As a self confessed weirdo, I love nothing more than walking into my bedroom and planning my ensemble for the day, ensuring there is a sprinkling of weirdo, of course thrown in for good measure.
You guys have seen this for the past three years, since I set up this little page of self expression but it’s only recently that newer readers, followers and subscribers have been doubting whether I wear these things at all… LIKE HELL I DO!
When politely challenged on their questions, they always reply with the fact that they just couldn’t imagine having the confidence to rock said sock and shoe sandal, or said sixties-esque ensemble, so I’m here to let you in on a few tips and tricks that have helped my style confidence along the way.
My old man always used to tell me “You’re not wearing it, I am, so what does it matter” whenever my sister and I would mock his bad choice of summer sandals or his questionable choice of brightly coloured shirt, which would result in us giving him the eye roll or the “whatever dad” before walking away.
But now, whenever I receive a negative comment on Instagram or a dirty look up and down from an unimpressed Mancucnian local; my dad’s voice rings loud in my mind, “You’re not wearing it, SO WHAT THE HELL DOES IT MATTER!”
Honestly, nothing winds me up more then when people slate the way other people dress, it’s all opinion at the end of the day, different strokes for different blokes, or something like that. We should let everyone be and take inspiration in different ways from the incredible broad ways in which we can dress.
Our bodies, at the end of the day are beautiful blank canvases which express our personalities as soon as we get dressed in a morning. Being able to wear my personality is one of the things I love so much about personal style, I decide how I’m feeling emotionally that morning and dress for it accordingly.
Take note of what my dad has always championed and remember as long as you feel great, it doesn’t matter about anybody else’s opinion. I appreciate it’s hard in the social media fuelled society of which we live but with Glenn Ellaby’s words in mind, I hope you’ll never doubt your sartorial choices again.
A huge part of my life, that mapped out the way in which I dress today was my time at high school and with that I’d like to thank the girls who picked on me throughout my time at high school for paving the way for my individuality.
Sadly, many of us go through bullying at school and, as kerazy as it seems and as awful as it was at the time, I’m really rather glad it happened.
The bullies made me realise and realise pretty damn quickly how important individuality is. I don’t know about you guys, but the “cool” girls and consequently the bullies at my school all dressed as clones of one another. The same hair and make up look, the same outfit from head to toe and simply because I didn’t, I was singled out… Well you know what GOOD! I’m glad you singled me out, it only made my quest for individuality and personal style all the more determined.
So if your struggling to pluck up the courage to head out of your bedroom wearing what you think is a kick ass combo of fear you’ll be picked on, remember it’s only because you’re not dressed “like them” but who wants to be? If the whole world dressed the same, well, that would be a pretty depressing place to live. Let them stare, let them comment but I assure you three seasons down the line, they’ll be ripping off your exact look ๐
On a slightly more obvious note than Glenn Ellaby and the bullies at school is visual research. Not sure how to style a particular piece? Not sure how to rock it with confidence? A quick Pinterest search will help you out. This is something I feel is overlooked, even in the world we live in today with style bloggers, influencers and celebrities at our fingertips a little bit of old fashioned research is the first step in finding the courage and confidence to wear exactly what you want, even if it’s just to pop to Tesco.
When I was younger I had a little scrap book of style inspo, just a modest Pukka pad where I would stick in cuttings from my favourite magazines of outfit combos that I loved. Granted this quickly became a shrine to Miss Chung, The Olsen Twins and Chloe Sevingy but hey, those girls inspired the way I dress today.
I use this technique, in a much more technical way, but still today, particularly when having to get a lil dolled up for an event or occasion. I type in the piece I have in mind and am instantly inundated with inspiration, with ways to wear it, style it and quite frankly rock it with the confidence it deserves. If the ladies I admire are going for it, knowing that they’ll be critized by the press and the public then us mere mortals can do it too!
I’ve always had a love for personal style, for personal expression through fashion, but never quite the way I do today. On days where all I want to wear is a striped tee and jeans combo, I’ll make sure I throw in a statement pair of sunglasses, a quirky piece of jewellery and a bold lip, something that instantly gives me the boost and makes me feel more like Megan.
I have you lot to thank for my confidence; since starting my blog just three years ago now, you’ve always supported me with my outfit choices and for that I cannot thank you enough. I wish I could kiss you all to say thanks, but instead, this post is for you. You’ve helped me express myself in exactly the way I want to, sans judging, sans negativity and with all the encouragement I could ever ask for and I truly hope this post has done the same for atleast one of you out there.
Now go and throw on your wackiest of looks and rock it, Glenn Ellaby style.
x M
My Dad says the exact same thing!! So true, I love a good pinterest scroll for some inspo!! And you always look amazing! x
http://www.shayholly.co.uk
Ahhh this made me smile so much! I've currently just rocked my new choker from asos to my trip to Tesco! That made me smile! I have the confidence too after starting my blog in March, it amazes me how supportive everyone can be and now I feel much more confident in myself and my fashion, and being daring to dress with confidence. I loved this post Megan and I always love what you wear! – I've just recently got this jumpsuit and I cannot seem to take it off- so comfy and casual.
Natasha xx
Love-laughter-fashion.blogspot.co.uk
Good girl! Chokers to Tesco is tote amazing! I'm so glad you've found the confidence to wear what you want, it really is crazy what a blog can do for you isn't it!
xo
This is such a perfect post Megan, so beautifully and truthfully written! Self confidence isn't always the easiest thing for us girls, especially in the Instagram age, but being true to you and who you are and what you want and love is so so so dang important!
