I've been thinking a lot about wardrobes and clothing again and I happened to read this old post of mine about wearing only that which you truly love and it reminded me that I've had this same struggle for awhile.
Right now, I'm not really sure I know what I like or what looks good on me with regards to clothing anymore. Cleaning out my closet after my PCA helped to eliminate a lot of clothing that did not work well primarily due to color reasons; however, it also meant that I ended up not having very much left to wear. I've replaced with BW items in some basic cuts, like scoop neck tees and such, but I'm still struggling with having a good foundational wardrobe. Unfortunately, I also have gained 10-12 lbs. since getting married, so some clothing feels a little tight. But, overall the biggest single factor causing me to self-doubt and re-analyze is the job change I made in March of 2015.
I went from working in a Business Casual environment that allowed jeans (but no sneakers) on Fridays to a company that does not really have a standard dress code for everyone. The new job is a plant environment, so people in my position typically wear jeans every day since it is possible to have to go out in the plant occasionally although an individual can certainly dress nicer if he or she wishes. Many individuals in less technical, more support positions, such as Purchasing and Accounting, wear more of the typical Business Casual look most days, though. I already feel a little lost and disconnected at this company, so I don't want to dress in a way that makes me feel any more out of place, but I do feel like I need to polish up my look some. I really never thought I would have so much trouble styling jeans but honestly, I've always looked to suit separates as the basis of a work wardrobe. Most wardrobe building examples follow that same general idea and just don't seem realistic or made for my unique work situation.
I haven't committed to having a Personal Image Analysis yet, but I would really like to. Right now, I've narrowed it down to Yin (or Soft) Natural or Yin (or Soft) Classic just by doing research on my own. I had pretty much settled on YinC but a recent haircut going back to how I had it cut in high school has made me feel remarkably better about how I look. The cut has more of a Natural vibe to it, so now I'm re-reading about YinN. The emphasis on comfortable, relaxed clothing and textiles with texture feels really right for me. As a knitter, I am a very tactile person and enjoy garments with beautiful stitch design and texture. Soft fabrics with drape are also very appealing. I thought it was all due to my recent weight gain, but lately I've been feeling very stuffed in my clothing. For me, it is very hard to concentrate or feel self-confident if I think my clothes are emphasizing every figure flaw.
So, I guess that's a little background on where I'm at on wardrobe planning right now. Pinterest is a great tool for inspiration but it is very easy to become overwhelmed. It doesn't help that I'm so heavily influenced by aesthetics. I see beautiful curated capsule wardrobes (mostly in classic shapes) and I keep trying to fit into that mold. It is a bit irrational, as I do not have a strong desire to be a minimalist or dress all in neutrals as many of these sample wardrobes suggest. I think I am more in love with the organized aspect of the concept, as well as the idea of creatively building outfits when everything works together.
Since I feel so unsettled about my style right now, I've started another Pinterest board that features either exact items that I own or items that evoke a strong feeling within me, but mostly it has my exact items. Perhaps doing this will help me get a sense of what I do like within what I have and I can eliminate the rest and replace with things that do really feel like me. I wish I had all this figured out already but I'm trying to enjoy the process. :-)
Right now, I'm not really sure I know what I like or what looks good on me with regards to clothing anymore. Cleaning out my closet after my PCA helped to eliminate a lot of clothing that did not work well primarily due to color reasons; however, it also meant that I ended up not having very much left to wear. I've replaced with BW items in some basic cuts, like scoop neck tees and such, but I'm still struggling with having a good foundational wardrobe. Unfortunately, I also have gained 10-12 lbs. since getting married, so some clothing feels a little tight. But, overall the biggest single factor causing me to self-doubt and re-analyze is the job change I made in March of 2015.
I went from working in a Business Casual environment that allowed jeans (but no sneakers) on Fridays to a company that does not really have a standard dress code for everyone. The new job is a plant environment, so people in my position typically wear jeans every day since it is possible to have to go out in the plant occasionally although an individual can certainly dress nicer if he or she wishes. Many individuals in less technical, more support positions, such as Purchasing and Accounting, wear more of the typical Business Casual look most days, though. I already feel a little lost and disconnected at this company, so I don't want to dress in a way that makes me feel any more out of place, but I do feel like I need to polish up my look some. I really never thought I would have so much trouble styling jeans but honestly, I've always looked to suit separates as the basis of a work wardrobe. Most wardrobe building examples follow that same general idea and just don't seem realistic or made for my unique work situation.
I haven't committed to having a Personal Image Analysis yet, but I would really like to. Right now, I've narrowed it down to Yin (or Soft) Natural or Yin (or Soft) Classic just by doing research on my own. I had pretty much settled on YinC but a recent haircut going back to how I had it cut in high school has made me feel remarkably better about how I look. The cut has more of a Natural vibe to it, so now I'm re-reading about YinN. The emphasis on comfortable, relaxed clothing and textiles with texture feels really right for me. As a knitter, I am a very tactile person and enjoy garments with beautiful stitch design and texture. Soft fabrics with drape are also very appealing. I thought it was all due to my recent weight gain, but lately I've been feeling very stuffed in my clothing. For me, it is very hard to concentrate or feel self-confident if I think my clothes are emphasizing every figure flaw.
So, I guess that's a little background on where I'm at on wardrobe planning right now. Pinterest is a great tool for inspiration but it is very easy to become overwhelmed. It doesn't help that I'm so heavily influenced by aesthetics. I see beautiful curated capsule wardrobes (mostly in classic shapes) and I keep trying to fit into that mold. It is a bit irrational, as I do not have a strong desire to be a minimalist or dress all in neutrals as many of these sample wardrobes suggest. I think I am more in love with the organized aspect of the concept, as well as the idea of creatively building outfits when everything works together.
Since I feel so unsettled about my style right now, I've started another Pinterest board that features either exact items that I own or items that evoke a strong feeling within me, but mostly it has my exact items. Perhaps doing this will help me get a sense of what I do like within what I have and I can eliminate the rest and replace with things that do really feel like me. I wish I had all this figured out already but I'm trying to enjoy the process. :-)
