Happy Sunday!
I’ve spent the last couple of weekends the same way: recouping, napping and playing in my closet. Re-organizing my closet and playing dress up always makes me feel most like myself and motivated to go into another week with a few cute fits!
One of my goals this year was to focus deeper on developing a personal style and curating a wardrobe that feels super authentic; building on my wardrobe, not replacing it. I’ve been thinking a lot about this as I prep my wardrobe for the warmer months (thank f*ing god) and thought I would try the Allison Bornstein 3 word method as sort of the first step on my venture.
If you haven’t heard of it, it’s a three-step method for defining your personal style in just 3 key words. The idea is that you can use these three words when getting dressed, and keep them in mind when purchasing new items as a way to curve overconsumption and impulse purchases. Here is a great YouTube video where she breaks down each step.
Today we’re tackling step one - identifying the “realistic” word.
She calls this the “AB Closet Editing Method,” where you pull out all of the most-worn pieces in your closet, lay them on your bed, and dig into each one to help identify one word that describes them.
I actually loved doing this step, because it forced to me to really think about the things that I reach for all the time, and why. I think a lot of times when we’re craving a refresh it’s super easy to go on Pinterest, identify a style or specific aesthetic and purchase a bunch of items to get you there without thinking through how they work with what you already have and wear. I landed on (10) pieces that I wear constantly - at least once per week.
Some other factors I kept in mind:
I noticed I was leaning towards some of my favorite things, rather than pieces I genuinely wear all the time, so I limited myself to only items I wear at least 1x a week.
I work from home most of the time, and stay in my activewear/loungewear for much of my days. I focused on things I actually wear when I “get dressed.”
I travel a lot for work, so kept in mind pieces I always wear for work events and travel days, which actually overlapped a ton with what I wear on a weekly basis anyways.
Actually pulling everything out and talking through why I gravitate towards each item, what I like about them, and how I typically wear them was so helpful in nailing down my first word.
Here’s the breakdown of everything I grabbed from my closet:
Oversized button ups
I have two in rotation, this white one from GAP, and a black striped men’s button up, thrifted but also from GAP.
I tend to wear them on their own with a really skinny bra underneath, only one or two buttons, untucked and the sleeves unfolded. I love a huge tuxedo-style sleeve and that feels super polished, but also relaxed because it’s so oversized. Showing a little skin and letting the sleeves almost be too long feels super sexy and cool girl to me.
Black wide legged jeans
There are two that I alternate between every single day, these from Good American (purchased from Nuuly) and the high waist flare jeans from Levis (also purchased from Nuuly.)
I noticed I pick darker jeans over a lighter denim more often than not, and I like that it feels more classy, and elevated even though it’s a casual jean.
Black oversized blazer
Originally from Zara, but stole this oversized black blazer from a friend that I throw on over almost everything. I wear it a ton when I travel, because wearing it with my travel outfit saves room in my suitcase, and makes me fee like a cool girl at the airport. It’s super functional for me because I wear it to dinner, in my house, out to coffee shops, during work trips, etc.
Baseball cap
I wear a baseball cap 1-2 times week, and go in between a few, but always wear my MET cap at least once. Again, I travel with her and I feel like when I have an outfit that doesn’t feel quite “done” I’ll throw on a baseball cap for an extra touch and cool girl vibe.
Black leather ankle boots
These are mostly a fall/winter shoe because I like to wear them under jeans, but they are the shoe I’m grabbing 90% of the time if I’m getting dressed. They’re incredibly comfortable for walking around the city, go with everything and one of my top favorite purchases of all time.
I love how sleek and cool they feel, they’re handmade and ethically sourced by local artisans in Barcelona, though sadly discontinued (from a brand called Feners.) Something about the story and the authenticity behind them just makes them feel so sophisticated and cool. I also love the square toe and interesting shaped heel.
White sneakers
Super easy to throw on, goes with everything, and especially walking around a lot I want to be comfortable. Usually pair with jeans and blazer to make it feel super relaxed and cool. These are the Dr. Scholl’s Time Off Sneaker - super comfortable but I’ve already almost worn them to the ground.
Sleek black sunglasses
If I’m leaving the house, I’m grabbing these. I love the sleek 90’s look, and the black frames and lenses feel so cool and chic.
After laying out my core items, I toyed around with a few possible realistic words.
Structured (feels too restricting)
Polished (feels too stuffy)
Sophisticated
Understated
Relaxed
I was going to pick “relaxed” because I like the oversized, relaxed fit of the things I lean towards, but my friend suggested another one that I agree fits much better - classic.
I guess if the point is to think of a realistic word for the style (not the fit, color, cut, etc) of clothes I wear all the time, classic does fit the bill a little better. Even when I’m shopping, it’s usually for something simple and classic - a black sweater, a pair of jeans, a trench coat, etc. All very classic, staple pieces.
Part 2 is all about the “aspirational” word, so I’m excited to see what comes up when I deep dive into that one!
Xx,
K