Week 9 of the 75 Hard Style Challenge brought a little bit of everything—family celebrations, unpredictable weather, and a few style realizations that have me rethinking my spring wardrobe.
This week was my birthday, and while we kept things low-key with a family brunch at a new spot in town (thanks to a sick kiddo), it was still a special day that called for a little sparkle. The rest of the week was a mix of work-from-home days, errands, and a couple of much-needed thrifting trips.
With the weather swinging from chilly mornings to 80° afternoons, I found myself in a constant battle with layers—cardigans became my default, but I’m starting to crave something a little more fun and fresh.
I’m realizing that my closet is full of basics in beige, black, and white, and I’m ready to add some tanks and tees with color and personality. If this week taught me anything, it’s that style ruts are real, but so is the power of a good outfit (and a little leopard print) to lift your mood. Here’s how week 9 unfolded!
Weekly Reflections
This week really highlighted the challenges of dressing for “false spring”—those days when it’s chilly in the morning but feels like summer by the afternoon. I found myself reaching for cardigans almost every day, but by lunchtime, I was peeling off layers and wishing I’d chosen something lighter or more colorful. It honestly started to feel a bit like groundhog day, repeating the same layering formula and realizing just how much my closet leans on neutrals.
Celebrating my birthday was a bright spot, and it reminded me how much a fun, festive outfit can boost my mood—even if plans change and the day is more low-key than expected. I also noticed how much my mood shifts when I actually get dressed, even on days when I’d rather stay in pajamas. Thrifting and shopping for new belts made me realize I’m craving more playful pieces—tanks and tees with patterns or bold colors that break up the sea of beige, black, and white in my wardrobe.
Overall, this week was a reminder that style ruts are normal, especially during transitional seasons. But it’s also a chance to experiment, try new combinations, and start thinking about what I want my spring style to look like.
Daily Outfit Diary
2/26: Knit Tank, Cardigan & Catch-Up
Started the week cute and casual with my Levi Ribcage cropped jeans, a knit tank, and a cardigan for the chilly morning school drop-off. It was a work-from-home day spent catching up on blog tasks after being away in NYC. The cardigan was a must for the morning, but by afternoon I was ready to ditch the layers.
2/27: Pink Tank, Cardigan & Layering Dilemmas
Another cute and casual day—this time with a pink tank, jeans, and a cardigan layered over top. The weather is classic “false spring”: cold in the morning, 80° by afternoon. I’m finding it tough to dress for these swings—sweaters are too hot, tanks are too cold, and cardigans are my default. My outfits are starting to feel a bit repetitive, but at least I’m comfortable.
2/28: Birthday Sequins & Brunch
It’s my birthday! I went festive with a sequin top (originally bought for New Year’s but finally getting its moment) and my favorite Levi Ribcage jeans. I rolled the sleeves for a little extra interest and to keep cool at brunch. We tried a new spot in town as a family, and even though we had to cancel plans with friends, the outfit made the day feel special.
3/1: Cashmere Sweater, Leopard Belt & Mood Boost
Didn’t want to get dressed today, but as soon as I did, my mood lifted. It was gloomy outside, so I went for a cashmere 3/4 sleeve sweater, Levi Ribcage jeans, and added a pop of fun with a leopard belt. Cashmere is perfect for these in-between days—keeps me comfortable no matter the temp. I felt put together and cozy all day, even though I stayed home.
3/2: Faux Leather Cropped Pants & Giraffe Button Down
Today was an experiment: can I style my faux leather cropped pants for everyday, not just a night out? The answer is yes! I paired them with a cute giraffe button down I’ve had forever. The pants are stretchy and comfortable, so I want to wear them more often. Another work-from-home day, but I felt stylish and a little adventurous.
