With over 100 blog posts shared to styledbymckenz.com in 2023, I styled *quite literally* thousands of outfits this year. Let’s just say it made for an extra special trip down memory lane as I narrowed down my top 23 favorite outfits of 2023. Of the 35 new destinations I traveled to this year, almost all left me somewhere sunny and near the water. It’s safe to say I’m biased toward a cute swimmie and sundress…
2023 was the year of pink and orange. I fell in love with this color combination just a few weeks into the year when I traveled to Mexico and wore this incredible crochet maxi dress. This scored all the love from you guys, selling out almost instantly. With a hip-hugging silhouette like this one, I can’t say I’m surprised!
from What To Wear In Mexico This Spring Break || SPRING BREAK OUTFIT IDEAS
I wore at least one hundred bathing suits this year but one in particular broke the internet… this high-cut one-piece from a small sustainable brand deserved all the love. And yes, that is the same straw tote I wore to death in 2022 standing her ground in 2023. This was a $10 H&M find and I swear it has seen the world with me (and my matching hat) haha!
from What To Wear In Mexico This Spring Break || SPRING BREAK OUTFIT IDEAS
I’m not a fan of cold weather but I sure do love a good sweater and scarf combo. I wore this colorful combo during my trip to Boston and it scored me all the compliments. Ten months later I’m wearing the same sweater as I type this blog post. It’s the best and under $20 when you use code Q4mckenz15! Such a steal.
from What to Wear in New England This Winter
I was reminded more than ever this year how easily a few accessories can transform an outfit — I styled this scarf and ear muffs so much that I think you guys were ready to kill me, haha. I know these moon boots will be something I roll my eyes at in years to come but they sure were fun (and all the rage) to style this winter!
from What to Wear in Denver, Colorado This Winter
Had my Carrie Bradshaw moment in New York City with this incredible pink tulle dress. From the tiered ruffles to the matching floral clutch, everything about this outfit is just perfect to me.
from What I Wore For New York City Fashion Week 2023
Years ago I used to always include a Whitefox sweatsuit in my yearly favorites— they were my go-to in college. In my post-grad travel career, I’ve transitioned into their matching micro skirt sets. They are mini but so perfect for a night out. I felt like the cutest Polly Pocket in this pink one for a night in Miami!
from What To Wear On Your Spring Break Trip To Miami
In March I purchased my first pair of Hokas and I’ve been a changed woman ever since. I’ve since purchased another pair, now owning Bondi 8s (pictured here) and Clifton 9s. They’ve changed the walking game for me— in my peak beach bum era, I was walking 7 miles a day, in the sand, in these.
The colorful combos make working out seem that much more exciting. This was also the year of workout onesies which I certainly hope is a trend that continues into 2024.
from 14 Outfits To Wear In Florida This Spring Break
Something about this layered look from my spring trip to San Luis Obispo is still one of my favorites. I fell in love with silk midis and spent most of the spring layering chunky sweaters and denim jackets over top. So chic and the perfect styling hack if you’re looking to transition your favorite pieces from season to season.
(Honorable mention for this felt hat that’s been featured four years in a row now. SO worth the splurge.)
from What To Wear In San Luis Obispo, California This Spring
When I’m not traveling I’m writing or editing from a coffee shop which means in all honesty, I’ve spent most of the year wearing some variation of this outfit – baby tees, cargo pants, platform Converse, and trucker hats have been on repeat all year long.
from 7 Outfits To Wear In San Diego This Spring 2023
I’ve owned over 500 swimsuits in my lifetime and yet this Seven Swim bikini is hands down my most-worn. Sexy yet simple, this is my go-to. Their collections are made from sustainable materials and are designed by a female-founded team. The fabric is like butter, molding to your skin so effortlessly. Trust me, you’ll feel like a million bucks in one of these.
from What I’m Wearing In Saint Petersburg, Florida
I’ve officially entered my “post-grad years” which means I’ve graduated from the black SheIn going out tops and moved on to bigger and better things. Aka the Urban Outfitters corset. It’s viral for a reason—there’s nothing quite as flattering.
