I’m currently trying to de-trend my outfits. Not all the way, but just a little.
The goal is to look (and feel!) more like myself — and less like an algorithm wrapped itself around my body that day.
Have you heard of outfit blindness? It’s a TikTok concept that’s been making the rounds lately. The idea is that you don’t realize you’re wearing a not-so-great outfit because it’s a look of the moment that everyone else on social media is wearing too. (Watch Ash Callaghan’s video about it, if you’re curious.)
While I really think fashion is it’s best when it’s not taken too seriously, and a not-so-great outfit is not a crime, I do think there’s a nugget of wisdom in this idea.
It’s less about whether others view your outfit as not-so-great, and more, do you feel like yourself in your outfit? Are you wearing all new, trendy things, without so much as a signature piece in sight? Or are you grounding your look with several things that you have a history of wearing regularly? (AKA your signatures.)
To me, that’s the remedy to outfit blindness — balancing out one trend with several of your signatures.
What do you think of this whole outfit blindness idea? What are some of your signature pieces that you can use to de-trend an outfit? (I’ll go first: it’s flip flops, Birkenstocks, running shorts, white tees, and denim for me.)
Did you catch my 10-piece packing post last week? Lots of packing tips in it! And if you’re feeling stagnant and uninspired with your closet, let’s Facetime! Together we’ll shop your closet and make new outfits — book your spot now.
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OUTFIT DETAILS
(If you see something you like, you can shop it and support my blog at the same time by using the affiliate links in this post)
Aritzia Showtime Shirt (wearing S) | Similar: Madewell Oversized Poplin Shirt & Gap Poplin Big Shirt & Anthropologie Bennet Button Down Shirt
AGolde Parker Long Shorts in Skyweave (wearing 26) | Similar for less: Abercrombie 5in Dad Shorts
Amazon Velvet Scrunchie Set (velvet holds my hair better than anything!)
Birkenstock Leather Exquisite Sandal | More sizes here | Similar for less: Birkenstock EVA sandal
Polene Paris Umi Bag (old) | Similar: Mansur Gavriel Mini Candy Bag & Madewell Sculptural Buckle Bag
JEWELRY
Madewell Sculptural Droplet Earring
Monica Vinader Heirloom Chain Bracelet
Similar anklet: Madewell Micro Freshwater Pearl Anklet
Similar rings: Catbird Dome Ring (under $100) & Quince Pave Diamond Ring
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A very thoughtful piece, Caroline.
Recently purchased an item from Sezane and I’m just not sure about it. It’s a bit of a step out of my comfort zone and I can’t tell if it’s making me uncomfortable because it’s different or if I just don’t like it. Physically it’s comfortable. Well made. And very pretty. But I don’t know how I feel about it on ME. Do I want it because it’s a bit trendy? Or do I want it because I like it enough to wear more than once?
I know this year I’ve really leaned into personal comfort while maintaining personal style. I love the simplicity and versatility of basic pieces which I can elevate with a bag and earrings; there are so many different combinations in my closet that it can be hard to choose. For example in the fall I can wear an oversize black cardigan, straight leg denim, a pair of Birks and my vintage Sak leather crossbody plus some big pearl studs to grab a coffee. Or I can take that same pair of jeans, tuck my black fitted mock turtleneck into them, swap out the Birks for my black suede loafers, swap the pearls for my gold huggie hoops, and use my cream Gucci mini Jackie and a smudge of red lipstick and I’m ready to go for dinner. When it’s warmer I can wear a white tank top, flip flops, and a belt bag worn diagonally and loosely across my chest and it’s festival time.
You’ve been such an inspiration to me for years, Caroline, and I want to thank you again for sharing this space with us.
Love this post Caroline. You’ve tapped onto how I’m feeling regarding many trends right now. My signature pieces are over sized button downs, denim, ballet flats and cotton t shirts and ball caps.