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Thrifty Wife Happy Life

Helping women love what they wear on a budget

What I Wore Then vs. What I Wore Now

March 2, 2023 by Katie H.

What I wore then vs. What I wore now. Updating my millennial outfits

It has been a minute since I last shared a “What I Wore Then vs. What I Wore Now” blog post, but I felt like it was a good time to bring this series back to the blog and also over on Instagram. For this series, I pick out an outfit that I wore and loved from one of my early blog posts and I update it to share how I would wear the look today.

*This post contains affiliate links.

I often come across “updating millennial” style videos on Instagram and TikTok. Some can be helpful and have great ideas, but some can feel overwhelming. I don’t want my posts to feel overwhelming or make anyone feel out of style. My goal is to share some simple ways that you can swap out a few pieces to update your favorite outfits to help give them a modern feel.

In case you missed my last posts you can read those HERE and HERE. Today I have pulled a few outfits that I wore in 2014 and early 2015.

What I wore then vs. what I wore now

Outfit 1:

I remember thinking that I was so creative when I wore this outfit. I was so proud of myself for all the layers, the chunky jewelry, and the riding boots over the skinny jeans. To me, this outfit was in style and on point. Looking back on it I see a lot that I would change.

The things I kept the same when I recreated this look are the stripes and the navy blazer combo. To me, this is always classic, however, I have made a few updates to these pieces over the years. Instead of a shorter fitted blazer, I swapped it out for an oversized blazer. I kept the colored pants, but instead of the kelly green skinny jeans, I opted for olive green wide-leg pants.

I also got rid of the extra chambray shirt layered under my t-shirt. At the time I wore this outfit, that was all the rage, but I now feel like I would be completely uncomfortable with all the shirts layered up that way.

Tucking in my shirt makes a big difference with this outfit. The way my shirt hugged my hips in the first look draws too much attention to that area and widens my hips. Tucking the shirt and adding a belt, creates a slimming effect at my waist that adds balance to this outfit.

For my jewelry, I went lighter all around. Instead of a chunky pearl necklace, I am wearing a pendant necklace with some pearl hoop earrings. For shoes, I switch out the riding boots for some simple basic flats.

What I wore then vs. What I wore now.  Updating a millennial outfit from 2014 .

Top || Pants || Blazer (similar) || Shoes || Belt || Earrings (code: KATIE10!) || Necklace || Braclette (similar)

Outfit 2:

I was all about a maxi skirt in 2014! I loved how comfortable they were, but they aren’t very flattering, especially when you are shorter. For my updated look I switched out the striped maxi skirt for a leopard pleated skirt. The pleated skirt is much more flattering than the long maxi skirt. Instead of a straight up and down look, the pleated skirt comes in at the waist and gives your body some shape.

I updated my black button-down shirt with a satin black button-down shirt. It’s not a huge difference, but the satin shirt does look a lot cleaner without the buttons and pockets. I had sandals on in the first look, but I updated the shoes with a pair of black pumps. They are a little more professional for a work outfit.

I still own the first black belt, but I felt that the circle buckle completed the look. I also toned down my jewelry and opted for a few simple pieces instead of the long necklace.

What I wore now vs. what I wore then.  Updating a maxi skirt with a pleated leopard skirt.

Skirt (similar) || Top || Shoes (similar, similar) || Belt || Necklace || Earrings (code: KATIE10!) || Braclette (similar)

Outfit 3:

Before we move on to this outfit, can we talk about the bubble necklace? This knock-off J. Crew bubble necklace was one of my favorite accessories. Mine was bought at Charming Charlies in the clearance section. I wore that necklace with everything and always felt so cute with it on. I think it’s safe to say that these necklaces were a trend and I don’t see them coming back anytime soon, but you never know.

For this outfit, the first thing I did was lose the bubble necklace. I did want to keep some of that color in the outfit, so I added a turquoise bracelet. Instead of having the pattern in my top, I switched it to my skirt by adding this printed pencil skirt. I really love how a pattern on the bottom brings a different balance to the outfit.

For my top, I wore a basic black tank top. I kept the denim jacket. I have updated my denim jackets over the years and most of them have a longer, oversized fit to them, rather than the cropped jacket. I will always keep a denim jacket in my wardrobe!

Lastly, instead of the riding boots, I switched them out for some neutral booties. These flat brown riding boots feel dated, but the lighter neutral booties give the outfit a modern style.