Oh, and can we please keep cowboy boots trending forever?!
from What I’m Wearing In Saint Petersburg, Florida
This outfit may be simple but it served me well all summer long. I learned that low-rise jeans actually aren’t that scary. In fact, they are incredibly flattering when styled with the right top. This Abercrombie tank was another fav! These Roxy flip-flops I wore every single day during my Saint Pete era. All basics but such staples.
from What I’m Wearing In Saint Petersburg, Florida
Can never say no to a girl’s trip to Nashville! This denim romper was my favorite look of the trip. Not to mention, anytime I pull these boots out I know it’s going to be a good night….
from What To Wear In Nashville, Tennessee This Spring
There’s truly nowhere my personal style thrives quite like Charleston. I’ve been a handful of times now and with each trip back I’m reminded how effortlessly I fit in there. This dress fit the vibe to a tee. From the color combo to the pockets to the puff sleeves, I couldn’t love this more if I tried!
from What To Wear In Charleston, South Carolina This Spring
2023 was the year of denim maxi skirts… I’ll admit I sh*t on them at first but by mid-summer I was wearing them non-stop. Of my collection, this low-rise one from Boohoo was my most worn. Whether I was exploring a new city, grabbing dinner with a friend, or drinking downtown this outfit worked for everything.
from What To Wear In Savannah, Georgia This Summer
Absolutely show-stopping in this iconic orange set from Vestique. Between you and me I did sweat my @$$ off, right through this but to be fair it was the middle of July in Mexico so it seemed justified. I’ve never felt so effortlessly classy yet sexy in an outfit before. Truly a favorite!
from 10 Outfits To Wear In Cabo, Mexico This Summer 2023
I was gifted this $400 dress from a small boutique designer in Charleston. I had been saving it for “just the right” occasion and an afternoon in Martha’s Vineyard seemed like the perfect time. I’ve never scored so many compliments on a dress before— it truly is one of a kind!
from 7 Outfits To Wear In New England This Summer
These lace-up heels were a 2022 favorite so it seemed inevitable that they’d transition into 2023 with me. These pair so well with mini skirts— this fringe one being one of my favorites of the year. Of all the clothes that have come through my door over the years, I’ve never had anything quite like this!
from 7 Outfits To Wear In Jamaica This Summer
Some of my most iconic looks of 2023 were worn on my August trip to Tulum, Mexico. This crochet set was originally designed to be a swim cover-up but I knew it had greater potential. With strappy heels and a few accessories, this dressed up to be one of my best dinner looks.
I learned that I really love all inclusive resorts because you can wear outfits like this one without feeling “over the top”. Plus, wearing heels all night feels like less of a commitment when you’re steps away from your room, haha.
from 16 Outfits To Wear In Tulum, Mexico This Summer
My most viral outfit of 2023… this iconic yellow silk dress. The cowl back, the mermaid hem—just timeless elegance. This is a photo I know I’ll show my kids one day.
from What To Wear In Italy This Fall: Venice, Florence, Rome
One sexy black one-piece just wasn’t enough for me… this one from Kotomi also deserved a spot amongst the favorites. This suit had the triple threat—plunging neckline, cheeky tush, and high-cut legs. Iconic.
Oh, and I’ve never been a sunglass girl until I got these. They are from the brand Dime Optics and make every outfit look instantly cooler. A must-purchase.
from 13 Greece Outfit Ideas To Wear This Fall
This dress. This place. This feeling. I think I reached peak happiness sipping an Aperol spritz in the middle of Florence while wearing this stunning Petal & Pup dress which makes me love it all the more.
from What To Wear In Italy This Fall: Venice, Florence, Rome
You’re probably thinking “another Italy outfit?!” Let me tell you, I spent months buying clothes and planning outfits, making sure I had the perfect outfit for every single thing our itinerary had to offer. I felt like a modern-day Meredith Blake in this black corset mini dress and tie-shoulder sweater duo. So timeless!
from What To Wear In Italy This Fall: Venice, Florence, Rome
If I’m being honest I could probably put together another 23 outfits full of my most worn outfits. And yet the Aerie leggings and Hollister sweatshirts I wore on repeat as I edited YouTube videos in bed just don’t seem as exciting as these looks. This year I spent less time following trends and more adapting my personal style to new destinations. What an adventure it was!
I don’t think I’ve ever loved my closet more or had more fun experimenting with it. See how my style has evolved over the years…