3/3: Thrifting, Belt Shopping & Sweater Tee
First thrifting trip since NYC! I found a few cute things for the next Thrift vs. Style post. Also went to TJ Maxx looking for a cow print bag—found one, but it wasn’t quite right (and $179!). I did pick up some much-needed belts, since all mine are too big. Outfit was cropped Levi Ribcage jeans, a loose sweater tee, and sneakers—perfect for the windy weather and running errands.
3/4: Dentist, Goodwill & Knitted Top for Florida
Dentist appointment for the girls, then a quick stop at the Goodwill boutique where I found a cute knit top for our upcoming Florida trip. Swung by TJ Maxx to exchange the belts for a better fit. Wore Levi 318 jeans, sneakers, and a knitted top since it was going to be 80°F. The outfit was easy, comfortable, and perfect for a busy, warm day.
What I’m Learning
This week, I’m learning just how much the weather can impact my style—and my mood. Dressing for “false spring” is tricky, and I’m realizing that my go-to cardigans, while practical, are starting to feel uninspired. I need to find new layering options that aren’t just cardigans, and I’m craving tanks and tees with more color and personality to break up all the neutrals in my closet.
I’m also reminded that getting dressed, even on days when I don’t feel like it, can make a huge difference in my motivation and outlook. A fun belt, a pop of color, or a little sparkle can completely shift my mood. Thrifting and shopping for new belts made me realize how important it is to have pieces that actually fit and feel good—no more settling for “almost right.”
Most of all, I’m learning that style ruts are normal, especially during transitional seasons. The key is to notice what’s not working, get curious about what you want to change, and give yourself permission to experiment until you find what feels good again.
My Current Wardrobe “Needs” List
After another week of battling unpredictable weather and feeling a bit stuck in a style rut, I’m more aware than ever of what’s missing from my closet. Right now, I’m on the hunt for tanks and tees that are a little more fun—think bold colors, playful patterns, or interesting textures. I’m tired of reaching for the same beige, black, and white basics every day and want to add some pieces that bring a little joy and personality to my outfits.
I’m also looking for better layering options that aren’t just cardigans. Maybe a lightweight jacket, a cropped sweater, or even a fun vest—anything that helps me transition through these weird in-between seasons without feeling like I’m wearing the same thing on repeat. And, as always, I’m keeping an eye out for belts that actually fit and add a pop to my looks.
Wins, Challenges, and Surprises
Wins:
- Finally wore my sequin top for my birthday brunch and felt festive, even with a low-key celebration.
- Got out thrifting again and found a few cute pieces for spring, plus picked up new belts that actually fit and make my outfits look more polished.
- Successfully styled my faux leather cropped pants for a casual day, proving they can work for more than just a night out.
- Noticed how much a fun accessory (like a leopard belt) or a pop of color can lift my mood and make even a simple outfit feel special.
Challenges:
- Dressing for “false spring” is tough—layering feels repetitive, and I’m tired of defaulting to cardigans.
- Realized my closet is heavy on neutrals and basics, making it hard to feel inspired or excited about getting dressed some days.
- Had to pass on a cow print bag I wanted because the style wasn’t quite right (and the price was too high), which was a little disappointing.
Surprises:
- How much my mood improves just by getting dressed, even if I’m not leaving the house.
- The difference a well-fitting belt can make in pulling an outfit together.
- How quickly I’m starting to crave more color and pattern in my wardrobe as the seasons change.
Looking Ahead
With spring right around the corner (hopefully!), I’m excited to start adding more color, pattern, and playful pieces to my wardrobe. I want to keep experimenting with new layering options and break out of my cardigan rut, especially as the weather keeps shifting. I’m also looking forward to styling some of my new thrifted finds and seeing how they fit into my everyday looks.
A couple weeks from now brings a Florida trip, which means packing for warm weather and a chance to try out some of the tanks and lighter pieces I’ve been craving. I’m hoping the change of scenery will inspire even more fresh outfit ideas and help me keep building a closet that feels fun, functional, and totally me.
Comments (0)