Monday, February 13, 2012

On being classy

This year for a new year's resolution (which I don't really buy into, except that it really is the time of year that I need to make changes in my life) I decided that I really could benefit from classing it up a bit.
I turned 25 this January, and I am realizing that I derive a lot of my anxiety from what I think other people think of me. I realized that I could get a lot of confidence if I trusted my decisions, and felt good about myself.
I was also have been thinking about pairing down my belongings, especially in my closet. I feel like you don't need a lot of items, if the ones you have work together well, and you look good in them.
So the first thing I did was go through my closet and get rid of anything that I wasn't sure about: things that don't fit me the way they did in my imagination, or things that don't really match anything else I wear. A lot of brightly colored things went, too.
It's easier to put together outfits now, because there's not a lot of stuff that I shouldn't be wearing, tempting me. I receive more compliments now, and my self confidence is more steady, because I don't have so many doubts about myself.
Here's a few key things that help me look classier every day no matter what else is going on.

Red watch band: I always wear a wristwatch, but switching to a red band really makes it stand out, especially when I'm wearing all black, at work. I feel that a watch calls attention to the wrists, which are elegant and ladylike without the potential for sluttiness or silliness.

Pearl Earrings: Mark really wanted to get me some jewelry for christmas. I almost never wear any jewelry, although I do have one pair of mother-of pearl dangly earrings that I remember about once a year. They are too dressy for most outfits though, so I don't end up wearing them enough. Mark wanted to get me something more simple that I could be comfortable wearing even to work. We went to Claire's (I know, super classy), and found a simple pair like these, while they were having a sale.

Basic 3/4 sleeve ballet-neck tees: I often roll up my sleeves, which stretches them out, so I would probably wear 3/4 sleeves every day of my life, if I could. The wide scoop neck on this is comfortable and, since I have to wear an apron over whatever I wear at work, this lends the slight hint of class without being flashy or uncomfortable. I now own three of these in various colors. At work I wear them it with skinny black pants that are a little short, and black mary janes.

Accessories: Everybody needs a few things to keep them comfortable, but it is possible to chose these for fashion as well. I have a cream pashmina style scarf that looks good wrapped loosely around the neck of just about any outfit. it is thick enough to keep my neck warm on a cold day, but light enough to never make me sweat. I also have a pair of sunglasses, like these, but a light rosy pink. They would also be great in red or white.

The only thing I'm missing is a really classy everyday shoe. I have these to wear to work, but they get kind of gross, so I don't want to wear them outside of work. I'm thinking about getting a second pair for that, but it seems like kind of a waste of money.