Somehow, we’re at the point in the year where we look at everything in reverse—the good, the bad, and the ugly. I’m pleased that my 2025 of sartorial adventures. Looking back, I can see the habits coming through.
So, I reflected on the four biggest fashion lessons I learned in 2025 (my “Wardrobe Wrapped,” if you will), and the one I’m hoping to tap into in the new year. I hope I can inspire you to reflect on the strides your personal style has taken this year. Happy holidays, and see you in 2026!
I Learned… How to Wear Black
(Image credit: Lydia Okello)
That might sound a little silly—after all, black is a fashion crowd favorite. But I’ve always been prone to colors and patterns, so I’ve struggled with how to wear black and still feel like me. Turns out, if I make sure I have texture and a bit of contrast, I’ll be alright—think black jeans with a black leather jacket, black cashmere with feathers.
Nordstrom
Short Sleeve Cashmere Sweater
Reformation
Fern Satin Short Es
J.Crew
Brushed Cashmere Party Cardigan
ASOS Design
Curve Cord Mini Shirt Dress with Wide Cuffs and Oversized Pockets
Arrange
Curve Pleat Waist Short Sleeve Top
Simone Rocha
Belted Leather Harness
I Learned… The Power of an Unassuming Vintage Find
(Image credit: Lydia Okello)
I found this sort of bad listing for a longer leather coat on eBay, and I was intrigued. The price was good, and I figured, if I didn’t like it, I could always consign it. When it came, it strangely fit like a glove: perfect shoulders, right length, great condition, no scent issues—just a solid coat. I have worn it almost every season since I got it. I’m elated to have it in my rotation, especially since I wouldn’t have guessed it would become such a staple.
Veda
Jaden Cropped Trench Es
Ashley Graham
Womens Plus Faux Leather Midweight Motorcycle Jacket
June & Vie
High-Low Peplum Leather Jacket
I Learned… I Love a Silly Little Short
(Image credit: Lydia Okello)
When it comes to shorts, I realized that anything tiny, frivolous, almost costume-y is perfect for me. Oddly enough, I’ve found they’re most useful to me in the wet and temperate Pacific Northwest winters—the perfect thing to wear to a party with tights and a fun shoe. And, if you’re feeling sad, I promise you will be 20% less so when you’re in a ridiculous pair of knit hot pants.
Fashion Brand Company
Low Rise Soft Linen Mini Bloomers Vegetable Medley
Selkie
The Baby Soft Swim Baby Bloomers
On 34th
Trendy Plus Size Ombré Drawstring Shorts
I Learned… The Importance of a Breathable Summer Piece
(Image credit: Lydia Okello)
This summer, all I wore were my freaky little platform Keen UNEEKs and biiiiiiig jean shorts.Yes, it felt a little 1996-at-the-bodega-with-a-hackysack. But it felt right.
Good American
Good Extreme Barrel Shorts
Keen
UNEEK Mary Jane Platforms
What I Want to Learn in 2026
(Image credit: Lydia Okello)
I find that my gender expression seems to really play into the season. Spring and summer are vibrant and feminine; fall and winter are masculine, a bit more toned-down. I want to marry those two a bit more—let myself have fun and flirty femme moments even when it’s cold and more boyish times in the heat. Playing in all those spaces year-round will create a cohesion I don’t always feel in my wardrobe. All those gender expressions are a part of me, and I feel my best when I allow them to shine all twelve months of the year.