Last week I pointed out that for me, declaring you are going to attempt to dress stylishly, and then have to mannequin up with what you have adds pressure when you’re getting dressed in the morning.

But the truth is, I’ve long been aware of what I put on in the morning, the reasons of which are threefold:

1. A desire to be appropriately dressed – I hate turning up to something and being over or under dressed. Wishing I had another layer because it’s cold or that I had worn trainers because no one else is wearing heels.
2. I don’t like wearing the same outfit to the same place two times in a row.
3. I also like practicality – although I really don’t like it when practical equates to a total lack of style!

If I’m honest and leave myself a little vulnerable, the first two reasons are definitely to do with worrying what other people think of me. And I don’t really know why. I like to stand out a little, but not too much and certainly not because I’ve got it wrong! I now wonder how much I ever dress just for myself, if in the back of my mind I’m considering the reactions of others.

We can’t get away from the fact that clothes are a covering. I mean think fig leaves for Adam and Eve – they realised they were nudie and sought to change that. And now, unless you’re an avid naturist, we cover ourselves daily. And a standard musing might be that our covering is the basis for displaying to the world just what you want them to see. For some, it may be their ability to present themselves as a work of art with a beautifully put together outfit that then leads the way for others to follow, even something quirky done with confidence can set a trend (think Dad trainers paired with a dress).  For a new mum whos body has changed, she may want to hide and decide it’s safer to make little effort… For me, (please brace yourselves for the one of the most self absorbed confessions ever), it is to be admired… I’ve thought long and hard about it and unfortnately, that, right there is the cold hard face of it.

At school I was your classic geek – sent in correct, hand-me-down ill fitting uniform with flat, lace-up unisex shoes, big glasses and a huge rucksack from Macro. And I played the violin. There was zero admiration. Now, I’ve embraced my inner geek and clothe myself in a bid to have a bit more cool.

But the truth is, your beauty (cool/status – whatever you name it) does not come from outward adornment. It comes from a gentleness within that is at peace. There is nothing wrong with wanting to adorn ourselves with lovely things and create a look that communicates your personality. In fact, I believe fashion is a wonderful channel in which to demonstrate your individuality.  But my aim now is to get to a place where I can be free from allowing clothes to dictate how I feel. Perhaps then in my freedom, I’ll actually be able to enjoy clothes much more and really go for it, without worrying about it’s appropriateness, whether it has been worn to the same place twice or whether occasionally, it’s just not that stylish.

On to week four.

My favourite outfit this week was today’s thanks to Pinterest’s ability to inspire how I might style my biker boots. They are old but classic, and I’ve found a new love for them today.  And my feet were warm and dry. Win.

Have a great week.

Anna x