Outfit Repeater| vol.3
Reviewing and revisiting outfits of the past
*please note that this post includes a lot of photos and may be “too long” for your email, you can also view it in your browser :)
Hello my friends,
Welcome back to Outfit Repeater, the monthly series where I am rounding up and reviewing outfits that I wore last year to determine if I will repeat, revisit, or retire.
Repeat- I will wear the outfit again with minimal or no changes
Revisit- I will wear the outfit again with some updates
Retire- I will not wear the outfit again
My goals for myself and my style were very different in 2023 than they are now, and many of last year’s outfits no longer feel aligned with how I currently express my style. For me, identifying what isn’t working is just as important as finding what is so I find analyzing my outfits like this to be so valuable. I truly believe that the key to developing your personal style is to wear your clothes, and I hope this series will inspire you to look back on outfits gone by for inspiration :)
So let’s get into it, here’s what I wore in August 2023
Overall this is a much more cohesive collection of looks than the July round-up, and I have repeated and revisited a LOT of these. What I enjoy most about this collection of looks is the visible repetition of items- the japris, rugby shirt, and super birkis to name a few. I love having signature pieces that are immediately identifiable, and it’s very satisfying to see a collection of outfits that have so much in common.
First up- this one is a revisit. I was so excited about that hand blown glass necklace when I first thrifted it, but the excitement soon wore off and I’ve since realized that I’m just not a big statement necklace person. The rest of the outfit is fine? This is something I would throw on to pop out on an errand, not a particularly fun or creative look but it would get the job done.
This photo has me wanting to pull this top out of the “to sell” pile… I’ve already said what needs to be said about these mesh shoes in previous editions of Outfit Repeater, and if I were to pull this top out of closet sale purgatory and revisit this look I would definitely opt for a different shoe. I really like this butter yellow bubble top in theory, but I find it challenging to style in my regular rotation because of fit- maybe it deserves another shot because it sure does look cute here.
This outfit got so much positive feedback when I posted it, but I never really felt like myself in it. The skirt is objectively beautiful, but the more I look at it (and the more time it spends languishing in my “to sell” pile) the more I feel like it doesn’t suit me and the bigger picture of my wardrobe. I’m not entirely sure what it is that doesn’t quite work, but I think I’ll be retiring this one in my eventual closet sale.
This is fine, but I would like to revisit and accessorize in a different way. This outfit feels very matchy-matchy and isn’t giving me enough of the cheeky, offbeat humour that I like to bring to my Summer wardrobe. I would love to see a different bag and some added texture to give the look more depth.
Two of the greatest things to happen to my wardrobe last Summer (japris and this rugby shirt), together in perfect harmony. This was my first time wearing these pieces together, and they quickly became a staple combo for me that I still repeat often (see below, from earlier this week). The tiny heeled slides are surprisingly comfy and this outfit has reminded me that I need to bring them out before closed-toe season comes to an end.
A combo I never tire of.
Right recipe, wrong ingredients. I absolutely love a button-up/jeans/cute shoe combo, but there is something off about the proportions of this outfit. I ended up parting with these jeans shortly after wearing this outfit because the fit was just not quite right, and paired with this top it feels very flat. I’ll retire this outfit but aim to create something better using the same formula.
Right ingredients, wrong recipe. I love these pieces individually, but the proportion of the slightly cropped blouse and the japris is not sitting well with me. I’m also not liking the accessories as a combo, so this is another one that I’ll retire.
Now we’re cookin’ with gas (I’m on a roll with the food puns I fear). This is one of my most “liked” looks of 2023, and I will definitely rewear it. I love the subtle matching with the Keens and the bag, and the intentionally mis-matched hat.
Very rare successful date night look. I’m not usually one to go for a half tuck, but the length of this silk tunic is not quite right with the mini skort and I needed to adjust the proportions. I like how this still feels casual and in line with my style, but the luxurious silk brings it to a different place. I’d repeat this.
The silk scarf on the bag handle is a triumph that I must repeat
Maybe one of my most repeated outfits ever? I’ve worn a denim shirt and these pants with every possible accessory combo in my wardrobe, and I’m not stopping any time soon! I love the simplicity of this outfit, and I reach for these pieces all the time. I haven’t gotten much wear out of these Keen sneakers this Summer, but I look forward to bringing them out again once the weather cools down.
This outfit is one of my personal favourites from last year. I had never combined these colours before and now I do it every chance I get. I don’t always like to match my shoes and bag but this is a pairing that I reach for all the time, the punchy colour makes it feel fresh instead of flat. I will absolutely repeat this one!
Another winner! Clearly I’m a fan of a sweater/longlseeve + skirt/shorts/skort combo, it always signals transitional weather and my favourite season is always the next one :) Another element of this outfit that I really like is the subtle pattern mixing, with stripes in different scales. The socks are a small touch that says a lot. I can’t wait to repeat this.
Long live the brooch cluster! Some of my best work. I love this outfit! I wore something very similar just the other day, and I’m sure I’ll repeat it again. I want to play more with monochrome outfits for Fall, I love the simplicity and I feel like the different textures can really shine.
The winning streak continues! I really love the proportions of this outfit. Brown and red is a key colour combo for me, and I think all the elements of this look play well together. I will revisit this with some comfy everyday shoes like my mary-janes or maybe my orange scrunchie flats?!
Another key colour combo for me! Olive, navy, and red just look so good together! This vest is a piece that I want to get more wear out of, I love the colour so much but I struggle to integrate it into my regular rotation. Repeating this look will be a great place to start.
I logged 36 outfits in August 2023, here’s the final breakdown.
Repeat: 19(!)
Revisit: 8
Retire: 9
This is a huge difference from my July breakdown! I notice a lot more repetition and less experimentation, which makes sense considering that this was around the time that I was refreshing my Personal Style Themes and finalizing my Colour Story (coming soon).
I have so many fun things coming up this month, including a new Youtube video, a fun styling project, and a GIVEAWAY with my pals at Indyx (I’ll be announcing it on IG!).
BITS, BOBS, ETC.
For a limited time I’m offering a discount on Personal Styling Sessions when you also book an Indyx Lookbook! Book here
Have you tried Indyx yet?! Use code Albertarose for $10 credit when you sign up!
Personal Style Sessions are booking late August + September
As always, thanks so much for reading. I’ll be back soon with more sustainable + attainable style for you!
Hi from Australia!! Just wanted to say I love your content!! I deleted Instagram last year and was so excited to find you on Substack and really appreciate your views on styling/ second hand clothing.
Hi Alberta! I love this series and your content in general. I told my sister about you and we both love your style and philosophy! Thanks for sharing :)