let’s (re)play favorites…

Balenciaga bag, Eileen Fisher cardigan, Frye boots
Original post here.

 

In more or less chronological order, here are my favorite outfits of 2015. How did I choose the “favorites?” These were the outfits that not only hit my style sweet spot and that I felt fabulous wearing, but also that helped me to incorporate some new colors, styles or silhouettes to both broaden and refine my style. They came together without over-thinking or trying too hard, and contributed to that feeling of bien dans ma peau. 

Above, I loved how the leopard scarf (similar) looked with the cream-colored cardigan (similar) and the other brown accessories: bag (similar) | boots.

Below, I stepped outside of my comfort zone a bit with these slouchy pants (similar), and found them actually quite easy to style, especially with the maxi cardigan (similar). The scarf is from Alexander McQueen, and was a “love at first sight” piece. I was never able to find this exact scarf online, and a similar one in a different colorway sold out almost immediately, but here’s something with a similar look. Bracelet is from French Kande.

Eileen Fisher long cardigan, slouchy pants
Original post here.

 

I was in a very minimalist mood when I put together this look. Adding nude sandals (similar) to an all black outfit (as well as the leopard clutch) lightened it up, I think.

all black with nude shoes
Original post here.

 

This was not only a more dramatic look, but a dramatic departure from the darker neutrals that have dominated my wardrobe. I wore this long Eileen Fisher cardigan in linen (similar look) quite frequently during warmer months, even to the office. French Kande pearl necklace (similar).

linen long cardigan
Original post here.

 

I fell in love with the color of this cardigan (same color, different shape) which I found to be a very wearable version of Bordeaux or Marsala. It works so wonderfully with a leopard scarf (similar). I also like how the flared shape of the sweater and the bootcut jeans create a unified theme.

Eileen Fisher wool cardigan, Balenciaga Town bag
Original post here.

 

When I was ready to style this Covered Perfectly top, I looked to French fashion editors for inspiration, as nobody does “simple chic” better. That leopard clutch gets around, but it adds such a nice pop to a simple look. For a dressier look, all I’d have to do is swap out the jeans (similar) for some black or charcoal trousers. Maybe even navy.

Covered Perfectly top, Clare V. leopard clutch
Original post here.

 

I wore the outfit below a couple of times on a weekend getaway in October during an unseasonable heat wave (100+ F). Yes, I went sleeveless in public and the world did not stop spinning. Neither did anyone point and stare. I actually felt pretty spiffy, thanks in no small part to the layered necklaces which garnered many compliments. (French Kande here and c/o here.) Tunic here, and pants here.

French Kande necklaces
Original post here.

 

This was another example of trying a new-to-me style; in this case, cropped and slightly flared jeans (similar). I really like this silhouette and you will probably be seeing more outfits with cropped pants in the near future. I’m still crazy for these leopard boots, and wear them often.

cropped flare jeans, favorite outfits
Original post here.

 

If you follow my Pinterest “Layers” board, you might have seen this one coming. I’ve been entranced with some of the interesting layering from the last few seasons, and fell in love with this sweater the moment I saw it. It’s the same color as the cardigan a few outfits above, and is the lightest and softest merino wool. It drapes like a dream, and I’m hoping Eileen Fisher offers this style again in future collections. This is one of those outfits that seemed to assemble itself, and is IMO one of my best to date. Scarf is from Bindya, (more here), necklace French Kande here, tunic and pants Eileen Fisher, here and here.

Eileen Fisher sweater, Bindya scarf
Original post here.

 

Reviewing outfits for this post, I realized that warm weather workday looks are still a big challenge for me. Nothing in that category inspired me in retrospect. That will be something I’ll work on next year.

Do you review what you’ve worn over a season or a year to help you refine your style? If so, what lessons have you taken away from this process?

Linked up: #iwillwearwhatilike , Visible Monday, My Refined Style

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30 Comments

  1. You have such a great wearable style Susan!
    I got my first piece of French Kande jewelry for Christmas. I am obsessed with that line! Thank you for sharing it with us.
    Have a wonderful New Year!
    Susan

  2. Lovely! What an inspiring year-end round-up! I, too, find that warm weather dressing makes it harder to look stylish because it’s more difficult to layer, and I don’t even want to wear jewelry or carry a purse when it’s hot out. I tend to go for simple dresses in summer.

  3. Susan, Just for the record, you look great in a sleeveless top. And I mean really really great. I don’t think you should EVER hesitate to wear sleeveless in warm weather. Quite frankly, I’ve never understood why so many woman don’t feel comfortable in sleeveless garments. Is it an obsession with having perfect arms? I think having perfect arms is a way overrated ideal. All of these ensembles look great on you, but, in my opinion, the sleeveless one is the best!

