Three weeks into the 75 Hard Style Challenge, and I’m still going strong! Every day, I’ve gotten dressed with intention, documented my outfits, and learned something new about my style, my habits, and my closet.
This week brought a mix of thrifting adventures, cozy work-from-home days, and a few outfit surprises—plus some honest realizations about what I actually wear (and what I don’t).
If you’re curious about how the challenge is going, what I’m learning, and the little wins and struggles along the way, keep reading for my week three recap!
Weekly Reflections
Three weeks into the 75 Hard Style Challenge, I’m honestly surprised by how much I’m still learning about my wardrobe and myself. This week, I really started to notice how my mindset around shopping and getting dressed is shifting. Instead of immediately wanting to buy something new when something doesn’t fit quite right, I’m thinking about tailoring and making what I already own work for me. That’s a huge change from my old habits!
I also realized just how many jeans I actually own—and how many I don’t really need. It’s been eye-opening to see that I can go almost three weeks without repeating a single pair, and yet I still have more to wear. I’ve already let go of six pairs and I’m sure there are more that will be leaving soon. This challenge is making me much more intentional about what I keep and what I let go.
Another big takeaway this week is the importance of comfort and quality. I’m no longer willing to settle for sweaters that are itchy or don’t fit quite right, and I’m getting pickier about what I bring home from the thrift store. I’m also starting to branch out—like checking the men’s section for sweaters—so I can find pieces that really work for me.
Overall, I’m feeling more confident, more creative, and a lot less overwhelmed by my closet. I’m excited to keep going and see what else I discover in the weeks ahead!
Daily Outfit Diary
1/15 – Sequins & Thrifting Adventures
Did a little thrifting today and dropped off a couple bags of kids’ clothes at Goodwill. I wore sequins again just because—and I’m loving adding that little extra sparkle to my outfits now. I tried a different coat with this look, but it didn’t quite work. Before tossing it in the consignment pile, I want to try styling it again; I think it’s the color that’s throwing it off. My jeans were a bit big, but instead of getting rid of them (like I used to), I’m going to see if a tailor can take them in. We’ll re-evaluate after that!
1/16 – Too Many Jeans, Not Enough Wool
Another work-from-home day. I realized I’ve made it this far in the challenge without repeating a single pair of jeans—and I still have more to go! That’s a lot of jeans, and probably more than I need. I’ve already let go of six pairs and will likely part with a few more. I liked my outfit today and really love this jacket, even though it’s not as warm as I’d like. I’d love to find a wool version for colder days.
1/17 – Cozy Comfort & Sweater Shopping
I liked my outfit today, even though I didn’t leave the house. My pants are super comfortable from H&M, and the sweater is a thrifted American Eagle find. I’ve been on the hunt for quality sweaters while thrifting—no more settling for just any sweater. I want pieces that fit well, drape nicely, and aren’t itchy. I’m even considering checking the men’s section for sweaters, since they sometimes fit better than women’s!
1/18 – Sweater Regrets & Shopping Patterns
After wearing my sweater all day, I realized I didn’t love it. The color and shimmer are great, but the arms are too short and the seams are itchy. I don’t want to spend the day fiddling with my clothes to feel comfortable. My pants were my favorite Levi Ribcage again—turns out I have these in five washes, which is a bit much. Just another reminder of my old shopping habits that I’m working to change.
1/19 – Last Full-Length Jeans & MLK Day Thrift Haul
Today was the last pair of my full-length jeans before I have to start repeating. I still have a bunch of cropped jeans, but it hasn’t been warm enough for bare ankles yet. Went thrifting with my girls for MLK Day sales and scored a cashmere sweater, leather jacket, and a Nuuds long sleeve tee. I think my cardigan was a little dressy for the rest of my outfit, but I rocked it anyway as I’m trying to mix and match more instead of repeating the same looks.
1/20 – Outfit Set Swap & Learning What’s Worth Keeping
Feeling a little lazy today, so I threw on an outfit set since I wasn’t planning to go anywhere… or so I thought. Started the day in a different set, but the pants and arms were too short. I wore it to drop off my daughter’s instrument at school, but changed as soon as I got home and added it to the consignment/Goodwill pile. The second set I changed into is definitely a keeper—super soft, cozy, and perfect for a day at the computer.
