My Style Vision for My 30s

I’ve been big on wardrobe planning, reflection, and curation since… forever. I have vivid memories of seeking out particular items, colours, or features as a child, mostly in an attempt to be ‘different’ and ‘unique.’

I lean into those qualities now, proud of my attraction, eye, and instinct for fashion. But now the goal posts have shifted from ‘different’ and ‘unique’ into ‘versatile’ and ‘comfortable.’

Minimal Beginnings

The wave of trending minimalism and IntoMind, a now defunct personal style blog by Anuschka Rees caught my attention back in 2013 and since then, I’ve been borrowing her formulas and prompts to refine and update my style journey.

All this reflection means I’m in a pretty good place from an aesthetic point of view: I know my key influences and reference points, I know what silhouettes and fabrics I enjoy wearing the most, and I am confident in the items that I get the most mileage out of.

I’m a little less certain on my lifestyle needs: Will we be traveling this year? Will I be spending more time in the woods? Will kids be entering the picture? Regardless, I’m pretty certain that the foundation I’ve built for myself will hold, whether I’m living abroad or remain holed up at home. After all, if I feel good in the garments, they’ll feel good any where.

My Personal Style Guide

With all that information and understanding, thinking through the pieces I felt most confident in and that I reach for the most, I began developing a style guide for myself as I take on another decade.

Silhouettes

Sometimes called a ‘style uniform’, these are the proportions that work best for me. I’m definitely a big pant/little top girl. I also feel at home in an oversized top and midi skirt and a mini shift dress. Long live the bag dress.

Longer hemlines, high waists, and comfortable, (mostly) natural fibres are the biggest lessons and changes from the previous closet era. Sneakers, boots, and flat (preferably thicker soled) sandals finish things off. I also alternate between tried and true makeup looks: a bold lip, a blushy/bronzey/lashy look, and a solid eyeliner moment. Same goes for jewelry: ✨dripping in gold✨ necklaces, statement earrings, or a ring party complete most looks.

Palette

My wardrobe is mostly made up of solid neutrals, but I love a strong print. Florals and geometric prints factor nicely into my style story. My palette plays pretty nicely together and I’m finding ways to inject more colour and experiment with new combinations. I’m always amazed what a pop of neon or an accessory can bring to a palette.

Fabrics

Natural fibres reign supreme and washing instructions are paramount: if it’s dry clean only, it has to be pretty damn spectacular to make it into my closet. Pretty straightforward, but super helpful for narrowing things down in the world wide web of online shopping.

Workhorses

Every closet has workhorses: those core components that hold their weight and then some. For me, these pieces are mainstays that I reach for time and time again. They usually make an appearance in every outfit, in one way or another.

Bottoms: High waisted denim, a-line skirts, wide leg pants, leggings

Tops: Oversized outerwear, fitted crop tops, turtlenecks, men’s t-shirts, black button downs

Accessories: Black crossbody bag, aviator or cat eye sunglasses, toque, Tilley hat

Shoes: Running shoes, boots, block heels, lace ups, slides

Lifestyle

There is a bit significant delta between what I think I do and what I actually do. While I do spend some time eating at nice restaurants, attending events, and traveling internationally… Mostly, I lounge around staring at screens, from the comfort of my home or from the comfort of a coffee shop. If I’m not doing that, I’m usually walking the dog, heading to the woods, or going to a workout class.

My 30s will be about making those pie charts line up a little better, being realistic about what I reach for and letting go of what doesn’t really suit my needs.

References

We are endlessly intertextual beings. I find myself returning (consciously and subconsciously) to these muses. They all offer a bit of androgynous ease, convey elegance with edge, and offer examples of how to play well with texture and colour.

I have long described my personal aesthetic as a mix between Audrey Hepburn and Lenny Kravitz. “Minimal Bohemian,” if you will. I’ve also long admired Emmanuel Alt and my mom. I find myself referencing Ace Ventura, Surf and Skateboard Culture, 60’s Mod, and the Natural World lately as I refine and rethink things.

Nonstarters

I don’t mess around with acid wash, leopard print, uncomfortable footwear (sigh - no matter how pretty) ranging from ballet flats to sky high heels, fake nails or eyelashes, fitted mini skirts, and tube or body con dresses. I’ve tried some of these and they just don’t work for me.

Other Signatures

I cannot tell you the number of times people flat out do not recognize me if I change my hairstyle. Big, undone curls are definitely a signature - one I’ve neglected, chopped and experimented with over the past few years. Best not to get too attached. ;)

For me, the long hours locked down meant more emphasis on lingerie, pajamas, fragrances, and jewelry. Pieces that don’t require updating often (or ever, if done right) but that are often overlooked or afterthoughts in evolving a personal aesthetic. Investing in pieces I loved that were close to my body, and not necessarily visible to others, felt like a wonderful gift to myself.

What have been the biggest shifts in your personal style journey? Are there signatures you return to or new silhouettes you’re experimenting with? I love how fashion and style are always evolving and, by their nature, always happening in dialogue with the world.

Until next time,