I'm loving this outfit too girl, you're killing it as always! x
holljc.blogspot.co.uk
Totally agree Holly, it's really tough… But you rock abso everything you wear with the up most confidence and that is amazing! xo
This post is perfect! I'm definitely going to be repeating your Dads little saying to myself whenever I'm questioning my weird style choices haha! I'm obsessed with your style, so keep doing you girl! Xxx
haha love this post! I remember wearing the weirdest things when I was younger but it definitely helped shape how I dress today! Love the sunnies with the denim – where is the jumpsuit from?
Rose and Weston x
Such a great post! I love your style and I especially love what your dad said.
xx, R @ the girl in polka dots
I feel really awful now since it was me who asked you about socks and sandals. But it wasn't intended in a nasty way I'm very sorry if that's how it was taken. On the contrary I admire you because I have no confidence. I think the socks and sandals looks awesome I just get paranoid when people stare and because other bloggers have said they only wear clothes for photos that's what lead to the question, I totally apologise if it was taken in any way other than admiration of your confidence.
Oh babe honestly please don't feel awful, I loved your question, especially as it sparked my idea for this blogpost. It means a lot! I didn't take your comment personally at all so please do not feel bad! xoxoxox
Hi Megan, you're a big big inspiration to me, i love this post, i think you're not only a really good stylist, but also an amazing girl with so many dreams..
Keep going on !
Matilde xx
Thank you Matilde, that is so very kind of you xo
Dunno if its the hormones or just the fact that this post bought back some memories of the bullies picking on me for putting badges on my blazer (oh hey emo phase), but either way i just got quite emosh! You, Megan, are a total babe so thanks for the constant style inspo, you pretty much rock. xo
Jess, hi freckles.com
Oh god Jess you're so emo *rolls eyes emoji* god I hate teenage girls haha! We're so much better now babes, and I find comfort in the fact that they've made me a stronger more individual person, and they can see that all over my blog and Instagram ๐ and yours too!
I'm really glad this resonated with you sugar, and you rock more! xo
I love this post! I always worry about what other people think about my outfits but i am just going to stop caring and if i like it, i'll wear it!!
poppyrkay.blogspot.co.uk
I just love this post! Especially the story about your dad – as a child you are always annoyed by these sentences but actually it's jut the truth ๐
and I love your outfit!
x Katrin
I frigging love the way you dress Megan (this ensemble, on point) and totally get where you are coming from – I always need a quirk in my look (blame it on the arty and slightly weird personality) so even if it's clashing patterns, bold glasses, printed tees, something that gives an edge to traditional style – like you said, if you're not wearing it, why do you care?!
Lauren x
Britton Loves | Lifestyle Beauty Wellbeing
I have this exact denim jumpsuit and I wore it out one night with heels and a choker and two different people indendently approached me during the evening to tell me they didn't like my outfit. It still shocks me now wondering why they felt the need to comment lol. I now call this outfit my man repellent jumpsuit and I couldn't care less! ๏ฟฝ๏ฟฝ xxx
This makes me SO mad! As if these cheeky gets had the audacity to say that to you, how dare they! But I'm so glad that you still love it, couldn't care less and I am ALL OVER the man repelling outfits, you go girlie! xo
I'm obsessed with that jumpsuit! It looks amazing xx
tobilifeforever.blogspot.com
Loved this post Megan. You look gorgeous as always x
Love love LOVE this post babes! Well said and I couldn't agree more with you and Pappa Glenn! You go Glenn Coco! <3
Hayley xo
http://www.frockmeimfamous.com
My anxiety always flares up when I think I'm wearing something too bright or wearing an item that's not mom jeans, a crop top and trainers but because of this post I can finally stick my middle finger up to my anxiety! Thank you Megan and Glenn Ellaby!
I am so glad this post has helped you babes! You rock those bright items with sass sistaaaaah xo
Couldn't agree more with you and your dad! Love this post Meg, you look gorgeous, as always! x Laura
styleandsushi.blogspot.com
Love the jumpsuit so much !
Sara,
http://www.thecrimeofashion.com
Absolutely loved this post! Hell yeah to dressing how you want. Thank you for posting something like this Megan, it's so inspirational to see a blogger take the 'risk' of being individual! Love your blog so much, you keep on wearing those funky socks and shades girl โ
Dad's are so wise.
You've got a great sense of quirky style.
Keep doin' it.
http://a-woman-of-a-certain-age.com/
Beautiful look and cute bag ๐
http://www.ivanasworld.com
Great post, Megan! I couldn't agree more, wear whatever the hell you want!! You look fabbo as usual! xx
I've been following your style for a while and I never imagined you faced negativity. I am from a small town and I went through the same things at school, where even my own friends didn't like my clothes but a year later (once it was in New Look) they would wear it. Since going to uni, then moving away again for work, I've finally been able to dress how I want. Now when I see people looking at my outfit, I know it's because they like it! Thanks for this post ๐
LOVE this post. Thank you x
Lovely glasses!
Cheap Bridesmaid Dresses
Yay! And good for you girl! I love posts like this – super inspiring. Personal style is 'yours' hence the word 'personal' everyone has to add a lil touch to outfit or outfit will end up wearing you my dear. I love your style and continue to rock x
http://Www.virgosandkisses.com
โฅ
Love love love this post! I remember the day I found you on Instagram and stocked the heck out of you and I'm saying this in the most non-creepiest way haha. It got me inspired to wear somethings crazy that day and I LOVED it. It eventually sparked the creativity that is now my blog and I'm now way more confident to wear what I want when I want to cause whats the point of having cute clothes sit in your closet. It's like the biggest crime ever. I just want to say this post is definitely inspiring for anyone out there who needs a stylish pat on the back because the weirdos are the cool ones in the end!
I really enjoyed reading this post, such an inspirational post & beautiful set of photos!
Emma at http://www.collagemepretty.com