1/21 – Breaking Out the “Airport” Sweatpants
Another week of outfits down! I’m really liking today’s look. I’ve had these sweatpants for a while but usually only wear them for travel—today I took them out for a spin to the Goodwill boutique. It was warmer, so I paired them with a newly thrifted Nuuds long sleeve tee ($4!) and a cropped Levi jean jacket I’ve owned for over a year and never worn. I felt cute, comfortable, and perfectly warm for the day.
What I’m Learning
This week, I’ve noticed my mindset shifting even more when it comes to my wardrobe and shopping habits. Instead of immediately wanting to buy something new when something doesn’t fit perfectly, I’m thinking about tailoring and making what I already own work for me. It feels good to know I don’t have to replace everything at the first sign of discomfort—sometimes a simple alteration can give a piece new life.
I’m also learning that quality really does matter. I’m no longer willing to settle for sweaters that are itchy, don’t fit right, or just aren’t comfortable. I want pieces that feel good to wear and will last, even if it means passing up a few “almost right” thrift finds. I’m also getting more creative—like checking the men’s section for sweaters or mixing dressy and casual pieces in new ways.
Another big realization is just how much I’ve accumulated over the years, especially when it comes to jeans. I don’t need nearly as many as I thought, and letting go of the extras is actually freeing. I’m starting to see the value in having fewer, better pieces that I truly love and wear often.
Most importantly, I’m learning to be patient with myself and my style journey. Not every outfit is a winner, and that’s okay. The process of experimenting, editing, and refining is what’s helping me get closer to a wardrobe that really works for me.
My Current Wardrobe “Needs” List
One of the best parts of this challenge has been getting really clear about what I actually need (and want) in my wardrobe. Instead of impulse shopping, I’m keeping a running wish list and only adding pieces that will truly fill a gap or elevate what I already own.
And I’m excited to cross off “lightweight sweater” this week—I found a beautiful cashmere one while thrifting for just $7! It’s such a great feeling to find something high quality for a steal, and it makes me even more motivated to keep hunting for the rest of my list.
I’m still prioritizing quality, fit, and versatility, and I’m only bringing home pieces that I truly love. The thrill of the hunt is real, but so is the satisfaction of building a wardrobe that actually works for me.
Wins, Challenges, and Surprises
Wins:
- I stuck to the challenge and got dressed every single day, even on the laziest work-from-home days.
- I found a gorgeous cashmere sweater for just $7—definitely a highlight of my thrifting adventures!
- Instead of getting rid of jeans that don’t fit perfectly, I’m planning to have them tailored, which feels like a big step toward being more intentional and sustainable.
- I let go of more jeans and sweaters that just weren’t working, making my closet feel lighter and more focused.
Challenges:
- Realizing just how many jeans I own (and don’t need!) was a little overwhelming, but it’s motivating me to keep editing down.
- I’m still working on not settling for “almost right” pieces, especially when it comes to sweaters. It’s tempting to grab something just because it’s there, but I’m learning to wait for the right fit and feel.
- Some days, mixing and matching new combinations feels tricky, but I’m pushing myself to try different pairings instead of defaulting to old favorites.
Surprises:
- I’m loving sequins and sparkles for everyday wear—something I never would have tried before this challenge!
- The men’s section at the thrift store is turning out to be a goldmine for sweaters and basics.
- I’m finding that tailoring and small adjustments can make a huge difference, and I don’t always need to buy something new to get the fit I want.
This week has shown me that progress is about small, consistent choices and being open to trying new things. I’m excited to see what next week brings!
Looking Ahead
With three weeks down, I’m feeling more motivated than ever to keep going with the 75 Hard Style Challenge. I’m excited to keep experimenting with new outfit combinations, especially as I start repeating jeans and mixing in more of my cropped pairs once the weather warms up. I also want to keep pushing myself to try different pairings—like dressier cardigans with casual pieces—and to keep an open mind when thrifting (the men’s section is officially on my radar now!).
My goal for the next week is to focus even more on quality over quantity, and to be patient as I search for those wishlist pieces that will really elevate my wardrobe. I’m also planning to finally take a few pairs of jeans to the tailor and see how much of a difference a good fit can make.
I know there will still be days when I feel uninspired or tempted to shop just for the sake of it, but I’m reminding myself that this challenge is about progress, not perfection. I’m looking forward to seeing what I’ll learn in week four and sharing more of the journey here. If you’re following along or doing your own style challenge, I’d love to hear how it’s going for you—let’s keep each other inspired!
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