It’s hard to believe, but the final week of the 75 Hard Style Challenge is here! What started as a simple experiment in getting dressed every day has turned into a journey of self-discovery, closet edits, and a whole lot of outfit photos. This last week was a mix of cozy days at home, big life moments (hello, new car!), and the bittersweet reality of travel plans that didn’t quite work out.
As I wrapped up the challenge, I found myself reflecting on how much my style, mindset, and even my shopping habits have shifted over the past 75 days. From learning what I actually love to wear, to letting go of pieces that no longer serve me, to embracing the occasional “blah” day with grace, this challenge has been about so much more than just clothes.
Here’s how my final week unfolded—and what I’m taking with me as I move forward.
Weekly Reflections
This last week of the challenge felt like a true reflection of real life—full of unexpected changes, a few highs, and a couple of disappointments. I started the week bundled up at home, grateful for cozy layers and realizing that some of my old favorites (like tall boots) just don’t feel quite right anymore. It’s funny how our preferences shift, sometimes without us even noticing until we put something on and realize it’s not “us” anymore.
There were also some bright spots—like getting a new car and being reminded how a simple, well-styled outfit can boost your confidence (and even earn a few compliments from strangers). I loved dressing up for brunch and dinner with friends, even if it meant being a little overdressed for one and perfectly dressed for the other. And, of course, there was the letdown of our spring break travel plans falling through at the last minute. I ended the challenge in an outfit set, just like I started, but with a completely different perspective on what I want from my wardrobe and how I want to feel in my clothes.
Looking back, this week was a reminder that style is about adapting, letting go, and finding joy in the little things—even when plans change. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m excited to carry these lessons forward into whatever comes next.
Daily Outfit Diary
3/12: Cozy at Home & Tall Boot Realizations
Woke up to a cold, stormy morning and stayed in all day. I wore my H&M jeans, a thrifted Gap Merino Wool long sleeve top, and brown boots. As much as I used to love these boots, I realized they feel a little too tall for me now—maybe a sign my style is shifting. Since I wasn’t leaving the house, I didn’t have to commit to them, but it was a good reminder to keep editing my closet.
3/13: Car Shopping & Complimented Style
Spent the day with my husband looking at new cars (my current one is having transmission issues). I wore my thrifted white sweater tee, Levi ribcage jeans, and boots, with a jacket thrown on for the chilly morning. The dealership was freezing, but I felt put together and even got a few compliments on my outfit from the manager. It was a fun, confidence-boosting day—and we drove home in a new car!
3/14: Leopard Print, Brunch & Dinner Plans
Dressed up a bit today in a leopard print shirt, H&M dark jeans, and boots. We had brunch and dinner plans, so I wanted an outfit that would work for both. I was a little overdressed for brunch, but it was perfect for dinner with friends. The rest of the day was spent packing for our upcoming (and, as it turned out, ill-fated) Florida trip.
3/15: Last-Minute Errands & Easy Layers
Ran out to Target for last-minute toiletries and travel essentials. I kept it simple with Levi 318 jeans, a tee shirt, and sneakers—easy, comfortable, and perfect for a day of running around before our trip.
3/16: Outfit Set & Travel Plans Cancelled
The last day of the challenge! I ended it the same way I started: in an outfit set, ready for a travel day. I had a second outfit planned for the beach and dinner after landing, but our flight to Florida was cancelled and we were stuck at home for spring break. No double outfits, no beach, just a cozy set and a little disappointment—but also a sense of closure and accomplishment.
What I’m Learning
This last week really drove home how much my style and mindset have evolved over the course of the challenge. I’ve learned that it’s okay to let go of pieces that no longer feel like “me”—even if they used to be favorites. My tall boots, for example, just don’t fit my style or comfort level anymore, and that’s perfectly fine.
I’ve also realized how much confidence a well-chosen outfit can bring, even on days when plans change or things don’t go as expected. Compliments from others are nice, but the real win is feeling good in what I’m wearing and knowing I dressed for myself. I’m more comfortable experimenting with prints, mixing dressy and casual pieces, and trusting my instincts about what works for my life right now.
Most importantly, I’ve learned to embrace the unexpected—whether it’s a cancelled trip, a last-minute change of plans, or just a day spent at home. Style is about adapting, letting go, and finding joy in the process, not just the end result.
My Current Wardrobe “Needs” List
Even though I didn’t go thrifting this week, my wardrobe needs list is still top of mind as I look ahead to spring and future shopping trips. I’m holding steady on what I’m searching for—focusing on quality, versatility, and pieces that will truly add something new to my closet. Here’s what’s still on my radar:
- Long cream overcoat (calf/ankle length)
- Long black trench coat (calf length)
- Black boyfriend blazer
- White boyfriend blazer
- Brown suede jacket (with or without fringe)
- Brown leather bomber jacket
- White wool/cashmere sweater
- Black wool/cashmere sweater
- Brown/camel trouser pants
- Plaid cotton/wool midi skirt (especially a darker one—green/blue/black—and ideally true wool)
- Brown or black suede midi skirt
- Large oversized black sequin clutch
- White faux fur bag (still holding out for the right price or style)
- Vintage Coach bag (any color)
- Cow Print Brooklyn Style Bag
- Blue suede cowboy boots (mid-calf or higher)
- Brown suede cowboy boots (mid-calf or higher)
- Tanks and tees with color, pattern, or personality (to break up all the beige, black, and white basics)
- Better layering options that aren’t just cardigans (lightweight jackets, cropped sweaters, vests, etc.)
- More belts that fit well and add a pop to my looks
I’m excited to keep this list as my guide, so I can shop with intention and only bring home pieces that truly make me happy. If you have any favorite brands or suggestions for colorful, unique basics or layering pieces, I’d love to hear them!
Wins, Challenges, and Surprises
Wins:
- I finished the 75 Hard Style Challenge! Even with a few “blah” days and last-minute changes, I stuck with it and learned so much about my style and what I actually enjoy wearing.
- Letting go of pieces that no longer serve me felt freeing—whether it was a t-shirt that didn’t work or boots that just aren’t my style anymore.
- I felt confident and put together for big moments, like buying a new car and dressing up for dinner with friends, and I embraced the comfort of cozy layers on days at home.
Challenges:
- Style fatigue definitely set in this week. Coming up with new outfits every day got tough, especially as the weather kept changing and my motivation dipped.
- It was hard to let go of travel plans for spring break, especially after looking forward to a change of scenery and some beach outfits.
- Some days, I struggled with feeling uninspired or just “over it”—but I kept going and gave myself grace.
Surprises:
- How much my preferences have shifted—even boots I used to love now feel too tall or just not “me.”
- The power of a compliment (even from a car dealership manager!) to boost my mood and remind me that style is about confidence, not perfection.
- Ending the challenge in an outfit set, just like I started, felt unexpectedly full-circle and satisfying—even if it wasn’t the ending I’d planned.
Looking Ahead
Now that the 75 Hard Style Challenge is officially complete, I’m both relieved and excited for what’s next. I’m looking forward to a little break from daily outfit planning and the freedom to get dressed (or not!) without the pressure of documenting every look. But I’m also eager to take everything I’ve learned—about my style, my shopping habits, and what truly makes me feel good—and carry it into the new season. I might even do another style challenge for summer, who knows!
With spring on the horizon and a Florida trip (hopefully) still to come, I’m ready to focus on adding more color, pattern, and personality to my wardrobe. I want to keep editing my closet, shopping with intention, and embracing the idea that style is meant to be fun, flexible, and uniquely my own. Here’s to new adventures, fresh inspiration, and a closet that finally feels like “me.”
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