phd life – PhD in Clothes

2022 recap: My year of taking fashion seriously, trying to buy more fun, and being told my style sucked

As I wrote early in 2022, my style resolution for the year was to have a bit more fun with my closet and stop buying only neutrals. But my style goal kind of took on a life of its own and what I really ended up doing was seeking out and learning a lot more about the fashion/trend industry this year. Here, I share some concluding thoughts for 2022, along with my favorite outfits of the year!

The realistic, comfy, walkable business casual shoe round up for 2022

With the state of technology in the world you think we would have solved comfortable and stylish women’s shoes by now, but it appears we have not. Is it too much to ask that I want support, a low or no-heel style, and something that looks professional, all while being age-appropriate for a 20- or 30- something? Apparently so. But here’s what I’ve got that I endorse for your office and conference wear in 2022.

My fall/winter closet updates of 2022

Sometimes the season changes without incident. Other times, I have a full closet crisis. This year I’m dealing with the latter–just a struggle to get dressed, some obvious closet holes, and a feeling that a few items no longer suit me. So, I’ve made some closet updates this fall! Here’s what I’ve bought and what I’m still looking for.

Interesting outfits with shorts

Is it just me, or does shorts season feel super boring? Somehow when I reach for a pair of shorts the outfit-making part of my brain stops. All I can think is to add a t-shirt. Here are some slightly-styled shorts outfits I’ve made lately to keep it interesting!

What I wore: Turkey

I’ve fallen behind, woops! Today let’s do a quick round up of what I wore, saw, and ate in Istanbul, Turkey! We were in Istanbul for 3 days and it was absolutely fantastic–here are my packing tips and can’t miss sites!

ADAY is making office athleisure so naturally, I had to try it

ADAY Turn it Up Pants in olive and Something Borrowed Shirt in midnight

Sporty business casual clothes are kind of my jam–I love anything that is sweatproof, wrinkle-proof, and includes an elastic waistband because as a teacher, I basically need clothes to be all of those things. So it was only a matter of time before I got curious about ADAY, which makes sustainable office clothes that are sneakily actually comfy enough for travel and weekends. Here, I review the Turn it Up Pants and Something Borrowed Shirt.

How I take weekends off as an academic

Hi friends! Today I want to talk about a practice that I really, really value, but spent most of grad school being very, very bad at: taking time off from working. I feel like it’s pretty common advice that academics should “take at least one day off a week” but it’s hard to go against the culture of constant work! So let’s talk about HOW I actually became a person who takes weekends off and maybe we can all crowd source some tips for valuing and taking needed rest breaks.