It’s taken me a while, but I am finally getting a grasp on how to dress myself (yes I know how dumb that sounds – I’m 32). In fact, I am actually enjoying myself. I am noticing my style re-emerging after a bunch of ‘lost’ years and I am digging it! I guess I’ve had to lift my game since I became a school mum (I just won’t stop banging on about that will I?) at the beginning of this year. I’ve been trying to nail that whole casual/looks like I haven’t put in too much effort/OK to be seen in public look! I wanted to start feeling like a grown up, but the kind of grown up I feel comfortable being. Which means the ripped jeans and silly tees and ever so subtle rock and roll feel totally get to stay!
I’ve learned a lot this winter and found inspiration in the people around me and on the internet. I haven’t had to spend a lot – I’m learning it’s all how you put it together!
Here’s the stuff I’m loving…
Ripped skinny jeans
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I will scour every sale table for a pair of ripped size 12s (they are so hard to find)! I have a pair in black and a pair in denim blue. They are great for being comfy in a hoody with or for pairing with cool T-shirts, plaid button up shirts, and jackets. I love how the ripped effect gives my outfits a little bit of edge and because I’m feeling that my legs are a bit chunky (and short), I love how the rips kind of break up the big blocks of denim.
You can dress them up and down – so versatile!
I used to be scared of jeans because of the constant muffin top situation, but they make them stretchier now (slightly higher rise ones are the best) and I think I’ve finally got the sizing right (don’t always listen when the sales assistant tells you to go down a size to allow for wearing them in)! There are also really clever ways to layer and hide the ‘bloop’ around the waistline – especially in winter!
Footwear: pairing those ripped jeans with sneaks and ankle boots and (wait for it) open toed wedges!
I don’t know what rock I’ve been hiding under, but I only just learned about the ‘rolling the hem of your jeans up’ trend this winter. Not only does it weirdly lengthen your leg (something to do with the showing of some ankle bones – sexy) but it helps you to wear almost any footwear with them too!
Great for a shorty like me!
I love cute little Converse style sneakers for a really casual look and I love ankle boots for a bit of warmth and dressed up style.
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I have black boots myself, but you get the idea! Ankle boots are everywhere at the moment so it’s really easy to find an affordable pair that suits your look!
Here’s the surprise revelation I’ve just made…here in WA, we get a lot of sunny winter days. I don’t know why but I’ve always had this stupid fear of being shamed for wearing open toed shoes in winter (there’s always that bitch that says “aren’t you cold in that” implying all kinds of whorish things). Yet there are days where I could totally justify it! If the ground is dry and the sun is out and you are the kind of person who doesn’t care if their feet are a little open to the cool breeze, then why the hell not? I have made the resolution to stop neglecting my wedges this winter and get adventurous (even us short/stubby leg people can go strap happy when pairing with jeans)! Well… maybe when I get a pedicure (it’s not looking pretty right now)!
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Tees
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I love a good tee. For me, the requirements are that it must be juuuust baggy enough that it hides some muffin top (but not so baggy you end up looking bigger), a good quality fabric that can be washed forever because you love it so much, and those cute slightly rolled up sleeves. I pick greys, patterns and dark colours – the best for flattering a slightly bumpy mid section!
If they have cool (or funny or ironic or kitsch) stuff on them, I don’t mind either!
Bright scarves
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I often find myself wearing a lot of monochrome and neutrals in winter. It just seems easier, I guess. I like to brighten things up with a pop of colour around the neck! Scarves are great for keeping you warm, they hide the double chins, and they even disguise a bad hair day a bit! Yay!
Black puffer jacket
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I love my black puffer. It’s longer than the one pictured here, but it’s great. It will go over any casual outfit and offers an extra layer of much needed warmth! It’s so easy and comfy!
There are so many styles, shapes and prices – there’s one for everyone out there!
Now I want to go shopping more – oops haha.
How would you describe your winter style? What stuff are you wearing the hell out of?
disclaimer: All images originally found on Pinterest. I do not own any of these specific items (just items like them) and this post is not sponsored in any way. I am so not a fashion/style blogger.
