2022 Style Review, Part 1

I'm going to review my year in parts. 

First -- did I meet my goals? 

My aims for the year were a thorough closet edit and a style reset. As part of that I hoped to find some more current-feeling and comfortable WFH outfits.

I did do a closet edit, although I am not sure how “thorough” it was. So far, I retired 37 items, which is definitely on the high side for me. More typical would be somewhere between 20-30 retirements and 20-30 purchases). I think I could stand to let go of even more. About half my wardrobe consists of items that are older than 5 years, some of which I wear regularly and still love, and some of which I keep but rarely wear. Time to reflect on that. 

I was slow to get started with the style reset or the new WFH options. Partly that’s because I ended up working mostly outside the home until the end of April. And then it was summer.

Despite my slow start, I purchased 30 items, not including undies, jewellery, or gear (though some of the shoes are crossover). (Most are in Finds; more info to come.) That’s a bit higher than my typical range. I have a few more things on order, but they haven’t arrived yet and won’t be here until the new year.

I’m feeling really happy with my new “laid-back luminous garcon” style moniker; the minute I hit on it, a few things came together for me (at least in my head, LOL) and I’ve started making some edits and purchases with this persona in mind.

 I know some of you felt I didn’t really need all three words— but for me, the adjectives create a bit of productive tension. Too much “laid back” and I feel too masculine, too classic, too preppy, or too dull; not enough “laid -back”, and my clothing won’t be practical enough for my very casual work-from-home existence. Too much “luminous” and I will feel overdone and impractical for my real world; not enough and the energy won’t be high enough. The “garcon” is self-explanatory, and not really much of a shift for me — I’ve always had a slightly androgynous gamine style. Regardless, this moniker seems useful for my decision-making. I feel less stymied and better able to freshen up my style in an authentic way.

Angie also kindly suggested "graceful gamine." 

I had trouble getting good photos; nevertheless, a few of my favourite outfits.  Almost all from recent months because I have felt in a real style rut until a few weeks ago! 

Thanks for looking, and I’ll be back with a review of workhorses and mistakes!

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This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

31 Comments

  • Angie replied 1 year ago

    Yay, Suz! Let me be the first to congratulate you on your KILLER style and  your accomplished set of goals. Looking better than ever! What a pleasure! Especially in blues, whites, greys, stripes, silvers and reds. Signature, milk it, and please carry on! :)

    Great closet edit. Done and dusted, for now. 

    I love the way you mix patterns and add a soft, arty and eclectic touch with your scarves. 

    As for the four word moniker - why not! Whatever it takes to get your style focused, fun, and working for you - go for it! We all need to find our balance, our ways, our processes, our strategies - and now, three years since the start of the pandemic. Many are re-finding their way. And this is how you're finding yours. Successfully! WELL DONE. 

  • Runcarla replied 1 year ago

    Oooh!  Those ‘best of’ outfit shots are great.  Just enough on trend items for currency/modernity.  Your hair is looking particularly good.  


    Looking forward to the next instalment…

  • Cardiff girl replied 1 year ago

    Awesome outfits!I find it hard to believe that you were in a style rut looking at these  but when you mentioned a change of lifestyle,that’s often a trigger isn’t it.
    personally l find it hard to let things go so am really interested in the numbers that you quote.You obviously accept that a through put of clothes is necessary to maintain/ refresh your style even though most of the items l see are not at the extreme end of fashion and wouldn’t date quickly.l am always worried about regretting letting things go,does this ever happen to you?Or are you always sure what can go?Questions,questions!Sorry!

  • replied 1 year ago

    I am slowly categorizing my closet and am realizing how much work it entails. Nearly doubling your retirements is thorough in my book. I had to look up the definition of garçon and boy or waiter was listed. I assume your moniker is referring to boy ;) Using the style words for purchasing decisions is very clever and I will give it a whirl for my future additions. I enjoy your authentic style and value your guiding presence on the forum :)

  • Joy replied 1 year ago

    I like your long shorts for hot weather.  We do not get much humidity so I do not need shorts.  A year ago last summer it was mostly capris.  This past summer I added more summer skirts and used some summer dresses.  Most of my wardrobe is over 6 years and almost all I bought was new to me but used.  I plan to take a good look at January sales especially to replace footwear.  It looks like I will need to use the internet more.  I hate returns. And mailing.  

