CONFIDENCE AND CLOTHES

05/04/2016

“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

Blouse / Trousers / Shoes

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.

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!

Thank you to Blue Vanilla for kindly sponsoring this post