29 Dec 5 Style Lessons I Learned in 2016

The year is over. Seriously, how did this happen so quickly!? While I’m recapping my highs and lows of 2016, I can’t help but flashback to my fashion choices. And I can honestly say I wore some fun, fashionable and fly pieces. But I also learned a few great lessons.

After doing a massive closet purge last year {I donated a fourth of my wardrobe!}, 2016 taught me a lot about my personal style.

I Like Wearing the Same Pieces Over and Over
And there’s nothing wrong with that. While it’s tempting to buy more or every “new” trend, I realized I embrace the classic and fun items I already own. These suede over the knee boots have been in my closet for at least five years and they always make me feel great. And who says short girls can’t wear OTK boots?! We should all wear what makes us smile, whether it’s a pair of boots, particular color or pattern.

Casual Doesn’t Equal Frumpy
There’s no denying I’m a high heel lover, but you know what? I probably wore more flat sandals and canvas sneakers this year than I have in years. A casual, relaxed style doesn’t mean boring. It just means you want to be comfortable. These white canvas sneakers were simple but paired perfectly with a colorful vintage dress.

I Embraced Bodycon Dresses
I’m confident with my body, but I was never really a fan of bodycon dresses, they just seemed too restrictive. However, in summer ’16 I gave this Express off the shoulder bodycon dress a twirl and loved it. A style I once swore off made me feel fun, flirty and was surprisingly comfy.

Sometimes You Figure Fashion Out as You Go 
Remember this maxi shirt? I scored it at a vintage shop and when I purchase it, I wasn’t sure if it was a shirt or a dress or even how I’d wear it, but it was 10 bucks so I said, “why not?” When I brought the dress/shirt home I played around with it for a bit and realized I loved it. It was long, but still showed a bit of skin thanks to the unique backless feature. While I suggest knowing how you’re going to wear something before you buy it, sometimes you’ve just gotta try something new and see how you like it. Fashion should be fun, right? And a playing dress up is okay.

Try a Different Cut 
The only thing I love more than a pair of heels is a good skinny jean. But in 2016 I tried a new style of denim. Flare jeans. Yes, a 5’2″ woman in flare jeans. Jeans I normally would have assumed would make me look super short. But that just wasn’t the case. These NYDJ flare jeans are stuff dreams are made of. Just the right amount of stretch and a slightly high waist meant figure flattering perfection. Safe to say I’m glad I gave them a try.

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So for you that can might mean trying a different cut of jeans, a new color or rocking a print you normally shy away from.

2016 was fun fashion wise and I’m looking forward to trying more in 2017 and giving my closet what she wants and needs.

What are your fashion resolutions for 2017? Did you have a favorite item of clothing you purchased?