Happy New Year! I hope your 2023 has been off to a marvellous start. Out of habit now, I like to spend the first few days of the year reflecting, so it’s only fitting to kick off my first post of the year with a retrospective on my 2022 style. More specifically, the items I actually wore the most. Based on hard data from tracking my daily outfits throughout the year. For those curious, it’s a primitive method. Noting down each piece on my phone, before transferring it into a rather large excel document at the end of each season.
One thing I’ve concluded with increasing clarity over the years is that it is always the basics that are the most worn. Typically items which are serious workhorses, but don’t often inspire or garner excitement when pulling them out of the closet. Which might be why I place so much stock in finding the right cut or a specific fabrication. Basically, there’s a huge divide between what my most worn items are, and what my favourite items in my closet for the year are. The latter tend to be a little less practical or have some quality that prohibits them from being something I reach for multiple times a week.
2022 MOST WORN
Everlane original cheeky straight jeans (size 26 ankle) | Tied at the top spot for my most worn jeans, I wanted to start with my old faithfuls from Everlane. Their jeans truly are great. Exceptional quality (withstanding hundreds of washes, and still looking fabulous), and the price is pretty reasonable. I also really appreciate that there’s a mix of styles and composition; 100% organic cotton or options with a little elastane blended in (which can be more forgiving). The original cheeky straight, or should I say “cheeky straight 2.0” is the winner for me because it does have stretch. Incredibly comfortable to wear, even when crawling around playing with my kids. I wear my usual size 26, and would say they fit true to size. You’ll find they might give a little after a few hours wear but always shrink back after a run through the washing machine.
Toteme faded black jeans (size 26) | Worn the exact same number of times, perhaps my favourite jeans. One of those instances where love of an item and frequency of wear collide. Unlike the Everlane jeans, these ones are 100% cotton. However, it’s the fit and cut that make these comfortable. They’re not skin tight, there’s a little bit of give around the hip and thigh, so I can move around in them really freely. Admittedly I do find the cropped length a little jarring sometimes, especially with the fashion zeitgeist shifting towards looser, longer silhouettes. But, for me they’re an old faithful, and the quality is incredible; again, they’ve been through countless wash cycles. Reaching for these is like saying hello to an old friend. I know how like to wear them, and the washed black colour seems to go with everything. Again, I own these in my usual size 26.
The Row black sweater (size S) | A Boxing Day sale splurge from 2021, I’ve been wondering if this knit made it into my most worn as a result of my subconscious. You know, wanting to make good on an expensive – basic – purchase by wearing it frequently. I’ve said this before, but you can easily achieve the exact same look with a mens cashmere knit from Uniqlo in a large size. That said, the fit is really nice, and while subtle, I do like the contrast woven strip down the centre back. One thing to note is that yes, you will experience pilling with this. Pilling is not indicative of quality. It’s a reflection of how you’ve worn the item, typically as a result of friction. If you wear your knit with a crossbody bag, you’ll of course see pilling across the front, or where the yarn has rubbed against the inside of your coat. Mine has shed quite considerably, and I just ensure I have a cashmere comb or fabric shaver to hand to give it a quick tidy up.
House of Dagmar black boucle trousers (size 36/full length version here) | Perhaps an item you’re sick of hearing me talk about at this point, but they’ve been one of my favourite purchases of 2022. The cotton boucle! So texturally interesting, especially for someone who loves a tactile component to their clothing. Easy to care for, too. I just throw mine in the wash on a cold cycle. Again, these are a cropped style so not exactly “trendy”, but I still adore them. Also comes in a longer length.
Acne Studios mini musubi bag | Out of all my bags, I’m not really surprised to see this one take the top spot. Visually it has a lot of appeal. The soft sculptural shape with origami-esque flourishes are eye-catching and always demand attention. One of my most asked about bags, that’s for sure. Overall, it’s one I really love. The size – mini – is an oxymoron. It’s plenty roomy, with more space than one would need for their usual essential items. From a wear and tear perspective, the musubi has held up well. The integrity of the shape is intact (though I’d say storage plays a role here), and there’s no major marks as the leather is pretty robust. Some minor corner/edge wear, and the glazing has cracked – the latter being the most disappointing given that this was a bit of a splurge. That said, if I had to buy it over, I absolutely would.
Frankie Shop oversized blazer (size S but would recommend sizing down) | Oversized blazers have been trending for a while now, and while they’re not to everyone’s taste, I’ve really been enjoying this change in silhouette. Contextually, it works for all circumstances or scenarios that I could possibly imagine. Ranging from casual and relaxed, to those that are more formal and dressed up. Quality-wise, it’s held up well. Not pulls or snags, and looks just like when I bought it. I’d recommend sizing down though. I have the black in size S and purchased the forest green in the XS which is a much better fit. Also looks fabulous when worn belted for more of a peplum effect (perfect for petites!).
YSL black slides (size EU41) | This might be the third or fourth year running that my YSL tribute sandals held onto the “most worn shoe” crown. They’re just so easy to wear. Quality is great, although the leather is stiffer so not a style I’ll wear on days I know I’ll be doing a lot of brisk walking, as I’ll usually end up with a blister or two. Mine are currently at the cobbler getting re-soled as they’ve been worn and loved that much. I sized up a full size as I have a wider foot. For something more affordable and in a softer (read: more comfortable) leather, I’d recommend these from Wittner. Equally as easy to just slip on and go.
VIVAIA black pointed toe flats (size EU40 but would recommend sizing up if you have wide feet) | Figured it would be worth sharing my second most worn pair of shoes too… the Minnie flats from VIVAIA. Made from the yarn of recycled plastic bottles, these have a soft mouldable quality to them. They’re flexible, and do have some give to them. I made the mistake of getting my usual size EU40; I have both wide feet and a bunion so the next size up would have been more suitable. Clearly it hasn’t been too much of a bother though, as I’ve continued to reach for them. Black pointed toe flats look “effort-full” while in reality are effortless. Leg-lengthening too. From the side these have started to curl up slightly, but this is very common with pointed toe flats.
Everlane a-line denim shorts (size 25 & 26 – fits one size large) | No surprises here, as I not only own these shorts in four colours, but seem to almost exclusive wear them when it’s warm. out. 100% cotton, but comfortable. Fits high up on the waist, which is why I recommend sizing down one from your usual. What makes these so great is the a-line silhouette. So flattering, and the longer length gives you extra coverage. Such a winner and if you’re lucky you can score these on sale.
MVN the Label slip skirt (size AU8/old) | Finishing with my most worn skirt, an oldie from MVN the Label. One of the items in my closet that has truly done its dash, and since been updated with a 100% silk version from Quince (affordable, too!). This was a go to for me especially throughout my pregnancy as the elasticated waistband meant it could accomodate my bump. A good “classic” style – for me anyway – too.
