My 8 Most-Worn Clothing Pieces So Far This Year

I am not a minimalist, and sometimes forget to take stock of what I’m actually wearing on the regular…I like options, y’all. But I love when I remember to stop and look back over the year so far and see what stands out in my closet and from my purchases.

Cost-per-wear is important to us around here, and we love being able to share those true stand-by clothing pieces that were really worth our dollar. My picks so far for 2023 include quite a variety…sneakers, an easy dress, a denim shacket, a blazer, trousers and the comfiest lightest track pants (back in stock!)…plus a few more.

Fool-Proof Faves: The Clothes & Shoes I’m Relying On The Most This Year

I used to have some tried-and-true, go-to outfit formulas a couple of years ago, but as trends changed and I changed, I’ve struggled a bit to find my current version of that. I don’t know if it’s fashion, me, or probably a combination of both, but it’s been tough to nail down what I want to wear all the time.

Birkenstocks | Tee (M) | Pants (PM)

These are the closet staples I’ve worn time and again over the past eight months or more that have helped me feel like I’m still expressing a current style…but in an easy way. I might not have that outfit formula I had before, but the pieces I’m covering here have truly helped me through a bit of a confusing fashion slump.

1. This Oversized Shirt Dress

This dress from Amazon has been a true go-to. And a reader recently hipped us to this beautiful embroidered version stitched by Zala Collective, an Afghan refugee mother and daughter team. LOVE it so much!

Shirtdress (M) | Nikes // Embroidered Shirtdress (S) | Nikes

Fit Notes: The one on the left I’ve had for two years, and the one on the right I have yet to wash. The embroidery is so gorgeous and really makes this feel special.

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2. Gap Runaround Pants

I own these pants in three colors if that tells you anything. They fit well — not too baggy and not too tight. They are lightweight, pack easily, and look sporty but not like workout wear. I adore them for spring, summer and fall.

Get some while they’re back in stock! Thank you, Gap for making these in Petite lengths, too! (Reminder I’m 5’4″ with a shorter torso and most pull-on pants are too high-rise for me.)

Pants (MP) | Tank (M) | Sneakers

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3. Nike Sneakers

This has been the year of the Nike sneaker for me. I’ve loved the high-top Blazers for a while. Recently, I’ve added in these Court Vision Altas, so cool and rad, and a platform Blazer Low that I’ve been wearing constantly since I bought them. I highly recommend all of them. Size up a half-size in both Blazer styles if you’re in between sizes.

Nike Court Vision Alta | Similar Pants | Similar Blazer

Nike Blazer Low Platform

Nike Blazer High | Similar Caftan | Hat

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4. This Red Dress

This is far from the first time I’ve talked about my favorite red dress. I’ve had this inexpensive find for years now, but I still adore it. I wore it at least four times on my two-week trip to see my family recently.

It’s my favorite piece for hot weather and for lovely weather, with my beloved Anine Bing Army Jacket on top.

Dress (M) | Jacket (S) | Similar Sneakers or these

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5. White Birkenstocks

You might not think a few updates like all-white buckles would take a pair of my favorite shoes to a whole new level, but it turns out it does. I have worn these Birkenstock Arizona Exquisites SO much since getting them in March.

The monochromatic look just gives these Birks a more elevated look and makes my outfits feel chic instead of slightly crunchy, haha. I love them and yes, they are a worthwhile investment! I’ve worn them all summer and they still look great.

Arizona Exquisite | Blazer (S) | Pants (MP)

Honorable mention shoutout to these Caslon linen track pants, too. The pants that won’t die. They are amazing and comfy, slightly sporty and perfect.

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6. Wide-Leg Trousers

This next item was a little trickier for me to find a good fit, but wide-leg trousers are SO my jam. I’ve loved this pair of Neale Trousers from Madewell for months. They have that cool slouch and masc-inspired vibe that I like to introduce into some of my outfits.

I just ordered this black ponte pair to try for late summer/early fall, too.

Similar Pants or same cut | Silk Top (8) | Sneakers

Having a shorter waist sometimes means these styles aren’t quite right on me, but I get around it with an untucked silk blouse. These Madewell trousers still exist in solid color options and are one of the few styles that fit me well! Wearing a 6 in these.

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7. A Denim Shacket

This denim shirt has really been one of my favorite items, worn by itself as a top or layered. This is my favorite way to wear it and mine wears like a jacket (I love that it has structure) but you could get away with all-season wear if you find a more mid-weight option.

Similar Shacket/Dress or This One | Jeans (28) | Similar Boots

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8. A Cropped Blazer

This Palermo blazer from Lioness has been clutch. I wore it on my first tv appearance back in January and it hasn’t let me down since. It takes a tee and jeans to a whole new level and it hits right at my waist, giving a leg-lengthening effect to my shorter frame.

I love the gold buttons for some bling. So tempted to get the white one, too, since this has been so go-to.

Blazer (S) | Similar Tee | Jeans (28) | Similar Boots

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Summer, I love you. But am excited to get to fall fashion sooner rather than later so I can hop back into some of these faves. I’m looking forward to styling up more fall & winter weather pieces for ya. If you have any thoughts on clothes you would like to see styled up, let me know in the comments! Until next time…

xo,

L

Follow me over at @laurajansenstyle on IG for more style inspo and musings from Portland, Oregon.

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