new year, new outfit ideas

make the most of the wardrobe you already have.

Jan 02, 2024

Happy New Year, friends! I hope you had a lovely new year, whether you ventured into the chaos or stayed on the couch like me. I wouldn’t say I have major style resolutions this year other than to be more intentional with my shopping and create new looks with the stuff that’s already hanging in my closet. I did some end-of-year sale shopping and a huge closet clean-out, and for the next few weeks I’m putting myself on a shopping freeze (!!!). Some reminders if you’re also wanting to liven things up with your existing wardrobe…..

all black outfits aren’t boring! add a leather jacket and sunglasses & you’ll look cool, I swear.
sequins aren’t just for New Years. if you invested in a sequin piece for NYE, incorporate it into more day-to-day looks.
when in doubt, jeans and a white tee plus a knit tied over your shoulders = a very chic look.
Pinterest is really fun, especially if you’re feeling uninspired. You will likely find outfits you can easily recreate.
life happens. good outfits won’t fix everything, but sometimes they give you a boost of self-confidence when everything else is feeling a little blah, as they tend to do after the holidays.

Also, I know literally everyone is doing a best/worst purchases of 2023 list. In an effort to avoid being repetitive I’m going to link my most popular newsletter so far here, which details my favorite purchases and what makes them so great. Anyway, some outfit ideas to replicate with stuff you already own (or not! everything is linked).

coat. dress. shoes. bag. sunnies. bracelet stack.

I’ve waxed poetic about the vintage Jil Sander coat I bought a few months ago, but a coat can really be life-changing. I found an almost identical one here. Pair your favorite coat with a little white (or black) slip dress and heels, a bag in a punchy color (full disclosure I purchased the one above before my shopping freeze), and a chic stack of gold bracelets. If you live somewhere with chilly weather, layer a mesh top under the dress or add tights.

black cashmere tee. cropped leather pants. belt. sequin bag. platform brogues. sunnies.

I have done a complete 180 on how I feel about all black outfits. They’re chic and can be easily elevated with the right accessories. A basic black tee, leather pants, your favorite oxfords or flats with a great bag = a no fail fit. By the way, the tee pictured above is a classic cashmere piece under $150, so if you are trying to invest in basics this year I’d highly recommend it. (use code BADINFLUENCE for a small discount).

white tee. jeans. gold boots. black bag. chain necklace. sunnies.

Before you say anything, I’m not filing this look under original ideas. But when it’s laundry day, you’re running late, and nothing seems to fit the way you want it to- a white t-shirt and jeans should do the trick. Know where your favorites are and don’t be afraid to buy duplicates (especially when they go on sale). This look is a reminder to us all that our best outfits don’t have to be fussy- sometimes there’s nothing better than jeans, a tee, your favorite jewelry and a workhorse bag that holds everything.

Btw- In an effort to make the most of my closet/embrace not shopping I’m challenging myself to do 30 days of outfits on TikTok this month! Follow along here.

Moms with Style

For the second installment of this series, I asked my friend Elizabeth (aka staygoldengirl) to share her outfits with us. Elizabeth gave birth to her son, Leo, almost exactly a month after I gave birth to my daughter. I asked her to document her outfits for a weekend (not easy with a toddler) and how motherhood has changed her style.

Elizabeth - I’ve lived in Nashville, TN for 10 years, where I met and married my husband Jonathan. We have a 14-month-old named Leo Gene and a cat named Pepper. I work in digital marketing for a large CPG company and I started Stay Golden Girl in 2018. I love sharing my thrifted finds, styling ideas, home decorating, running journey, and just general musings on life. (follow Elizabeth here). Motherhood has transformed the way I view not only myself, but my approach to style. There is a newfound emphasis on practical and comfortable - I simply refuse to make myself miserable for the sake of fashion. With that being said, I still love clothes...arguably more than ever. A more critical eye has helped me refine my closet, saved me from buyer's remorse, and is allowing me to build the effortless wardrobe I've always dreamed of. I haven't yet arrived at my "most curated" style and maybe I never will, but I've never felt more clarity when it comes to what I like.

I call this my "Costco run" outfit: big jeans, big sweater, and a ball cap! Sweater: sezane, Tank: Brandy Melville, Belt/Jeans: Zara, Ballcap: Gap, Bag: Thrifted Coach

I'm convinced that every mom needs a pair of overalls and I love styling them up a million different ways. Overalls: Levis, Trench Coat: Old Who What Wear Collection, Blouse: Old H&M, Loafers/Socks: Sezane

There's nothing more festive than a vintage jumpsuit and this one transported me to Palm Springs! It was the perfect outfit to host a Christmas party. Jumpsuit: Thrifted (I only paid $8!), Hair Bow: Free People, Heels: Sezane

This barrel-shaped pant has become a fast favorite. I already own them in leather and denim - they're in heavy rotation every week. Pants: Free People, Blouse: Thrifted (it's 1950s and I replaced the buttons), Jacket: Consignment (no tag), Ballet Flats: Old Mango

& while you’re here……..

more outfit inspiration, via street style at Art Basel Miami
VOGUE validates Mandy Lee’s prediction that leopard is making a comeback this year! (discussed this here a few weeks ago).
If you’re in a growing your hair out phase like me, this article might be useful to you as well. It certainly reminded me to do a restock on my favorite hair supplement.
I still can’t stop thinking about these sneakers. If anyone owns a pair please let me know your thoughts.
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Thank you for reading & subscribing. As always, share with a fellow fashion-lover if you feel like it and join the group chat here.

XO, Liz