Iโve been thinking a lot about my personal style lately, and the internal conversation almost always comes up when I get down on myself for seemingly โwearing the same thing every day.โ And after a lot of thought on the subject, hereโs where Iโm at: itโs okay to have a uniform of sorts, no matter who you are. Maybe your โuniformโ is wearing a dress every day. Maybe your uniform is styling over-the-top outfits each morning. Or maybe your daily wardrobe revolves around jeans. Or yoga pants. Or great sweaters. Or turtlenecks. Or tee shirts. Whatever it is, embrace it!
Embracing my truest self is one of my top goals for 2018. (If you’re interested, Iโll be sharing more on those goals soon!) Labeling myself as a โfashion bloggerโ can sometimes lead me to putting this unnecessary pressure on what I wearโฆ I start to question myself, and my style, and go down the mental rabbit hole of not feeling โgood enough.โ Not a good place to be in!
Lately, though, Iโve been coming to terms with what my style looks like right now. Sure, I love beautiful, feminine dresses, but I just donโt wear them that often with my current lifestyle. My โnormalโ days consist of working from my desk in my apartment, spending a few hours on my laptop at a cafรฉ or coffee shop, getting a workout in, potentially grabbing lunch with a prospective brand partner or friend within the industry, and maybe grabbing dinner or a drink with girlfriends. I live in Chicago where itโs freezing for months on end in the fall, winter, and spring! And I also love exploring the city on foot and try to walk to-and-from where Iโm going whenever I can.
So where does that leave me? Warm sweaters, lots of denim, fun coats, and walkable booties or sneakers. And thatโs how I kind of got to the bottom of my personal style predicament! Thatโs what I feel the most comfortable in, what fits with my lifestyle, and what still feels true to my style.
The judgemental part of my mind goes to a place screaming B-O-R-I-N-G. But it doesnโt have to be! Sure, jeans + sweaters + booties/sneakers can sound like the recipe for a pretty plain outfit, but Iโve realized thatโs why I gravitate towards such fun pieces with personality. They make these more basic outfits feel a lot more โme.โ Sweaters with statement sleeves. Sneakers covered in glitter. A little (faux) fur handbag. You get the idea, yeah?
I saw these pink velvet Robert Clergerie booties on Farfetch and couldnโt place the order fast enough. Whereas I used to be more comfortable spending a few hundred dollars on a dress Iโll have in my closet for many years, I now realize that Iโll get so much more use (and bang for my buck) out of an insanely comfortable pair of booties that just make me feel like a million bucks when I have them on.
Speaking of personality, I saw this Maison Kitsune iPhone case and had to have it, even though itโs kind of extra! Maison Kitsune is one of my favorite places to frequent in Paris (their coffee shop, too!) and this croissant cover reminds me of days in France.
And for my Chicago ladies (and gents) out there, Maison Marcel in Lakeview has the best almond croissants that Iโve found outside of Paris! Their lunch and coffee are both great, too, and itโs the perfect working environment throughout the day. Iโve been trying to add it to my rotation of cafes to work from during the week when I need a change of scenery from my apartment! So if you see me there, donโt be surprised if Iโm wearing this outfit or some version of it. ๐
Get the Lookโฆ
White Elephant Ruffled-Sleeve Sweaterย (on sale!)
Leviโs 501 Jeans
J.Crew Faux Fur Handbagย (on sale!)
Robert Clergerie Pink Velvet Booties
BaubleBar Earrings
Kyi Kyi Double Pom Hat
Le Specs Matte Black Aviators
Maison Kitsune Croissant iPhone Case
Created in partnership with Farfetch
This look with the amazing hat is so super cute!
xx Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
Your outfits are NOT boring by any means! You are always styled to perfection no matter which combo you’re wearing. ๐ I’m absolutely loving your velvet boots, they’re such a cute and trendy pair!
https://lartoffashion.com
Those shoes are ADORABLE! I love them so much ๐ Also the pom poms on that hat are so cute!
Kendal // Life With Kendal
I love going to Marison Marcel! It is the cutest place! I look forward to seeing more of your personal style!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
The outfit is absolutely stunning! The velvet booties are so adorable! Need them)) Hugs & Kisses!
wow you can pull those boots off so well, i love them and your outfit! So cute !
I could not be more in love with your boots! Thanks for sharing your gorgeous outfit!
Allegra xx
Allegra Ghiloni Fashion Stylist
http://www.allegraghiloni.com
These boots are right up my alley! Pink velvet with a black bow that ties in the back! Love, love love!
Those boots are awesome!!
Liv
http://livforstyle.net
Those boots and bag are to die for!! And I’m another fan of your fab style. Magnifique, Mademoiselle Jess!! (Paris is my second home too!!)
Totally with you. It’s a lot of pressure to come up with creative outfits that are “blog-worthy” and not boring. I love the idea of wearing so-called basic pieces with fun details or a little extra sparkle. Super cute winter look!
xx
Sam
You are anything but boring. I always think your outfits are perfection! ๐
Although Iโm not a blogger, I can imagine how anyone in your position would feel. Having inspiration for evening and special occasion looks is great, but what I really love to see is other peopleโs everyday style. The variations of a โboringโ look and how jeans and a T-shirt are styled by someone else is what Iโm looking for. And Iโm a fan of repeat items and how others put together various looks with the same pieces. So please, uniform away!! Love your blog and your style!
The booties are INCREDIBLE, and frankly, you look great. No apologies necessary for knowing what works for you and your life.