After 11 weeks and 75 days of getting dressed with intention, editing my closet, and reflecting on my style, I’ve officially completed the 75 Hard Style Challenge! What started as a way to break out of a style rut and curb impulse shopping turned into a journey of self-discovery, confidence, and a much deeper understanding of what actually works for me.
I didn’t know exactly what to expect when I started, but I hoped to learn more about my habits, my wardrobe, and maybe even myself.
Now that the challenge is over, I’m amazed at how much has changed—not just in my closet, but in my mindset.
From discovering my signature style to letting go of pieces that no longer serve me, this experience has been about so much more than just clothes. It’s been about learning to trust my instincts, embrace what makes me feel good, and approach shopping (and getting dressed) with a new sense of purpose.
Here’s a look back at what I learned, what surprised me, and what’s next for my style journey.
What I Learned About My Style
One of the biggest surprises of this challenge was realizing I already had a signature style—even if I didn’t know it at the start. As I worked my way through daily outfits, I kept reaching for wide leg jeans and more fitted tops. It wasn’t something I set out to do, but looking back, it’s clear that this silhouette is what I feel best in and what flatters my body the most.
Understanding this has made getting dressed so much easier and more enjoyable. I’m no longer guessing or second-guessing what will look good; I have confidence in my choices and know what works for me. Instead of buying things just because they’re cute or trendy, I’m now focused on finding pieces that fit my style and make me feel good every time I put them on.
This challenge also taught me to let go of items that don’t serve me—even if I thought I’d love them. I edited my closet throughout the 75 days, donating or selling pieces that didn’t fit, flatter, or spark joy. The result is a wardrobe that feels more “me” than ever before, and a new sense of clarity about what I want to wear moving forward.
The Emotional Side of the Challenge
The 75 Hard Style Challenge was about so much more than just picking out outfits—it was an emotional rollercoaster at times. Getting dressed every single day, even when I didn’t feel like it, had a huge impact on my mood, confidence, and productivity. On the good days, a well-chosen outfit made me feel put together and ready to take on anything. On the tough days, just the act of getting dressed was a small win that helped me push through.
There were definitely moments of style fatigue, especially during that week of winter weather when I was stuck inside and living in outfit sets that felt more like pajamas than real clothes. I almost gave up then, feeling like I was missing the point of the challenge. But pushing through those ruts taught me that it’s okay to have “blah” days and that style is as much about how you feel as what you wear.
By the end of the challenge, I found myself dressing with more intention and confidence, even on days when I wasn’t inspired. I learned to give myself grace, to embrace the ups and downs, and to celebrate the progress—no matter how small. The emotional growth was just as valuable as the style lessons, and it’s something I’ll carry with me long after the challenge is over.
Shopping, Thrifting, and Budgeting Lessons
One of the biggest shifts during this challenge was how I approached shopping and spending. Before, I’d buy things just because they were cute or on sale, without really thinking about whether they’d work for my body or my lifestyle. Now, I’m much more intentional—every purchase is considered, and I’m focused on finding pieces that truly fit my signature style.
Thrifting became my go-to for filling wardrobe gaps, and I stuck to my rule of only going twice a week. This not only helped curb impulse buys, but also made each trip feel more purposeful and exciting. I learned to be patient, to wait for the right piece, and to walk away if something wasn’t quite right—even if it was a great deal.
Budgeting was another huge lesson. Comparing this year’s spending to last year’s didn’t always make sense, especially with travel and family needs changing month to month. I realized that progress is about the long game, not just hitting a short-term savings goal. I’m proud that, even with a few splurges, I stayed under budget for the year as a whole and became more mindful of what’s truly worth bringing home.
Closet Edits: Hits, Misses, and Letting Go
One of the most rewarding parts of the 75 Hard Style Challenge was the ongoing process of editing my closet. Throughout the 11 weeks, I got honest about what I actually wear and what just takes up space. There were pieces I thought I’d love—like certain sweaters or flare jeans—that ended up in the donate bin after a single wear. Letting go of those items felt freeing, and it made room for pieces that truly fit my style and my life.
The hits were easy to spot: wide leg jeans, fitted tops, and a few statement blouses (like my snake print and leopard print) quickly became staples.
On the flip side, I realized that some basics—like t-shirts or boots I used to love—just don’t work for me anymore, and that’s okay.
This challenge taught me that it’s perfectly fine to let go of things that no longer serve me, even if I once thought they were must-haves. My closet feels lighter, more intentional, and much more “me” than it did at the start. And I’m excited to keep editing and refining as my style continues to evolve.
Challenges, Setbacks, and How I Handled Them
No challenge is complete without a few bumps in the road, and the 75 Hard Style Challenge was no exception. The hardest week for me was when winter weather hit and I was stuck inside for days, living in outfit sets that felt more like pajamas than real clothes. It was discouraging and almost made me want to give up, but I reminded myself that not every day (or week) would be perfect—and that’s okay.
There were also days when I felt uninspired, tired of my jeans rotation, or just “over it.” On those days, I focused on small wins: getting dressed at all, trying a new accessory, or simply giving myself grace. I learned to push through style ruts by experimenting with different combinations, reaching for pieces that made me feel good, and letting go of the pressure to have a “perfect” outfit every day.
Budgeting and sticking to my low-buy rules was another challenge, especially with travel and family needs. I handled it by tracking every purchase, being honest about what was a true need versus a want, and celebrating progress over perfection. The support from family and friends—even if they didn’t join in—helped keep me motivated and accountable.
In the end, it was the tough weeks and setbacks that taught me the most. They reminded me that style is about flexibility, resilience, and finding joy in the process—even when things don’t go as planned.
What’s Next for My Style & Wardrobe
Now that the 75 Hard Style Challenge is behind me, I’m excited to keep the momentum going. I plan to continue my low-buy journey for the rest of the year, staying intentional about every purchase and making sure each new piece truly fits my style and my life. I want to keep editing my closet, letting go of anything that doesn’t make me feel confident or comfortable, and focusing on quality over quantity.
I’m also looking forward to repeating the challenge in the summer, when warmer weather will bring new outfit possibilities and a fresh perspective. I’m curious to see how my style evolves with the seasons and how my signature look adapts to lighter layers, brighter colors, and maybe even a few new silhouettes.
Most of all, I want to keep having fun with fashion—experimenting, trying new things, and trusting my instincts. My goal is to build a wardrobe that feels uniquely “me,” supports my lifestyle, and brings a little joy to getting dressed every day.
Final Reflections & Advice
Looking back on the 75 Hard Style Challenge, I’m honestly amazed at how much I’ve learned—not just about clothes, but about myself. I discovered a signature style I didn’t even realize I had, gained confidence in what flatters my body, and learned to let go of pieces that no longer serve me. The process wasn’t always easy, and there were definitely moments of frustration, style fatigue, and even a few “blah” days. But every challenge taught me something valuable.
My biggest takeaway? Progress is about small, consistent steps—not perfection. Getting dressed every day, editing my closet, and shopping with intention have all helped me build habits that I know will last. I’m excited to keep refining my wardrobe, experimenting with new looks, and staying true to what makes me feel good.
If you’re thinking about starting your own style or low-buy challenge, my advice is simple: do it. There’s nothing to lose and so much to gain. You’ll learn more about your style, your habits, and your confidence than you ever expected. Give yourself grace, celebrate the wins (big and small), and enjoy the journey—you might just surprise yourself.
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