  • Suz replied 1 year ago

    Nikki, thank you -- that is so kind of you to say! And yes, I was referring to "boyish" or gamine style; I think in my original post on this I spelled it garconne. La garconne was the name for a dominant women's style in the 1920s and that is perhaps closer to what I'm talking about. Feminine, but androgynous. It was associated with Coco Chanel. 

    Cardiff Girl -- those are excellent questions. I have always thought of myself as someone who is comfortable with editing the closet, but apparently I do find it difficult to let some things go, yes! Increasingly so, perhaps. In my early years on YLF I was not confident in my style, made a lot of inexpensive purchases at thrift or from fast fashion, and had enough disposable income (after the first few years) that I didn't worry much about closet churn. Lately I've had a bit less income, my style is more assured, and I'm more concerned about the environmental impact of the industry and my role in that, so this has all influenced my buying and editing patterns. 

    The easiest for me to let go of is footwear -- mainly because I wear it out so thoroughly, so fast. I regularly retire 5- 8 shoes, boots, sandals per. year and buy as many to replace. I know some people must wonder how on earth... but that's  my reality. I also find it easy to let go of clothing that is badly worn and not repairable (often, for me, this is jeans and certain knits). And I easlly pass on anything that does not fit and have never regretted that. 

    The things I cling to are special occasion pieces (what if the occasion returns?), coats (I need a lot of coats in my climate, and like coats, and they cost a lot), and anything similar that costs a lot and is very classic in style and/or would be difficult for me to replace, either because of the cost or because of the item's colour or special features or impeccable fit. For me, blazers fit into that box. I never want to let any of them go because I love them all so much and they are almost never cheap. 

    Another category of item that I tend to hang onto for a long time -- button down shirts. They don't wear out fast for me, and the style is excellent for me. But I do eventually get bored of them. So I buy another -- until I've ended up with quite a collection, maybe more than I need. 

    I don't usually keep a "holding zone" but I did during the pandemic because it was harder to donate then, and I did in fact pluck a few items out of the holding zone during that time as well. But shopping was also difficult. Typically I never regret what I do pass along. 

    Thank you, Carla. Oh, the poor hair! It badly needs cutting now but the big winter storms are making my trip impossible...

    Angie, thank you for your always helpful and positive guidance. Where would I be without you? Wearing the same old jeans and sweater and feeling very unstylish, and that's the truth. You've helped me find a style and grow into it. Such a gift. 

  • Suz replied 1 year ago

    Thank you, Joy! I like my longer shorts, too. Talbots!! 

    The returns can be a pain, it's true. But I prefer that to the cost of keeping an item I won't wear, or the cost of not getting clothing that fits in a colour I can wear! 

  • LJP replied 1 year ago

    Right from my first days here on the forum , you’ve been one of my style heroines. You make it look so easy when we all know it isn’t . You and I don’t share many colour or style preferences but I get great ideas from you nonetheless . I don’t have the same tight wardrobe where I know what I’ve passed on and what’s been purchased in a year - couldn’t really guess at the numbers but I can see how it might be valuable if I want to take wardrobe management seriously . Anyways , I love your favourite outfits - they are mine too . Oh and , while this is absolutely no judgment on those who buy a lot , I do appreciate how you *don’t*, and still achieve a great wardrobe .

  • jussie replied 1 year ago

    I just love love love that all-white outfit on you, it’s a real stunner.
    You probably already noticed this but your fave outfits all feature a heavy soled, strong-looking shoe. Perhaps this is part of your signature style? Maybe it grounds or balances your look somehow? I wonder how platform brogues would go for your garcon tendencies? Also the chunky shoes give you a dynamic, active and “take the bull by the horns” unfussy vibe. With the elegance of the outfits it’s a nice little juxtaposition….
    It seems like you had a good year, style-wise, and did a decent amount of clearing out.

  • Jaime replied 1 year ago

    Excellent analysis! I think luminous is really the linchpin of your descriptor. Laid back and garcon are essential but not sufficient to capture what makes your style stand apart. Love your chosen outfits of course!

  • Suz replied 1 year ago

    Jaime, thank you! That's such a sweet thing to say. It does help and of course it reminds me to incorporate the silver hair -- to go with it rather than fighting it or feeling sad for lost youth. 

