It’s time for a look at the best additions I made to my closet in 2021! These posts have been a reader favourite for the last couple of years and I know I always like a little nose around in other people’s closets too.
This time I’m focusing on just the pieces I personally purchased, rather than highlighting any gifted pieces. Our move to the lake prompted quite a few summer additions and several of my cold weather purchases were duplicates of pieces I already loved and knew would get lots of use. The themes of the year were: versatility, timelessness, and functionality.
As I’ve mentioned before, I find ongoing analysis to be a very helpful tool for wardrobe and style planning. Reviewing my closet for posts like these is useful for staying on track with my style, avoiding missteps, and curbing unnecessary additions.
Here’s what I’ll be sharing today:
- My top closet additions bought by me in 2021
- What I’m NOT buying in 2022
Now let’s jump right into the post!
This post was not sponsored or produced in partnership with any brands mentioned but does contain affiliate links. If you see something you like and decide to shop through the links included, I may earn commission on a sale at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always my own and I only share items I love. Thanks for supporting Style Bee!
BEST SPRING & SUMMER CLOSET ADDITIONS 2021
BOUGHT BY ME
RB2180 POLARIZED SUNGLASSES
BY RAYBAN
By about midsummer it had become very clear that good sunglasses, with polarized lenses, were going to be necessary for living by the water. I wanted a classic frame that was big enough to offer good coverage but not so big that they took over my face. After some research I felt that the RB2180 style would be a good option and luckily I was right (since I had nowhere to try them on)! They feel really good on and I love that they have a slight vintage vibe while still being versatile enough to wear with anything.
Exact Details:
RB2180 710/83 49-21
Frame: Tortoise
Lenses: Polarized Brown Classic B-15
Size: Standard
EMERSON CAFTAN – MOSS ORGANIC
BY EMERSON FRY
{ Small business }
I barely went a day without wearing this caftan when it was hot out. It’s truly the most perfect cover-up and can totally work as a maxi dress for easy-going get-togethers and dinners on hot evenings. One day, when I travel somewhere again, this will be the first item on my packing list.
What makes it special? There are two ties connected to the front panel just below the bust and they can be tied, inside the garment, around your waist (entirely adjustable) and this give the piece a little bit of shape. You can also leave them loose for an easy-breezy feel.
It comes in so many lovely colour ways and the Francina Caftan is a good option for petites as it’s shorter with a bit less volume.
NEUTRAL FLIP FLOPS
BY TKEES
{ Canadian Brand }
My flip flop collection needed an upgrade so I picked up the classic (in Sunkissed) and the Riley (in Sable) from TKEES. I like them both a lot but find the Riley more comfortable between my toes. I absolutely love these simple, high-quality, affordable sandals for summer and the brand has so many styles to explore. Both styles are offered in a vegan leather as well.
They go with everything and I particularly like them in a nude tone (they offer 11 nude options) for an almost barefoot look that’s delightfully ethereal with a long dress.
BY HARLY JAE
{ Currently Sold Out. Small Business. Made in Canada. }
THIS DRESS. What a gem. I’d been stalking it for more than a year and I’m soooo happy I ordered it. It’s the type of summer dress that you throw on and instantly feel like a chic, minimalist, goddess. If it comes back this spring/summer (which I’m very much hoping it will), I may have to add another colour because it’s truly the perfect one and done look for hot days and any warm weather travel in my future.
I stumbled on a really similar option that’s currently available. It’s 100% cotton and has a bit more coverage. Shop it here at a great price point.
EVA SWIMSUIT IN BLACK
BY YOU SWIM
{ Small Business. Made in England, }
Every classic summer closet deserves a simple black one-piece swimsuit and this was my go-to for the entire summer. It’s very comfortable and I love the thick, stretchy, crinkle rib fabric. It’s a true, deep black (even after coming into contact with sunscreen). Definitely one I’ll be wearing a lot again next summer. It comes in 15 colours and has been designed to span 7 sizes.
If you prefer more coverage, go for the Aplomb one-piece.
Very similar option available by BOUND via Nordstrom.
