Have Your Style Choices Changed?
I was pondering, this morning, as I prepared for this photo shoot, how my style choices have changed over the years.
As a young teacher starting out over 30 years ago, I went for the polished professional look. Streamlined suits and tailored pants outfits were my standard, usually in navy blue, grey, brown or black. I wanted to present myself as being confident and in charge (whether I felt that way or not). I also worked, early on, for a principal who could instill fear in my heart with a mere glance and who gave the teachers the "up and down" look when we arrived for school. After the inspection, this principal had no problem with letting us know if our outfit was not "school proper" and would even send a teacher home if they didn't cut the mustard. (This never happened to me, by the way!). So looking professional, as I viewed it then, was very important. I was starting out in a career and wanted to be viewed a certain way.
In recent years, though, I find myself being attracted to more flowy fabrics and bolder colors. This outfit is a case in point. This dress definitely does not have the streamlined look of a suit, although I would argue this could still be a professional work look if I added a jacket. However, I chose to style the dress with a filmy scarf-like top in blue/green with lovely flowers dotting the scarf. I am drawn, of late, to these scarf tops and have several in my closet now. I modeled a similar filmy top covered in butterflies in my last post. Click here if you missed it. The fit and flare dress is a classic style that also compliments most figures. Although a bit short for me, it does come to the knee, and I feel the length works because it is, after all, a summer dress.
The flowers on the scarf match well with the dress color and the blue/green adds an extra pop of color that I enjoy. I have read that adding color next to our skin is important for us ladies as we age. To me, this addition of bolder color and flowy fabrics represents a freedom that I feel as I have grown older. I no longer have to prove myself to anyone. I am more confident in who I am. I certainly want to still be considered "professional" in my career. But, I don't need a business suit to prove that. Rather than hiding behind my clothes, I am allowing my clothing to express my personality more. Don't get me wrong....there is nothing wrong with business suits! And if you feel confident in one and they express your style, then by all means wear them! I'm talking about me here and how my tastes have changed. There is no right or wrong here with style as far as I am concerned.
I also enjoy the pretty pattern on this dress. I haven't worn this outfit enough this summer and I need to wear it more before cooler temperatures arrive! The dress was purchased a couple years ago at Walmart and is by No Boundaries. I cut the tags out of the scarf top and thus don't know the brand, but I purchased it at.....wait for it....Walgreens Pharmacy. What? Doesn't everyone buy their clothes at drugstores?! Walgreens actually had several of these cute scarf tops at very reasonable prices. Check out drugstore clothes the next time you shop!
The bracelet and earrings I am wearing belonged to my mother. The cuff bracelet is mother of pearl and is so lovely. The ring was an anniversary gift from my husband, who was my photographer today, by the way.
You've seen these shoes before, but they bear mentioning again as they are very comfortable and a great summer shoe! The block heel is the perfect height and gives added stability.
How about you? Have your style choices changed over the years? Hope you'll chime in and share your thoughts. And do you like to add bolder colors to your looks? Do you rock a business suit or love a flowy look? Maybe a little of both? Looking forward to hearing from you!
Until Next Time,
Debbie
Linking With:
Not Dressed As Lamb
Sydney Fashion Hunter
Elegantly Dressed and Stylish
The Blended Blog
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| http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=56816&picture=woman-in-business-suit |
In recent years, though, I find myself being attracted to more flowy fabrics and bolder colors. This outfit is a case in point. This dress definitely does not have the streamlined look of a suit, although I would argue this could still be a professional work look if I added a jacket. However, I chose to style the dress with a filmy scarf-like top in blue/green with lovely flowers dotting the scarf. I am drawn, of late, to these scarf tops and have several in my closet now. I modeled a similar filmy top covered in butterflies in my last post. Click here if you missed it. The fit and flare dress is a classic style that also compliments most figures. Although a bit short for me, it does come to the knee, and I feel the length works because it is, after all, a summer dress.
The flowers on the scarf match well with the dress color and the blue/green adds an extra pop of color that I enjoy. I have read that adding color next to our skin is important for us ladies as we age. To me, this addition of bolder color and flowy fabrics represents a freedom that I feel as I have grown older. I no longer have to prove myself to anyone. I am more confident in who I am. I certainly want to still be considered "professional" in my career. But, I don't need a business suit to prove that. Rather than hiding behind my clothes, I am allowing my clothing to express my personality more. Don't get me wrong....there is nothing wrong with business suits! And if you feel confident in one and they express your style, then by all means wear them! I'm talking about me here and how my tastes have changed. There is no right or wrong here with style as far as I am concerned.