    Jussie, many thanks! No surprise, Angie encouraged me to buy that white top! The woman knows her stuff. :) 

    Interesting about the footwear. I think I just tend to get a lot of "trend" in my shoes in general because I buy them frequently. I do like these chunky styles but I also like refined footwear, and I can't go too chunky or it is too much. But I think you are right that brogues would be a great addition and also that these chunky styles add a bit of cheek! 

    Lisa, thank you so much -- what a generous thing to say. You have impeccable style and are much better trained than I am so I'm delighted if you've got a few ideas from me. It is great to have fellow Canadians on the forum so we can share shopping notes and gripes! Re purchasing -- I feel as if I do buy quite a lot, but I also make really good use of most of my stuff (with the odd exception, ahem, to be canvassed in a future post, because I do make major mistakes.) Anyway...I think my wardrobe is a bit on the large side, but at the same time, it has hovered at this same size (around 150-160 items counting outerwear, bags, & footwear but not undies or gear or scarves) for six years or so. So I guess it is what it is! For now. 

  • Zaeobi replied 1 year ago

    Agree with @Jaime that the Luminous really comes through in these photos! I wonder if texture is equally important for this (i.e. to let the shiny features really 'shine', IYKWIM?)

    I'm also with @jussie - am glad to see the heavier shoes are earning their keep in your WFH wardrobe (& that the YLF hive mind could help with that) :)

  • slim cat replied 1 year ago

    Great pictures and fab new moniker - very fitting too!
    Your outfits are always polished, fun and have a perfect mix of dressy and casual in them ( my impossible goal for everyday life ;) )!

  • Cardiff girl replied 1 year ago

    Thank you for your detailed reply,l appreciate it.

  • Bijou replied 1 year ago

    Suz, it is always a joy to read your beautifully written posts which never fail to give me a light-bulb moment of insight. I have learned a lot from you as I face a similar situation of preferring to wear dressy clothes despite having a rather casual lifestyle, particularly since October 2020, when I left my office environment to work exclusively from home. Having you, Angie, Brooklyn and Umm Lila as role models has helped me deal with this transition in a way that feels authentic to my style and also practical enough to work for my day-to-day needs.

    I look forward to seeing where your 2023 style journey takes you.

  • replied 1 year ago

    Both yours and Angie's descriptors are good fits for your style! Those are great outfits and very "you".
    Life changes mean wardrobe changes for sure. I'm with you and Bijou on preferring dressier things, with an increasingly casual life!

  • Suz replied 1 year ago

    Suntiger, thank you. I wonder if the increasing numbers of women working from home might encourage designers to come up with nifty solutions, because I'll bet a good third of us (at least) would prefer a slightly dressier self-presentation yet feel practical qualms and frustrations about, say, heels to take out the trash or walk the dog on a trail, LOL!  I guess we are lucky that juxtaposition is a thing nowadays...at least the days of gloves and hats and hose with every outfit are over. 

    Bijou, many thanks for those kind words, and I'm honoured if any of my posts give you inspiration. You always look sensational and true to your own style vision -- it's impressive! Making the change to WFH is harder than it seems at first. 

    Cardiff Girl, another category of item I did not mention -- but will, in another post -- are shopping mistakes. Gulp. 

    slim cat -- thank you! 

    Zaeobi, I think you are right - the degree of "shine" is important somehow. It can be represented by white or silver or patent...I don't do a lot of jewellery so except on the fanciest occasions, that's pretty much out. 

  • Jenn replied 1 year ago

    Interesting, Suz. Most of my favorite outfits have come from the past few months, as well. I'm starting to wonder if this year wasn't a transitional year for just about everyone. We talked about the new normal during the height of the pandemic, but now we're truly discovering our new normal in a reshaped world.

    In the time I've known you here, I  think your style has been one of the most consistent, even as you've adjusted with the times and transitioned your hair color. You know who you are and what works for you and you find joy and creativity within that structure. I love seeing your outfits, purchases, and updates!

  • Irina replied 1 year ago

    Interesting to read your thoughts on your moniker. I don’t use it and it’s fascinating to read about how precise one strives to be! But I can’t expect less from a writer!
    Your outfits are always so well put together and look fantastic on you!