    1. Most women look fine in sleeveless and I agree that this feeling to have perfectly toned arms is crazy. On the other hand there should be more warm weather garments available that have sleeves! I love kimono, flutter, 3/4 and short (not cap) sleeves.

  4. Achieving a professional and/or pulled together look is a real challenge in warm weather. I have lived in Florida for a few years and I haven’t solved it. Even light weight scarves are just too much. Happy 2016!

  5. Going through these photos your signature style pops off the page. Truly beautiful, chic, comfortable. The quality of the pieces really stands out. Happy New Year to you.

  6. Susan, I just enjoy looking at your outfit ensembles, and the way you carry yourself so beautifully! I purchased two pieces of the French Kande–a bracelet and a necklace and cannot wait to get them! Thank you for such a cool blog and wishing you a very happy and healthy New Year!

  7. I especially appreciate these photos of you with ankle-pants and booties…it seems like I have a hard time figuring out how to do that well. Especially, I have a pair of moto boots that come up just above my ankle a bit clunkier than your more tapered booties pictured, and I cannot figure out how to wear them except with my super skinny-stretchy jeans that end up inside the boots. I love the boots–they’re a little badass without being obnoxious, but I’m struggling with wearing them. I feel like my cuffed tapered/boyfriend style kind bump up on them weirdly and full length jeans are a no-go… Sigh. Any hints appreciated. LOL

  8. I love all of these outfits on you but my favorite is the white ensemble. It works so nicely with your hair and coloring.

  9. I’m not generally a fan of end-of-year recap posts, but it’s instructive to see how you’ve kept your style consistent while nonetheless giving yourself room to play. So many good examples of you hitting that sweet spot!

  10. At the risk of stirring up the trolls, I will say that I love your last outfit best because it is not overwhelmed by a full, long scarf. As a similarly short and curvy woman, I feel as though the untamed scarf often overwhelms the outfit, unless it is also balanced by a coat. I love the look of the last outfit because the fullness of the sweater shines on its own without all the excess fabric of an overlarge scarf. I know others will disagree, but I hope you’ll look for more looks like this in the coming year…it so suits you.

  11. I, too, am unhappy with my warm weather choices, and look forward to your ideas. Happy New Year, and thank you for all the fun and knowledge you shared over the past year(s).

  12. All great looks, but the last is my favorite. I also love the way the line of your bottom half is not broken up by the shoes. I agree about summer – I never like my warm weather wardrobe at all. Maybe it’s the lack of the “third piece”?

  13. I really like all these looks, Susan. Funny that “not enjoying warm weather clothing” has been so often mentioned. Since I moved to Florida 11 years ago, I haven’t been happy with my wardrobe. It’s not easy when it’s steaming hot out. So enjoy your blog.

  14. You look so put together and pretty in all of them (can I say ‘you look pretty’ and still convey how well a job you have done?). Warm weather dressing is uninspiring for me as this desert CA heat does not make me feel stylish as I find fabrics that won’t let me melt, and not too much so not much flow, -no flowing. Now that we’re in a seasonable winter chill I feel more inspired. Still adjusting to my ‘new’ size and Eileen Fisher pants are my go to for dress. I will admit, however, they are not my most flattering silhouette. I know, I know, just in time for New Year resolutions. 😛 Thanks for all the inspiration. Happy New Year!

  15. A great roundup of some great looks on you! I love your new Google+ profile photo. You look like Annie Lennox’s very sleek and stylish sister. Wow! Happy 2016 to you and your family. xx

  16. Since you are so tiny IRL I am always struck by how tall you manage to look even though you often wear longer items. You seem to have the rule of thirds perfected.

    bisous
    Suzanne

  17. I love all your chosen outfits. Some of them I had seen, some of them not. I fell in love with the necklaces… But apart from the price (I could get over that), I don’t want to order from the USA. Too difficult, too pricy, too much hassle if I need to send it back. Such a shame.
    But you have inspired me with a couple of your outfits, which I can recreate (doesn’t that sound so much better than “copy it”? haha)
    Greetje

  18. I love your style. Mine is similar but more boho. I would characterize it as minimalist boho. I love cacoon and cascading cardigans and hope they don’t go out of style. When it’s warm I typically wear maxi dresses and short sleeved, flowy tunics with leggings. To work a sheath dress and sandals or wide leg linen blend pants or colored straight legs. My toppers for spring is a jean jacket or a light open weave cotton cardigan. I always layer year around. I love layers and texture.sa