From Summer Sun to Autumn Layers

Refreshing My Wardrobe with Purpose

Summer’s slipping away fast, isn’t it? The sun’s losing its grip, the air’s turning crisp, and I can feel the shift in my bones—it’s time to ease my wardrobe into cooler weather. Jackets are making their way back into my daily rotation, a change I’ve been looking forward to after months of t-shirts and bare arms. I couldn’t resist picking up a new one recently—a sleek navy piece that’s already become a favorite. Life’s been busy lately: work keeps me on my toes, playtime with my son at school fills my days with joy, and evening outings with friends keep my nights lively. I’ll admit, though, I’m running low on sleep and dreaming of a quiet moment to stretch out with some yoga to keep up with it all. This week’s my experiment—can I find a bit of calm in the middle of this whirlwind? We’ll see how it goes. For now, I’m excited to share my wardrobe refresh with you. It’s not just about buying new things; it’s about mixing what I already have, leaning into my love for pastels, and building a style that’s sustainable, chic, and fits my life. Let’s dive in and unpack it together.

The Shift to Autumn

I always notice when summer starts fading. It’s not just the leaves turning gold and red or the way they drift to the ground—it’s a feeling that settles over me, a signal to adjust my routine. Here in Stockholm, the breeze has a bite now, especially in the mornings when I’m walking my son to school, holding his little hand. That’s when I know it’s jacket season again. I’ve missed that extra layer—the way it wraps me up after months of light, airy clothes. My new navy jacket was a must-have find: tailored enough to look sharp, with a collar that adds a touch of personality. I’ve been throwing it on for everything—school drop-offs, quick coffee runs, even drinks with friends—and it’s giving me a boost every time I wear it. It’s cozy, sure, but it’s also a piece that feels like me.

Life’s been a whirlwind lately. Work’s steady, with emails and deadlines stacking up, but it’s manageable. My son’s school schedule is where the real action is—he’s two, full of energy, and his playtime is the highlight of my day. His giggles when we’re kicking a ball around or building something silly keep me going. Then there are the evenings—catching up with friends over wine, laughing until it’s late. It’s a full plate, and I’m juggling it all, but sleep’s been elusive. I’m craving a solid night’s rest or even just ten minutes on a yoga mat to stretch out the tension. This week, I’m testing it out—sneaking in a quick nap when I can, maybe a few poses before bed—to see if I can keep pace with my little guy and everything else. Autumn’s arrival feels like the perfect push to slow down and layer up, not just in my routine but in my wardrobe too. I’m ready to weave this season into my style with intention.

Life’s Daily Dance

My clothes are a reflection of my days—they have to match the life I’m living. Things have shifted over the years. I used to split my time between Stockholm and New York, rushing through busy streets or sitting at a desk all day. Now, it’s different. I’m not tied to an office anymore; my rhythm revolves around being a mom, chasing after my son, and carving out moments for myself. Formal wear doesn’t fit that picture—suits and stiff skirts hang in my closet, rarely touched. Instead, I lean into pieces that work for my everyday: soft jeans, loose tops, comfortable layers that move with me through school runs and park playdates.

With winter on the horizon, jackets are taking center stage, and I’m being smart about it. I could easily go overboard—stacking up sweaters, piling on heavy coats—but I’m holding back. My budget’s not endless, and I don’t want a closet full of stuff I won’t wear. That new navy jacket? It’s my big win for the season—warm, versatile, and just right for Stockholm’s chill. I’ve been wearing it constantly, tugging it on as my son pulls me out the door, and it’s doing the job perfectly. It’s not about having a ton of options; it’s about picking what works and sticking with it. This mindful approach—listening to autumn’s cues, preparing for winter—keeps my wardrobe practical and real, not a chaotic spree.

Pastels: My Wardrobe’s Glow

Summer was my chance to play—bare legs, light tees, a stretch of warm days to rethink my style. New purchases always tempt me, but this time, I stopped myself. Why not dig into what I already own, mix it up, and see what I can create? I’ve got a weakness for pastels—those soft, quiet colors that feel elegant without trying too hard. It started years ago when I paired a pale pink top with black jeans and fell in love with how it looked. Pastels aren’t loud; they’re subtle, lifting any outfit into something special without overwhelming it.

I’ve been pulling pieces from my closet to experiment. Take my pink jeans—soft as a sunrise—I’ll wear them with a black t-shirt and that new navy blazer for a look that’s crisp but warm. Or there’s my lilac top, which I pair with a white skirt and light sandals for a breezy, colorful vibe that still feels effortless. These shades—pink, lilac, mint—are so easy to work with. They play nicely with my grays, blacks, and creams, turning simple combos into something chic. I’ve worn these outfits everywhere—dropping my son at school, grabbing coffee with a friend—and they always feel right. Pastels are my go-to when I’m stuck; they cut through indecision, adding a touch of grace to even the busiest days. That glow’s been with me since summer, and I’m carrying it into fall.