EVA BIRKENSTOCKS
{ I BOUGHT THEM IN ANTHRACITE, BLACK AND WHITE }
Okay, so maybe buying three pairs of these sandals was a bit excessive for one summer but I have no regrets about it. I ordered Anthracite (charcoal grey) thinking they were black, then realized they weren’t but couldn’t find my size in black so I kept them. Eventually as my size became available I added a black pair and then I couldn’t stop imagining all my summer outfits with the white ones too. Turns out white was actually my favourite!
For our life here on the lake, they’re incredibly practical. They can get wet, they’re super lightweight, the tread has good traction and they go with just about everything. Plus, they wash up easy if they get dirty.
FIT: I wear a 37 in Birkenstocks (which is often listed as a US6/6.5) and typically wear a US7/7.5 with a narrow instep.
They’re currently on sale and fully stocked in all colours at Soft Moc.
DEE SHORTS
IN CHIMES BY AGOLDE
I’d damn near given up on finding a pair of cutoff denim shorts that I liked enough to actually wear until I decided to try the DEE in Chimes by AGOLDE. This was largely inspired by my friend Andrea’s review, which helped me decide on sizing and take the leap.
FIT: I usually go between a size 26 and 27 in denim and got these in a 27. The photos above show them right out of the box but they relaxed a fair amount with wear. This made them even more comfortable and gave them a more lived-in look. They are 100% organic cotton so they took a couple of wears to loosen. Here they are at the end of the summer.
Revolve has an excellent supply of AGOLDE shorts right now in case you’re interested.
BEST FALL & WINTER CLOSET ADDITIONS 2021
BOUGHT BY ME
OVERSIZED TRENCH COAT
BY UNIQLO
{ Currently sold out. Sign up for restock notification. }
I ordered this coat with moderate expectations, of which it definitely exceeded. I love the swingy, relaxed fit of this timeless classic and have found the quality and detailing to be remarkably good for the price point. It’s one of those throw on over a tee and jeans and look instantly polished types of coats that every closet needs.
I also really like the look of the Mac Coat by Everlane, which is fully stocked.
PIMA MICRO RIB TURTLENECK
BY EVERLANE
No one will be surprised to find these turtlenecks on the list. I’m wearing one as I type this!
I added a few more of these to my collection this year when the brand released some new colour options. They’re my go-to base for cold weather and I just love how they’re fitted but not tight or restrictive at all. They wash up really well and hold their shape, even after multiple winters of weekly use.
FIT: True to size. I wear my usual size Small in Everlane tops.
EARMUFFS
BY HARRICANA
Made in Canada from upcycled shearling.
These ear muffs have already become a winter staple and have been getting daily use out here on the lake. They keep my ears warm without flattening my hair or needing to take my hair out of a bun. For someone who can’t stand to have cold ears (mine are incredibly sensitive to cold), they are worth every penny!
90’s CHEEKY JEANS
IN VINTAGE MID-BLUE BY EVERLANE
I love this 100% cotton style for a vintage feel with a modern fit. I have another pair from a couple of years ago, which is closer to this wash (shown here), and decided to try the Vintage Mid-Blue wash. Honestly, I thought they’d be slightly darker given the photos online, but I’ve been really happy with them anyway.
FIT: I’m wearing my usual 26 Regular in this style but do find this wash runs large. I could have gone down a size for a tighter fit but as it is these fit perfectly over my leggings for the winter. They come in Ankle and Regular inseams also come in Curvy, which is a great option for folks with a higher hip to waist ratio.
CHUCK TAYLOR HIGH TOP 70 ALL STAR IN BLACK
BY CONVERSE
I’ve had a pair of Converse in my closet in one iteration or another since I was in high school going to punk rock concerts. This latest pair was inspired by all the street style photos I’d been seeing in the late winter/early spring. It took some patience to find the exact pair I was after but the Chuck Taylor High Top 70 All Stars in Black were well worth the wait.
FIT: I went for my usual size, 7 and the fit is just right for me with a range of sock thicknesses. For reference I typically wear a 7/7.5 in shoes and have a narrow instep.
