My Summer Style Glow Up⭐️
Looking back at old outfit photos is always a mix of nostalgia and secondhand embarrassment. 😂
The first photo was taken my freshman year of college before going out with one of my friends. At the time, I was trying so hard to dress more "adult," but my closet was mostly built from inexpensive, trendy pieces. My Forever 21 top, Garage jeans (which I still think are so cute!), and Amazon boots made me feel like I had my style figured out.
Fast forward to last weekend before meeting my girlfriends for drinks on a patio, and my style feels completely different. My outfit was a simple Gap top, Abercrombie jeans, and Steve Madden kitten heels. Nothing over the top, but everything works together and can be mixed with so many other pieces in my closet.
I think my style today feels much more like the version of "adult" I was trying to achieve back then. Building more of a capsule wardrobe has made getting dressed so much easier, and I love investing in pieces I know I'll wear over and over instead of buying something just because it's trending.
That said, I wouldn't change that freshman year outfit. It fit exactly where I was in life, and it's honestly fun to look back and see how much my style has evolved over the years.
Do you ever look back at old outfit photos and think, "What was I wearing?" Or do you still love your old style?
#thenvsnow #zerogatekeeping #lemon8partner #summerstyle #capsulewardrobe
Reflecting on my own style journey, I've found that transitioning from trendy, fast-fashion pieces to a thoughtful capsule wardrobe has transformed not just how I dress but how I feel each day. In freshman year, I was all about grabbing the latest looks from stores like Forever 21 and Amazon, which felt exciting but often lacked cohesion. Over time, I realized that investing in quality basics like a reliable pair of Abercrombie jeans or timeless tops from Gap made mixing and matching a breeze. One of the biggest benefits I've noticed is the ease of getting dressed every morning. Instead of staring endlessly at a cluttered closet, I now enjoy a curated selection where every item complements another. Steve Madden kitten heels, for instance, add a subtle chic touch without feeling overdone, perfect for casual outings or more polished events. This summer, my style reflects a confidence that comes from knowing what suits me and how to combine pieces effortlessly. I still appreciate looking back at those early outfits with a smile because they tell the story of where I started. Style is ever-evolving, and embracing change—as seen in the contrast between then and now photos—is part of the fun. If you’re thinking about a wardrobe refresh, consider starting small with capsule pieces that can be styled multiple ways. Not only does this help the environment by reducing impulse buys, but it also creates a sense of personal style that’s uniquely yours. Do you have any favorite capsule wardrobe staples or memorable style transformations? Sharing those can inspire others on their style glow up journey too!
