January Finale and Reflections

Ta-Da! I did it! A month of no outfit repeats, following on SarahDB's challenge. My additional wrinkle was to wear something new and something older every day. By "new" I meant -- mostly new in 2023 or late 2022. By "old" I meant anything older. And for one week, I also tried to keep my palette to blues. Many of you generously commented on those Weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, so I won't go into any more detail than that!

Here are my last 3 days with some reflections to follow. 

Monday: 1-2. I thought I would wear my red pants but it was way too warm for velvet. Got my colour in up top instead. Max wanted to get into the act and photo 2 shows the pattern of the top more clearly. This is a sentimental thing -- a gift of mine to my mother that I took from her closet after she died. 

Tuesday: 3.  Keeping it real. This was a gear day. What can I say. Morning hike and lots of work around the house afterwards. But bonus shots of where I hiked. 

Wednesday. 8 Winter white out. 

Some thoughts

My wardrobe is plenty large enough. I had no trouble coming up with outfits I wanted to wear that were not repeats. I thought I might feel some pressure (because in a typical month, I actually would repeat outfits.) But no. It wasn't a strain at all. On the other hand, there wasn't much I thought I could do without. 

I rarely wore a button front shirt and I wore all my knits, many on repeat. It's January, folks! Around this time of year I always catch myself giving my button-fronts the side-eye and wondering why I even own them. Then, the temperature changes and I remember, so best not to edit too vigorously there. 

I wore all my bottoms except my silver jeans. I did not wear my skirts. No occasion to, really, in a mostly work-from-home month with only one real evening engagement on a day when I had to go there straight from a class. On the bus. So. 

I did not wear much jewellery at all and did not miss it. Unlike SarahDB, I don't seem to want it for at home days, beyond my watch and small stud earrings. 

I did crave more colour. Although I love my blues and my greys/ whites, my closet is still predominantly neutral and in winter, especially, I long for something bright. I would like more patterned knits, maybe, and maybe another pair of bright pants. I do wear scarves a lot in deep winter, but I sometimes tire of them. 

All in all, I'm feeling very comfortable with the closet I have and am enjoying all my fab clothes! I didn't track wears (though I didn't repeat outfits, I did repeat items -- a lot!). But I end the month feeling like I still enjoy everything I did wear and don't need to edit it out. 

Thanks for reading and any thoughts of your own! 

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33 Comments

  • LaPed replied 8 months ago

    Okay, I know you came away craving color, but that white-out ensemble is smashing on you!

    Really impressed that you wore all your bottoms. Maybe it’s the four season climate here, but I find I only have 4-5 pairs in rotation at any time, but the selection changes every month or two…

  • Suz replied 8 months ago

    LaPed -- thanks -- I love the white out, too!  I should have been clearer -- I wore all my truly cross - seasonal and winter-appropriate bottoms. I have some that are summer weight only and I don't wear them in winter. And vice versa. The wool BR pants I wore on Monday are a really lightweight wool. I could not wear them in high summer here and I wouldn't wear them on the coldest days here -- but I wore them in San Francisco in August when I was there, and I can wear them on a warm January day here. 

  • Sal replied 8 months ago

    You look wonderful and what stunning scenery.

    This exercise is a reality check for winter - I suspect most of us have a month like this where we need to be warm, comfortable, practical and there are limitations on even the social activities eg catching the bus or walking in the rain to the dinner etc..

    I am thinking of a bright casual fun sweater this winter, something practical but a bit more statement than my usual.  Along the lines of the red "sheep" jumper that Princess Diana wore (and maybe Bijou owns) or bolder stripes.  It's finding the right piece though isn't it!

  • cjh replied 8 months ago

    Very nice winter white out. As I tend rather non-neutral and have limited pales, I enjoy seeing this sophisticated and cozy look on you.

    The hiking scenery - majestic! And exotic relative to my Midwest small towns, farms and woodlands. Thanks for the lovely photos.

    I'm having trouble typing things. I keep getting underlines and I don’t know why.

  • SarahD8 replied 8 months ago

    APPLAUSE!!! 

    It was so fun doing the challenge with you, and you have aced it! I have enjoyed seeing your outfits and reading your reflections.

    And that white-out outfit! Holy moly, talk about ending the month on a high note. And, you've given me some ideas about how to wear my own white boots (which I'm still kinda getting the hang of or getting my eye used to). So thank you!

  • Helena replied 8 months ago

    Fantastic Suz... It really shows that you are in a great place with your wardrobe. You look amazing, polished and just like yourself. What a beautiful hiking spot!

  • Jaime replied 8 months ago

    First I must laugh - what is too warm for velvet pants? Ha! I somehow suspect your too warm is my too cold!
    Anyway, your white out outfit is outstanding! Your style (and hair) have just been top notch lately (long time lately), and it is good to hear that you are happy and enjoying your closet! The outdoor shots are gorgeous too!

