Best Looks of 2024

Authentic personal style helps us feel more confident, empowered, and the best version of ourselves. If you’ve found your fashion groove after a few years of struggling, you know what a pleasure it is to assemble great outfits effortlessly.

Putting together a look appropriate for the event and the weather is a step in the right direction. When that look speaks volumes about your personality and helps you feel confident, you have a winner. A wild card like the jacket above can add the personal touch that makes fashion fun again.

A great outfit doesn’t necessarily involve the latest trends or all-new items. I wore a jacket I’ve had for over six years in February. Many of my favorite items have been in my collection for several years.

I’ve chosen my favorite looks for 2024 and linked each one back to the original post. The formula of a simple base, a third piece, and accessories to add pizazz served me well.

The dates under each picture are links to the original posts if you want to revisit them.

When the weather is too hot for more than one layer, I add interest to my look with accessories and creative styling. I’ve worn a white button-up shirt with dark jeans for decades, yet the combination always feels fresh—timeless pieces hold that power.

A few years ago, I learned which silhouettes flatter my shape. As I settled into my retired, more casual lifestyle, I discovered that certain pieces served me better than others. Thereafter, I only shopped for those versatile elements to create various appropriate looks. These items work with the other pieces I’ve collected over the years, allowing me to create endless, easy-to-put-together looks for any occasion or weather.

The July look includes a statement top that is about five years old paired with linen pants to create a look that is very comfortable for hot weather.

These pieces added a lot of versatility and comfort to my summer wardrobe, but I had to learn to accept wrinkles and creases inherent in wearing linen.

Choosing inspirational words to guide me through editing, purchasing, and styling was immensely helpful as I honed my wardrobe over the past three years. Elevated, effortless, and classic are the words that help me stay focused.

Choosing the best silhouette for your shape, using color to your advantage, and adding interesting accessories allows you to develop a style that works uniquely for you.

Feeling confident and comfortable with your appearance can make the day more enjoyable. If you have minimal time to get dressed, nailing it on the first try in five minutes makes the process much more pleasant. Gone are the days of trying on ten different looks before going out the door and finally wearing anything that fits because I’ve become so frustrated.

Building a wardrobe you use and enjoy improves the quality of your everyday life and saves you a lot of money. I am no longer an impulse buyer with regrets hanging in my closet. I know immediately if something I am considering will complement my shape. Anything new must work with items I already have and cannot be similar to something I already own. It must fit well, complement my shape, and be appropriate for my lifestyle to earn a place in my wardrobe.

After careful editing, the only items in my collection that wait for their turn in the limelight are those for special occasions. Everything else is in regular rotation and can be worn across three seasons. Summer heat and humidity require thin natural fabrics with minimal or no layers.

Sharing what I’ve learned about styling simple basics in neutral colors and adding a few unique pieces has given me purpose and pleasure. I hope my examples and posts have been helpful to you.

Happy New Year! May 2025 be kind to you and bring joy, success, and new friendships.