It’s officially been a week since I started the 75 Hard Style Challenge, and I already feel like I’m learning so much about my wardrobe, my habits, and my personal style. This first week has been a mix of excitement, a few frustrations, and a lot of honest reflection about what I actually wear, what I love, and what I’m ready to let go of. From closet cleanouts to thrift store adventures, every day has brought a new lesson—and a few surprises.
If you’re curious about what a week of intentional dressing looks like, what I’ve discovered about my clothes (and myself), and how I’m handling the urge to shop, keep reading for my daily outfit diary, lessons learned, and what’s on my wish list for the rest of the challenge.
Week One Reflections
Starting the 75 Hard Style Challenge felt both exciting and a little daunting. I knew I needed a reset, but I wasn’t sure how I’d feel actually getting dressed with intention every single day—especially when I work from home and comfort usually wins out. What surprised me most this week was how quickly I started to notice patterns in my habits and preferences.
The act of cleaning out my closet on day one set the tone for the week. It was freeing to let go of pieces I never wear and to make space for things I truly love. I realized just how many items I was holding onto “just in case,” even though they didn’t fit, weren’t comfortable, or simply didn’t feel like me anymore.
Throughout the week, I found myself reaching for comfort on days when I stayed home, but I also pushed myself to put on real outfits—even if it was just jeans and a tee. I noticed that my mood and motivation improved when I put in a little extra effort, and I started to see which pieces I genuinely enjoy wearing versus those I’m just keeping out of habit.
I also became much more aware of fit and comfort. A few items I thought I loved turned out to be not-so-great once I wore them for a full day. Instead of feeling guilty, I added them to the consignment pile and reminded myself that it’s okay to let go of things that don’t work.
Overall, week one has already taught me that intentional dressing is about more than just clothes—it’s about how I feel in them, how they fit my life, and how willing I am to let go of what no longer serves me. I’m excited (and a little nervous) to see what the next week brings!
Daily Outfit Diary
1/1 – Closet Cleanout & Comfort
First day of the year and the challenge! I stayed home and tackled a major closet cleanout, making piles to sell and donate. Since I wasn’t going anywhere, I opted for a comfy outfit set. I didn’t love how it looked, but I’m keeping it because it’s perfect for those days when I want to be out of pajamas but still comfortable at home. Sometimes, practicality wins over style—and that’s okay.
1/2 – Thrifting & Letting Go
With my closet freshly cleaned out, I was itching to go thrifting and see if I could fill any gaps. (I’ll share my “needs” list below!) I also tried out a reseller/consignment store for the first time instead of just donating everything to Goodwill. I ended up selling two bags of clothes and shoes for $60—which is definitely better than nothing! Everything they didn’t accept will go to Goodwill next week. I wore a cardigan I thought I liked, but after wearing it, I realized it wasn’t for me and added it to the consignment pile. This challenge is already helping me be more honest about what I actually enjoy wearing.
1/3 – Jeans & Tee, Mood Dressing
Saturday was a stay-home-and-do-nothing day. I didn’t want to fall back on another outfit set, so I put on jeans and a t-shirt—my go-to when I’m not feeling inspired or don’t have plans. I imagined how I’d style the outfit if I actually went out, but my favorite jacket felt a little tight, so it’s now on my “replace or lose 5 lbs” list. I’m not ready to get rid of it yet, but it’s a reminder that fit really matters. I also noticed I tend to dress up more if I know I’m going somewhere.
1/4 – Family Outing & Favorite Jeans
We went washer/dryer shopping (ours broke!) and took the kids to see the new Avatar movie. I liked my outfit today—it felt cute, comfortable, and easy. I should have added a jacket because it was colder than I expected, but then again, I might’ve overheated in the theater. These jeans are my favorite cut and style right now; I have them in several colors and love how versatile they are.
1/5 – Thrift Shop Visit & Cargo Pant
I took my girls to check out a new-to-me thrift shop. I wore my beloved cargo pants, which are super comfortable, but I’m still figuring out how to style them in different ways. I really liked today’s outfit, so I’m planning to mix and match these pieces again soon.
1/6 – Sweater Tee & Jeans Frustration
Today was a grocery run and car drop-off day. I wore a sweater tee I love, but the jeans I picked ended up being a letdown. They kept rolling at the bottom and wouldn’t stay flat, which made the whole look feel sloppy. Plus, the rise felt too high for me—even though they’re the same brand as my favorites! These are going in the consignment pile. I used to love flare jeans, but I think this cut just isn’t for me anymore.
