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CONFIDENCE AND CLOTHES

05/04/2016
Confidence and clothes
Self confidence is the best outfit, rock it and own it

My least favourite question in the world – after “where do you want to be in five years time?” (I don’t even know what I’m up to tomorrow let alone five years time) and “tell me your biggest weaknesses” (erm, chicken pasanda and Green and black’s chocolate probably doesn’t count does it?) – is “How would you describe your style?”

Now, the other questions mentioned are plain annoying, but I hate having to answer how I describe my style because, well, how the blooming hell do you describe your own style? I love a really classic, chic, simple piece, but I also like a rockier/biker piece, but I also love a girly floaty dress, and… you get the gist, I like a lot. But I’ve come to realise that recently, style isn’t about what you wear, it’s about how you wear it. And I really feel that having style means feeling comfortable and confident in your outfit.

Confidence is something that I’ve always really struggled with – a post for another time maybe? – but blogging; sharing my outfits, my bear face, my rambles, my woes with you all, to receive the loveliest kindest comments back has been one of the biggest things that’s truly seen my confidence grow over the last 3 years. Finding my style and wearing an outfit I love and pieces that make me feel sassy AF has been the other, and I’m kinda sad to say that for a long time I felt guilty for this. I felt guilty for realising that wearing an outfit I felt comfortable and confident in actually gives me a huge boost and helps me feel more confident in social situations. I felt guilty for realising that I feel most like me when I have my make up done and an outfit I love… but I shouldn’t, and I know this now.

We always hear that Confidence is key, but not all of us have confidence in abundance and sometimes, just sometimes, we need a little helping hand. Whether it’s makeup, a friend that always has your back, or clothes like me, use that unapologetically to be the most confident you, you can be.

So now my Oprah speech is over, it’s time to get a tad less deep as Blue Vanilla have challenged me to find an outfit that makes me feel like the confident, sassy/”move over Beyonce” queen that I am.

Or, you know, just not quite as Shrek like as I usually am…

So here goes.

Confidence and clothes - the elle next door 
Confidence and clothes - the elle next door 
Confidence and clothes - the elle next door 

Confidence and clothes - the elle next door
Confidence and clothes - the elle next door
Confidence and clothes - the elle next door
Confidence and clothes - the elle next door
This outfit is by no means special, or unique, or different… or even particularly great, but it’s very me. I’m comfortable in monochrome and nudes and simple pieces with pretty details. It won’t win awards for the most unique outfit in existence – it’s not exactly the Lady Gaga meat dress is it? – but it makes me feel comfortable, and in turn, confident. 
Confidence and clothes - the elle next door
This blouse is one of the biggest go to’s/holy grails in my wardrobe. It was ridiculously cheap – a primark special – (and actually has a hole in it, shhh) but I really do love it so much. The off white/cream colour is really flattering with my hair colour and skin tone, but it’s the detail at the neck that really gives it that extra special something something. It’s a blouse that always gets compliments whenever I wear it and I think that’s probably why it gives me a little boost. I’ve no doubt worn it countless times on this blog but you know what? If clothes recycling is good enough for Kate Middleton, it’s good enough for me.
LOL at comparing myself to a princess [insert cry laughter emoji here]. 
So let’s talk about these trousers. I feel like a loosely tailored trouser in a light pink shade should scream all kinds of “oh hell no unless you want to feel like an elephant flamingo” but there’s just something about this trouser that I adore. I absolutely love the cropped length and cigarette style hems as they definitely lengthen and elongate the legs. And whilst the colour is pink – i.e potentially my least favourite colour as I’m not really a massively girly girl – it’s actually pretty beautiful as the lighter duskier tone makes it more of a neutral and perfect for Spring. They’re also ridiculously comfortable which is a massive factor in me feeling confident (because who doesn’t want to look smart whilst feeling like they’re in pyjamas?).
The shoes. These shoes are a new addition to my wardrobe but oh my goodness am I obsessed. Nude shoes are another go to of mine but with the rope like material mixed with suede and the beautiful wooden heel, these make for the perfect Spring/Summer time shoe that would definitely work all year round. I also love the gold accents for making them feel slightly more dressy. Plus, even my family – who usually give me the “oh they’re…. unusual” vibes – approve, which believe me, says a lot.