What I wore then vs. what I wore now.  Updating this pencil skirt outfit.

Skirt || Top || Jacket || Booties (similar) || Bracelet (similar) || Necklace

Outfit 4:

This was another Pinterest-inspired look at the time. I had thrifted these green Old Navy skinny jeans at the Salvation Army and I loved wearing them to work. Just like the first outfit, I updated them with a newer pair of green pants from Old Navy. Although I still love skinny jeans, I do feel that colored skinny jeans are an outdated look.

For my top, I switched the t-shirt out for a bodysuit. You could really wear any white t-shirt for this look as long as it’s tucked in. I kept the brown belt but went with a newer one. My blazer is almost the exact blazer, but the one I am wearing now is just a little longer. To update the shoes, I swapped out the ballet flats for some pointed-toe leopard flats. I always prefer a pointed toe flat over a round toe.

What I wore then vs. What I wore now.  Updating this green skinny jean look with a modern pair of wide leg pants.

Blazer (similar) || Bodysuit || Pants || Belt || Shoes (similar) || Braclette (similar) || Necklace

If you enjoy seeing these posts, let me know in the comments! Look for more of these posts soon! You can also see them in a video format over on Instagram make sure you are following thriftywifehappylife!

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What I wore then vs. what I wore now.  Updating my millennial style

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Filed in: Uncategorized, What I Wore Then vs. Now • by Katie H. • 3 Comments

Comments

  1. Dana

    March 13, 2023 at 4:13 pm

    Yes, these posts are very helpful! I would like to see more.

    Reply
    • Katie H.

      March 15, 2023 at 11:29 am

      I am happy to hear that! I hope that you had a chance to check out the other posts that I linked to for more inspiration! 🙂

      Reply

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    March 12, 2023 at 7:20 pm

    […] I know many of you have told me that you have purchased these pants already, so hopefully, this post has given you some ideas of how to incorporate them into your wardrobe. If you want some more inspiration, you can find 2 more outfits in last week’s post HERE! […]

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Hi I'm Katie! Welcome to my blog! I am on a mission to help women build a wardrobe that they love without spending a lot of money doing it. I believe that everyone has the right to feel good in their outfit, no matter what your budget is! I am excited to have you here!
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Katie || Affordable Fashion
It’s time for part 4 of my “what I wore then v It’s time for part 4 of my “what I wore then vs. what I wore now” series! This is the last outfit from the blog post I shared a couple weeks ago. If you haven’t checked out that posts yet you can find it at thriftywifehappylife.com (link in bio)! 

Most of you have really enjoyed these posts, so I plan to do more soon! 

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Anyone traveling to the beach with a toddler this Anyone traveling to the beach with a toddler this spring? Have no fear! You can still look cute while carrying a screaming kid full of sand across the beach with these 3 easy throw-on-and go beach cover ups! 

Go to my stories today for more details on each out! 

🛍How to shop my outfits🛍
✨Download the free @shop.ltk app and follow @thriftywifehappylife for all my outfit details! 
✨ Click on the link in my bio to find links to both my LTK shopping page and my blog! 
✨ DM me if you have any questions or need any help finding a link! 😊

#amazonfinds #amazonmusthaves #amazonfashion #founditonamazon #momstyle #momfashion #momoutfits #momootd #realmomstyle #realmomsofinstagram #michiganblogger #beachcoverups #beachvibes #affordablefashion
Tomorrow is the first day of spring and according Tomorrow is the first day of spring and according to my 7-year-old we won’t need to wear boots or snow pants to school anymore. 🤣 I really hope he’s right because I am getting really sick of my winter clothes! 

I had to take a little break from sharing my daily SAHM outfits because I feel like the weather isn’t allowing me to wear what I want to wear. I am doing my best to fight through these last couple months of cold weather with my outfits. 

Here’s what I wore Friday-Monday (my outfits got better as the week went on) Which is your favorite? 

🛍How to shop my outfits🛍
✨Download the free @shop.ltk app and follow @thriftywifehappylife for all my outfit details! 
✨ Click on the link in my bio for my shopping page on my blog!
✨ Message me if you have any questions or need any help finding a link! 😊
✨ Go to my SAHM Outfit highlight for all the links to my everyday outfits! 

