January 11th, 2022
On My Mind
Style Shift
During my pandemic challenge — to wear the clothes and accessories I love yet rarely reach for — I’ve discovered that my style is shifting. Kitten heels, tights, and navy were never sartorially front and center, however, the challenge impelled me to embrace the aforementioned items and color. It’s great to be able to shake things up with items I already own.
The Oscar de la Renta skirt center is from 2000. I wore it last evening for the first time in, maybe, 15 years. #Don’tOverPurge And the skirt and top on the right are navy.
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Preston, I’ve followed you for a long time and may I say you look great in all three of those outfits!
Thank you!
You look great in all three, and I think you’ve always been a careful shopper and consumer.
There are times I worry that my style is so static, that I’m still wearing the same clothes sometimes 40 years on. But, I believe in buying and holding, so here I am.
I wouldn’t call your style static…at all. You know what is good, you know what looks good on you, and (except for a few things) I’ve never seen you impulse buy. You don’t need a closet edit – you’re a very intelligent shopper. You have a signature look, but it’s enviable.
I have my last impulse buy, Bottega mesh pumps with a square toe, to be dropped off at The Real Real… Thank you for your kind words, xp
I love all three. They look new and fresh – not 20 years old. It’s all about mixing it up and accessorizing
I’d call your look Classic & Classy.
I have a rule that often stops my impulse or overly trendy purchases. I think if a style icon of mine and ask my self would…….wear this?
Great post. Love all 3. And, I love pulling stuff from 15-20 years ago…when I can.
It is fun to revisit looks. These are all spot on! My problem is that I love so many looks that I get overwhelmed or forget about a look that worked and made sense. I am currently gifting items (not all clothing) to people I know will love them again but I appreciate the over-purging reminder…I am guilty as charged 10 times over. Keep the photo updates coming…great inspiration!
I love these kinds of musings! You look beautiful and elegant.
I find myself buying blue shirts, military style shirts, cream turtle necks, blacks leather skirts, pea coats and black blazers and some other things on repeat. I guess I’ve found my groove and I think we should all be happy with that!
I agree with everyone saying don’t ever think your choices or style are static, there is daily evidence to the contrary delivered to my inbox. All three outfits look fab and you look confident, what could be better? I think your/our instincts are pretty good by this point at knowing there are certain things that you just don’t get rid of.
So funny – I just came back to read the comments and saw your response to me. I swear I was going to put in my comment (except for the BV mesh pumps) but was worried you still loved them! They were never you, at all.
I remember when you bought and posted about those Bottega Veneta shoes…and my surprise at that purchase! I am usually in agreement with the vast majority of your new buys, but never liked those shoes.
I have to echo all the comments here about your style, Preston – those outfits “look like you” and not the least bit static or dated. I’m also glad to see tights on your list. I KNOW they’re seen as old-fashioned in some circles, but at my age the skin on my legs just looks better with a little cosmetic veiling, like a 8-10 denier tight in the right color, or heavier-weight tights in black.
I loved that you tried out the Bottega mesh shoes – personally not my style and I actually thought they were pretty ugly. But it is so good to take a risk, try tweaking things, especially when you have a solid base style. And theRealReal is always there to help offset the cost!
Taking a risk keeps it fresh!
Hi Preston , you look great. Really like all the looks but particularly the center one. Can you please go into more detail about the difference between purging and over purging? Any helpful tips on how to purge but not ‘ over purge’ ? Thank you thank you
Grace
These look like three forever looks, all beautiful on you. I love belted anything, especially coats!
I have to say, I think what is contributing to your looking thoroughly modern in these pieces is your fabulous, thoroughly modern hair! So polished ~
Hi Grace, I toss things prior to each season — dingy white T shirts and white jeans, etc. Summer dresses past their prime become beach coverups. Then there is the odd item that I know I will no longer wear. If my daughters don’t want it, it will be donated. I buy big ticket items with such care, that I’m still wearing most of them. The ones I’m not will most likely be rotated in at some point. That’s when I don’t over purge — just because I haven’t worn something in years doesn’t mean I never will again. And a few things are sentimental — the original YSL peasant blouse found at a vintage store in the early ’90s, a few gifts from Anna Wintour and designers I worked with, my mother’s red and white plaid floor-length skirt that I wear (when I can fit into it) at the holidays, etc. I’ve saved these items tucked away with a few baby clothes and my Manolo Blahnik wedding shoes.
Preston, thank you – that is so helpful! I will use this and any more tips you ever care to provide on this concept! My mother used to always say to think twice about getting rid of something bc the cost to replace it is usually higher. Then of course there is the sentimental value, which I can take to an extreme. Someone else pointed out that often when they do come back into style they’re often tweaked just enough that the original isn’t actually back in style.
I think with many of your items they are so high quality and timeless that doesn’t apply,
I think I’ll start with a review of smaller items like tee shirts,
Thank you for the helpful guidance!
Love the post- as usual! Can anyone elaborate on good sheer hosiery brands? Winter requires warmth but I do not always want opaque tights. Thank you for the inspiration!
I’m late to the party on this post, but I think you are so smart to buy and hold. I’m trying to do the same. And I’m also finding myself drawn to navy, but I’m having a hard time finding the pieces I’m missing like a slim fitting turtleneck. You’d think if we are craving it, the designers would be on it.