Embracing Boredom In Fashion
Perfectly unexciting: Finding joy in a signature silhouette, everyday essentials and uncovering my three style words.
I’m Jess, a creative director and brand consultant based in Brussels, focused on strong visual ideas across fashion, culture, and living. In Bare Form is a space where I share my curated musings and scribblings. Here, you’ll find a blend of thoughts on style, design, travel, and culture—all reflecting my approach to beautiful things. Thank you so much for reading.
Last Saturday,
from NO WARDROBE wrote a thoughtful piece on Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and her signature style. Although there’s been a lot of fixation on CBK lately, Anika’s takeaways resonated deeply. Her reflections on the appeal of simplicity and the quiet power of a signature silhouette got me thinking about my own style journey and the idea of embracing boredom in fashion.
“CBK wouldn’t even try to dress up that much. She could stand by the purity of a look and resist the urge to mask her personality with layers of fashion,”
— Anika
There’s a big difference between the things we think we want to wear and the things that genuinely make us feel—and look—good. Just because you saw someone wearing something you like doesn’t mean it will work for you. Understanding this difference is a true style epiphany. It’s about accepting what works and honouring it, based on your body type, lifestyle, and preferences, rather than constantly striving for something else or “better.” With social media presenting an endless stream of options and making shopping too easy, it’s all too simple to forget to pause and really consider what we actually need or what truly suits us.
The Art of Repetition
Lately, I’ve come to appreciate the thrill of wearing the same pieces repeatedly. It’s liberating to build a wardrobe not around what you see on others, but around essentials that feel right every time. There’s something quietly rebellious about embracing a “boring” but cohesive wardrobe—a way of resisting excessive consumerism. It’s something I’m trying to be more mindful of.
For CBK, her signature silhouette meant high necks and low waists, deep V-necks for outerwear or special occasions, and a few key pieces she returned to again and again—like her iconic sunglasses and statement bags. The way she handled repetition became not just a habit but a statement.
My Three Words
Reflecting on CBK’s simplicity made me take a closer look at my own style journey and my signature silhouette. This got me thinking about my favourite boring pieces in my closet. To define my signature silhouette, I took a moment to think about my three style words (shout out to
To keep my outfits feeling like me, I like to switch up small details—like changing shoes, adding accessories, or layering with different textures. These thoughtful touches bring new energy to repeat looks and make them feel more personal. For me, adding romantic elements means incorporating delicate accents that soften and individualize a minimal, tailored wardrobe—such as my Bleue Burnham rings.
I’m still figuring out how to get this just right, but some small, romantic touches I love are a lace-trimmed camisole just peeking beneath a sweater, deep v-necks or a distinct piece of jewellery. Most of the time, I stumble upon these pieces unexpectedly, feeling that they’re just right for me. It’s a work in progress and a test for my patience, but I appreciate how each find adds warmth and character to my wardrobe over time.
Before the start of the holidays, I’m hoping to find the perfect black blazer to add to my tailored list, a bit of a challenge given my short frame. I want it to be just right—something I’ll reach for often and feel great wearing. I’ve been eyeing this one from Aritzia; though, the model shots don’t do it justice. If you check out the ‘Aritzia on you’ section, you can see what it really looks like. Unfortunately, Aritzia’s shipping to Europe is still a bit tricky, especially since I’m unsure of my exact size. So, I’m still on the hunt for a better alternative. Of course, I’ll keep you posted if anything else catches my eye.
And finally, rounding up this newsletter with some wholesome snaps from the past few days.
Hope you enjoyed reading this! Your support means the world to me, so if this brought a little inspiration your way, I’d be thrilled if you’d follow along or give a like.
Here’s to more musings, discoveries, and, of course, those barely dressed moments. Until next time.