#wiw #sahmstyle #momoutfit #momstyle #momfashion #momiform #momootd #momiform #themominfluencers #momstyleblogger #sahmlife #casualstyle #michiganblogger #midweststyle #everydayoutfits
Every woman deserves to look and feel her best in Every woman deserves to look and feel her best in every outfit she’s wearing. That’s why I am excited to help celebrate women empowerment month with @gibsonlook! These new arrivals are the perfect pieces to help elevate your spring wardrobe and help you feel empowered in every outfit you wear! 

✨ Use code: THRIFTYWIFE10 to save 10% at checkout!

Sizing reference, I’m 5’1, 115lbs. I’m wearing an xsmall in everything. Check out my Gibsonlook highlight for a full try on and more details! 

🛍How to shop my outfits🛍
✨Download the free @shop.ltk app and follow @thriftywifehappylife for all my outfit details! 
✨ Click on the link in my bio to find links to both my LTK shopping page and my blog! 
✨ DM me if you have any questions or need any help finding a link! 😊

#whatsyourlook #gibsonlookstyle #springfashion #gibsonlook #springoutfits #wardrobeessentials #whattowear #outfitideas #empoweringwomen #womensupportingwomen #womenowned #womenempowerment #wearwhatyoulove #wearitloveit #strongwomen #outfitsideas4you #whoruntheworldgirls
It’s time for another “what I wore then vs. wh It’s time for another “what I wore then vs. what I wore then” post. This week I am updating this pencil skirt outfit that I wore to work in 2014. There is nothing wrong with a classic black pencil skirt, but I am switching my pints from the top to the bottom with this printed pencil skirt. 

Can we also have a moment of silence for the big bubble necklaces. I loved my green bubble necklace. It always put a pop of color into any outfit, but I am kind of glad that we moved away from big statement necklace. They aren’t very easy to wear around little kids. 🤣 Instead of a statement necklace I added some color in with some statement bracelets. 

Head over to thriftywifehappylife.com to see all my outfits on my blog post. You can also shop this updated look on the @shop.ltk app. Follow @thriftywifehappylife for details! Links are in my bio! 

#updatingmillenialoutfits #millennialstyle #millennialmom #workwear #whattowear #michiganblogger #momstyleblogger #affordablefashion #outfitideas #teacherstyle #teacheroutfitideas #workwearstyle
Anyone going on spring break this month? These pin Anyone going on spring break this month? These pink wide-leg pants are the perfect pair of travel pants! They are so comfortable and versatile! Where would you wear these pants? 

🛍How to shop my outfits🛍
✨Download the free @shop.ltk app and follow @thriftywifehappylife for all my outfit details! 
✨ Click on the link in my bio to find links to both my LTK shopping page and my blog! 
✨ DM me if you have any questions or need any help finding a link! 😊

#oldnavy #oldnavystyle #howtowearit #whattowear #springbreakstyle #traveloutfits #styletips #affordablefashion #shoppingonabudget #momoutfits #momstyle #momstyleblogger #momblogger #michiganblogger #momoutfitinspo #vacationstyle
How about adding some green to your outfit this St How about adding some green to your outfit this St. Patrick’s Day with a green pleated skirt? ☘️Pleated skirts have become one of my favorite wardrobe staples. I love how easy they are to dress up or down! Which look is your favorite? 

Use the code: 30R2JKUZ for 30% off. Expires 3/16/23 11:59PM PDT 

🛍How to shop my outfits🛍
✨Download the free @shop.ltk app and follow @thriftywifehappylife for all my outfit details! 
✨ Click on the link in my bio to find links to both my LTK shopping page and my Amazon storefront. 
✨ DM me if you have any questions or need any help finding a link! 😊

#amazonfashion #amazonfashion #founditonamazon #amazoninfluencer #stpatricksdayoutfit #greenskirt #howtowearit #whattowear #outfitideas4you #stylishmom #workwear #michiganblogger #momsofinstagram #momstyleblogger
I love adding pieces to my wardrobe that I can sty I love adding pieces to my wardrobe that I can style in many different ways for different occasions! That’s why I love this pair of olive green wide leg pants! They are cute to wear to work or wear for weekends/ mom life! 

Head over the thriftywifehappylife.com for all the outfit details! You can also find everything linked on the @shop.ltk app! Download the free shopping app and follow @thriftywifehappylife! (Links in bio) 

#oldnavyfinds #oldnavyfashion #oldnavystyle #outfitideas #howtowearit #outfitideas4you #whattowear #momstyle #affordablefashion #momfashion #styletips #blogpost #momstyleblogger #efforessstyle #michiganblogger #midweststyle
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