I feel like I am finally at an age where I really know myself. I know my style. I can predict how I’ll feel in a couple years, rather than jumping from extreme to extreme. Not that I’m not still open to change, but I think that my sense of self is MUCH stronger in my thirties than it was in my twenties. I know what I love. I’ve found my keepers.
There’s a lot in that category including music I love, hobbies that are FOREVER (including my roller skating grandma goals) and a style that I can really put my name on.
And fashion is a huge thing. This past year I FINALLY understand how to shop smarter and hunt for clothes I will wear over and over. A big part of it was this life changing book and the rest was just putting in more effort to try things on, return/return/return, and be much more picky about what I add to my closet.
Anyway! I am rambling, aren’t I? This dress/tights/clogs combo is one of my main uniforms that I wear probably five times a week! The best part is, it’s EASY, because I like to be able to get out the door within 20 minutes. No time to waste trying on 10 different pants and top combinations. Haha!
Your turn, sister!
But yeah, I certainly have my go-to fashion (and other life stuff) staples. I still love to try new things, learn to do new things, and generally don’t ever want to close myself off as I age. But, that being said, I do feel a lot more confident now than I did at 21. And when it comes to fashion, I certainly feel like I know more what looks good on me and what I will love over time.
For example, I think I’m always going to be a big fan of metallics (bet you thought I was going to say black clothes there, well, you’d be right about that too). The purse I’m wearing here I had with me when I walked in to meet my parents for a birthday dinner recently at a favorite restaurant of mine. My dad immediately says something about how my purse reminds him of my great Aunt Ina. She’s currently in her 90s, and as long as I can remember, she too has been rocking the metallic purses, shoes, etc. I think I’m on the same path. Turns out, Aunt Ina knows what’s up.
🙂
Do you guys have colors, styles, or other things you KNOW you’re gonna love for years to come? We wanna hear what you have fallen for this decade. xo. Elsie + Emma
Credits // Author: Elsie Larson and Emma Chapman. Photography: Amber Ulmer and Janae Hardy. Photos edited with the NEW A Beautiful Mess actions.
26 Comments
I love the floral dress.
It’s really a beautiful combo, Elsie!
https://www.makeandmess.com/
Elsie, I love your outfit. It’s so cute and you’ve pretty much convinced me to get a pair of clogs!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Emma, that vest is EVERYTHING! Elsie, I love the idea that a little extra time + effort in the dressing room (my least favorite place… why is the lighting always so weird??) saves a lot of time + money in the long run. That book is on my list!
http://www.littlepaperdaisy.com
My two favorite prints, floral and leopard!
Liv
http://www.livforstyle.net
I’m 20 years old and I have no idea what I’ll be wearing in the future. My style changes from year to year so I have no idea if in the future I’ll still be loving the things I love now.
I feel like I’m finally settling into my style. Also- love how your tat perfectly compliments your floral dress!
x0x0 Caroline http://thecarolove.com/
Elsie – I agree with you! I always find my easiest go-to outfits are a dress + tights and usually booties. This is my winter uniform! In the summer, I tend to go with midi skirts or dresses with clogs too!
Both beautiful outfits
-Blythe xo
http://eleanorandemilio.com
Elsie, that dress is ADORABLE. I’ve yet to try clogs because I’m so worried about the initial pain (haha!), and do they fit securely? I’m always concerned they’d just slip right off of me.
I get what you mean about knowing more and more who you are and being confident in that. As I’m getting older it’s been so nice not to feel so insecure and unsure of myself all the time (not that those things don’t happen from time to time). I’m realizing what I like – in my friendships, my home, my wardrobe, my hobbies, etc., and it is so LIBERATING. So many people have told me how much they love their 30s so I’m looking forward to that in a few years. 🙂
http://www.wonderlandsam.com
I’m in a similar boat. I just turned 30 in mid January and I’m just now starting to figure some things out like a decent skin care routine, how I deal with my finicky hair and staring to finally decorate my condo (after 6 years) in a more “adult” way. I still haven’t nailed the wardrobe issue though. I have different styles I like (some are very professional, some are very feminine, some are super comfy/weekendy) but I don’t have one style I stick to…….I think I don’t need to stick to one style alone but I do want to reduce my closet and start purchasing clothes in a smarter way (buy pieces that are classic and timeless and that can easily be mix and matched for my office attires and get some cool looks together for the weekends and evenings). I’m just slow at tackling big changes. but I’m determined to make my first year in my thirties the year I actually accomplish some major goals: Decorating my home and renovating parts of it, clearing out my debts, downsizing my closet and make it more meaningful, really nail my skin and hair care routines, take care of my relationships to make them better. No deadlines, just good motivation!
Such cute prints! x
Jessica — NinetyCo
Floral prints and Chuck Taylors for life!!
Both of your dresses are adorable! You two are the cutest! ♡
xx Taylor | http://www.mycupofchic.com | @taylorwinkelmeyer
Great outfits!
I’m turning 40 this year and I confess I have always struggled with having a personal style to call my own. I want to say thank you for the post about the Curated Closet. I decided to check it out from my local library (I have bought too many style books and I wasn’t sure if this one would be different) and I have been so surprised at what I have learned already!
I love to wear green, but hardly own any green clothing, I know straight skirts look good on me, but I don’t actually like them unless they are maxi skirts, and I have learned so many other things about myself and I am just starting out. I’m really grateful, thank you!
I wish I could comment more about things I will love into the future, but for now, the only thing I know for sure, is that green is a signature color that I love and will be wearing now and probably forever!
I’m a forever stripes or polka dots kinda gal!! Great photos girls : )
Gemma
http://www.fadedwindmills.com
I am forever buying message tees and putting cardigans over them. I know they’re on the “young” side of fashion but I can’t stay away from them and my mom actually told me she used to wear message tees when she was a teenager and I kind of love that. I know message tees never really go out but I like that connection with my mom.
Cute floral dress!
I’m totally obsessed with Elsie’s black dress!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
Elsie, your hair is absolutely gorgeous, especially in this post. I wish I could get my hair to look this great!
Loving that floral dress!
I decided 31 was my Baskin Robbins birthday. 31 flavors and an excuse to buy ice cream!
I know I’m always going to love florals. Maybe that makes me basic, but there is nothing more pretty, feminine and versatile than florals!
Skinny jeans. I really think I’l be rocking them until I die.
http://shannoninthecity.com
Ah this post resonated a lot with me. (Don’t get me wrong, i love ALL your sister style posts!) But at age 28, I thought that by this time I’d have had everything “figured out” and would be in some sort of state where I’d be cruising along easily. But nope, I’m feeling more unsure than ever it seems. Sooo I guess what I’m saying is, this was really encouraging to hear that being in your 30s is a much better time! <3
Loving that floral dress!