Today we're doing an exercise in stepping outside of our comfort zones. It can be super easy to stick to what's safe and true, but we need to keep in mind that when we do that there's little room to grow. You create the same outfits just with little tweaks, sticking to the same formula. But when you step outside of that formula- well, that's where the good stuff happens! This outfit is a case in point.
I teamed up with Holliday June to see what would happen if I branched a little outside of my usual instincts. Holliday June is inspired by the look and feel of iconic destinations and the glam travelers of the mid-century. From the "put-together" east coast, the relaxed west coast and exotic international locales, every collection is made up of new and vintage pieces that inspire us. They have a beautiful selection of geometric bracelets, southwest inspired turquoise rings, and gold tassel necklaces, all of which are right up my alley. All those pieces would blend into my looks seamlessly. But what would happen if I went with something a little different than what I'm used to? So I surpassed the turquoise baubles and went for a leather headband, instead.
You guys, I never wear headbands. I don't know what to do with headbands. It's such a simple detail, but it spun me into a stressful one-on-one battle with my closet. Everything I pulled out looked "meh" making me mumble more than once how over I am this winter wardrobe. Since that was getting me nowhere, I decided to do things differently: I'd build the outfit from the accessory down.
I pulled pieces off of hangers that would mesh well with the charcoal gray of the leather and the sparks of gold from the feathered lines. I chose a full, gray dress, a midi floral summer shift, a cargo jacket, a denim jacket, and a whole mess of turtlenecks. My bed was covered and I slowly began to sift through the options. I didn't just want to slap on a dress and call it a day: I wanted something with a little more oomph.
Which is when it came to me: What if I took the wool dress, and popped the longer floral midi underneath it for a pop of unexpected pattern. Then to fight off that Chicago spring chill, I added a cargo jacket that helped bring out the dark colors in the floral dress, and cinched it with a belt to define the waist.
And there I had it- an inspired new look that I wouldn't have thought of if I wasn't in the throes of turmoil over making this headband work. I wouldn't have a reason to have both dresses pulled, and I wouldn't have thought to combine them.
See, stepping outside of your comfort zone is useful! Even if it leaves an ungodly mess on your bedroom floor after ;)
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Let's discuss: What's a recent out-of-your-comfort-zone piece that you tried to make work with your style, and how did it turn out?
PS: If you'd like more dress layering tips, why don't you read:
- The Tartan Skirt Trick You Didn't Know About
- This Is How to Take Dress Layering to the Next Level
- How to Create Lady Like Vintage Outfits
