I've always had this list of fashion don'ts in my head, colors I'm certain will look awful on me, styles that will be too uncomfortable, both physically and mentally, patterns that will make me look too big or too small.
However 2009 actually proved to be year of breaking out of a fashion rut I wasn't even completely aware that I was in. I was out shopping with a friend once and as we perused the items, I noticed her telling me all the things she would not wear. And I thought to myself that she was crazy for making up all these limitations, without even trying it on first.
Then I picked up a shirt with horizontal stripes, thought "I'd never look good in this, I'll look short and fat!" and realized that was doing the exact same thing. So I tried on the stripes, I took some photos, and discovered that not all stripes are created equal and that
some, can in fact, be flattering to my curvy frame.
And so began the destruction of my fashion "I Would Nevers", which were:
The color yellow - It was completely non-existent in my closet prior to 2009, and now I would go so far as to say I have
too much -- pants, tights, sandals, a dress, a cammi, a belt; it's hard to believe I once viewed yellow apparel with complete disdain. The mustard cords are my favorite pants right now!
High heeled shoes - I used to avoid anything over 2.5 inches like the plague. Now I'll go up to 3.5, as I do love how they look, though I'm always searching for a truly comfortable high heel.
In 2007 I actually bought two pairs of 4" heels, brought them home, wore them for 10 minutes, and returned them.
The poka dot peep toes and the silver pumps both went back!
Gold jewelry - Ignoring
anything gold tone for so many years was huge a mistake. Wearing both gold and silver offers twice as many possibilities, and who says you can't mix metals? (Other than my sister, who is clearly wrong.)
Leggings - I was certain that short girls who weren't toothpick thin could ever look good in leggings, until I decided that leggings were just slightly thicker tights without feet. And I even sort of wear them as pants - that is, with tops that are not quite long enough to be dresses, but are too long to be worn with pants.
Loosening my purse strings - Spending money and spoiling myself is definitely a new thing. I used to take $50 out of the bank and it would last me nearly a month. Now I'll spend $50 every time I walk into TJMaxx and barely bat an eye. Even though I'm still a saver and a bargain hunter, I've become much more willing to part with my money for the fashion I love.
Even with all the limitations I've broken out of, a few still remain: no Uggs, no Crocs, no high-wasited or harem pants. No shorts.
I may bend a little on the shorts. We shall see.
Is there anything you have vowed to never wear, or something that you previously loathed and now love?
