[Me, basking in the sun on a recent trip.]
It’s that time of year, you guys! The halfway point. We made it through those gloomy final days of winter, through the blustery, restless first days of spring — and now the promise of summer glimmers just ahead, like sun sparkling on a calm lake.
So how about celebrating this half-way point in the year by reflecting back and looking forward? In this post, I’m sharing:
- The single greatest thing I’ve learned about my style in 2025
- A look forward to what’s next (hint: it’s a big change — you don’t want to miss this!)
Get yourself some tea or a glass of wine and let’s jump in!
The single greatest thing I’ve learned about my style so far in 2025
This year, I’ve been learning something simple, but life-changing:
Choosing what to wear each morning is a chance to communicate to myself that my preferences are valid, my voice matters, and my opinion counts.
There’s a lot of talk about clothing as communication — what it signals and says to others. And yes, clothing does speak to others.
But this year, I’ve been tuning in to another frequency — not what my clothes say to others, but what they say to me.
Not the “me” that I think will be easiest for others to understand. Not the version of me that fits neatly into someone else’s idea of what a 30-something woman should wear.
Just me.
It’s a chance to give weight to my own voice.
This seemingly small thing can be revolutionary — especially if you’ve been in seasons of self-doubt, or if you’ve been in relationships or situations that have made you feel small or unworthy.
Any moment you choose to say, “I’m on my own side,” — even with something as simple as getting dressed — is a moment of real power.
I’ll say it again: Never underestimate the power of telling yourself, even in the smallest way: I’m on my own side.
And honestly, it’s this very shift that’s led me to start a new chapter.
What’s next for Unfancy: A look forward
For a long time, I believed — maybe even unconsciously — that my creative work didn’t “count.” That staying small was more noble. That sharing outfits and the emotional layers beneath them was nice, but not necessarily worth taking seriously.
But I don’t believe that anymore.
As I’ve navigated profound grief and the aftermath of divorce these last three years, I’ve come to know that the visual voice (aesthetics, fashion, design, etc) is far from frivolous — it’s central to how we make meaning as human beings. Across cultures and eras, we’ve used the visual voice not only for beauty or comfort, but to root ourselves in our lives, community, and sense of place.
It is deeply important work to me. And over the years, I’ve seen how much it resonates with you, too.
So, after a decade of writing here, I’m stepping more fully into this work by moving Unfancy over to Substack — a blogging platform that encourages thoughtful writing, and allows my work to be reader-supported. This change opens space for the kind of content that emerges when the goal isn’t to make an ad or promote a product, but to share ideas. And I’m so excited about it.
First, just know, nothing major is changing:
- The daily outfit posts you’re used to will still land in your inbox a few times a week, just like they always have. And they’ll always be free.
- You don’t have to make a Substack account or download an app or anything like that.
- If you’re subscribed here, you’ll automatically be subscribed there — no action needed.
What is changing, however, is exciting and meaningful: Starting now, you’ll have the *option* to support Unfancy through a monthly subscription. If Unfancy has ever felt like a steadying place for you — something you look forward to or return to — this is a way to support it directly.
I’ve whipped up all kinds of fun benefits for paid subscribers like:
- Deep-dive wardrobe posts on building realistic capsule wardrobes, how to decode style inspiration, creating seasonal outfit formulas, and more.
- Personal posts on self-expression, visibility, and vulnerability.
- An eBook instant download | Well, That Didn’t Work: Finding Resilience Through Regrettable Clothing Purchases | A short book on how I’ve learned to use clothing mistakes as an unexpected portal to self-kindness and resilience.
- A printable workbook instant download | The Unfancy Style Guide printable workbook | An updated, never-before-released version of my original capsule planner — a tool that’s been downloaded over a million times and counting.
- And…private Spotify playlists :)
Eeee, I’m so excited about it all!
So, how much does it cost? $6 a month — about the price of one latte.
But for you guys — who’ve stuck with me through the skinny jeans years, the 10×10 era, and that one time I got bangs — for this weekend only, I want to give you 10% off through this link. That means it’s just $5.40 a month. It’ll expire on Monday, so snag it if you want.
We all know that the internet tends to reward loud takes and rage bait. Supporting work like mine is a small way of saying, “Actually, I like the slower stuff. The gentle stuff.” It helps keep calm corners of the internet alive.
No matter what — whether you enjoy the free outfit posts or become a paid subscriber — I’m just honored to have you there.
• • •
So, the blog will go quiet now.
The lights will dim.
The archives will remain, but no new content will be posted here.
If I’m being honest, it’s bittersweet, like I’m leaving a beloved home — that strange moment of standing in an empty house where you’ve made so many memories, after the last box has been loaded in the truck.
If I could, I’d reach out for your hand. I’d say, “Thanks for being along this journey with me — I’m so grateful for you.” We’d take a breath. Think of the good memories. And then walk out the door and into a new chapter together.
It’s not the end. There’s so much more to come.
The lights are on at Substack. Same Unfancy, new home.
And I’ll see you there. The first post will land in your inbox next week, like usual. :)
With all my love,
P.S Do you have a favorite Unfancy memory? A ritual of reading? A post you always come back to? I’d love to hear! Drop it in the comments below.
P.P.S Feel free to poke around the new site, and use this link to get your 10% off before it expires on Monday.
