Last week, I talked about my most versatile purchases of the year. This week, let’s talk about the good stuff. Just kidding, they are all good. But, yes, I can’t help being partial to the fun stuff – the statement pieces. I am definitely a magpie/peacock at heart when it comes to clothing, so I get the most excited about statement clothing. Still, remember what I wrote last week: never underestimate the important of the “quiet heroes” that hold your outfits together. Statement pieces are fine, but a well-balanced outfit they do not make … not without some help.
Since this list is all about things I love, there really aren’t any broader principles to dissect here. The only takeaway? Statement pieces are meant to spark joy, to put a smile on your face and oomph in your step. If a piece doesn’t do that, and isn’t a “quiet hero” either, I always push myself on the question: why am I buying this? It’s usually a sign to put the thing down and move on.
St. John top
I love this top so much. I mean, what’s not to love? It’s decorated with giant chains – no jewelry needed.
Ralph Lauren wrap skirt
I love colourful plaids, but this one is a real statement even though – or maybe because – it’s black and white. So bold and graphic, I am obsessed.
Tabi sweater
I love floral/graphic pattern mixes, and this sweater does all the work for me. Bonus points for being (mostly) black and white, a combo I am especially fond of this year.
Patchwork jacket
This piece means so much to me, not only because it perfectly encapsulates my summer aesthetic, but also because it was made by a friend. [Technically, this was a gift not a purchase but I think it deserves to be highlighted here anyway.]
Suttles & Seawinds dress
I adore old fashioned floral patterns set against a blue background, so this dress was an immediate “YES” for me. Plus, the silhouette suits both my body type and my style preferences.
Gap dress
Basically, same as above.
Patchwork skirt
I love clothing that looks like patchwork quilts (or is made from them) so this skirt was something I had been hoping to find for a while. The colours! The silhouette! All of it is 100% me.
Nanette Lepore blazer
Honestly, this is so versatile, it’s almost a closet staple. But! It’s also a total attention-grabber with that eye-catching colour combo of chartreuse and purple.
Paul Smith pants
I did mention how much I love plaid, no? The ring tab waist belt (which is detachable, for extra versatility) is a nice touch too.
Laura Ashley skirt, Max &Co skirt
Similar style of skirt – my favourite! – but different kinds of statement. One is a bold pattern, one is a bold colour. Love them both!
Joie sweater
It pains me to include anything Joie in my favourites list, but here we are. There is no denying this color blocked sweater is an outfit maker.
Ralph Lauren tank top
It might be a tank, but it’s anything but basic. It’s a key element to the academia-inspired Historian aesthetic.
Statement pieces are meant to spark joy, to put a smile on your face and oomph in your step. If a piece doesn’t do that, and isn’t a “quiet hero” either, I always push myself on the question: why am I buying this? It’s usually a sign to put the thing down and move on. — yes! I’ve subconsciously and not so long ago reached this conclusion too, thank you for phrasing it so clearly!
I’ve meanwhile forgiven myself for wearing all the (for a lack of a better word) mediocre stuff thinking it’d help me fit in better in society – aka don’t attract too much attention – when it made me feel so blah and people were anyway too busy with themselves to even notice me. Nowadays, if people judge me based on how I’m dressed I’ll rather change the people than my clothes 😄
Hard agree about people not really noticing what you wear — most people are thinking about their own life. And if they do react negatively, it makes me side-eye them a bit. What someone else wears doesn’t impact me; even if it’s not to my taste, if the person wearing the clothes is happy, let them live.
Life’s too short not to enjoy the things that make you happy.