Most Worn Items of 2020

How is it almost the end of January already? I started this year with the best of intentions to share my yearly wrap ups early. However other demands – like looking after our little one, and the launch of Mīere – have taken priority. Today, I wanted to focus on my most worn items for 2020. 

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, then you’ll know that I do a seasonal review, looking back at what I wore the most. And it’s not just what I think I wore the most. I have a (rather rudimentary) spreadsheet which I use to track my outfits. It’s this cold, hard, data that I refer to when analysing what I ended up wearing on heavy rotation.

Looking back, a lot of these items aren’t really surprising. They popped up in my seasonal analyses, and at a pinch I probably would have guessed most of these. One thing I’ve realised about reflection? Is that it’s often shaped disproportionately in favour of our most recent experiences. Our lives are busy. The days might seem long but the weeks roll by quickly; at least, that’s how I felt about 2020.

Below, you’ll find my most worn items of the year by style; think most worn top, jeans, dress, piece of knitwear, and so on.

MOST WORN ITEMS OF 2020

Madewell 10 inch cropped skinny jeans | worn 28 times
It’s no secret that denim is part of my style uniform. A huge part in fact. Which is funny given when I first moved to Australia, I had maybe two or three pairs in my wardrobe. The pair I ended up wearing the most in 2020 were from Madewell; the 10 inch skinny jeans. I loved the wash of these, and the fact that the denim was fairly forgiving. Perfect for post-pregnancy and all these months later (even if they do fit a little more “relaxed” at this point). The 10-inch rise is flattering too, and great for tucking in knits. It’s high but not too high if you know what I mean. Definitely a brand whose denim I would like to try more of in the future. 

Everlane white pima cotton tank | worn 15 times
This has to be one of the most functional pieces I have in my closet. A wardrobe staple in its own right, it’s perfect worn on its own, or as a layering piece. I love the pima rib stretch cotton – super comfortable and washes well – and the deep U-neckline is gorgeous if you like to layer up necklaces or just want to show some skin. I have this in three colours, and tend to reach for one of the trio weekly. This tank has quite a bit of stretch to it so I’d recommend sizing down. I wear mine in the XS.

& Other Stories oversized black wool cardigan | worn 35 times
When this oversized cardigan arrived in the mail, I knew it was going to be something I wore loads. It’s simple, with a super relaxed fit. And made for a great throw on piece over a singlet, especially in those early days of nursing. The things that drew me to it were the composition – 100% wool – and the ribbed detail around the neckline and the trims. The fabric has the texture of wool but doesn’t feel itchy against the skin. At least, not in my experience. And in terms of wear? It’s an easy one to throw in the machine, but given it’s a natural fibre, do expect some pilling. I tend to run a wool comb over it every few wears.

Matteau black tiered dress (affordable option here) | worn 12 times
Okay this one surprised me. I’ve worn it twice this since the spring, so was expecting a completely different dress to pop up as my most worn for the year. That said, I absolutely love this style of dress. Easy to throw on, and it’s the type that you can dress up or down. The cotton poplin is fuss-free too; a great one you can just throw in the wash. I have a few similar styles in my closet, and they’re among the first I reach for when I feel like wearing a dress. If anything, this has reinforced in my mind that this particular style of dress is something that really works for me.

Workshop utility jacket (similar here) | worn 12 times
Despite heading out for long walks daily throughout winter, I rarely needed to wear a coat. It wasn’t until my winter capsule – where I included this utility jacket – that I really started to incorporate any kind of jacket. And I’m glad I did, as it sparked in me a desire to add more earthy tones to my closet. This particular item I’ve had in my closet for around four years now, and it’s one of those ones I always go back to. Lightweight, but a great option for the transitional season, or as a throw on jacket if it isn’t too cold.

Arket off white denim shorts | worn 11 times
While I wouldn’t say my personal style has changed massively since having a baby, I have had to make some serious adjustments. Some items just don’t fit the way they used to, or aren’t really practical for rolling around on the ground or playing chase with our son. My denim shorts stash was one area that I quickly realised needed an overhaul. As much as I love my Dr Denims, they’re a little too rigid, and also a little on the small side. These shorts from Arket were a “replacement”, and I’ve loved having them in my closet. The leg opening is much wider, so they don’t cut in at all when crouching or bending over (a big bonus!). I wear these in the 26 and have quite a bit of room at the waist so I’d say size down if in between sizes.

Isabel Marant Etoile navy ruffle skirt | worn 13 times
I took a bit of a gamble adding this skirt to cart while I was still pregnant, but it’s gone on to be one of my favourite purchases of 2020. Isabel Marant is one of those brands which has been on my “hit list” since I was in my early twenties. She just nails that effortless, French cool-girl vibe. And what drew me to this skirt was the juxtaposition between the feminine silhouette, and the utilitarian fabric. The tulip hem detail is ultra-flattering too, it makes your legs look a mile long; plus I appreciated that the woven waist belt was super-adjustable, which meant this was one of the few items in my closet which I could wear shortly after giving birth!

Assembly Label linen pants | worn 12 times
Effortless dressing has definitely become my MO since becoming a mum, and to me nothing feels more effortless than linen. These trousers quickly became a favourite when I bought them (close to two years ago now), and were something I reached for a lot over the autumn and winter seasons. I love how they look with simple tees and tanks, and also worn paired with winter knits. The tapered fit through the leg, and cropped length is flattering, too. I bought mine in the AU8 and would say they’re a very generous fit. I find that they’re a bit big for me at the waist now, so would recommend sizing down one if you have your eye on these. 

Saint Laurent tribute sandals | worn 38 times
I try to put a lot of consideration into the items I add to my closet, but it’s amplified when it’s a big purchase. After wearing my dupes of the YSL tribute slides for a good two summers, I’d determined that I’d get a lot of wear out of this style. So why not splurge on the real thing? I ended up purchasing a patent pair in a pale “milk” colour, and as you can see, I wore them loads. I sized up a full size as I have wide feet, and find patent doesn’t give much. I’m glad I did, as it gave me additional width across the foot. I do find that I will still get the odd blister if I wear these on a long day with a lot of walking, but otherwise they don’t give me any grief. I love them so much I also purchased them in the black calf leather. I’d definitely recommend the calf leather more if you have wide feet like me.

Celine trio | worn 57 times
Finally, my most worn bag. It didn’t shock me to see that my Celine trio was the one I reached for the most in 2020. I like that it has three separate pouches. That each pouch has a zip closure. And it’s crossbody. It’s practical, functional, secure, and the pouches allow me to easily find what I need, one-handed. Despite my former opinions on this bag, I’ve come to realise that lifestyle really is one of the most important factors on whether you’ll utilise an item or not. Might seem like a no-brainer, but often the “practicality” of a piece can cloud our judgment. Or at least that’s what’s happened to me in the past. I managed to score mine pre-loved for an absolute steal, and it’s been one of the best luxury purchases I’ve made in recent years. With the caveat being that it’s perfect for my current lifestyle needs.

And that sums up my most worn pieces of 2020. Would love to know what items you gravitated towards most this past year.