I also enjoy the pretty pattern on this dress. I haven't worn this outfit enough this summer and I need to wear it more before cooler temperatures arrive! The dress was purchased a couple years ago at Walmart and is by No Boundaries. I cut the tags out of the scarf top and thus don't know the brand, but I purchased it at.....wait for it....Walgreens Pharmacy. What? Doesn't everyone buy their clothes at drugstores?! Walgreens actually had several of these cute scarf tops at very reasonable prices. Check out drugstore clothes the next time you shop!
The bracelet and earrings I am wearing belonged to my mother. The cuff bracelet is mother of pearl and is so lovely. The ring was an anniversary gift from my husband, who was my photographer today, by the way.
You've seen these shoes before, but they bear mentioning again as they are very comfortable and a great summer shoe! The block heel is the perfect height and gives added stability.
How about you? Have your style choices changed over the years? Hope you'll chime in and share your thoughts. And do you like to add bolder colors to your looks? Do you rock a business suit or love a flowy look? Maybe a little of both? Looking forward to hearing from you!
Until Next Time,
Debbie
Linking With:
Not Dressed As Lamb
Sydney Fashion Hunter
Elegantly Dressed and Stylish
The Blended Blog
12 comments:
I just bought a scarf at the pharmacy on Friday!!! Walgreens had cute sundresses too! I like your scarf topper a lot, and agree that color is good. Great dress too, love the color! I work in a rather conservative setting, for a VP, we even must wear stockings with skirts and dresses. I'm good with that and just pay more for those that are sheer and look polished instead of heavy. We can be creative, but still must be polished. Sleeveless is OK in summer, meetings require jackets. It's okay, I like dressing up! No denim where I work, either. No open toes, it's a hospital. I have worn sleeveless dresses this summer and loved tgat. I think your dress is flattering and can be styled so many ways! Really pretty!
Hi Debbie! I love all the colors in this. So pretty!
My fashion has absolutely changed over time! I wore suits to work for years and then started wearing professional dresses... and now I wear casual stuff most of the time.
I am completely with you Debbie. I used to wear the suits and pencil skirts and high heels but now it is more comfort professional, lol. I am all about flowy and things I can move in. I LOVE your dress and those are indeed the perfect shoe!!
Hey Karen: Oh how great! That's too funny that you just bought a scarf at the pharmacy! Glad to see I'm not alone. I'll have to check out those sundresses there, although I might be calling a halt to buying clothing in September. But, it's not September yet, right? Ha! I understand about work rules with dressing because I have to do that too. I still enjoy the look of a suit, actually, but just like looser more flowy looks these days. That's the fun of fashion-there is no right or wrong! Have a great Sunday and week ahead.
Hey Julie: Thanks for sharing! I love to dress up but casual is so comfortable isn't it?! Have a great Sunday.
Thanks, Andrea. I like your term "comfort professional." That's definitely me these days! Hope you have a wonderful Sunday!
I used to own seven or eight blazers for the office, but that was years ago. I still work in an office but the number of blazers I own now? Zero! Now I go for more stretch and comfort, with soft and pretty sweaters and comfortable but professional knit tops. Like you, I'm more into a softer and more feminine fashion look now. Great post! --Ginger
Love your look and the colors. My style has changed from suits and formal clothes to now casual clothes. Colors are brighter now since I live in Florida.
Thanks for sharing at Over The Moon Party,
Bev
Love this coral dress on you Debbie! I understand wanting to look in charge as a teacher. I was a Music teacher for years, and the "specials" are sometimes the class where kids can goof off. I needed a stronger presence. I know what you mean about liking bright colors! You look lovely in this pretty floral kimono too, it looks great with the dress!
Thanks for linking up with Turning Heads tuesday
jess xx
www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Thanks, Ginger, for sharing!
Thanks, Bev. I always enjoy linking with the Over the Moon party!
Thanks, Jess! I love your style and appreciate your comments and the Turning Heads Tuesday linkup! Do you ever miss teaching music in the schools? I started out to be a music teacher and changed to elementary K-4 and then the gifted program. I did a little bit of interim teaching with music and enjoyed it. Taught private lessons, also, for several years.
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