My “Boring” Wardrobe Never Lets Me Down
There was a time when I thought having good style meant constantly keeping up with the trends. Every season came with a new color, a new silhouette, or a new "must-have" item, and my closet always felt like it was playing catch-up. Now, I think my style is... kind of boring. And I don’t think that’s a bad thing.
I've realized that the outfits I feel my best in aren't the ones that are trying the hardest. They're built around the same handful of pieces I've been reaching for year after year. They're the items that have survived closet clean-outs, trend cycles, and countless "I have nothing to wear" moments.
Whenever I'm getting dressed for work, dinner with friends, or even just running errands, these are the things I instinctively grab.
Blue Jeans
My friends honestly make fun of me for my shameless love for jeans. I LOVE a good pair of jeans and can be seen wearing a pair 99% of the time. Dressed up with your favorite heels for dinner, or paired with some casual clog mules for weekend errands - they just never fail me. I’ve tried a handful of brands but have felt the most confident in Abercrombie’s Curve Love line. Finding the right pair of jeans is such a personal journey, but one I feel is totally worth it once you find the one.
Plain White T
I’ve been on a quest for the perfect white t shirt for ages, and have come to the conclusion that there can’t just be one. Sometimes I want something boxier, and sometimes I want something more fitted, but my favorites right now are Uniqlo’s Crew Neck T Shirts. I own them in a few colors, but especially love that the white version isn’t see through. They also have some slightly cropped options that I also keep as part of the rotation.
Black Ballet Flats
I’ve worn black ballet flats since my elementary school piano recitals. But like many things from the early 2000s, they’re back and better than ever. I added the Greta Ballet Flats from Madewell to my office shoe rotation, and have found myself reaching for them even on the weekends. They’re great with a pair of loose fitting jeans (because, let’s be honest, when am I not wearing jeans?) and are the perfect middle ground between sneakers and heels.
Black Tank Top
A classic black tank top is something that’s probably in everyone’s closet, and for good reason. It's one of those basics that works with everything. I wear it on its own in the summer, layered under jackets for work, and it always makes it into my suitcase when I travel. I’m currently wearing this very affordable Target ribbed tank top and it has been serving me wearing well.
Black Slacks
When I figured out the Curve Love line at Abercrombie fit me so comfortably, I knew I had to pick up a classic pair of black slacks. These are an absolute office staple. They’re my go-to pair for when I have a big meeting or presentation, because a matching blazer just makes me feel so put together. But I also love pairing them with a white t shirt and red flats if I want to feel Paris-chic.
Cropped Trench Coat
This is probably the piece of clothing I get the most compliments on. I absolutely love how chic a full trench coat is, but sometimes it just feels a little out of place wearing one in Southern California. I’ve found this Abercrombie cropped trench coat to be the perfect jacket for transitional weather, and appropriate for so many occasions. Even though it’s a simple tan jacket, this piece somehow makes me feel so confident and never boring when I’m wearing it.
Black Cardigan
I don't think a black cardigan has ever gone out of style. I’ve owned a hundred versions of a basic button up cardigan before across price ranges, and they’ve always been a well worn piece in my wardrobe. This budget option from Old Navy also does the job just fine and is in my regular rotation. I’ve found that I get the most versatility out of options that are crew neck and have monochromatic buttons (over anything high contrast or with metals). I wear it all the way buttoned up, partially buttoned, or completely open as a layering piece.
White Button Down
Similar to a white t shirt, a white button down can come in many shapes and sizes. But no matter if you’re rocking a boyfriend, boxy, cropped, fitted, or detailed option, you’ll always look put together. In the summer or on a tropical vacation, I love wearing a white linen shirt as a cover up or lightweight jacket. But a crisp white button down tucked into dark blue denim and a belt? I could be on day 4 hair and still feel fresh.
Mixed Metal Jewelry
I have to make a lot of choices on a day to day basis, but choosing between silver and gold is not one of them. I’ve been obsessed with mixed metal jewelry for a while now, and love the few pieces I invested in that I rarely take off. With my last promotion, I rewarded myself with a bracelet from David Yurman. It pairs well with the other staple jewelry pieces I rarely take off, because it goes with everything and elevates even my simplest outfits.
Looking at this list, I realized none of these pieces are particularly groundbreaking. They're classics for a reason. They've survived trend cycles because they work.
Maybe my style is a little boring. But it's also the version of my closet I reach for every single morning without thinking, and that's probably the best compliment I can give it.