So that brings me to the end of this post. I have to say, ironically – and annoyingly – I’m not feeling the most confident in how I look at the moment so it’s always a bit challenging writing a post on the exact opposite, but I do genuinely believe that confidence and clothes has such a correlation for so many of us, and there really is nothing wrong with that.

I’d love to know what pieces/outfit makes you feel confident? What are your favourite things to do when you’re having a bad self confidence day? I’d really love to hear your thoughts!
As always, thanks so much for reading!
xx
Thank you to Blue Vanilla for kindly sponsoring this post

63 responses to “CONFIDENCE AND CLOTHES”

  1. Call Me Amy says:

    The detailing on that top is beautiful! Love the colour of the trousers too and also what a lovely location for pictures! Clothes and make up give me confidence too, it's funny how unconfident something can make you feel if you're wearing something not quite right!
    Amy xx
    Call Me Amy

    • Ah thanks so much lovely, so pleased you liked it. It's only my local park too! So so true, I actually reshot this post with a different outfit because I didn't feel good in the other!

      xx

  2. Ellie this outfit is beautiful! Anything that's light, neutral or pastel is a winner in my book! I love the lace details of this beautiful top. I'm so happy to hear blogging has boosted your self confidence over the years. Blogging really does enhance your life in more ways than one. xx

    http://www.duchessoffashion.co.uk

  3. This is such an elegant outfit and it really suits you. I'd say that wearing really colourful clothes helps me feel more confident, sometimes I look like an explosion in a paint factory!

  4. Vale ♥ says:

    Clothes do surely help us to be more confident, I need the right clothes and makeup to feel good ! You look amazing, love your style !

    Fashion and Cookies – fashion and beauty blog

  5. The sunlight behind you is gorgeous, you look angelic! I totally relate on having that one item of clothing that's a bit too worn, got a few holes, but you can't let go because you love it so much! Lovely outfit, Elle, you look so elegant x

    Martha Jane | http://www.marthajanemusic.com

  6. Love the soft touch effect of this look
    So pretty and very spring ready.

    You are right that confidence is the key.

    The Bandwagon Chic | Instagram | Bloglovin | Snapchat: bandwagonchic

  7. Nicole says:

    Loving your posts at the moment Elle, this outfit looks beautiful on you. I'm not the most confident person in the world, so I use clothes as a way to express myself! xx

  8. You look so fabulous! In love with the cream paired with the blush and that blouse with the lace detailing is so gorgeous! In love with those sandals too! You look so chic!

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeat Soles

  9. carmitive says:

    Wow, what a wonderful post! I totally agree with you. You can't feel good in your clothes if you're not confident.
    I love your outfit – sweet and super pretty!
    xx, Carmen – http://www.carmitive.com

  10. Love the trousers! The whole outfit looks great!! I know what you mean about confidence, I am not that confident, and it stops me wearing things I would love to wear. Which is stupid really. I need the trousers! KB xx

    http://www.beautybykaris.com

  11. May Cho says:

    Ellie, you look absolutely amazing and confident AF. The nude tones of the entire look and the way these photos were taken are amazing.

    As for confidence, I've struggled with that for the longest time ever and, at its lowest point, nearly became the death of me, but like you said, blogging and sharing my work and receiving amazing positivity from a community I thoroughly enjoy mingling in has changed that. Please do write the post about self-confidence; I'd LOVE to read it! x

    MAY | http://WWW.THEMAYDEN.COM

  12. ►Nadush says:

    great photos 🙂
    NEW POST : THE COLORFUL THOUGHTS

  13. Ambar Syed says:

    Confidence is so important, I agree – I love your outfit and photos in this post! So Spring ready and fresh 🙂
    – Ambar | Her Little Loves

  14. crafty-zone says:

    Totally agree with you that confidence is the most important thing! What about your outfit, I can't believe that you bought this blouse in Primark, it doesn't look "cheap", it's amazing, actually! What's more your new lace up shoes are stunning, Elle!

