My fiancé is the eternal optimist; I’m the realist. He’s the one who can find silver linings in the unlikeliest places—even in a year as disorienting as 2020. His favorite reminder to me has been, “At least you’ve discovered what matters most.” And he’s right.
If you had told me two years ago that fashion might someday feel…irrelevant? I would’ve laughed. Maybe “irrelevant” isn’t quite the right word, though. Let’s call it “practical.” Or even “honest.”
A Shift in Perspective
Unlike most of the country (my fiancé included) who spent long days glued to Zoom calls, I’ve been fortunate to continue working—styling, steaming, shooting content, and writing into the late hours. The work is steady, but the context has shifted. Fashion feels different now.
Instead of questions like “What’s the boldest lipstick shade for fall?” or “How high can I stack my heels this season?” I’ve caught myself asking: “Does red lipstick even make sense with a face mask?” Or “Is this exuberant dress too much right now?” It’s a strange recalibration—one that’s led me to a pared-down wardrobe and a style philosophy built on ease.
In a recent post, I wrote about moving and how that transition left me craving what I call “honest clothing.” Change can feel overwhelming, and in those moments, comfort becomes an anchor. Oversized sweaters, airy dresses—pieces that wrap you up and make you feel at home even when your surroundings are shifting. The kind of clothing that works whether I’m padding around the house barefoot or strolling the neighborhood on a humid afternoon. They’re not flashy, but they’re grounding.
Rediscovering Simplicity
Lately, I’ve realized fashion doesn’t need to be complicated. There’s still a time for playful ruffles, bold prints, and head-turning silhouettes (I’ll happily welcome them back in 2021). But right now? I’m drawn to clean styling, neutral tones, and garments that do the heavy lifting without trying too hard.
Take layering, for example. Living in Florida makes the concept of “fall fashion” a bit of a puzzle. The calendar may declare the season, but the heat and humidity beg to differ. A tailored pantsuit might look chic in theory, but in 85-degree weather, it feels absurd. Instead, I’ve embraced what I call light layering—pieces that are functional, seasonless, and endlessly versatile.
Think silk blouses that transition seamlessly across seasons. A lightweight blazer in a warm tan that pairs with everything from denim to tailored shorts. A vintage-inspired belt that cinches in the waistline and elevates the simplest outfit. Everyday gold earrings that lend polish without fuss. These are what I call “layerable investments”—essentials that can be worn, reworn, and reimagined a hundred different ways.
The Art of Layerable Investments
What I love about pieces like these is their adaptability. They slip easily into my existing wardrobe, pairing as well with old favorites as they do with something new. They don’t demand reinvention; they encourage creativity. And in this season of reevaluation—of reconnecting, readjusting, reassessing—that feels exactly right.
A tan blazer becomes the backbone of countless looks: tossed over a silk blouse for dinner, styled with shorts for a coffee run, layered with denim for a travel day. Gold jewelry transforms from “everyday staple” to “effortless evening.” A classic belt not only refines an outfit but adds that extra touch of intentionality that makes you feel put together.
These aren’t just clothes; they’re building blocks. The kind you reach for instinctively, knowing they’ll always deliver.
Dressing for the Future
What I’ve learned over the past year is that fashion, much like life, can be simplified without losing meaning. It’s not about chasing the next big trend or filling your closet with one-season wonders. It’s about building a wardrobe that feels honest—reflective of who you are, where you are, and how you want to move forward.
And if the past year has taught us anything, it’s that forward momentum matters. Whether we’re navigating transitions, preparing for milestones, or simply finding comfort in the everyday, clothing can serve as both armor and expression.
For me, that means sticking with the essentials that never let me down. Pieces that aren’t just for this season, but for every season to come. Fashion that doesn’t shout, but quietly affirms.
Closing Thoughts
My fiancé still teases me when I swap sequins for sweaters or heels for sandals. He’s right, in his optimistic way, that I’ve found a new perspective. Fashion hasn’t lost its magic—it’s just shifted its role in my life. It’s no longer about creating impact for impact’s sake, but about aligning what I wear with what matters most.
So this fall (or as close to fall as Florida will allow), I’m embracing my layerable investments, neutrals that ground me, and classics that will carry me into the future. And perhaps, just perhaps, I’ve discovered that style doesn’t always need to dazzle. Sometimes, the best outfits are the ones that simply feel like you.
Xo,
Stephanie
PS: If you haven’t already, don’t forget to sign up for The Nordy Club before updating your closet staples. It’s one of those practical perks—complimentary shipping and returns, curbside pickup, points that turn into rewards—that makes refreshing your wardrobe even easier.