The 5 style lessons I learnt in 2024
Plus, my best, most loved purchases ♡
At the start of this year, a beautiful reader sent me a private message with a little premonition: that 2024 was going to be a year of transformation and healing for me. At the time, I didn’t know what to expect, but on reflection, I can’t help but smile - she was absolutely right!
In January, we made the big move from Piha to Raglan, the kids settling into a new school and our family starting over, so to speak.
Not long after we shifted, I discovered I was pregnant, and in October, we welcomed the sweetest little addition to our family - baby Bernie! I’m now a 36 year old mother of four children, this still feels surreal to me!
2024 marked my first full year of writing here on Substack, a space that feels like such a full-circle moment. For those of you who’ve been reading since the early Petite Kitchen Blogger days back in 2012, thank you for allowing me into your inbox all of these years.
This year also saw me step into a new chapter as a personal stylist. I had the privilege of working one-on-one with five lovely women and welcomed more than 30 beautiful souls into The Art of Dressing Well online course and membership.
Each of these experiences has led me to a deeper understanding of how I dress - and how much it’s all tied into the woman I am becoming.
From navigating pregnancy with our fourth child to embracing my new postpartum body, I’ve been digging deeper into how to dress in a way that truly feels like me. I’ve spent time revisiting what actually feels good, allowing myself to experiment, make mistakes, and refine my wardrobe. And the result? A collection of clothes I love, and more importantly, a newfound sense of feeling beautiful in my own skin.
Keep reading for my thoughts on personal style, and what I’ve learned along the way…
1. Stay true to your ‘style’ words
My chosen words are comfortable, romantic, and colourful. Whenever I’m coveting something new for my wardrobe, I run it through this filter: Does it feel comfortable? Does it embody romance? Is it a colour or pattern that I love? If it doesn’t fit at least two of the three criteria, it simply doesn’t end up being an item I continue reaching for, time and time again. These words keep me in tune with my style vision, and avoids any impulse buys that I might regret later. Not sure what your style words are? Let me help you with that!
2. Schedule in time to shop your own wardrobe!
When you find yourself with an hour or so up your sleeve, pop on some nice music and try-on new and fresh combinations in front of a full length mirror. It’s a relaxed way to rediscover pieces you might have forgotten about, and offer a fresh perspective on what you already have. I especially recommend this process when the seasons change, if you’ve gone through a life-changing event (such as pregnancy) or after you’ve added something new to your wardrobe. Be ruthlessly honest with yourself and edit out the things that aren’t a heck yes: what no longer works for your body or lifestyle? If something is ill-fitting, move it out of sight - whether that means donating it or simply putting it in storage for now. Why let something take up precious real estate in your wardrobe that makes you feel less than wonderful?
Learn the art of the pause.
A big lesson I’ve learned over the past year is not to rush into any purchases. In the past, I would panic-buy when feeling overwhelmed or stressed. And guess what? I always ended up with buyers remorse. These days, when I spot something I like, I never purchase on the spot. I ask myself: “Do I truly need this? Is it a resounding yes? does it already go with majority of my wardrobe?”
The same philosophy applies when I’m styling an outfit for a special occasion. I recently helped a client who was panicking over what to wear to an event. Instead of rushing to buy something new, we slowed things down, and she was able to find a lovely outfit from her existing wardrobe - one that made her feel truly herself. Remember: an intentional, capsule wardrobe should never be rushed!
4. To embrace colour and pattern.
This is a big one! I used to get swept up in the neutral, minimalist vibes I saw all over Instagram and Pinterest - beige, white, and muted tones. They’re beautiful, no doubt, but they have never been right for me. The more I lean into adding colour, patterns, and textures to my wardrobe, the more I’m able to express my personality in a way that feels romantic, exciting and fun. Whether it’s leopard print ballet flats or a colourful shirt thrown on top of an otherwise basic outfit, I’ve found that even the simplest ensemble feels elevated with a bold element.
5. Feeling bored? Switch out your shoes!
A friend of mine once told me; “New clothes make you look good, but new shoes make you feel good.” We all get stuck in the mindset that only certain shoes go with certain outfits. However, switching out your footwear has the magical ability to bring entirely new life to an already-loved outfit.
6. Slow down, and be gentle with your dressing journey.
Finally, and perhaps most significantly, I’ve learnt that style isn’t something you “land on” overnight. It’s a process, and that’s okay! This year, I’ve become much more patient with myself. There’s no need to rush - no need to purchase the perfect wardrobe all at once.
Embrace the journey, allow yourself to experiment, and - most importantly - have fun! Personal style is about feeling good in your own skin and not about dressing for anybody else!
Here are some notes on my best, most-loved purchases this year…
First up, is my most worn item: the Sonderhaus boxer pants in red gingham print - I also have a pair of the boxer shorts in blue gingham with the sweetest floral detail. I wore them throughout my pregnancy, and they’ve been the best pants to lounge around in afterwards too, thanks to their elasticated waist. The cotton is light and soft, and I find the fit super flattering!
My biggest splash out - the Palma straight jeans by Citizens of Humanity (ordered from Fabric). Without a doubt, the softest, most comfortable jeans I have ever worn, in a perfect mid-blue colour. Postpartum, I wanted a pair of jeans that were going to be super comfortable and stretchy to fit my curvier body, and these exceeded my expectations. I’m tempted by other styles in their soft stretch collection!
As an alternative to beach slides or jandals, I ordered these slip-on clogs from Garden Objects. They can be rinsed in water as much as necessary, making them perfect for all kinds of summer activities. I like to wear them with delicate white socks.
Each time I wear a nightdress from The Moonflowers, I get endless comments. So pretty and floaty, you can wear them as daytime attire, too. I purchased The Juniper and The Ivy, and I enjoy layering them with a shirt or cardigan on top.
The Alice cardigan from the impossibly romantic label Lovaan. The soft organic cotton fabrication has a heavy weight to it, and a lovely patchwork stitch. The grey is on sale! also comes in Iris.
My Mahsa Luna blouse in blue pinstripe - okay, not technically a 2024 purchase, it was from the year before, but I wear this stunning garment multiple times a week. It’s exquisitely crafted, and can be worn in a multitude of ways. I’m always astounded by the quality of Mahsa’s pieces, she never cuts any corners! Made beautifully for life!
I purchased the Loeffler Randall Leonie ballet flats from The Iconic (on sale), and I adore how buttery soft the leather is. You can browse various colours available on their website. I would say, these are the closest you can get to an actual ballet style shoe, and still wear them out and about.
The Traveller Tote from Mimmi (not purchased, but gifted) has been so wonderful as a stylish baby bag. It’s also big enough as an overnight bag, and can be held in the hand or worn over the shoulder with its double strap detail.
What has been your favourite wardrobe purchase in 2024? Sending all my love and good wishes to you on this last day of the year. I’ll see you in the next one! Eleanor xxx
Thanks for reading The Art of Simple. If you enjoyed this newsletter, please do like, share or pop a comment below. Your love is truly appreciated! You can join my styling course and membership here, or follow along for daily musings on Instagram. If you would like to partner with me on a future post, please email eleycripps@gmail.com.
Beautiful pieces! If anyone in nz would like to share an order from Sonderhaus please let me know!