    http://crafty-zone.blogspot.com/

  15. Stunning outfit. You look so gorgeous and I love those shoes.

    Jenn | Jennifer Jayne

  16. I love everything about this outfit! It's so pretty and chic and it looks lovely on you! 🙂 xx

  17. LBG says:

    You look so pretty in these pale neutrals! You should feel confident, you look amazing! When I want to feel confident I wear a favorite piece or outfit.
    Gorgeous photos and look! Perfect for Paris!

    http://leftbankgirl.blogspot.com

  18. This is SUCH an Elle outfit; tailored, pink, and looking super gorgeous! I'm the same with my style – I love minimal chic pieces but I always need an edge to my look (arty farty gal at heart) also it has to be blue 😉

    Lauren x
    Britton Loves | Lifestyle Beauty Wellbeing

  19. Amely Rose says:

    what a lovely post my dear
    your style is so amazing and inspiring
    simply love it!
    lovely 🙂
    with love your AMELY ROSE

  20. Gabrielle says:

    I can relate to feeling comfortable in nude/minimalist designs in flattering shapes, yet with a feminine touch – this outfit really does look great on you Elle! The blouse is particularly beautiful 🙂

    Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice
    x

  21. Anonymous says:

    We all struggle with confidence sometimes & a nice outfit definitely helps! Love this look on you, it's so feminine ☺
    Nati xx
    http://www.simplyartdicted.com

  22. I absolutely love your style! I think you're so stunning too. Such a beautiful post 🙂 xx

    http://leahrachelgoth.blogspot.co.uk/

  23. Emelia Paige says:

    You just stunning in this outfit. You look so pretty. Nice look and nice outfit.

    Orange for Skin Care

  24. Yes for the Lady Gaga meat dress reference! I've got a pair of cream trousers that I desperately want to get some wear out of this spring, but matching shoes to a pale trouser is so hard. These sandals are just perf!

    Kirstie | Behind The Scent

  25. Rachel-Beth says:

    Oh my gosh the 'describe your style' question is such a hard one! I totally agree that fashion is all about confidence and it's fab that blogging has helped you grow yours. It's certainly helped me grow mine too 🙂 This blush pairing is so feminine and pretty for Spring, you should feel like a sexy minx in this outfit as you certainly look like one!

    Rachel xx
    http://www.thedailyluxe.net

  26. Yep I'm the exact same, I know people always say that you should feel just as confident makeup free in your pyjamas as you do dressed and ready to go out but I just don't. Unapologetically, a nice outfit makes me feel damn good!

    I also hate the "where do you see yourself in five years?" question because you can't answer honestly, no one wants to hear "hopefully on a beach in mexico relaxing."

    http://www.thesundaymode.blogspot.com.au

  27. Just passing by.
    Have a great day.

    The Bandwagon Chic | Instagram | Bloglovin | Snapchat: bandwagonchic

  28. mahryska says:

    so pretty…love it!
    kisses from the sandpits of dubai ❤️
    http://www.mahryska.com

  29. I am not really confident person, it is also kinda about the personality too. I know that confidence is the key, however it takes time to achieve it. When I'm feeling down a bit, reading some inspirational quotes kinda boost up the confidence and make me work harder on it. You look lovely in pastel colours xx

    Ela BellaWorld

  30. YES! That question about where will you in 5 years annoys me as well. I don't really like to think ahead that far. I'm more like a "live in the moment" kind of person. What happens, happens. But it doesn't mean I don't prepare myself for the future. I just don't like to think about it as much as some people. Anyway, very lovely outfit.

    MONDAY PROJECTS

  31. Oh how I've missed you and your blog! You look AMAZING in this outfit, but I totally know what you mean about describing your style… I just wear what the hell I want and that usually isn't a 'style'! P.S I love the new layout of your blog.. can't wait to binge read it all 🙂 xxx

    Sam // Samantha Betteridge

  32. anna mour says:

    Such soft and pure colour palette…great!

  33. you look amazing! Confidence is a hard thing to grasp but I think blogging helps! love this outfit! x
    harrietloves.co.uk

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