It’s so true Natalie. Thanks for the reminder. And do you know what? You can tell. Even In pictures. No matter how cute the outfit or item, if it’s not the persons true personal style, it somehow comes through. Even in a picture where everything about it ‘should’ be good.
I’m starting to believe that if we feel good in a bin bag and that’s our style, then we look good. Because we’re happy. And that’s always the cutest accessory of all. You look beautiful because it’s you. Lots of love. Have a Great week 😘
I’ve never thought of flattering as looking as thin as possible, I always thought it meant more balanced. It’s interesting how people perceive the word differently. As a very thin person, I find it most “flattering” to wear clothes that give me more shape.
Yes, it’s true it probably means different things to different people! Regardless, it’s SO freeing when the outfit is about expressing ourselves and not as much about altering what our bodies look like.
Hi Natalie! Like you I have recently embraced dressing for comfort while staying true to wardrobe items that reflect my personal style. What I've realized, on a deeper personal level, after writing and talking about it for years, is that the core pieces we wear constantly truly can be seasonless when we use our creativity by layering and mixing and matching outside the box.
Again, like you, I find myself wearing items I probably never would have a few years ago with items I've been wearing on repeat forever - and in that I feel a new sense of freedom (and excitement) about getting dressed each day. Comfort is taking center stage. And there is a sense of relief when you come full circle to see how comfort and style can live happily ever after on your bod!!
As so many people have commented, what makes us feel happy, confident and comfortable in our own skin is always gonna be #goals. Have a great day!
Love this look and this newsletter! I also can’t help but feel that the pressure for us to look “flattering” all the time is deeply rooted in misogyny. There’s pressure for us as women to always look appealing and maintain our objectified “role.”
I just found a pic of myself in my high school yearbook that showed my totally rad outfit. It was 1989. My critical eye noticed that I seem to look bigger than I was. I was a tiny 120ish lbs at that time. I don’t think we ever thought about dressing to look thin or flattering in the 80s. I can’t remember it ever being discussed. It was all about the expression and style.
I was in college in the late 70s. I never considered my weight an issue in high school, but once in college the boys called me "buffalo." I was so upset that I went on a starvation diet eating one meal every other day, ending up in hospital with malnutrition. Yes, we embraced diet culture back then. I lost a friend to anorexia as a teen. Just because no one talked about it and there wasn't social media to document it, doesn't mean it wasn't as prevalent as it is now.
I've decided that sneakers with everything is my signature style. Like "oh E always has such great sneakers with her outfits!" and my bunions and flat feet are loving it
I've discovered Cariuma sneakers, available in an array of colors. Donations to rain forests. Until last week I hadn't worn a pair of shoes in five years. Last week I bought Thursday Boots mules, which are nearly as comfortable as sneakers. I appreciate your sneaker love.
It’s so true Natalie. Thanks for the reminder. And do you know what? You can tell. Even In pictures. No matter how cute the outfit or item, if it’s not the persons true personal style, it somehow comes through. Even in a picture where everything about it ‘should’ be good.
I’m starting to believe that if we feel good in a bin bag and that’s our style, then we look good. Because we’re happy. And that’s always the cutest accessory of all. You look beautiful because it’s you. Lots of love. Have a Great week 😘
YES!!!!
I’ve never thought of flattering as looking as thin as possible, I always thought it meant more balanced. It’s interesting how people perceive the word differently. As a very thin person, I find it most “flattering” to wear clothes that give me more shape.
Yes, it’s true it probably means different things to different people! Regardless, it’s SO freeing when the outfit is about expressing ourselves and not as much about altering what our bodies look like.
Hi Natalie! Like you I have recently embraced dressing for comfort while staying true to wardrobe items that reflect my personal style. What I've realized, on a deeper personal level, after writing and talking about it for years, is that the core pieces we wear constantly truly can be seasonless when we use our creativity by layering and mixing and matching outside the box.
Again, like you, I find myself wearing items I probably never would have a few years ago with items I've been wearing on repeat forever - and in that I feel a new sense of freedom (and excitement) about getting dressed each day. Comfort is taking center stage. And there is a sense of relief when you come full circle to see how comfort and style can live happily ever after on your bod!!
As so many people have commented, what makes us feel happy, confident and comfortable in our own skin is always gonna be #goals. Have a great day!
This!! 👉🏼 “And there is a sense of relief when you come full circle to see how comfort and style can live happily ever after on your bod!!”
I agree. I only keep clothes that make me feel confident.
Yes! This is how it should be 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Love this look and this newsletter! I also can’t help but feel that the pressure for us to look “flattering” all the time is deeply rooted in misogyny. There’s pressure for us as women to always look appealing and maintain our objectified “role.”
100% yes!! I think it can be a form of self-objectification.
Ahh... you're speaking of that nebulous male gaze.
I just found a pic of myself in my high school yearbook that showed my totally rad outfit. It was 1989. My critical eye noticed that I seem to look bigger than I was. I was a tiny 120ish lbs at that time. I don’t think we ever thought about dressing to look thin or flattering in the 80s. I can’t remember it ever being discussed. It was all about the expression and style.
Yes! Social media has probably increased our self-objectification in personal style.
I was in college in the late 70s. I never considered my weight an issue in high school, but once in college the boys called me "buffalo." I was so upset that I went on a starvation diet eating one meal every other day, ending up in hospital with malnutrition. Yes, we embraced diet culture back then. I lost a friend to anorexia as a teen. Just because no one talked about it and there wasn't social media to document it, doesn't mean it wasn't as prevalent as it is now.
That’s awful. I’m so sorry that was your experience and you lost a friend. 💙
Love this look , but must admit I’m having a problem with wearing sneakers with everything.. the shirt, jeans and jewlery are my daily look.
I've decided that sneakers with everything is my signature style. Like "oh E always has such great sneakers with her outfits!" and my bunions and flat feet are loving it
I've discovered Cariuma sneakers, available in an array of colors. Donations to rain forests. Until last week I hadn't worn a pair of shoes in five years. Last week I bought Thursday Boots mules, which are nearly as comfortable as sneakers. I appreciate your sneaker love.
Love this approach to reframing how we dress! This combo is my new favorite look for spring too 😍
Thank you, Yasmeen!
You may find this newsletter interesting. It's called "Unflattering." https://dacygillespie.substack.com