5 Years Later: Green Love
Every month this year, I’m picking an outfit that I first wore and blogged back in 2016 (a whole five years ago, if you can believe it!) and recreating it using the same (or very similar) pieces! I actually could have started this series in 2020 or even 2019, but 2016 is the first full year I used a DSLR for blog photos, and no one needs to be reminded of the photos I took with the camera prior to that (lol).
My goals with this series are to put together updated versions of some of my favorite past outfits, see how much my style has changed over the years (if at all), highlight the items that are still in my closet five or more years later, determine if it’s time to pass on some of my older items, inspire you to evaluate the longevity in your own wardrobe, and most importantly, remind you (and myself) that it’s cool to rewear your favorite outfits/items!
Let’s look at what may end up being my favorite outfit of the series!
GREEN LOVE — 2021 vs. 2016
The title of the 2016 blog post, Green Love, was inspired by the brand Amour Vert, which is French for green love! My grey striped side-tie tee is from Amour Vert, and I’ve since added a bunch of items from the brand to my wardrobe (read my tops/sweaters review and bottoms/dresses review). It’s my favorite for eco-friendly, responsibly-made products at attainable price points.
In 2016, I also wore Madewell jeans, Steve Madden sandals, Kate Spade earrings, and a Kate Spade satchel. I still own three of the original five items and included them in the 2021 version; I also still own the sunglasses/what’s technically the sixth item but did not feature them in the new look.
The Amour Vert Julita grey striped side-tie tee was my second purchase from the brand. The first was a dark floral skirt I purchased from Piperlime in their going-out-of-business sale (remember that brand?). At the time, I was in grad school, and the price seemed quite steep on my meager salary. It was the most I’d ever spent on a seemingly basic tee. But, it’s still a favorite all these years later! Amour Vert’s modal fabric blend is perfect—it keeps its shape, and the tee still looks as good now as it did when I got it five years ago! I also love the side tie; it adds a bit of a twist that’s always fun…and I think side ties are still in style? I suppose I should consult my Gen Z brothers.
I’m also still wearing the same Kate Spade stud earrings and satchel. The earrings I picked up on a random Nordstrom Rack run many years ago, and they’re a staple in my wardrobe. I’ve worn them so much, according to my Stylebook app, that the cost per wear is down to under 30 cents! I haven’t carried my Kate Spade Cedar Street Maise satchel in a while. It’s slightly less convenient to use because of the tapered top and zippered opening that sometimes eats my hands for lunch when I reach in to grab something. I still adore the color of this bag, and it’s kept its shape just fine over the years. I remember also spending what felt like an exorbitant amount of money at the time, but I just loved the bag so much and knew I’d have it for a long time. And now here we are!
I no longer own the jeans and sandals I wore in the original 2016 outfit. That said, I don’t think the swaps could have been any more straightforward! There isn’t a big difference between the two looks at all. I think this outfit is still in style, too (except for mayyybe the skinny jeans); what do you think? I’d definitely wear it again now!
As much as I adored the Madewell jeans I wore in the original outfit, they didn’t really fit me all that well and weren’t that comfortable, even before the pandemic hit and I stopped taking the stairs at work everyday. I sold them on Poshmark last year and was left with a gaping hole in my wardrobe: no dark wash skinny jeans! I remedied that with this pair from Everlane that I bought and reviewed earlier this year. The curvy style is my new favorite—no waist gap! These will be in constant rotation when I’m back in the office.
I selected the Earth Chestnut platform sandals as part of a collaboration with Earth Shoes back in spring 2019, and these were a no brainer for this 5 years later outfit since these sandals replaced the Steve Madden sandals I wore in the 2016 version. I absolutely adore these sandals! Black obviously goes with everything, and I never thought I’d like the clog-style platform sole on myself, but I actually really love these. Not sure that I’m interested in going full clog (yet), but for now these are great! I’m a big fan of the extra height I gain from these sandals, too, haha. And for being heeled and having a platform sole, they’re quite comfortable.
Which outfit do you prefer—the updated 2021 version or 2016 original? There isn’t a big difference between the two outfits, but overall I think I’m leaning towards 2021 because my new jeans and sandals are much comfier! This outfit will challenge for my favorite of the year, I think.
Check out all outfits in the 5 years later series!
OUTFIT DETAILS
Amour Vert tee / old; similar options from Amazon: 1 / 2 (shop all Amour Vert tees)
Everlane jeans / exact (review here)
Earth sandals c/o / old; similar by Dansko (last seen here)
Kate Spade earrings / old; similar
Kate Spade bag / old; similar or similar by Target
Le Specs sunglasses / exact via Shopbop, Nordstrom, or Net-A-Porter
Dior Lip Glow in pink / exact