AUTHENTIC HIGH RISE SKINNY IN BLACK
BY EVERLANE
I shared all my thoughts on these in my unsponsored review. This style is mostly sold out now but I love the looks of the Way High Skinny. I can’t imagine my winter closet without a pair of high rise black skinny jeans at this point. They’re just the most practical, versatile, and polished option for a functional and sophisticated cold weather capsule.
BY SOREL
I needed a new pair of very warm, high-traction, versatile winter boots and I kept coming back to the classic Tivoli IV Parc in Black.
FIT: I had to try a couple of sizes to get it right but ended up keeping the 8.5 so I could wear my thickest socks without issue. Having worn them for about a month now I probably could have kept the 8 and they would have stretched out enough but I’m still very happy with the size I have. For reference I typically wear a 7/7.5 in shoes and have a narrow instep.
BY EVERLANE
Another no surprise on this one. I bought two new colours in this sweater when it was on sale in the fall and I’m so glad I did. It’s an absolute staple in my winter closet. I wear them over the Micro Rib Turtleneck and the combo keeps me toasty, even on very cold days.
I will say that the newer colours arrived with a less voluminous feel than the one I got a couple of winters back. They are made from a blend of alpaca, merino wool, and recycled nylon so it takes a bit of wear to fluff up but the fit and coziness is still spot on.
FIT: I wear my usual size Small in this knit as I like a bit over extra room. You can find all my notes on this style in this unsponsored review.
There you have my best closet additions of 2021!
SO WHAT AM I
NOT BUYING OR ADDING IN 2022?
1 – JEWELRY THAT ISN’T SOLID GOLD
This is not intended to sound snobby, my ears and skin just don’t seem to be able to tolerate anything brass or gold filled/gold plated anymore. I still love my Jewels & Aces studs but can’t keep them in for more than a couple of hours at a time (despite them being thoroughly sterilized). I also just want to wear the same jewelry all the time so it needs to be good enough quality to stand up to daily use. I’m ready to only invest in pieces I plan to wear for life.
2 – BLACK FABRICS THAT ATTRACT LINT & FUR
Remember this beautiful vintage coat? Well, I could barely get it from my closet to the door without needing the lint roller. Ultimately, it went on to a pet-free friend who will give it the life it deserves. Certain pants and knits are the same and I just despise the disheveled feeling of lint and pet fur all over my clothes. I love wearing black so I just need to make sure the fabric is right. Smooth jersey and silk seem to be safe.
3 – IMPRACTICAL FOOTWEAR
To be fair I stopped buying impractical footwear a while ago but I’m even more committed to shoes that are comfort-forward and still chic enough to feel stylish.
4 – BRIGHT OR HIGHLY SATURATED COLOURS
I really tried with some brighter colours this summer but it just doesn’t feel like me. I love bright colours on other people but for some reason the love doesn’t translate to myself. I also find I tire of saturated tones more quickly compared to neutrals. If you love bright colours, don’t let my issues get to you, it’s just a personal preference.
THANKS FOR TUNING IN!
I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS LOOK INTO MY TOP ADDITIONS OF 2021.
I’d love to know what your top additions for the year were too!
I enjoyed your post too! I read thoroughly only 2 blogs these days on fashion 🙂 Yours and the Accidental Icon. I don’t know if you’ve ever read her work but I think you’d enjoy reading her stories. She’s my age, retired from work similar to mine, so I’m always keen to read her ponderings. They moved out of New York City a few years ago into the “country” much like you and your partner. It does seem to be a “thing” these days as they say 🙂 Apparently cottage country is in demand these days, making the real estate market explosive with increased demand and diminishing supply.
This year I started a sewing planning/journal (I make my own clothes) to keep myself on a steadier path to make items that I wear a lot because of their practicality, asceticism, comfort and quality. I do a clean out twice a year of items I haven’t worn the previous season. I hate the thought of hanging onto anything that I’m not using and someone else might need and love. It just such a first world issue, it’s embarrassing.
I’d be interested in a post on what you got rid of/sold/donated in 2022 as well!