  • Angie replied 8 months ago

    I love that your Mama's sentimental piece and Max featured in the first look :)

    KILLER White Out.

    Suz, your wardrobe is in a zen place at the moment! Plenty of variety, and nothing to edit. WELL DONE! Enjoy it, and please carry on!

    I GET the need for colour! Do you have a chartreuse patterned scarf? A chartreuse and white one would be fab with your blues - and break up the blues!

  • Suz replied 8 months ago

    Angie, that is exactly right -- I need a scarf with chartreuse and white. I do not own such a thing. But I can be on the hunt for it. 

    Thank you, Jaime! You made me laugh. 

    And thank you Helena, Sarah, cjh, and Sal! 

  • Runcarla replied 8 months ago

    Congratulations on a challenge met, and something learned from it.  Interesting observation regarding button downs vs sweaters.

  • Barbara Diane replied 8 months ago

    Love seeing all the outfits. You have a wonderful wardrobe.

  • Roberta replied 8 months ago

    I'm glad the challenge was a pleasure and not a trial! It certainly has been fun for us to watch. I know what you mean about wanting a bit of color, even when you are enjoying your neutral ensembles. I have a couple pairs of earrings that add a tiny jolt of color when I need it. Something that others might not even notice.

    I do hope you break out your silver jeans soon, though!

  • Star replied 8 months ago

    I love your winter white out outfit the most - really stunning!  I too only want to wear simple earrings at home in winter and no other jewellery.   I stopped wearing a watch years ago.  Well done that your wardrobe is in such a good place.

  • Sisi replied 8 months ago

    Lovely outfits! I like them all. Love the pink/floral combo on you (pretty kitty - are Siameses naughty and capricious as they say? :) ). You are a stylish athlete and you look stunning in all white! Wonderful landscape as always, thanks for posting!

  • Brooklyn replied 8 months ago

    Well done. Love the white out so much!

    Have you given any thought to getting a metallic sweater? I got one recently from Mango. Seem to be lots around in the northern hemisphere. Metallic stripes would be nice for you.

  • Dee replied 8 months ago

    I rarely wear button downs at this time of year as well, they feel either not warm enough or somehow too fussy with another layer. They'll reappear in the spring, I just crave something more cozier at this time of the year,
    Theres no question that you've got a very versatile and fun wardrobe that offers you plenty of wonderful options to suit your needs.

  • Olive Green replied 8 months ago

    Lovely kitty. The white out is indeed the standout outfit. I wore a button down yesterday but it’s 70 degrees here. But it was a sweats and more sweats month otherwise. 
    Looking forward to the scarf, I love acid brights on other people!

  • RobinF replied 8 months ago

    More love for the white outfit! I enjoy seeing how you put together outfits, they have lots of variety and still look very much like you.

    Gorgeous scenery!

  • rachylou replied 8 months ago

    My theory: it’s too cold in winter for the time it takes to button a button-up! Lol. I’m definitely about minimising the time between night gown off and clothes on ;)

  • Suz replied 8 months ago

    Thanks, all, for your kind words. 

    Brooklyn, I have a metallic sweater and have owned it for years. I wore it most recently in the pic below. It is not so shiny that the shine shows a lot in photos, but it's metallic for sure, and also needs an underlayer because if its loose knit. I usually layer it with white, navy, or another metallic layer, like the loose tee in Finds (which is what I've layered it with here.) It is a very fluid fit and cut a bit long by today's standards, but it works to semi-tuck it. 

    I also have a metallic stripe (but again, the metallic/ sparkle bits are subtle), a scarf, and two spring/ fall weight tops, a long skirt, and one summer top. 

    I would love to see your metallic items! I'll bet they are burnished and amazing! And I would also love to get some more metallic tops. I keep ordering and returning. Some are too shiny. Others not a nice texture to wear. 

    Sisi, Siamese have earned their reputation, yes! This one is very old and not in good health so he is more subdued most of the time and really is a lap baby. Actually, that is the most distinctive quality of the breed. They love to be near their people and are constantly nearby -- more like dogs that way than some cats. They are also very smart. 

    Roberta, those are really pretty earrings. Maybe I am missing out by neglecting daily jewellery! 

    Lots of love for the winter white, which is funny since I am not "supposed" to wear white, according to colour theory! Well, at least if they typed me right! 

  • cat2 replied 8 months ago

    It’s been fun to see everyone remixing their wardrobes. I can get into ruts, and a challenge or theme gets me to rethink the mix.

  • MsMary replied 8 months ago

    LOVE the white out! And I, too, love wearing pieces from family members who are no longer with us. I wore my mom's mink coat the other night, and I regularly wear my dad's cardigans around the house. (I call them "the original Grandpa sweaters!").

  • Laurie replied 8 months ago

    Spectacular. You in winter white, and the scenery. I would hike and hike and hike if I lived someplace that pretty!

