What I wore this week: surviving a pub crawl in -10 C weather

Week of Dec 2

One of the things I mentioned in my post about finding your personal style is that practice makes perfect. A couple months ago, I started creating a weekly google slides presentation to compile any new inspiration and plan outfits for the work week where I could then rate and comment on how it actually felt to wear the outfit.

Not only has it helped me refine things a lot, but it’s also a lot of fun. Remember when I said that I’ve changed the way that I “interact” with fashion? Well this is it - all the fun without having to buy anything new!

I figured it may be interesting to some people and since I’m doing it anyway - why not share?

The Weather: Winter is coming

Living in a cold climate means always checking the weather. I’m too old and too Canadian to not be dressing for the weather.

For the first week of December, we’re really just easing into the colder weather. That being said, the first -10 degree day at the beginning of winter feels a lot colder than -10 degrees at the end of winter, so I’m bundling up.

Also a bit of light snow this week so ballet flats are out.

The Inspiration

As usual, Pinterest is where I start.

TIP: I try not to pin outfits where I do not own anything similar! I have an “Aspirational” board for this. Otherwise Pinterest will just make you think you need more clothing (you don’t).

Snowy weather just makes me want to be casual (to be fair, my 3 words are casual, polished, edgy so casual is pretty standard for me). I was thinking hoodies and jeans (but in a way that feels intentional and cool) or double denim.

I also recently got a pair of Doc Marten boots that I want to wear every single day (they’re also practical because the platform rubber sole keeps me as far away from the snow as possible).

I also found myself really gravitating towards grey this week (such a departure from my usual black!).

Also realizing that my docs are like my winter converse in that they modify an outfit in a similar way (dress down, adds edge but classic and not too “out there”).

The Outfits

Monday: return of the “downtown girl”

If you search “downtown girl aesthetic” on Pinterest, you’ll find photos of my younger self. There’s something I love about this aesthetic that goes beyond the actual outfits. It’s something about the “vibe” - indie music, record stores, carrying my book around in my tote bag - that just resonates with me.

The Outfit: Green cable knit sweater from Hollister from 2 years ago (I love the way this one lays!) layered over black long-sleeve shirt (it’s cold!). Medium wash Denim Forum Farrah jeans - I have 3 pairs of these jeans. This one is in 1 size smaller so they’re still a baggy fit but actually fit me at the waist. Dr. Martens boots, Baggu medium crescent bag, and Powder-Dri parka from Aritzia that goes down to my shins.

In Retrospect: I always feel good in this outfit. I’ve found ways to make this one my own and sort of “simplify” it a little but it’s a specific outfit I return to regularly.

Tuesday: comfort is key

On Monday we realized that despite the dropping temperatures, one of the furnaces in our office was broken. I decided to go super casual on Tuesday because I knew I’d be spending half the day working from a coffee shop and I just wanted to feel cozy but still cool and more importantly, like me.

The Outfit: Old (like 10 years old) oversized Vans crewneck (size XL). H&M white t-shirt - mens M, fits me very oversized - layered underneath. Light blue Denim Forum Farrah jeans - these are my most oversized fitting pair. Black Aritzia parka again, Docs are back, and some white 60s-ish sunglasses from Amazon.

In Retrospect: loved this outfit and have actually worn it several times since. Great weekend outfit for errands or a coffee run.

Wednesday: Cold chic

Wednesday I wanted to be a little bit more “elevated” after a couple of very casual days. Pairing grey on black is a favourite of mine, and I thought I could recreate the inspiration photo pretty easily.

The Outfit: Black Denim Forum Farrah Jean (you’re seeing the full rotation now - yes this is my favourite jean style of all time). I get a size or 2 up from my “usual” so that they are baggy and SO so so so comfortable. Dark grey sweater from H&M I think 2 years ago. It’s not the best quality but is super comfy and the colour is great. Will wear it into the ground and then maybe replace with a non-fast fashion alternative. Black puffer parka and Docs again to keep warm.

In Retrospect: I feel like I always love this outfit in theory but sometimes it falls flat. I only gave it a 4/5 at the end of the day, but then ended up re-wearing it for a pub crawl later in the week so…

Thursday: feeling blue

I have very little colour in my wardrobe (I’m working on it..sort of). But I did purchase this blue cardigan earlier this year and am sort of “forcing” myself to keep styling it because it’s a little out of my comfort zone.

The Outfit: Blue Sunday Best knit cardigan from Aritzia - got it in a size M (typically an XS/S) because I wanted a baggier fit. Layered over a white t-shirt (critical detail - t-shirt is not too tight but not too oversized. I feel like this gives it a good casual but put-together vibe). Black Denim Forum Farrah’s, my Docs, and western belt that I got on Amazon for $19 (that I wear 4-5 times per week).

In Retrospect: I loved this, I really did. I feel like I could do better when it comes to styling the blue sweater, BUT I have worn this outfit again since then so it can’t be that bad.

Friday: it’s hoodie time

I work in a very casual workplace (clearly) but on Fridays I mentally feel like it’s more ok to be extra casual. Enter the classic grey hoodie and jeans!

I have been wearing this outfit religiously ever since I found that first inspiration photo from Chloe Mihailovich (a Vancouver-based creator who has a very similar vibe to what I love. And she loves to ski too so I feel a connection to her).

The Outfit: Old perfect hoodie from tna in heather grey (literally like 3-4 years old). Light wash blue baggy jeans from Denim Forum, Boots are my Black/grey Blundstones that I have had for a literal decade (my Canadian girls know). White amazon sunglasses really pull it together.

In Retrospect: Another love. This is super simple but I just feel so comfortable and like myself in this outfit. Would have preferred a different jacket so that I could bring a bit more edge but the cold weather won this one (I walk to work so don’t mess around with improper outerwear).

I often don’t carry a bag to work especially when I’m wearing my parka, but I’ve worn this in the fall with a lighter jacket similar to the tan one in the inspo photo with a more “structured” bag.

Bonus: Saturday pub crawl

After agonizing over what to wear, I decided to keep it simple with the same outfit I wore on Wednesday. Only change was that I added my western belt and tucked in the sweater. It was cold and I didn’t want to be cold but this kept me nice and warm!

Final Thoughts

Overall a good week of outfits albeit a little simple and casual. I’m not a maximalist though and casual is one of my core words so it felt very true to me!

Next up: increasingly cold and snowy weather plus possibly a bout of COVID on the horizon.