What I Wore: July 2024, part one

Details: Gap dress, Only & Sons jacket, Aldo shoes, Rebecca Minkoff bag (all secondhand)

Thoughts: This outfit formula — boho dress, oversized denim jacket, chunky white loafers — feels trend-aware but true to myself. And that’s the sweet spot, isn’t it? It’s not about ignoring fashion, it’s about making it your own. And look, I know this isn’t the cutting edge of fashion by a country mile; the cognoscenti have already probably moved on from chunky shoes, and denim jackets. But these pieces allow me to update this dress in a way that, to me, feels fresh but also comfortable. And by that, I mean comfortable in my own skin, which is always my first and most important priority.

Details: LoveShackFancy top, Max & Co skirt, Donna Karan belt (all thrifted)

Thoughts: It’s been a hot minute since I found a designer label at the thrifts, so I had to pick up this LoveShackFancy blouse for its novelty, if nothing else. Well, that wasn’t the only reason, of course. I love the cotton candy colours; they’re sort of intense pastels, which I think are more flattering on me than traditional, soft pastels. I have to say, I am not especially impressed with the quality of this piece considering its retail price point (north of $350CAD) which is disappointing even if I only paid $7 for it. What the heck is happening with the fashion industry if this is what’s being sold as “designer” these days? Sigh. At least I have my vintage … including this skirt (old) and this belt (new). Can you believe I found this genuine snakeskin belt for less than $3? It’s probably from the 80s, and it’s superb quality that has held up beautifully over the years. I’m not sure anyone will be saying that about the blouse in 2050. (And no, don’t tell me my math is off. I refuse to hear it.)

Details: Suttles & Seawinds dress, Le Chateau belt (both Poshmark), tulle skirt (thrifted)

Thoughts: I love this dress a lot but wish it was slightly longer. Got my tulle skirt out. Problem solved

Details: Ines de la Fressange x Uniqlo shirt, BR tie, Tahari jacket, CoH jeans, Brave belt, Ferragamo shoes (all thrifted)

Thoughts: I am still exploring the possibilities of this vintage Tahari jacket — the cut is so unusual and so good. I wanted to juxtapose the femme vibes of that cut with more masc styling. The glasses were an afterthought (I often forget I’m wearing my reading glasses, a sign of my age in more ways than one) but they certainly helped the overall Jenna Lyons-ness of the outfit. I wasn’t mad about it one bit.

Details: Vince top, Icone blazer, UO pants, Donna Karan belt (all thrifted)

Thoughts: This blazer is new-masquerading-as-vintage but I am a sucker for Grandma’s couch florals, so I got it. For this outfit, I leaned into the colour scheme, pairing the blazer with my olive-and-black striped knit top for a relatively subdued pattern mix moment. I decided to pick a light belt as a way to introduce some contrast and stop the black from taking over too much.

Details: Anthro jacket, Old Navy tee & sandals, vintage skirt, Coach bag (all secondhand)

Thoughts: I call this summer boho casual. Cotton layers, a floaty skirt (plus bike shorts), sandals. Easy and literally breezy. This particular skirt is a no-brainer choice when I’m stuck for ideas, because the pattern affords so many pairing options. For this outing, I decided to pick the maroon as a focal colour, and the outfit basically assembled itself from there.

Details: unbranded shirt (swap),Zara top, LL Bean belt, CoH jeans, Fluevog shoes, Rebecca Minkoff bag (all thrifted)

Thoughts: I got this plaid shirt at my last swap because I love its colours, but it feels a little bit disingenuous. I can’t say I have ever been a huge Guns ‘n Roses fan per se. Does this mean I’m flying false colours here? LOL! Anywhoo. The shirt is very oversized, so I choose a crop top to balance things out. I debated a bit over the choice of denim, but this ankle crop ultimately felt like the best option. Of all things, I think it’s the hat that ties it all together. This damn hat will end up being the MVP of my summer, just watch.