scijessreads

Clothes have never been something that I usually think too much about. For most of my life, I would buy what fit and thought were cute and “in fashion.” However, 9 times out of 10, I would wear something once and decide that it actually didn’t fit like I thought it should, or it was not a pattern/color that worked for me. But I would keep buying the same pattern/style/color in hopes that one day it would “work.”

Only now, as I have entered my 40’s, have I finally settled on a style that is my own and not dependent on what others think. I found the fabric/cut/colors that work best and make me feel great. When I see something in the store, if it has a feature that I don’t like, I won’t buy it, even if it meets all other criteria. For example, I hate elastic cuffs with a passion. That’s an immediate no. I also don’t like heavy cotton T-shirts, bright colors, or super large floral patterns.

What does work are light, airy blouses (like the Rose & Olive ones I can find at TJ Maxx), 3/4 sleeves, and neutral or muted colors. I prefer skinny jeans (the Target Ava & Viv brand are my current faves). Solid color thin “sweaters,” and simple cardigans/jackets. I am a basic b***h, and I accept it. Give me a flowy blouse and a cardigan with jeans and flats any day of the week. That is my work uniform. My home uniform is leggings and a sweatshirt (in the summer that sweatshirt is exchanged for an oversize soft T-shirt).

Dresses are another category that I like in concept but don’t actually wear very often. So right now I have 3. One that is a short sundress style that can be loungewear or casual wear. The others are a wrap dress and a basic black dress that can be changed up by adding tops over it to make it look like a skirt and top combo.

I have reached my style evolution, which is actually a bit based on the outfits (not bridesmaid dresses) worn by the main character in the movie 27 Dresses. I always liked that aesthetic, and I think I have finally achieved my version of it.