1/7 – Favorite Outfit & Versatile Finds
I absolutely loved today’s outfit—cute, comfortable, and perfect for a weird Texas winter (45 degrees in the morning, almost 80 by afternoon). I originally planned to wear different jeans, but as soon as I put them on, I knew they weren’t right and tossed them in the consignment bin. The jeans I switched to are a close second favorite: stretchy, wide-leg, and great with flats or sneakers (though a bit short for anything else). The cardigan/shawl I thrifted last year is quickly becoming a favorite—I already have a million ways to style it in my head, so you’ll definitely see it again.
What I’m Learning
Even after just one week, this challenge is teaching me so much more than I expected. The biggest lesson so far? Comfort and fit matter way more than I realized. I’ve let go of pieces I thought I liked, only to discover they don’t actually work for my body or my lifestyle. It’s freeing to be honest about what doesn’t serve me, instead of holding onto things out of guilt or habit.
I’m also learning that intentional dressing really does impact my mood and motivation. On days when I put in a little extra effort—even if it’s just jeans and a tee—I feel more put-together and ready to take on the day. It’s a small shift, but it makes a big difference.
Another realization: I have a tendency to default to the same comfortable outfits, especially when I’m home. But pushing myself to mix things up, even just a little, is helping me see new possibilities in my wardrobe. I’m starting to appreciate the pieces I truly love and let go of the pressure to wear something just because I own it.
Finally, I’m learning to be more intentional about what I add to my closet. Making a needs list and sticking to it (instead of impulse shopping) is helping me focus on filling real gaps, not just chasing trends or quick fixes.
This first week has been a reminder that style is a journey, not a destination—and that it’s okay to let go of what doesn’t work to make room for what does.
My Current Wardrobe “Needs” List
One of the most helpful things I did this week was make a list of what I actually need in my wardrobe, instead of just shopping on impulse. After cleaning out my closet and wearing outfits with intention, I started to notice real gaps—pieces that would help me get more mileage out of what I already own or fill a specific need.
I’m approaching this list with intention—only shopping for these pieces if I find something that truly fits the bill, and prioritizing thrift or secondhand options whenever possible. No more buying just for the sake of buying!
The goal is to build a wardrobe that works for my real life, not just my wishful thinking.
Wins, Challenges, and Surprises
This first week of the 75 Hard Style Challenge has already brought a mix of little victories, unexpected hurdles, and a few eye-opening moments.
Wins:
- I actually stuck to getting dressed intentionally every day, even when I was tempted to just throw on loungewear.
- Cleaning out my closet felt like a huge accomplishment and made it so much easier to see what I have and what I need.
- I sold two bags of clothes and shoes at a consignment store and made $60—definitely more satisfying than just donating everything!
- I found a few outfit combinations I genuinely loved, and I’m already starting to feel more confident about mixing and matching pieces.
Challenges:
- Some days, especially when I stayed home, it was tough to resist the urge to just wear an outfit set or something super easy.
- Letting go of pieces I used to love (or thought I should love) was harder than I expected, but I reminded myself that it’s okay to move on.
- Realizing that some of my favorite jeans or jackets no longer fit the way I want was a little discouraging, but it’s helping me focus on what actually works for me now.
Surprises:
- I didn’t expect to feel so motivated by documenting my outfits and reflecting on them each day—it’s making me more aware of what I like and what I don’t.
- I’m surprised by how quickly I’m identifying my style preferences and what I reach for most often.
- The process of selling and donating clothes was more rewarding than I thought, and it’s inspired me to keep refining my wardrobe as the challenge continues.
This week has shown me that progress doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. I’m learning to celebrate the small wins, face the challenges head-on, and stay open to whatever surprises come my way.
Looking Ahead
With the first week of the 75 Hard Style Challenge behind me, I’m feeling both encouraged and curious about what the next stretch will bring. I’m excited to keep experimenting with new outfit combinations, especially as I get more comfortable mixing and matching pieces I might have overlooked before. I’m also looking forward to seeing how my style continues to evolve as I let go of old habits and focus on what truly works for me.
My goals for the next week are to push myself a little further out of my comfort zone—maybe try styling those skirts or blazers I’ve been hesitant about, and keep documenting everything, even the outfits that don’t feel like a “win.” I want to stay mindful about what I’m reaching for and continue refining my “needs” list as I go.
I know there will be days when I feel uninspired or tempted to shop, but I’m reminding myself that this challenge is about progress, not perfection. I’m excited to see what I’ll learn in week two and to keep sharing the journey here. If you’re following along or doing your own style challenge, let me know how it’s going for you—I’d love to hear your wins, struggles, and surprises too!
Comments (0)