Pinterest is my happy place. It’s also the place where I’ve learned to make the most of what’s already in my closet. I’ve created a board dedicated solely to inspire me to get dressed in what’s already lurking in the depths of my drawers. Last week it came in particularly handy when facing the ‘what to wear’ conundrum that is so prevalent in these random weeks between winter and spring.

I’m pretty warm blooded so I tend to avoid wearing a coat if it’s anywhere above 40 degrees outside. So last week when the temperatures finally crossed over that threshold, I decided to ditch the coat and instead opt for some light layers. But what those layers would be had me staring blankly ahead wishing away everything in my closet. Then I broke out my phone, pulled up the board and remembered this image. Skinny pants – check. Light stripe sweater – check (bought it when I was pregnant and it looked a lot less slouchy chic in this look – woof being pregnant was not a good look on me). Long chambray shirt – check. Since my sweater had navy stripes instead of black, I subbed in some navy pants. Done and done.

I know we can all get lost in the aspirational intentions of Pinterest but challenge yourself to pin some looks you can easily recreate from basics you already have. Then when you’re in the getting dressed shame spiral, you’ll have some thing to turn to.

Stripe Sweater: H&M (old – similar here and here); Chambray Button-Down: American Eagle Outfitters (sold out – similar here); Navy Skinny Pants: ZARA (similar here); Boots: Banana Republic; Bucket Bag: Dandelion (similar here)
Oh and yes, that’s my fitbit. Gotta keep up with my steps! 
Photos by Whitney Neal.