The holidays, quarantine, and coming into another new year of uncertainty and extra weirdness. I was thinking about how I wanted to carry over lessons I’ve learned this year and improve. And while for the most part I abstain from conventional resolutions… Learning new things, being more intentional about how I learn, and creating a capsule wardrobe that fits my lifestyle better, are all on the list for this year.
Which led me to signing up for Masterclass and the first class I’ve decided to take is Tan France’s style class. I’ve also been working my way through a related book and additional information on other apps. But for this post I’m going to focus on Tan and his class.
I’ve been very intentional to say ‘style’ and not ‘fashion’. Because this isn’t about what is new or trendy. This is about me really perfecting MY PERSONAL STYLE, which isn’t to say that it won’t change more as time goes on, but I do have what I think is a great place to start.
To start off. I made a list of the items that Tan suggested each person have in their capsule wardrobe. Then using his suggestions and directions, I started to create a mood board. I used the list below, to help myself focus on what I might still be missing and what might help me to round out/focus my closet.
- A great piece of outerwear. (Sorta have)
- A leather Jacket (Check, already have)
- Two nice button up shirts
- A great fitting suit ( I have the blazer…)
- A solid neutral sweater (have)
- Several good t-shirts (have)
- A couple pair of good denim (have)
- A white sneaker (have)
- A nude shoe
- A black loafer
- A little black dress
When you want to create a style, a look, that will last longer than the next ‘season’ or two… you want to look for timeless pieces. So I looked back at fashions from the last 70 years… found some things that appeared in more than twice, that I liked and could use in my own wardrobe. I started a whole new Pinterest board for this project… started fresh and worked on it over the course of several days. My next step there is to start pairing it down and using those images to create one mood board. A place to start and singular thing I can look at and say “ does this item or thing, fit this board? Is this something the person I want to be would wear?
I did some research on ways of describing style and how some styles are described. I ended up with a list of words that aren’t each correct all the time but when combined, they’re the perfect blend for me.
- Relaxed: comfortable and easy to maintain.
- Effortless Adaptability: easily transitioned from teaching, to studying, to dinner out.
- Americana: denim, leather, and earthy tones inspired by American heritage.
- Minimalist: clean, simple, beautiful.
- Sustainable: made within a sustainable and ethical model.
Tan also talked a lot about shopping, using influencers, trying brands, etc. I started by getting myself new sleep/lounge wear of all things. We are still spending so much more time at home, and while I don’t mind wearing one of Nicks shirts and old sweat pants or yoga pants… there’s something nice about feeling cute, comfortable, and more put together. I’m not saying it’s fancy, but I got myself a nice robe, it’s soft, warm, fits great. I got a a set of shorts and tank, a second set of shorts, joggers, and a tee shirt dress from a brand I’d been wanting to try for 6 months at least… and I couldn’t be happier. I feel so good!
I went to another brand I discovered last year that I really like, I found two nice button downs, I ordered those. I’m looking into mules and boots. I’m thinking about pairing down my jackets and getting one really nice one. Most of all though, I’m doing research. I’m learning.
Overall, I enjoyed this MasterClass. It was a great addition to what I’m working on with my style, curation, comfort, and what will hopefully be a timeless and lasting, stress free wardrobe from here on out. Tan France is funny, thoughtful, and a champion of individuality. If you are looking for a step by step on exactly how to dress, this isn’t it. But if you are looking for a good shoving off point toward finding your own style, this is a great start.
Coffee & Conundrums 