  • Sally replied 1 year ago

    Great to read how you use your Moniker to create the right balance.  Maybe I need to do that instead of going off my moods.  You always look so elegant and well put together. You remind me of an Aunt who turned up to see my mother in  hospital  and still managed to look polished despite a long flight and being in her 80s herself (I imagine you will be the same when you get to her age).    I would have to say the Tulle skirt is my favourite outfit in this selection with the whites and breton stripes a close second.  Both outfits are polished but there is a hint of a surprise with the tulle skirt or the tough boots.  Also appreciate your thoughtful comments on all the posts.  Have a lovely Christmas.  

  • Suz replied 1 year ago

    Thank you, Sally. I hope I will be like your aunt! The moniker is more helpful for purchasing, somehow, for me, than a list of descriptive adjectives on its own. I'm definitely a mood dresser (and weather dresser) on a day by day basis. But if the right pieces are in your closet, you can go by your mood and still feel coherent and consistent in your style. 

    Irina, I think if you are very clear on your style already, maybe a moniker is less valuable. Or maybe the writer in me responds to the "character" idea -- I'm constructing a character for myself (or showing my character) with my clothes, in some way? 

    Jenn, thank you. I do think you are right -- we are all in a period of adjustment, still, and this is really the first year we've been out in the world more and we need some time to adjust to whatever this new normal is. And thank you for those kind words. I think before you arrived at. YLF my style was more scattered, but I started to figure things out and now, with a few blips, I pretty much know my own best direction. Having said that -- I made a few whopper mistakes this year! More to come, on that! 

  • Cee replied 1 year ago

    You even managed to make a cowlneck look good !!

  • Jenn replied 1 year ago

    " But if the right pieces are in your closet, you can go by your mood and still feel coherent and consistent in your style."

    Suz, this is so true, and a discovery I've only really started making recently. I think I had to let go of some of my controlling tendencies to get there and relax into the throughlines that unite my style across all sorts of moods.

  • Suz replied 1 year ago

    Jenn, I loved how you illustrated how you might experiment with various moods in this post. I know you felt some of the outfits would be unwearable IRL, and I get that, but that kind of play does help us push our own boundaries a bit and loosen up our strict ideas about what makes an outfit. I see complete consistency in your style across all variations both there and in all your more every day outfits. Even though our styles differ considerably, we both rely quite a lot on what I think of as "backdrop" essentials with vibrant pattern or colour and/or texture to add oomph to outfits. I think you are a lot more practiced at the textural play than I am, plus your hair adds texture in itself. But in any case, I see a similarity in how we work with what is there. It is super important to have our essentials but once we have them, we can dress for our mood with the additional pieces -- completers and/or statements. 

  • Sal replied 1 year ago

    You continue to be inspiring Suz. I agree that the fun happens in the tension between the style adjectives, and what makes our styles unique.

    Lovely additions- you choose statement but practical pieces!

  • Suz replied 1 year ago

    Sal, that is so smart...you are right -- the pieces here that aren't replacement essentials are statements but extremely practical. Good eye! 

  • Bonnie replied 1 year ago

    It's so great you have found a style moniker that works for you and I definitely see the items you added working well for your goal. Now I'm inspired to try this. I've been loosely following the moniker Arty Tomboy but maybe I need to pay closer attention to it and refine what it means to me by starting a mood board.

  • Suz replied 1 year ago

    That sounds like a good idea, Bonnie. I can see those two elements (arty and tomboy) reflected in your style -- the tomboy more for your hiking life and the arty more for the "going out" outfits. I like that there is some tension between the elements. 

  • rachylou replied 1 year ago

    Your outfits are just delicious!

    I was just thinking as I read, that your moniker is probably an effective tool for making style decision’s although it may not be synonymous exactly with the product… luminous tbh makes me think of the candlestick in Beauty and the Beast… lol, there’s no helping me, lol ;)

  • SarahD8 replied 1 year ago

    Wow! When it came together it all REALLY came together! Love all of the outfits you have highlighted. And this discussion is such a great illustration of how a moniker can be so, so useful.

  • Zaeobi replied 1 year ago

    'Shine' doesn't have to mean jewellery - it can come from you too! A twinkle in your eyes, glowing skin & a dazzling smile all help ;)

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