We all know that a two piece suit is a one way ticket to strong-ville. It's a no brainer of a get-up that makes one feel powerful and like they can take on the world. Heck, I've said it countless times myself and will continue to do so, as it's the one look I can always rely on to make me feel my best, most dynamic self.
And, in a world full of trials and tribulations, why would we want to feel anything else but strong? We need our outfits to be our armour against the rest of the world, a barrier to protect us from what is thrown at us and a uniform that says "I've got my shit together, I look great and yes I am strong too"
However, wear a suit each and every day and that charm is lost. The sparkle within the suit that made us feel a certain way begins to dull and it's less powerful and more powerless.
But that doesn't mean we can't feel strong wearing other items within our wardrobes. I've been thinking a lot lately about the items that make me feel my best. The pieces that I reach for when I'm wanting to kick some ass and take the day by the balls or so to speak. I'm sure we all have those key pieces that we reach for time and time again and there is absolutely no shame in that, it's actually pretty beautiful indeed.
Beautiful, that an item of clothing or a beauty favourite or even a song, can evoke such strong feelings in us, setting us up for the day ahead.
And whilst my go-to "kick ass" ensemble used to be the two-piece suit, lately I'm finding solace in more casual pieces; those everyday items that pack a punch.
Lets start from the bottom for a change shall we.
The boots, the suede platform boots that have served me well for the past FOUR years! And yes, while they have certainly seen better days with the wooden heels having severed and the tobacco suede having scuffed, they’re still by far my most favourite pair of shoes. I picked them up whilst working at ASOS in both the tobacco and the black shade and have worn them continuously in both winter and in summer ever since.
Theres something about the seventies shape, the chunky platform that gives me the height I need, especially when wearing trousers that would otherwise drag along the floor with my 5ft4 frame. I find them insanely comfortable and easy to wear and find myself reaching for them on the regular. They make me feel like the best version of myself, they allow me to walk tall, to strut down the pavements of Manchester feeling strong and powerful, how every pair of killer boots should.
I opt for these boots when I need to impress, when I need to be the business woman that I know I have in me, somewhere deep inside and thats why, despite them being long gone on the ASOS website, you’ll continue to see them and cry that they’re no longer in stock (sorry about that) ‘cause they just make me feel super duper and I can’t bare to part ways with them just yet.
Now for the jeans. It’s absolutely no secret that I’m a complete sucker for a light wash denim pair of jeans. Ideally in a straight leg cut that crops perfectly above the ankle. There’s something about this style of jean that allows me to feel on top of the world. I know that they work seamlessly with the vast majority of my wardrobe and I know that when I’m wearing them I feel at my most coolest, and yes, it is okay to say that you feel cool every now and again!
I have a vast array of denim in this style, however these cheap as chips babies from H&M have served me SO very well indeed. They’re softening with every wear and every wash and for me, they’re the perfect example of a style of jeans that are perfect for casual and dressier occasions.
A newer piece that makes me feel totally bad ass is this delicious Miu Miu Bomber Jacket, a piece I toyed with purchasing for over 6 months after spotting someone wearing it in Manchester last year. I cooed over the piece, debating whether it was something my wardrobe was missing, and when it slipped into the January sales, I took that as a sign that it most certainly was.
It’s a stereotypically masculine piece, similarly to that of the two piece suit and I think thats why it makes me feel so powerful. Wearing masculine silhouettes such as the varsity jacket (and the suit) gives me a kind of rebellious feeling, a metaphorical sticking the middle finger up to gender stereotypes if you will. And whilst we’ve been wearing what the hell we want since the 1960s, I still get a little buzz and a feeling of power when wearing something with a mannish edge.
And finally, a piece that I’m sure you all saw coming with the humble Baker Boy Cap. A piece that has been a part of my daily uniform for YEARS now and a piece I’m desperate to replace with a new hat style but can’t bring myself to part with as it makes me feel bloody great.
It gives all of my looks that little nod to the sixties whilst also comforting me through bad hair days and days when I want to hide away from the world. Wearing a hat often requires a lot of confidence but for me, it gives me confidence when I’m wearing one. It acts as a little guard against the world yet leaves me feeling strong all at the same time.
Feeling strong, powerful and like you can take on the world is a battle we all face sometimes, especially whilst trying to pave our way and find our feet in the world. Try examining your clothes and work out what makes you feel powerful because I tell you what, clothing and styling has a lot of healing power and even when you're not feeling your most confident or your most strong, half the battle is already won with an outfit that makes you feel all of those things.
x M
Yummmmmm love that jacket!
