I find that the older I get, the more of a risk taker I am. Whether it’s in fashion or in my life, I am more willing to try new things that I didn’t think would work or that I didn’t think I’d enjoy now that I’m in my 30’s than I ever did in my 20’s. I think a lot of that has to do with self confidence and how I feel about my body.
For example, I really like sheer tops. But I never would have worn one in my 20’s because *gasp* they were kinda see through. And that meant that people would know I had a fat tummy. Like, duh. No matter what I wear, it’s pretty obvious that I’m a fat woman. Now I’m older and have a much better body image, I actually don’t give a flying feck what someone else thinks of me in a sheer top. I think it looks good, I feel good wearing it, I’m going to wear it – end of story.
Something that is a little harder for me to “just get over” because it’s nothing to do with how I feel about how I look and more about how I feel about myself as a person in general, is the “can I pull this off?” question that comes up in my mind. Not “can I pull this off as a fat person”, but can I pull this off?”. Sometimes it’s being unsure of my abilities as a businesswoman; sometimes it’s because my ability to bullshit my way out of almost anything has meant that I’ve bullshitted my way into something by mistake; and sometimes, it’s about pants.
I’ve seen joggers everywhere for a while now, and really been lusting after the denim ones that 17 Sundays does. Everyone else I’ve seen wearing them has looked amazing, I’ve gotten some fabulous styling ideas from so many people’s Instagram posts, but I wasn’t sure if I could pull them off. When I saw the new season style joggers in person (the ones that Georgia Pratt wore in this lookbook), I desperately wanted to wear them and look as effortlessly cool as everyone else I’d seen wearing a pair of denim joggers.
And so, I decided to use the same strategy I was taught by my therapist to help me cope with my anxiety. I use it in business all the time, and it helped a lot with my anxiety, so why not use it for this? Welcome to my “worst case scenario” – it helps me to break down what I’m feeling and separate imagined risk from actual risk as well as coming up with actual solutions. The thought process went a little something like this:
What’s the problem? I want those joggers, but I’m not sure if I can pull them off. What’s the worst case scenario? They’re not a good fit. No big deal, you can return them – what else? I might look like I’m trying too hard to be cool… That’s when I realised that this was an imagined risk – I realised that I didn’t care about how cool I am (or am not), the coolness of the pants overshadowed all of that bullshit. I’ve always had my own sense of style that I really like, so if I like the pants then I’m going to wear the damn pants! Time to be a risk taker!
And you know what? I got them and as soon as I put them on, I knew I’d made the right choice. These are hands down the most comfortable denim pants I’ve owned in years and I know I’m going to get a lot of wear out of them. They have pockets, rose gold hardware (you know you’re feeling fancy when the details on your pants match your watch!) and I can dress them up or down depending on my mood – definitely on to a winner with these!
Are you a risk taker when it comes to your clothes? Do you ever second guess yourself? Is there anything that you worry you’re not cool enough to wear or is that just me? Please tell me I’m not alone here! Also, hands up if you have (or really want) joggers…
Meagan wears:
Sheer Swing Tunic With Pockets from 17 Sundays (24, gifted)
Warpaint Boyfriend Joggers from 17 Sundays (26, gifted)
Alexa Glasses from Specsavers
Head Over Heels Bronte Ankle Boots from Number One Shoes (9)
Photos: Ambient Light Photography
When I read joggers I had no idea what you were talking about lol, but now I have seen them I think I love them lol…. Might have to give them a shot I think 🙂
I think I desperately need those joggers… Your style is so incredible!!
Thanks Chloe! It’s taken me a long time to figure out my style but I think I’ve found what I like…
Great post Meagan! I have certainly found that as I have gotten older that my choices are becoming more bold and out there purely because I no longer care what others think of me as I dress for me! It took a while to train that little inside head voice to stop over thinking everything around me.
100% me right here! I was SO concerned about what other people thought of me when I was younger and it’s so freeing to dress for myself now!
This post has come at the right time for me! I’ve brought a couple of things lately and have wondered if I can pull them off (one of them being a leopard print tunic!). Like you wrote-what’s the worst that can happen?! Thank you for being an awesome inspiration!!
A leopard print tunic sounds AMAZING!!!
I’m not normally too worried when it comes to pants or tops. I tend to wear what I like. But I have a massive hang up about shoes. I’m always so worried they won’t fit properly or look good and they’ll ruin the whole outfit.
Because I have back problems, I always have to have a pair of shoes I can slip on without leaning down. That means that sometimes I have to build my outfit from the ground up, starting with what shoes I can easily put on without asking for help (thanks narrow disc!). It’s a bummer but I try not to let it get me down too much.
I love these joggers. Definitely a fashion item I would look at investing in for the winter.
Hmm, that does sound tricky! Anything in particular that you’re after style-wise? I’m going to be looking at boots for autumn winter over the next wee while, will keep an eye out for ones that will be easy to get on. Do you use a shoe horn?
You look FAB Meagan. I really want to try wearing a sheer top now, maybe with a high waisted skirt or something? You inspire me xx
Thanks Elese! And yes, a sheer top would look great with a high waisted skirt 😀
That is the perfect attitude about fashion – and life. Worst thing we can do is waste our money when we take chances! That is a small price to pay to avoid some of the most fun things in life. I would never have met my wife had I not been fearless, now would we have had kids if we had followed the easy path. Obviously a bit different than fashion, but they are all part of the same mindset (if you are cautious about the little things, pretty sure you will be about the big ones as well).
Thanks Chris – glad to hear that your risks have paid off too!