpful.
Hi Margaret, thanks! I do think silver hair itself is a wonderful accessory.
I agree with all you say. I don’t like to have too many clothes and normally wear my favourites most of the time.
chicatanyage, thank you, and you always find a way to make your favorites look fresh.
The 20somethings constantly need to show their latest purchases since their followers ask for it! I think we are so much more authentic as we show our real life wardrobe. Very often I wear pieces which I have in my wardrobe for many years and style them in new ways or pair them with trend pieces or new accessories.
Your bag is so classy, love it!
Annette | Lady of Style
Annette, that’s an interesting point. I love finding new ways to wear something I’ve had for ages. And thank you.
As a style blogger I do feel quite a bit of pressure to have something new and different to offer or at least a different creative take on something. There is a sea of sameness out there and trying to make an impact is difficult.
bisous
Suzanne
Suzanne, you have such a colorful and unique style.
In my 20s I felt compelled to dress in a different outfit every day not to mention a different pair of shoes. Once I had chikdren, returning to tbe office 6 weeks later, I was interested in looking classic and competent, not to mention being comfortable in my professional attire. That meant investing in a number of mix-and-match quality pieces much as you show here. Now that my children are grown but no longer working in an office environment I have more flexibility but less occasion to dress. And I still prefer a few high-quality mix-and-match pieces. When I want variety, I change things up with a new scarf! (And yes, the shoes…)
D.A., scarves and shoes are magic, aren’t they? 😉
I wear mostly similar things every day – the challenge for me is to slowly move with the general fashion flow from year to year. I really like this poncho on you – stylish and cozy-looking.
Jennifer, thank you!
As I am (mostly) retired, I certainly don’t feel the need to put on something different every day. However, I DO dress every day…changing up outfits, jewelry, shoes and scarves. I had run my own business for so many years, that it’s not that much different now! But, no, I don’t wear the same things too often! Boredom sets in. I, unlike many others here, don’t buy expensive clothes (much) but like more variety and thus a lower price point!!! I really believe that with taste, one can make almost any piece of clothing look great! Well, that’s my take on this….
An Eye For Detail, I agree that it’s all about style and putting things together.
I repeat outfits several times a week and some days boredom does set in. Still that doesn’t justify buying new things.That’s why I love reading blogs such as yours. You are doing a great service. I can dress vicariously through you!
Stella, thanks so much!
I would love to wear the same thing every day. Who wants to put that much effort into dressing. So count me in for repeat dressing.
Sandra, and you have those lovely bracelets that add so much color and interest, nice to spotlight them!
Absolutely a repeat dresser, except I update my UNIQLO tees regularly as they wear out;). Most recently, BASQUIAT:).
I think you look awesome here because the poncho, although it is a very new trend, is so authentically you. It’s just a jacket in the same flow/asymmetry that you’ve already shown us you love.
Lisa, I LOVE the BASQUIAT tees! And thank you.
Love that feeling of being happy in an outfit all day long, one that just feels right.
I’m 31 and work in an office with age diversity from just out of college to post-retirement (75?), and everyone repeats outfits frequently while staying true to their personal style. It’s refreshing to see people be realistic and authentic with their sartorial choices!
I for one don’t mind posts that explicitly acknowledge a repeat outfit or look–you could share whether you’re still loving it, beginning to tire of it, what you did to make it fresh for yourself, etc…
Hi Leah, thanks! I’ll try to incorporate that going forward when I share repeats.
I do agree that blogging really does put the pressure to wear something new and/or unique look each post. The reality is that it’s probably not achievable by most. I am happier that I post less now so I don’t feel the pressure to create new looks all the time. I have always love your style and appreciate how your wardrobe mix and matches so well.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Would love for you to stop by & join TBT Fashion link up.
Hi Alice, thanks! I do enjoy your posts that show how you’ve styled the same item different ways.
Love your classic yet modern style and have learned much since finding you a few months back. I’ve spent some money since then (!) but on more carefully constructed basics and better quality. Never owned an EF piece but Ive purchased a couple of tops and very pleased with the quality and fit. I’m glad to also see shoe recommendations in lower heels and flats since I struggle there as well. Our climates are much different – I’m afraid that poncho would not last long inside here! But great to see the catchy pieces that add much to the basics! I appreciate and look forward to your posts.
Hi Sharon, thanks! I think many of us struggle with no longer being able to wear heels. Good news is that there seem to be a lot of cute options out there now.
Sue, after reading all the comments this post generated, it seems that you may have proven the fact that most of do indeed wear 20% of our clothing 80% of the time. Time to purge the closet again!
Chère Madame, I can’t add too much more to the many thoughtful comments for this post. I too am a repeat wearer. Apparently so is Kate |(Catherine), Duchess of Cambridge. Anna Wintour, editor of Vogue, is reported to wear some of her dresses ‘at least 20 times”. If we’re going to put thought and effort into the choice of our clothes, why wouldn’t we wear them repeatedly?
Marie Antoinette, or sometimes her fashion confidante, Marie-Jeanne Rose Bertin, is quoted as saying “There is nothing new except what which has been forgotten.” when discussing a remodelled dress. Designers are constantly recycling certain silhouettes. I know that there are a limited number of silhouettes that suit my body type. Therefore, making the best use out of what does look good on me makes sense.
I am relearning how to sew, to increase my available choices. Time for sewing is a luxury for a working parent. I don’t want to waste money or precious time making something for one wearing. Yes, anything I make must/will be worn repeatedly.
Thank you for helping this less articulate fashion repeater find the words to express herself.
Hmm, that’s a good question. I often wear similar looks when I’m doing the mundane parts of life. However, I do enjoy creating different looks for new and fun activities. I recently purchased my first fringed shawl from Jacket Society. I really love it, as I do yours. And your bag….OMG!!!