Gemma
http://www.fadedwindmills.com
Thank you darling, I’m literally OBSESSED with it! x
Honestly, your confidence in your outfits is so inspiring! Keep it up girl cause you can literally rock ANYTHING! X
Ohhh Lauren thank you so much honey honey x
Love this ! I think we all have our own version of those killer boots that make you feel on top of the world strutting down the street! 🙂 xx
Frances Kayleigh | Fashion & Lifestyle
Yes I think we do, it’s such a powerful tool to keep us feel sassy! x
Great post Megan! I have to say that I definitely thought you were taller than 5″4! You pull off outfits that I feel like would make 5″3 me look stumpy. Guess I need to get myself some more pairs of platform boots!
Ahhh I get that all the time. It’s deffo the platforms and the low angled shots 😉 x V glad you enjoyed the post honey x
It’s so true how amazing it is that an item of clothing or even a shade of lipstick can uplift our mood for the day! Fashion is so incredible that way.
Plus, I absolutely adore those jeans – amazing! Xx
YES you’re SO right about the shade of lipstick, I have my go-to’s that always make me feel rather fabulous indeed xo
I love the jeans and the jacket so much, I’m not one to lust over high end brands, but I could for this jacket! And I definitely agree with you, it is actually in a great pair of jean and a very simple outfit that I feel the most powerful!
http://fannyanddailybeauty.com
Ohhh thanks my lovely! A great pair of jeans are so hard to find, but when you find them it is totally worth the struggle! x
So inspiring! Loved this post!!
Ohh thanks so much lovely x
These photos are so good! Love love love them!
Oh WOW thank you so much! x
I swear you’re the only person I’ve ever seen have a photo taken from below/low angle and still look completely stunning! Adore this look and the sassy no-f***s-given vibe! xx
AHAA don’t be silly you! They’re deffo some unseen double chin shots in the outtakes let me tell you 😉 Thanks gorgeous x
This bomber looks amazing on you, definitely a stand out piece! I’m also in love with those shoes, I was forever branching out and opting for heeled boots at one stage because they make me feel so sassy! I haven’t had the effort to wear them in so long but this post has deffo inspired me to bring them back and stomp around feeling fab!
Lovely post!
Lucy Jane | Infinity of Fashion
Thanks Lucy, it was such a cheeky treat but my goodness I am SO in love!
YES girl, get those heeled boots back out and strut the pavements like that bad ass you are girlie! xo
You are an absolute style QUEEN Megan! Total inspiration to wear clothes that are different but oh-so cool and sassy!
Bryony xx
http://www.bryonylaura.com
Oh youuu! Thanks Bryony babes xo
Ooh I love that Miu Miu jacket ** sadly right now I can’t afford it (and I have too many jackets anyway), but I hope I will be lucky enough to find something similar, because I really really like the vibe it gives.
I also love that you didn’t include blazers or suits among the clothes that make you feel powerful; strangely enough, I feel the most powerful when I wear my red velvet blazer hahah. Other clothes that make me feel powerful are a pair of Zara dark green trousers that look good on me no matter what, and my black beret 🙂
I’ll deffo keep an eye out for some similar high street pieces my lovely, it’s a great shape and such a statement and empowering piece!
Ahhh your powerful pieces sound DREAMY af! Thank you for sharing babes xo
Great photo’s love your blog ! I’m a first time visitor and find your photo’s and writing fabulous! I’m that rare mystical creature a man who writes a fashion blog for women. Come check me out . Ciao
Jandrew
Dress The Part
http://wwww.jandrewspeaks.com
Ahhh wow thank you 🙂 Means a lot! Checking out your blog right now! You’re so right, a rare mystical creature indeed ahhaha oxxooxox
These photos are incredible!! I definitely need to wear more platforms as I’m the same height as you, would make me feel a lot more ‘out there’ and seen I think!
Lauren x
Britton Loves | Cruelty-Free/Vegan Beauty • Lifestyle • Photography
Amazing bomber jacket I saw it first in your video and I felt in love, great outfit 🙂
http://www.ivanasworld.com
some of my favourite photos of you and such a cool location!!
Laura | roseandweston.blogspot.co.uk
Ohhh Laura Rose, thank you SO much honey x