I had a conversation recently that really made me think about the evolution of my style.  It came from the topic of “office-appropriate” dress, and I’ve worked in enough different office environments to feel like I’m fairly experienced in appropriate attire.  It’s amazing how much my work setting has affected the evolution of my day-to-day wardrobe… and interesting how I still integrate parts of MY non-work life into my work wear.

Example:  I’ve always been a flats and sneaks sort of girl, so when I got my first big bad office job, I became the queen of the ballet flat.  I had also come from the business casual retail world, so my style was very classic – trousers and sweaters layered over colored tees.  I fit in, but it felt boring – it was the same style choice day in and day out.   This style carried into my weekend wardrobe where I found myself still wearing the same outfit, but with denim as a substitute for trousers.  I realized I was no longer dressing up to do things – that my style and lifestyle had become very much routine.   I felt like that mundane spot I was in didn’t fit me, both style-wise and personally.

Flash forward to today – My current job is ultra laid back about office attire, which has allowed me to experiment more with the designer pieces made by my good friend Kim at Deco Modiste.  I’ve begun to wear skirts in to work in the winter (*Gasp!*) and I’ve even ventured into the wide world of heels.  While I still feel there are one or two things I may not be able to get away with at work, I’m more likely to make an attempt to wear them out, on a weekend… or in a demure way at the office.

(Who says these aren’t “appropriate office attire” when paired with denim and a red poplin?)

These bright red patent Madden pumps are just the type of item that I would have laughed and stashed in the back of my closet, prior to this new found experimental feeling (read: my current line of work and writing for Bonne Vie).  I never had the courage to wear this sort of thing before now, but as I have grown in all aspects of life experience, I have also become more empowered.  These shoes are a perfect statement of that feeling; they’re bright, they’re saucy, and they make me feel bold, just by wearing them.

I’ve noticed, too, that this trend in my work attire has also affected my off-work attire.  Lately I’ve experimented with skinny jeans and tall heels.  I’ve worn experimental belts (neckties anybody?).  I’ve worn leggings and wedges.  I wear heels on non-dress up days with very casual outfits.  I find myself getting a little more dolled up to go out on the weekend – and I’m finding that fewer of my outfits are the same old boring pants-tees-sneaks combo I used to sport so much of.  I’ve become MUCH more creative and thoughtful about how I present myself.

Okay… So you may have guessed by now that part of my motivation for this post is that I’m wearing my red Maddens to the office today, for the first time ever.  The topic has given me reason to evaluate my style evolution and tout my own growth.  I feel more confident in making funky sartorial choices knowing how much I’ve evolved.  Confidence has paved the way to more confidence, as I discover my inner style maven.  What about you?  Where has your style evolved most?

Related posts:

1. New at The Demoiselles: Who Are You Dressing For?
2. Wholestyle Manifesto
3. Combatting Casual Wear

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