You might be starting out this post saying, “Tori….you KNOW it’s not Wednesday, right?” and the answer is yes, yes I do. It is, in fact, Thursday. BUT. I’ve just finally come out from the cave of finishing up all my 2018 editing (rejoice!) and I’m solo-parenting all week….so honestly, nothing could be more fitting than being a day late in posting this. But I decided I didn’t really care because I’m too excited to share this look with you to wait all the way until next week!

My love for neutrals has remained steady for many years, now, and my favorite cognac and tan browns combined with a punch of black, and a perfect denim is about as dream-team as it gets. I would normally have never felt like a “peplum” girl, but when Virginia Dare Dress Co. came out with this Sarah Blouse last year and I tried it on, I knew that at least in this one case, that had changed. It’s such a comfortable, flattering, and sturdy-yet-stretchy top that it’s hard not to love. The back is a little longer than the front, and the peplum itself isn’t too full. It’s literally just right even on a longer-torso like I have. As cold weather hit, I knew I wanted to try layering it and this thin, sheer blouse that is an absolute favorite in my closet was the perfect match.

There’s something about a tan coat in this modern/masculine style and gorgeous leather bag that make me feel more mature and grown up. I think I’ve always viewed tan as a mature color, for some reason. While that may sound ridiculous, I’ve loved the classic element this coat and this new bag (snagged on a Black Friday sale from my favorite fair trade accessory brand Sseko Designs) bring to my wardrobe and how they combine perfectly with items I’ve loved for years, but somehow help to elevate it all.

If you’ve been following along for a couple years, now, you KNOW how much I adore my New Humans beanies and that love hasn’t dwindled a bit. I think my signature style juxtaposition is mixing some masculine elements to balance out the feminine, and thus keeping me from feeling TOO cute or whimsical, even while remaining an overall feminine vibe. I don’t even know if that makes a lot of sense, but basically I love how the beanie and the cut of the coat, along with the cropped and distressed jeans keep the peplum top from being too “sweet” for my style, all the while having me feeling mature, classic and feminine, with a touch of vintage-flair. To me, when I achieve that, I feel the most like “me”.

Peplum Top: Virginia Dare Dress Co. | Blouse: Old Navy via ThredUp | Jeans: Madewell via Poshmark | Booties: Crown Vintage via Poshmark | Coat: ASOS | Bag: Sseko Designs | Beanie: New Humans | Lip Color: Maybellene 16-Hour Matte in Amazonian

This bag, top and beanie were investments into brands I love and believe in, and the boots, jeans, and shirt were great second hand steals. I think when outfits are comprised like that, it’s the sweet spot for my personal style. Few things bring me as much joy in my wardrobe as items that are part of companies I believe in or thrifted – both because I love a good deal, and I love giving new life to items someone else no longer needed. Win, win!

What would you say is your “signature style”? What elements combined together make you feel the most “YOU”? I would love to hear your answers!