I’ve had a revelation recently, I have got to the stage where I have a lovely wardrobe of useful items and find I am rotating what I have with ease. I have shied away from trends more and more and I suppose, concentrating on honing my style.
But there are a few things I think about…because I do love fashion. The difference is, these are items I really think could make a difference to my wardrobe, I no longer think about needing items as soon as they are seen on Instagram/a celeb/in a magazine. Instead, I watch the trend bubble for a while and once I think it might be pushed to iconic status, then I will add.
Because sometimes it’s not about trends, sometimes it’s about usefulness, practicality and more often than not: comfort. Plus, rather than be the first on a trend, I like to see if it sticks around longer than one season to get my wear out of it.
I have been speaking to a writer about an upcoming trends piece for The Frugality and we thought really hard about what it means, I even asked on Instagram what people wanted and time and time again, the word longevity came up. Not all of us want to (or can afford to) constantly buy so it’s important to buy smarter or work with what we have.
I have been asked a few times whether chunky boots are worth the investment and my thoughts are basically: if they’re flat, they will be worn a lot so that it always a good investment. Although we’re a long way into winter, there’s still a good few months of cold weather ahead and I’m not sure we’ve had the worst of it, yet. Plus, these will also look great with midi dresses so would make a great transitional boot for spring. I’ve already worn these three times this week and think they’ve really ‘lifted’ my look. But if you think the chunky sole is too much, a classic Chelsea boot will also serve you well – I bought the Russell & Bromley ‘Cadogan’ boots about 7 years ago which still look great – see them styled here).
I toyed with a lace-up boot a la the Grenson ‘Nanette’ but: budget. Plus I couldn’t quite find another pair/dupe I liked enough. Once I tried these on a Very shoot last week I wanted to test how comfy they were – they’re heavy and take a little getting used to but they don’t dig into my calves as I thought they might (full disclosure: I filmed a project with them but this is separate to the deliverables – I just loved the items and wanted to shoot!).
I mean, they haven’t got much sex appeal, but that’s probably why I like them.
I’m definitely feeling like I’m honing my style now rather than following trends. I think once you’ve got it, you can update your wardrobe with one or two well thought out key pieces each season. Love the jacket!
I still wear a pair of lace up R and B boots I have had since my early thirties – I’m now in my late 50’s and wear them regularly.
The key point being that they are , in my opinion, ageless.
Completely agree xx
100% Agreed
I’m 54 and invested in a pair of Doc Martens last year. I have worn them constantly,
Chunky Boots I loved wardrobe with one or two well thought out key pieces each season. I love the jacket!
I read this article at the perfect time bc I was juuuust wondering about the longevity of chunky boots. I’m the same way with many trends – where they have to reach iconic status before I indulge. I did just purchase my first doc martens so we will see how they are and fit into my lifestyle. I agree that at this point in my life comfort is a big factor with my style (I have three kiddos). Great article!
Aaaah I was just thinking about chunky Doc Martens brogues….I used to live in DMs as a teen so it has taken a bit of persuading from myself to revisit but they’re definitely iconic x
I do not think it is too late.