A few months ago, Mitch and I unexpectedly had to move out of our apartment. Let’s just say the phrases water damage and mold concerns were frequent fliers in our vocabulary. 

Thankfully, Mitch’s parents live close and welcomed us in with open arms. We began the dreaded process of packing boxes, loading our cars, and sorting through everything we owned (honestly, though, it wasn’t as bad as we expected! My compulsion to organize when we moved in made the moving out process much easier. Maybe I’ll write another post about that?!). 

I took this opportunity to declutter my closet and weed out any straggling, unworn items. I’ve been on a mission this year to turn my closet into a place I really love and feel inspired in—actually wearing my clothes and getting rid of the things I don’t. There’s no point in having cute shoes, sweaters, dresses, blazers, or jackets if I never actually wear them (and you already know how I feel about jackets!). Choosing not to style my clothes isn’t creative, and it’s really not stewarding what I’ve been given very well, either. So, my mission to Wear My Clothes 2025 commenced. 

Since whittling down my wardrobe to the things I actually love and wear, one piece has jumped off the hanger at me, sparkling among my usual go-to items. 

My black leather jacket. 

This is a classic, high-quality jacket I will probably keep forever, which is why it made the cut in my Wear My Clothes 2025 project. I used to reserve it for special occasions, nights out, or times when I felt… edgy. Which, if you know me, is not very often. So I probably wore it an average of 2-3 times a year.  

But in these past few months with more visibility and easier access to it (so much less clutter after editing my closet), I’ve found myself reaching for it more and more.

On regular old Tuesdays for work.

On Saturday morning coffee shop runs.

On Friday date nights.

In reaching for it and styling countless casual outfits with its structured silhouette, it’s transformed from a once-in-a-while piece to a staple in my weekly wardrobe. 

How I’ve Been Styling It

I love styling it with a simple black Target dress I’ve had for years (which is a lovely blank canvas).

With my favorite Anthropologie dresses.

With blue jeans and a tank.   

With black jeans, heels, and a graphic tee.

The list goes on—it sets the tone for so many outfits I’m already wearing.

What’s Already In Our Closets?

It’s made me wonder: what else am I missing out on right under my nose? What other pieces do I need to reframe in my mind and give a fair shot to? I don’t think we have to look far to find some gems. Sometimes all we have to do is style what we already own in a fresh way. 

What pieces are hanging in your closet that you reserve for special occasions? What pieces bring you joy but are only pulled out when the moment “feels right?” How could you style them for your daily life? 

Leave a comment below and let me know—I can’t wait to hear! Let’s actually wear our clothes together this year!! xo

P.S. If you liked this post, grab another cup of coffee and check out A Love Letter to Jackets and Lessons from My 13-Year-Old Fashion Blog.