Love this for you, Caroline! 💫
Thank you Holly! <3
Caroline, I’m so grateful for you!
This is wonderful!
See you on Substack! ☀️
I have learned through a lot of turbulence these past nine years that I am, indeed, on my own side. Your blog has been a gentle source of helping me turn toward that realization. I read it while my coffee is brewing in the morning, and by the time I’m sitting in my reading nook, candles lit, sipping my coffee, I am feeling more gentle, more open, more like *me.* And my choices from that point on–outfits, purchases, behavior–flow from that.
You have a gift for connecting with your readers in our everyday lives and showing us the beauty that is already here. Staying connected with each other, with ourselves, and with that beauty is how we thrive, even in difficult circumstances. I am so glad you are seeing–and believing in–the importance of your work. All of us here sure do. 💖🗝✨️
So beautifully said, Jen. I love that reading the blog is a part of your coffee routine — that’s my favorite part of the day so I feel honored to be a part of yours! And yes — totally agree with you that staying connected to each other, ourselves, and beauty is how we go forward and thrive. See you on Substack! :)
Long time reader and very excited you’re joining Substack! I’ve been on it for several years and have managed 4 newsletters – it’s a bit buggy sometimes so feel free to reach out if you have questions.
Oh thank you Lynn! That is so helpful! It’s taken a little time to get used to the new platform, but I’m liking it so far.
Cheers to you and new beginnings! Today marks the end of an era for you and my school year. I teared up in a good way while reading the end of your post. I’ve been a long time follower. You’ve helped me find intention in fashion to help me organize my priorities over the years among the noise. Thank you and congratulations on the big leap!
Thank you so much, and cheers right back to you — finishing the school year out is no small thing! I hope your summer is restful and happy. :)
Caroline!!! Congratulations 🎉 ! All the congratulations and then some. I’m so excited for you, and you best believe right after I’m done typing this out, I’m heading straight for that subscription link. You are such a captivating writer and thinker. Over the years, you’ve gently prompted me to consider so many fascinating topics and ideas; this has always been so much more for me than a blog about clothes. Cheers to this new adventure! To many more good reads, insights, styling calls (oooh so good), and learning together. And a heartfelt “Thank You” to you for putting so much love and energy into this space, even when you were walking through heaviness. We have seen and felt the effort and what a gift it has been! ♥️
Kysa, you are such a ray of light!! What you said about this being more than a blog about clothes — that hit deep because that’s what I’ve always hoped it could be. And thank you for seeing the effort, even in the heavy seasons. That means more to me than I can say. Truly. Sending you so much love! <3
It’s the end of an era! I’ve been reading your blog since the very beginning and I’m rooting for you in this next phase. You write about clothing and style so thoughtfully and with such a sense of grace, gentleness, and kindness. I know we’re strangers, but I feel such fondness for this place you created and invited readers into. Best wishes to you.
Thank you Jessica! It meant so much to hear you feel a fondness for this space. This blog is such a special place to me — knowing you feel that way too is everything to me. It feels like the end of an era for sure! :’) But I’m excited for the next one!
Well done! I agree with you – visual voice is SO important, not to mention lovely :) I’ve enjoyed your outfit photos, heart-felt posts, and all the joy you have brought to what you have done over the years. I think I first subscribed back in 2016 after one of my sisters mentioned you, and it has been a lovely journey. I don’t have the eye for outfits that you have, and so I appreciate seeing how you play with items in your closet to help give me inspiration! Looking forward to continuing on via Substack!
Ahh this means so much to me! I’m excited for this new chapter on Substack — thanks for coming along for it!
I’m so happy for you! As a long-time reader (about 10 years, I think) I want to thank you for these countless thought-provoking posts you gave us so far. Of course, I needed to susbscribe! Can’t wait to read your posts on Substack :)
Thank you so much Adeline! These last 10 years sure have been a ride! :)
So excited for your new beginning on Substack! Definitely subscribing! I’ve been here off and on as life allows for somewhere around 10-11 years and have always loved your thoughtful posts and the calm, slow energy you bring to the internet. You’ve brightened my inbox and heart for so long, and it’s been so fun and beautiful to watch this space and your style and perspective evolve. You’re always the first blog I start reading again when I’m re-grounding myself in ritual and routine. Thank you so much for bringing us all along in your journey! I’m so excited to see what this next stage brings ❤️
Long time reader from Norway, that have followed you through all these changes. Your blog has always been more than a fashion blog. It has been a friendly, thoughtful companion that has made me think about so many more topics than clothes and style. It has made me think, reflect, relax, hold lightly… You have been part of my morning coffee routine for so many years. Look forward to seeing where you are taking it next!
You posted this the day before my birthday and I’m only just seeing it. Thank you for being here all these years. I’ve followed along since 2014. Excited to support you on Substack. Congratulations :)
PS – I remember the bangs and I think they suit you! 🤍
Dear Caroline, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your contributions all these years. I have followed you for many years and have always loved your style, your way of sharing it and your insights. Over the years I have bought a few items that you were wearing, meaning that I had to pay for overseas transport and custom duties (I live in Belgium). Never have I regretted those purchases, that is to say how much I trust your taste. Congrats on the switch, see you on the other side!