I found my forever style inspiration—and she’s almost 98. I’ve been reflecting on the women who’ve shaped me and, in particular, how I’ve developed my sustainable personal style. Chief among them? My maternal grandmother, Dot—affectionately known as Nanny.
I asked her recently, “Have you ever worn jeans?”
Sitting on her sofa, a blazer draped over her shoulders and a look of absolute repugnance on her face, she answered without hesitation: “Absolutely not!”
She has never once put her legs through a pair of denim.
Her influence has shaped my own relationship with clothing: how I approach getting dressed, how I build a wardrobe I love, and how I see sustainable personal style as a form of self-expression.
The Power of a Personal Style Formula
I love flipping through old photos of her. While the fashion trends have changed significantly over the decades (sadly, no more beehive wigs or mod-style dresses), her essence has remained the same.
For the last 30 years, she’s had a personal style formula à la Anna Wintour: a crisp button-down tucked into tailored trousers, wedge heels, a cardigan or blazer thrown over her shoulders (always anchored by a brooch), and a pair of large sunglasses; Yes, even indoors.
She wouldn’t be caught dead heading down to the lobby without her wedges and lipstick—those are non-negotiables.
If I were to use Allison Bornstein’s Three Word Method for her, I’d say: Polished – Classic – Spirited.
- Polished (her foundation): Her daily uniform signals intentionality, structure and elegance; her style has always leaned more formal.
- Classic (her vibe): She gravitates to timeless staples—blazers, brooches, and oversized sunglasses—that transcend trends.
- Spirited (her aspirational adjective): She injects personality through cheeky accessories and a vibrant color palette. Her closet is full of joyful, expressive pieces that still feel completely her.
Even into her old age (she’ll hate me for writing that), she’s remained committed to her personal style and getting dressed every day. Even if it’s simply to lounge on her couch to finish crosswords with her giant mink coat thrown over her legs in lieu of a blanket.
She’s worn and re-worn the same pieces so many times that if you made a cardboard cutout of her outfit, I’d instantly recognize it as Nanny. And really, isn’t that the whole point?
Why Thrifted Fashion Can Elevate Your Wardrobe
Growing up in rural Nova Scotia in a household of nearly 15 people, her clothing budget was more or less nonexistent. But limited means didn’t limit her style.
She became a master thrifter, developing an encyclopedic knowledge of quality brands and fabrics. She could spot a silk lining or 100% wool tag from a mile away.
While shopping at Value Village (always pronounced with a French accent to give it high-end appeal), she consistently found name brand pieces, timeless silhouettes, and unique accessories for a fraction of the retail price.
It was a secret point of pride that she was able to find these of-the-moment brands in mint condition while her peers were stupidly paying double or triple at the department store.
That ethos—buy better, shop smarter, love what you wear—wasn’t handed down to me immediately. It took until my university years to understand the thrill of the hunt, the value of craftsmanship, and the pride in wearing something thrifted that feels like you. Her lessons have slowly cultivated my sustainable personal style.
Even now, though her thrifting days are behind her, she still wears many of the pieces she found decades ago. And they still look incredible.
You Don’t Need More—Just Better
Nanny may stick to her trusted uniform, but she plays within the lines. She experiments through color and shape, leaning into rich hues, different silhouettes, bold brooches, and the occasional unexpected element.
Her wardrobe is extensive—but incredibly cohesive. She hasn’t bought anything in years, because she doesn’t need to. Everything goes together. She mixes and matches with ease, rarely repeating the same outfit, yet always looking like herself.
This is always a reminder to me that you don’t need more clothes—you need better building blocks.
When your closet is filled with pieces that fit your lifestyle, flatter your shape, and reflect your personality, getting dressed becomes joyful and simple. You can:
- Stick to a base uniform (e.g., button-downs + tailored pants)
- Use accessories (like her brooches or bold sunglasses) to add playfulness
- Experiment within a color palette that suits you
I view her approach as a masterclass in creative restraint. A lesson in how limitations—budget, space, or silhouette—can actually foster more style freedom, not less.
Sustainable Personal Style Lessons I Use Every Day
On days when I want to stay in leggings with unkempt hair, I think of her—and the quiet power that comes from getting dressed, for no one but yourself.
My own style leans classic, though admittedly less polished. But her influence is always there. I now understand what she knew all along: style is less about money and more about mindset.
From her, I’ve learned to:
- Prioritize fabric and fit over trends (skip the polyester, seek out wool or linen)
- Thrift with intention, looking for quality construction, not fast fashion cast-offs
- Get dressed daily, even if no one is watching, because you show up differently when you like what you’re wearing
She taught me that style is a form of self-respect. And that getting dressed isn’t about impressing others—it’s about expressing who you are, every day.
Who shaped your personal style?
I’d love to know: Is there someone in your life who’s shaped your style? What lessons have they passed down to you—about clothes, confidence, or how to show up in the world?
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