Style Bee - Best of 2016

BEST OF 2016

12.21.16

Can you believe this year is almost over? 2016 was definitely a big one for a lot of us and whether you’re sad or glad to see it go, she’s on her way out. Looking back on things, this year had a few rough points but overall I’m remembering it quite fondly. Highlights like getting engaged to my love, travelling Europe with great friends, launching two product collaborations and finishing the bulk of our home renos are just a few things that stand out in the best way.

2016 also stands out as a great year for personal style and after scouring through all 89 outfits that made their way onto the blog I feel like I know myself (at least in terms of style) better than ever. Sure there were a few looks I’ll never wear again but the good sign was that I will definitely be repeating the vast majority of them. It was even harder than last year to pick my top faves so I cheated and let my list creep up from 10 to 16, because it was ‘2016’ after all!

So without any further yammering here are 16 looks from this year that I feel best reflect my style and 12 items I’m very happy to have added to my closet. I’m sharing a quick fun fact about each look and links to the items below.


BEST 16 LOOKS OF 2016

Style Bee - Best of 2016

1 | I love these jeans so much I have two pairs in different sizes. One pair is fitted and the other is more relaxed (shown) and I wear them both at least once a week.

2 | Sometimes weird poses work out. But most of the time I just look like a goof.

3 | It’s rare that I get though a day wearing these skinnies without someone mentioning ‘Labour Day’. Can we all just forget that annoying rule ever existed?

4 | This outfit always makes me feel like I should be going to a carnival or a boat ride on the river with a gentleman caller and I love it.


Style Bee - Best of 2016

5 | Black and cream is my absolute favourite colour combo and believe it or not I felt like I was smiling in this photo. Resting bitch face is very real for me!

6 | I was absolutely frozen during this entire shoot.

7 | If I had to pick an absolute favourite look from 2016, it would be this one!

8 | My summer uniform. Linen on linen with Birks.


Style Bee - Best of 2016

9 | This look reminds me that I wanted to be an art therapist before I ended up in design.

10 | I certainly never thought I’d love brown, tapered, front-pleated pants so much but these are like wearing PJs all day.

11 | No matter where I wear this dress, someone always asks about it.

12 | This outfit was a pivotal point for my style and blog this year. It was when I decided to stop doing any paid or sponsored posts for the rest of the year.


Style Bee - Best of 2016

13 | I took a risk on this look and ended up loving the result. Socks in boots for the win!

14 | This jumpsuit is one of my favourite gifted items to date and I’m totally addicted to one-pieces now.

15 | I used to hate wearing glasses in photos until I got this pair.

16 | If I had to pick one outfit to represent my current style definition, it would be this one. Also, that turtleneck is one of the oldest items in my closet from when J.Crew used to get half my paycheck.


DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE LOOK FROM THIS YEAR? I’D LOVE TO KNOW!

For the full archive check out the Outfits Page

12 FAVOURITE FINDS


Style Bee - Best of 2016

KAMM PANTS (I wear a size 4) | BLANK CANVAS TOP (I wear a S/M) | CHELSEA BOOTS | SARAH BOX TOP (Link to similar)


Style Bee - Best of 2016

DENIM DUSTER (s/o linked to similar in black) | FLORENCE PANT (I wear a S Reg) | VINTAGE LEVIS (linked to modern option that’s super similar) | JUMPSUIT (Linked to latest version by ESBY)


Style Bee - Best of 2016

BLAZER COAT (s/o linked to similar) | STRIPED DRESS | WHITE SNEAKERS (I wear a US 7 and bought the 38) | PETRA CROP (s/o but this one is awesome)


WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE FINDS FROM THIS YEAR?


Thanks for tuning in today and all the other times you have this year. I feel so lucky to have found this creative outlet and to be able to share my passion for style and personal insight with you all! There’s still one post left before the holidays so feel free to join me on Friday as I conclude my 2016 Closet Mission.


This post is not sponsored but contains affiliate links. When you shop via the links above I may make a small commission from a sale. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Style Bee! All opinions are always my own.

18 comments
12.21.16
Outfits

Leave me a comment here!

  1. Jess B says:

    Hi! I can’t find the post featuring outfit 2 anywhere! Can you please provide the link – love the black top featured here but not sure if it’s the T Top from Jamie + the Jones. Thanks!

  2. Shae says:

    Happy new year, Lee! You’re such a style icon for me and I appreciate how versatile your closet is. I always look to your blog and photos for my own closet. My best finds this year were definitely the Kamm pants and Everlane cashmere crew sweaters. I’m crossing my fingers for another pair of Kamms in a lighter color and the Petra crop.

    Would you be able to do some posts with the Veja sneakers? Would love to see all the ways you wear them.