  • Brooklyn replied 8 months ago

    Ah yes, I remember that sweater. It’s lovely. And the top too. I had in mind something a little heavier for deep winter. Like this one from Mango. But it’s acrylic, which would give me pause. Fabrication is definitely an issue. A couple of years ago I got a striped bronze metallic jumper in cotton. Cotton is always a good find.

  • Ket replied 8 months ago

    I love every single one of your outfits! You always inspire me with your verve and polish, Suz! I want to pick a favorite and I can't. I love the polish of your pink outfit and the modern and edgy ease with your white outfit. And your casual outfit is the stuff of my workout dreams :D 


    Okay.. you had me at your cat!! We have a super dark seal point apple head Siamese -- like yours only dark chocolate and a bazillion years old. (Well, 18 years anyway.) I love your darling kitty! 

    I know you'll find some really fun ways to add more color. I used to do a lot of neutrals, mostly black and grey. Partially due to finding my seasonal colors, and who knows what else, I've found myself inserting a TON of color into my wardrobe. To the point, I have the opposite problem: I sometimes miss all neutral outfits. I'm not sure how to replicate them though as a dark autumn. I keep thinking camel, chocolate, etc. but it's difficult to find those shades compared to black. 
    Anyhooooo... xo 

  • Jonesy replied 8 months ago

    Your mother's floral top suits you, and I love the all-white look--super-duper fabulous! I hear you on craving a bit more color this time of year. I am actually wanting a pink sweater, which is completely bonkers because I don't wear pink! I am filled with envy over your hiking pics--such intense beauty. You've had a great January, it seems.

  • kkards replied 8 months ago

    Very late to this!  Nicely done. And strong finish to the month.   

  • Suz replied 8 months ago

    Thanks, Kkards. Jonesy, go for the pink! (Or, as my kid likes to call it, because they "don't wear pink," faded red, which they will wear!.) Ket, it makes sense that you have turned against neutrals when there are so many great autumnal colours on the market now! Brooklyn, I won't wear acrylic, so that would definitely give me pause, too! But I see what you are saying -- a heavier weight sweater could be useful. I will keep an eye out. Thanks, Laurie -- I pretty much do hike all the time, LOL. And Mary, you made me laugh with your grandpa sweater comment! Cat2, thank you! 

  • Zaeobi replied 8 months ago

    Gorgeous photos - you look so polished and you have such a pretty kitty! The vegetation in hiking photo #4 is great, as are the clouds forming over water - very moody/ mysterious :)

    As for your stunning whiteout outfit, can you do it in all cool whites or does it need to be a softer winter white? If so, that might give you an answer as to why white works for you.

    Do you wear your scarves WFH too, or just outside? If it's the latter, then you may get more use out of a chartreuse jumper/ knitwear? But I just remembered that chartreuse & white polka dot scarf Angie bought from Artful Home!
    Had a little mooch around their website & found this chartreuse cashmere scarf - but might be a bit too warm toned? https://www.artfulhome.com/pro.....arf/186580
    They also have this stunning chartreuse silk velvet wrap! A short poncho might not work though if you don't like to wear velvet when it's warm out:
    https://www.artfulhome.com/pro.....rap/183663

    Funny what your kids say about red VS pink, because in Cantonese that's exactly how you say the colour pink (literally 'light red') ;)

  • Suz replied 8 months ago

    Amazing chartreuse items, Zaeobi! Alas, I really won't look good in it as a main colour and won't wear it that way (except maybe for shoes or a bag or belt) but I'm hoping I can mix it into patterns where white or blue predominate. Chartreuse my way. :) 

    For white, theoretically a winter white should be do-able and "best" but I seem to wear an optic white surprisingly well also now that my hair is silver. This is the surprise. Technically, it shouldn't work. I'm sure the hair makes most of the difference, but even earlier in my life with dark blonde hair I seemed to wear white well if it was a contrast item with, say, navy. I wouldn't have worn it on its own back then, though. 

    The other weird thing -- I can also wear some creams or ecrus quite well. Better in the summer...when I get a bit of tan -- but I if the cream is not too yellowish, it will work in winter, too. Examples of my whites, winter whites, off-whites, below. 

  • Zaeobi replied 8 months ago

    Ah oops, I forgot that detail about the chartreuse sorry! A cooler undertone wouldn't work either with white hair? Chartreuse accessories sound fun - could totally see you in some metallic chartreuse Oxfords (if such a shoe exists) :D

    Oh, interesting! Often, seasonal colour analysts say our season doesn't change with age (only the subtype)? So I'm not entirely sure what's going on there, but you should milk it! 'Common' wisdom is always changing - the reason why we no longer have just 4 seasonal colours are because of these exceptions to the 'rules' anyway, haha.

  • lyn67 replied 8 months ago

    I just love you in the lillac cardi and DM's top! Then the all winter whites! and your "keep it real gear day" is still very chic- think is due to that funnel neck!

  • Karie replied 8 months ago

    I especially like that you included your hiking gear - as a hiker, this is the stuff I wear daily. Your hiking pics are beautiful!

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