From Overflow to Intent

Looking back, I have to laugh at how I used to approach my wardrobe. There was a time when I’d hoard clothes—pants stacking up, shelves groaning under the weight—and I couldn’t tell you why. I’d open my closet and see denim spilling out, more pairs than I could wear in a month, and wonder what I was thinking. It hit me one day, with sunlight streaming in and my son napping nearby—I started sorting through it all. Pants I hadn’t touched in years, cuts that didn’t suit me, a pile of regrets I didn’t need. I let go of half of it, and something clicked. Less felt better; it wasn’t about quantity anymore, but about pieces I’d actually love.

Now, I’m intentional. I pick high-quality pants I’ll wear over and over, tops I can’t wait to put on—not a flood of stuff I’ll ignore. My black trousers—crisp and comfortable—are a staple; a cream blouse—soft and flowy—pairs with anything. It’s simpler this way—fewer choices, more joy. I’ve learned to blend what I’ve got: those high-end jeans with a thrift-store tee, a mix that feels personal without breaking the bank. Pastels weave in naturally, and that new jacket lifts it all. It’s a wardrobe I can handle, not fight—a shift from chaos to calm that’s stuck with me since that big purge. I’m finding new looks in old favorites, building something that sings instead of stuffs.

Quality Over Clutter

That change came with a lesson: quality beats clutter every time. I used to chase sales—racks full of deals, grabbing whatever was cheap—and it backfired fast. I’d wear those bargain finds, watch the threads fray or the seams split, and kick myself for not seeing it coming. Now, I’m smarter about it. My budget’s not huge, but I’d rather save for pieces that last than waste money on throwaways. That navy jacket—wool, thick, well-made—was a splurge I weighed carefully, and it’s already proving its worth. Same with my jeans—deep denim, sturdy stitching—they’re a cost upfront but a win over time.

It’s not about filling my closet; it’s about making it work for me. Life’s busy—money’s tight some months—but I don’t need a ton to feel good. That jacket keeps me warm; those jeans fit just right. The fabric’s solid, the fit’s sure—it’s a quiet kind of class that doesn’t fade. I’ve ditched the regret of impulse buys that gather dust for pieces I’ll wear and love. It’s a shift I’ve been building since I cleared out the excess—a wardrobe that’s not about clutter but about care.

Photos - Toni Garrn & Ymre Stiekema 

MaxMara Studio spring  summer 2012

Mixing the Magic

Here’s where the fun comes in—mixing and matching to make my wardrobe feel new. I’ll grab those pastel pink jeans and a black top, a combo that’s fresh even though I’ve had the pieces forever. Or I’ll pair a cream blouse with a gray skirt and top it with the navy jacket—it’s not loud, but it’s lovely, a look I can wear anywhere. It’s not about flooding my closet with new stuff; it’s about finessing what’s already there. I’ve loved this kind of play since summer, when I started experimenting with what I owned instead of shopping blind.

I’ll mix that new jacket with old jeans, blending high and low into something that works. It’s a thrill—twisting a shirt, tucking a hem, pairing things I hadn’t tried before—and finding gold in my own collection. I’ve worn these combos to my son’s school or out for an evening, and they hold up. The wardrobe’s not static—it moves with me, singing a tune I can tweak every day. It’s not everything—just enough, a style that’s not a spree but a reflection of me, a dance I keep weaving as life rolls on.

A Wardrobe That Works

This autumn shift—the new jacket, the pastel glow—it’s where I’m at right now. Work’s humming along, a steady rhythm of tasks I can manage. My son’s playtime is the real spark—wild mornings at school, warm afternoons building towers or chasing him around. Nights are for friends—wine, stories, a chance to unwind. It’s a life I’m wrapping in layers I love, pieces that fit the chaos and the calm. Those pink jeans and lilac tops lift my mood; the navy jacket and solid pants keep me grounded.

I’m still balancing—craving sleep, nudging myself toward yoga—to keep up with it all. This week’s my test: can I sneak in a stretch, a nap, and still chase my two-year-old? The wardrobe’s part of it—not a total overhaul, but a refresh that makes sense. It’s not about buying everything new; it’s about making what I have work now, finessing it into a style that lasts. Mix it, match it, love it—that’s my rhythm, a life I’m dressing with care. I’m sharing this glow with you, hoping you’ll find your own way to layer up and refresh. Here’s to a wardrobe that works, a style that’s purposeful and personal—may you build yours too.