How to look less 'safe'?

[geekchicplainjane]

I realised recently that my style is very 'safe'. I have long dark brown hair (had highlights once about a decade ago but never coloured it since then!)

My work wardrobe is full of Kate Middleton-esque dresses, my casual wardrobe is tunics leggings and boots, I rarely paint my nails except with clear polish, I wear minimal 'tasteful' makeup and jewellery every day...

It has occurred to me that style-wise...I might be quite boring.

I'm only 31 and feel my youth is passing me by!! How can I shake things up a bit...but not too much? I'm a mum of two with a sensible job so can't go and get blue hair, or something. Anyone had a similar realisation and what did you do about it??

Yes, yes, yes to the uniform! Especially after I had my DS (now one) m&s slim cut jeans, longish white top with m&s / Wallis jumper over, always with nice Dune brown kneee boots. Work is dresses and sauce knee boots, small heel or black trousers and blouse with or without cardigan, as needed. When cold add navy blue pea coat.

YAWN!!!!!!!!!!

I LOVE a red lip at the weekend and had my hair chopped into a messy shoulder length do (which actually needs re-doing, good though!). I also love a scarf - hot pink, geometric print - bright handbag & a leather jacket for when it’s warmer. I’ve realised I’m not comfortable in ‘edgy / really trendy’ stuff and if just doesn’t work with my DS so I add it around the outfit. Makes it easier to change depending on weather / how I feel, although I do also go to primark to see if I can pick anything wearable and trendy, like a shirt dress - add hat and large shades and you can pretend your in St Tropez!

KILLER SHOES. That's what you need!

I think perhaps cutting a bit off your hair, and going for a more tousled look might be a start. Then some bright lipstick, statement necklace, or clashing print bag and see how you feel.

Do admire looks that are more laid-back-casual, edgy, bohemian? Get on Pinterest and start looking for people's style that you admire. Then you might be able to identify some common threads that you could incorporate...

I think one of the things to avoid is shopping in places like the aforementioned M&S. I can personally tell if a t-shirt is from somewhere like that because it's usually a bit boxy, a bit shorter in the body and has a sensible neckline whereas a t shirt from somewhere like Weekday at ASOS is no more expensive but just has a drapier, more flattering cut.

See: Weekday

M&S

Completely agree PNGirl, edgier stores and brands tend to have edgier cuts and styles. Please dont just add bright/statement accessories, v frumpy imo. Look around you at other women (or mums) & work out what you like the look of (I try to ask if I see someone wearing something particularly great), style blogs, etc can help too.

I don’t think leggings and a tunic meets the criteria of looking expensive and I don’t think I’ve seen anyone on those threads say it does. Ditch the leggings ans tunics and get some nice jeans and tops

Biker jacket?

Red lips. Chuck the leggings unless you are exercising.

Put a safety pin through your nose.
Lol. Just kidding.

How about some slightly edgy jewelry?

Get a good haircut.
Go for a coffee in a 'trendy' cafe and people watch. See what outfits/people catch your eye and think if you could recreate that particular look.

First thing tho, I agree with others - ditch the leggings.

Ditch the leggings

I love skinny jeans, a blouse tucked in and heels. Converse or trainers are great too for casual wear.

Some other ideas:
Eye brow shape and tint
Some high lights and a new style cut
A bold/bright lipstick
Shellac nails

It’s all about colour! You can stick with classic styles if the colour or pattern is interesting.
For casual wear, cheap skinny jeans in different colours really liven up your look, I find. I have black, grey, pink and snake print skinnies. I wear them with bum-covering tops (I.e shorter than tunics). Skinnies are comfy, wash well and look more ‘put together’ than leggings.
For smarter wear, I favour colourful midi dresses with ankle boots and dark opaque tights (not black- I think they kill my look). Semi-fitted dresses are better than either skin tight or baggy.
Some of my dresses were sold as tunics but I think they look better worn as dresses, with tights and boots.
Not saying everyone would like my look but you have to be prepared to experiment and get it wrong sometimes!