    Again, thanks for all the fun inspiration! Xx

  3. Paige says:

    Lee,
    I love this wrap up and it’s so interesting to see the commonalities and differences in your favorite looks. I think my favorite additions to my wardrobe for 2016 are my Moheda clogs, a black silk dress from The White Label Project, and a marled gray sweater I found thrifting. I love your posts and look forward to see what 2017 brings!
    Xo,
    Paige

  4. Jen says:

    I’m new to your blog as of the last couple months but I have to say you have definitely made me reconsider the way I shop and what I choose to buy. I’m now trying out buying less and buying better, as well buying more ethically made items for myself, my husband and our son. It’s been nice to discover Janie and the Jones through your blog! Such a great company. Thanks for the inspiration and have a happy holiday!

  5. Koyuki says:

    Thanks for this run-down of such lovely things. What size do you take in the striped dress? (And my most-worn item is…CLOGS. Always. No 6. ? Oh, and the Madewell Cali demi-boot jeans. And the Courtshop Lydia jeans with the corset back.)

    • Andrea H says:

      What a beautiful wrap up! Your layout and graphics are really on point in this post.

      My favorite finds from this year are definitely my Lou Jumpsuit by Reifhaus (I can’t even tell you how much I love that thing), pullover cashmere sweaters, and my Levi’s stash.

      I love the work you’re doing here Lee! I look forward to continuing to read throughout 2017.

      Cheers + xo

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks so much Andrea! I’ve so enjoyed following along and seeing your blog grow, you’re doing an awesome job! You rock that jumpsuit so well too 🙂 All the best to you and your fam for the holidays and for 2017, you’re going to knock it out of the park! xoxo

    • Lee the Bee says:

      My pleasure Koyuki! I wear a size S in the striped dress but if I was ordering again I might opt for the XS. I LOVE it so much! You have totally convinced me to try the No.6 Clog boot. Ordering in Jan 🙂 Thanks for sharing your faves! xo

  6. Annie says:

    Hi Lee,
    I absolutely love following you and reading your newsletters and seeing your Instagram posts. You are such an inspiration and have really helped me slim down my closet and think before I buy anything. I now really cherish and take care of everything in my closet. Most worn pieces this year? Tabacco Kamm pants, HOPE black chelsea boots, EZ cream crop top, black EZ florence pants, white Supergas, shop no 6 dress and jumpsuit, black tank, high rise vintage jean shorts, Everlane striped t shirt (blue and white), Everlane black cashmere cropped sweater and camel car coat by Emerson Frye. Many of these pieces I have owned for many years and still love. Thanks again for your inspiration and energy that you put into all of your posts. I read them front to back:)

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Annie, thank you so much for such a lovely note! You’re the best 🙂 All those pieces sound fabulous! Allllmost ordered the latest Emerson Fry camel coat but decided to make do this winter with what I’ve got. So glad you’ve found my blog helpful, that’s really the best feedback I can hope for. xo

  7. Such a fun, inspiring read, Lee – thank you! I started following you in recent months…and enjoyed seeing looks from warmer times of year alongside more recent ones.

    I’d say my favourite “fashion find” this year is discovering Elizabeth Suzann and Eileen Fisher. I’m taking my time in choosing things…but adore their clothing, stories and business practices.

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks so much Dana! It’s been great chatting about style with you these past few months so I’m so glad you found me. Yes! Those are two of my faves too. All the best for the new year lovely lady! xo

  8. Jodie says:

    What a great year end wrap up of your style lee. Still loving your break from paid posts and every time you repeat things. I have been a slacker with documenting my style/ outfit this year even though I feel like I’ve finally hit my stride (maybe that’s why?).
    Merry Christmas! Xo!

  9. Lo says:

    So lovely! I really enjoyed seeing how many style challenges/experiments you tried this year. It was so inspiring to see new silhouettes and risks you took.

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks so much Lo! There are more challenges in store for 2017 so that’s great to hear 🙂 You do a fabulous job on your blog and it’s a great resource so I really appreciate your feedback. xo

  10. Alex says:

    So, so good. I feel like all the items listed above are very versatile as well as stylish. You look sophisticated and relaxed – a major feat.
    My biggest regret is that I didn’t pull the trigger on a IK denim crop top and a pair of MG mules. Waiting for items to go on sale turned out to be very risky this year as most of the things I decided to wait on sold out. Another big discovery for me is that comfy doesn’t have to mean huge. I much prefer clothing that fits well and hints at my shape. I’m still working on purging my closet, and it gets easier every time, but man, it’s difficult to let go of the guilt.

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks Alex! I so appreciate the positive feedback 🙂 I hear you on the waiting game troubles too! Still kicking myself for missing a pair of MNZs but in the end I’m not too hard off without them haha. I discovered the same thing about oversize fits too. For me it comes down to finding balance. Glad to hear the edits are getting easier, I know it’s tough! Wishing you all the best for the new year lady! xo