A Breton top, a trench coat, a scarf…
How many outfits like this have I already posted? Well, there’s nothing new under the sun, really, and I don’t believe in trying to come up with something new just because…
I suppose we could say I’m stuck in a rut. Except that I don’t think that. I would rather describe it as having found my signature style. It works for me: it suits my personality and my lifestyle. And you know what they say: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
I was a fashion student in the late 80’s
What I mostly remember about that time was how my classmates were always trying to outdo each other by coming up with the weirdest outfits. Not stylish or elegant, just ‘new‘, for the sake of doing something nobody else had done. As in, wear your shirt backwards. Or inside out. Or staple the sleeves together. Never mind you can’t move your arms anymore, you’ll look so ‘creative‘…
The point is, instead of reworking the shirt to make it more fitted, more flattering or more practical in some way, we spent countless hours doing stupid things to distinguish ourselves from other people doing equally stupid things. And it was exhausting, and very frustrating, and had nothing to do with having personal style.
So, now that I work in a completely different industry and live the life of a busy middle-aged woman, I don’t have to reinvent the wheel by turning it into a square. The wheel works just fine as it is, and I can wear whatever makes me feel good and makes sense in my universe. That’s how you find personal style.
I believe in doing whatever comes naturally: living your own truth, whatever that is. But I admit that I often find it challenging to live my own truth: it’s not as if I spend my days doing only what I love. I guess we all have some financial and social constraints, and demands on our time that prevent us from fully exploring our potential. Life is a set of compromises, and we try to make the most of it.
But style, that’s the one area in life where we can do whatever makes us feel good. We can be minimalists, or maximalists, or alternate between the two. Or we can wear wild colours. or only grey, or even last season’s colour. Never mind the trends, we can wear whatever suits our lifestyles and personalities or just tickles our fancy at the moment.
There’s no need to reinvent the wheel. But we can tweak it, just a little bit. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, just paint it a different colour…
Outfit details:
trench coat: Hobbs (s/s 2015, seen before e.g. HERE) / top: Boden / bag: Furla
trousers: marks and Spencer / scarf: Shanghai Tang / shoes: Clarks / sunglasses: Coach
location: Tehtaankatu, Helsinki
What’s your signature style?
Tiina
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I adore the colours on the scarf and the print on the top.I do think that creative people are constantly trying to push the envelope. I don't think it is because they are trying to outdo each other, rather that is their way of being true to themselves and allowing their type of creativity flow through them into their clothing choices.bisousSuzanne
Yes, creative people do express themselves also in their clothes, but it is natural, not forced. And when something is natural, it is also comfortable and practical and fits in with real life effortlessly. My fashion school 'experiments' were nothing like that.
I agree. It IS your signature style and it is great!
Thanks, Connie.
Love your signature style! I am forever a stripes girl and love a bright trench! The colorful purse and scarf are a lovely touch!-AdrieleStyleAssisted.com
Thanks, Adriele! Yes, stripes rock!
I think you should wear in what makes you feel good. Whether it s an creatieve outfit or just what you always wear. Onlynif you feel good in your outfit you feel convidended I think.
That's a very good point, Nancy. You have to feel good in your outfit, then you will also look good.
Thanks 4 linking up to Top of the World Style
Thanks, Nicole.
I love your signature style. That top is so pretty and the scarf is such a nice touch!Thank you for joining TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you next week. Have a great weekend!Alicewww.happinessatmidlife.com
Thanks, Alice.
I always love stripes and Breton tees and I love the twist on this one with the floral and that scarf is lovely. I totally agree with you – if it ain't broke, why fix it, right?Would love for you to linkup with Thursday Moda (below). Thank you and enjoy the weekend!http://eleganceandmommyhood.blogspot.com/2016/05/thursday-moda-11-and-sneakers-plus.htmlAda. =)
I liked the top the moment I saw it. I don't often wear florals, so maybe this is my way of easing into it…
I've always loved the scarf on the bag look! I need to rock that again soon! Looks great. Thanks for linking up with Fun Fashion Friday!OXOXDawn Lucyhttp://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com
Thanks!
I can't love this post enough!!!! Fashion is all about your own signature look and that's how you own your outfit. Loving the confidence… Keep on rocking it :)Thank you for linking up with weekend wear, have a great weekendxoMeliss
Thank you, Melissa! I think having a signature look is so much more interesting than following trends.