The Perfect Layered Outfit

When I found this set at Old Navy last year, I knew it was going to be special. I had already been on the hunt last year for sets. Skirt sets, pant sets, short sets. All sets. This was the prettiest one I had found to date. I took it on both of my international trips (London, England, and Venice, Italy). And I wore it very similarly on each trip. The set with a sweater layered over it (yellow in London, green in Venice) for warmth on chillier mornings and evenings. Since those trips, it has been patiently sitting in my closet.

I finally brought it back out to play a few weeks ago after laying in bed thinking about an outfit. This outfit. I knew I wanted to layer a button up top underneath the tank. I've been experimenting with leaving shirts untucked over larger bottoms. And I knew I wanted to wear some kind of tie. That was the missing link. I, unfortunately, only have one tie that is in Ravenclaw colors and would not do. Scanning my closet the next morning, I realized this scarf (that I picked up in London), would be perfect. It had the greens and the pinks from the set! And "tying" it with the ring gave it that extra oomph I was looking for. The chunky Mary-Janes keep it from looking too delicate. After I put every piece together, I knew this outfit was going to be a top five favorite. If not the favorite. 

I've gotten into the habit of scrolling through Pinterest each morning to spark some inspiration for my outfits. This was the first time this year, I didn't do that. This outfit is the culmination of all the work I've been putting into bringing back my style. This is what I am chasing every day when I get dressed. Every outfit may not be a hit, but it's the trying that counts. Instead of shying away from accessories, I'm embracing them. Instead of saying no to pieces or silhouettes that make me look "bigger", I'm asking myself why I care. Getting dressed should be fun. I don't know when it exactly stopped being fun for me, but I can officially say I'm having a blast now. Color pairings that seem odd, but are amazing. Wearing more accessories and in new ways. Silhouettes that enhance the creativity of the outfit. And, above all, comfort. 

It's this outfit that I think about when it feels hard. When I just want to give up and throw away my wardrobe. I have good pieces. I have great style. And I can make fabulous outfits.