So one of my new year’s resolutions is to be more helpful to my readers. It’s easy for bloggers to get so caught up in “fashionista world” that they forget about real women who need real wearable workable wardrobes. And hey, since I also have a full-time job and life outside blogging, I need a real wardrobe too! (This doesn’t mean that I won’t also have posts drooling over the latest at New York Fashion Week, because …well, you know I LOVE that too!)
I’ve been spending some time lately thinking about what makes a wardrobe both hard-working AND fun and I keep coming back to this formula: classics/basics mixed with trends.
So here’s my list of favorite outfits of 2017, month by month, built with this simple method!
Building Outfits
January
Classic – A classic fit and flare wrap style dress from Karina is a basic beauty that never goes out of style. Wrinkle-free and machine washable, Karina dresses have become this teacher’s go-to. I paired this dress with a leather moto that has been in my wardrobe for years as well and I wear it … ALL. THE. TIME! And a quality leather tote bag is must-have for me.
Trend – The year started with the over-the-knee boot trend, and that trend is still going strong. The OTK suede boots add a bit of fun to this classic look.
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February
Classic – In this resort look from our trip to Puerto Vallarta in February, I’m wearing a white gauze skirt that I’ve had and loved for years. A great spring/summer basic!
The Trend – The off-the-shoulder top and bold tassel earrings were just the trendy pieces to make this vacation look romantic and fun!
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March
Classic – Every wardrobe needs basic skinny jeans, fabulous leopard pumps, and a wool car coat in a neutral shade (leopard, Dolls, is absolutely a neutral!)
Trendy – The guitar strap on my bag and the lace-up detail t-shirt add of-the-moment elements.
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April
Classic – Being a pear shape, white jeans will probably never be my personal go-to, but they’ve definitely reached the status of a modern basic. The black tank and cardigan are must haves for me all year around. The classic silver watch was a fab addition to my jewelry wardrobe this year as well. I think I’ll be wearing it for years to come.
Trends – These super comfortable Jambu sandals are trendy and yet a bit classic as well. I didn’t know which category to put them into, but since I wore them all spring and summer long, I had to mention them! And these fun Bauble Bar earrings were very trendy this year! I loved them, but I will give this warning … they are a bit heavy. (Wearing Kendra Scott’s Lobe Wonders with them helps a lot.)
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May
Classic – I’ve had this red leather tote and black and white stripe crew neck sweater in my wardrobe for as long as I can remember. Black and white stripes with a pop of red never goes out of style!
The Trend – High Waisted, Wide-Leg Raw-Hem cropped jeans definitely count as the trend here.
Mules are classics, but were also a huge trend in 2017, so I’m counting them as …. both?!
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June
Classics – This denim sleeveless shirt has been in my closet for years. It was perfect to tie at the waist with this voluminous gingham skirt. And these candy apple red heels come out to play every year!
Trend – A gingham midi skirt is a fun throwback retro trend!
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July
Classic – Dark wash skinny jeans are a wardrobe staple, of course.
Trends – The quilted sneaker and tie-sleeve sweatshirt are both fun trendy updates to casual basics.
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August
Classics – This weekend getaway outfit started with slimming black cropped pants and a reversible versatile tank.
Trends – The flowing sheer poncho and metallic accented heels add some whimsical notes to the look.
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September
Classics – You can never go wrong investing in a quality leather tote bag, Ladies. This Marc Jacobs is my workhorse bag all year long. I can even fit my big camera and lens in it when I need to, like here at New York Fashion Week!
Trends – Fall florals with fishnets stockings and a choker added on point trends.
I think the classic Mary Janes with trendy block heels are both!
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October
Classic – This versatile ponte knit A-line dress and pair of perfect black booties were big hits on my blog this year. And of course, my fav leather tote … again.
Trend – The obi belt is a nod to the trend I saw on the runways of New York Fashion Week in September.
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November
Classics – Rich leather riding boots and skinny jeans are the foundation of this look.
Trends – I’m crazy about the over-sized sweater trend as well as this accessory of the moment: a cute little baker boy cap.
Sidenote: I noticed that I wore these Kendra Scott Lacy earrings more than any other pair this year!
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December
This whole look is pretty trend-a-licious! If you’re going to go all trend, a party look is the time to do it! Though I guess I could call the fit and flare shape of the dress classic at least. The crushed velvet, embroidered clutch, and gold accented block heels are all the rage right now! (Reminder: You can still use my DAWN40 coupon code at JD Williams on all full priced items.)
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So, what are some items that you can’t live without in your wardrobe? Let us know in the comments! And if you can think of any posts you’d like to see from me this year, please let me know in the comments as well or you can email me at fashionshouldBfun@gmail.com. And make sure you’re on the list for my weekly newsletter to get access to exclusive content and behind the scenes fun. Coming soon, a guide for a successful closet clean out!
Let’s make 2018 our most fashionable year yet!
Fun & Fashion
Dawn Lucy
PS – Ready for After Christmas Sales?!
11 Comments
Happy New Year Dawn Lucy! I love this post, not only is it full of great ideas and outfit inspiration, I love how you broke down how you pulled the looks together. I also loved the journey through the seasons showing how fun fashion can be as we go through the year.
Here’s to another year of fashion fun!
xoxo
Suzanne
http://www.AskSuzanneBell.com
Aww thanks so much for the feedback, Suzanne! I tried to do something a little different with this post and I’m curious to see how my readers like it. Wishing you all the best in 2018!
OXOX
What a great post! You have such a fabulous sense of style 🙂 Happy “almost” 2018. XOXO Susan http://www.themidlifefashionista.com
Aww, you’re the sweetest. Thanks, Susan! OXOX
I found this post very interesting.
Being a person of mature age and having lost a considerable amount of weight in the past year, I am again embracing fashion, but need to know when i might be overstepping the boundaries. This showed me how i might put the odd thing on trend with the classics and faithfulls i have already.
My most needed item in my wardrobe is palazzo pants, just love them. Jeanette
Hi Jeanette! I’m so glad you found this post helpful! That makes my day! OXOX
I absolutely LOVE every. single. one. Fabulous!!!
Thanks so much, Charlotte! I really appreciate the feedback!
I don’t think you ever disappoint me with your outfits! Have a great New Years Eve!
This is a fantastic look back post as well as a fabulous showcase for how to mix classics and trends. I hope that you’ve had a wonderful holiday season and that the new year is full of joy and prosperity for you.
Rena
http://www.finewhateverblog.com
I love it all great adorable outfits, each appropriate for the month they are shown off in. thanks for sharing
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