Hello! I too have decided to only wear gold jewelry! I purchased a pair of huggies from Automicgold and I love them so much. Looking forward to seeing your choices! I’m wondering if you have an opinion about karat? I have seen 9K, 14K, 18K. Thank so much!
This was a fun and interesting post to read, great how you split it into seasons. Here it’s summer and I planned to buy some Eva Birkies like I saw you had at the lake (so good as they can get wet). I went to buy some recently and the only colour in my size was purple, so that’s what I got for this summer! Otherwise it would have been nothing. I’m staying at the beach this week and they are super comfy and sturdy and easy to slip off to walk on the beach, and rinse under the tap when you get home. Still need some good jeans for when it’s winter, so will check out your suggestions then!
Hi! Where are your sheer white pants from please? You are wearing them over your black bathing suit! Looks lovely!
There are so many things to love about this post: first it’s so so helpful to those of us less fashion educated (😉) to see what someone VERY educated in fashion chooses and why. It give me so much to think about as I make choices. I’ve considered high top converse for years but have never taken the plunge because I’m not sure I’d wear them as they might be considered mutton dressed as lamb, but they do have a classic vibe don’t they? One thing I do have a bit of experience with is jewelry. I totally agree with your decision to purchase gold. Here’s why. When I was younger I received 14k gift pieces as a rule because they weren’t over the top expensive. I’ve never been sorry. I worked full time and saved for pieces I wanted as well, and later my husband would give me something I wanted for birthdays, Christmas etc. I chose carefully. Not trendy pieces but classics. I never looked back. Even as I’ve made pieces of artsy jewelry and purchased silver through the years, the gold
Has never gone out of style and serves me so well even now. I’ll pass it on down the road. They are the pieces I reach for over and over. And if I did want to get rid of any piece, it would bring far far more than was paid. Good decision! Thanks for such a thoughtful post❤️
I think my best closet additions this year have actually been all the things I packed away or finally acknowledged that they weren’t suited to me and are on their way to a new home. It’s been so refreshing to open my wardrobe door and know that i actually do wear everything in it, even if some are worn more than others! Your foundational closet post was so helpful with that, so thanks very much Lee!
In terms of actual additions, I made two elastic waist linen and hemp skirts that are worn pretty much all the time in our hot summer weather. I also bought two tank tops that have stood up to regular wear and washing better than I thought they might, and altered a few other things that now get worn a lot more than before. This year I’d like to have another go at sewing with knit fabric and make myself some warm merino layering tops.
Hi Lee,
This is a fun post,
As a teacher during Covid, with my windows open, my best fall/winter additions have been warm sweaters. My favourite from last winter is the Charlotte wool cardigan from L’Envers, and from this fall the zip up alpaca sweater from Bare Knitwear. I also have bought cotton blend turtleneck under layers, but mine are from Eileen Fisher. Also some wool and silk slips, undershirts, and long johns have helped a lot.
In the summer, I made some of my favourite additions, including Flint Shorts in cotton/tencel denim, and black, khaki, and olive linen! I also love the Kali shirt which I made in Liberty London florals. From Eileen Fisher I love two tiered linen sundresses I bought.
Great post.
Your “not buying” section tics and ties with mine for the most part. During lockdown, I decided to set out all my jewelry and I saw how I had a ton of costume items that I bought for a single outfit (translation: worn very little) or just on a whim. It was embarrassing and ridiculous. It was then that I pledged I would only buy good jewelry. It must be solid gold (it’s best with my skin tone) and it has to be simple, classic and ideally styled in a way to become a daily accessory. Best decision ever.
Impractical footwear has been a longer lesson, but I think I could pass the test now. I must say that finding comfortable and stylish shoes is a difficult task sometimes. 🙂
Thank you for sharing another thoughtful roundup, Lee. I quite appreciate that you only included items that you purchased yourself. While I’ve purchased your gifted items in the past without hesitation, this list feels ultra-accessible for those of us who don’t get offered gifted items. I always appreciate your discerning eye and I plan to make my own “What I’m NOT buying” list to keep myself honest this year. I hope you are managing to surf whatever waves 2022 is throwing at you! Look forward to reading more of your insights this year.