So this thing has happened and not to put it down to my age again or anything, but I think it's my age.
I like clothes a lot, I'd say more than the average person. I see that as a fact more than an admission of guilt. Whether rightly or wrongly so, my mood and self confidence are in direct proportion to how good my outfit is, or should I say, how good my outfit makes me feel. I see it as my worldly armour, my protection against everyday BS. I carry myself differently, the material about my body inweaving confidence to my person as I am my best dressed self. Generally I manage this with ease in everyday life (though we all have those 'I have nothing to wear days'), yet in regards to my work wear I sometimes struggle. During social aspects of life, dressing genuinely as myself is seamless, however for work, there is a pressure to portray a professional persona, that is sometimes at odds with my personal proclivity - namely that I don't like to wear pencil skirts and I love print.
I thought that a change of mindset should help ease this inner disconnect. Previously my fashion likes have been spontaneous, thoughtless and shortsighted. I have thus made a conscious effort to consider what my wardrobe is lacking, what I need out of necessity and what I will get a realistic amount of wear out of. Bearing all of this in mind, I have found that the most versatile piece is the blouse/shirt.
Typically this one dimensional justification suffices. However, I find with a blouse/shirt, that these pre-purchase renditions of my avatar wearing said item are limitless. Yes I can wear the blouse or shirt to work, neatly tucked into black trousers and a smart pump. Or I can wear it nonchalantly half tucked into a pair of vintage Levis with a heel for French girl chic or Reeboks for a kooky London vibe. Alternatively, paired with a silk skirt and sandals - my envisaged holiday uniform. And lastly, I see it elevated with leather trousers and a vertiginous heel on a night out out. Inspiration truly abounds.
I have tried separating my social clothing and my work wear, but personally this fails me, the two being so closely reminiscent for me right now. But that's not to say that my creative flair is wavering. On the contrary, I see the typical work wear uniform (blouse and trousers) now as something to be worn in and outside of work and that was truly revelational, as I became freed from my denim confines and able to play with the constructs of what it means to dress up and to dress down. Aged converse paired with a crisp white shirt and cigarette pants, or a crew neck, ragged jeans and a heel. The contrast at play, making the act of getting dressed fun and boundless.
And so my love of the blouse/shirt begins and continues. The exponential wearability fills me with excitement at the prospective pairings. So, you've had due warning, be prepared to see blouses and shirts all over my body and Instagram, as I ease into this really subtly... with leopard print and polka dots. I don't think my colleagues will be needing their morning caffeine when they get a look at this jazzy piece!
(Photos via : Pinterest)
