I'm 5ft4 and I often shout about that fact.
However, it doesn't stop people commenting on how much shorter I am in real life. I know, I know, I look taller in my snaps, that's the sheer beauty of photography, you can trick the camera into making you look all kinds of different, yes, you're right my life is a lie.
Well, not all my life. Just the fact that I'm actually almost pocket sized, yet in the photographs I share I look at least 5ft7, genius ey!?
But despite me often looking taller, I'm actually pretty happy to be shorter than the average joe and whilst it has been something that has bothered me for many years, I've decided to embrace my short legs and even shorter body and just bloody roll with it.
There are SO many tips and tricks I could give for tricking the camera into thinking you were a heck load taller, slimmer and a touch more attractive than you actually are, if thats what you fancy (let me know if you'd like to read more on these) but today I want to discuss the whole embracing yourself and who you are, flaws and all.
I use the term flaws lightly, because I don't actually believe that any of us have flaws when it comes to the way we look. We're all different and thats what makes us beautiful. It's taken me some time to get here don't get me wrong, I used to compare myself to others on the reg, but now, in 2018 at the ripe old age of 25, I've found peace with myself and the way I look, short little curvy legs and all.
For as long as I can remember I've always opted for a platform or a heel of some sort. And whilst they'll always be my secret weapon when I'm needing to feel my most sassy self, (see last week's post for more on this) comfort is something I'm leaning towards more and more these days.
I want to feel confident yes, but I want to be comfortable more, two things that I think really should go hand in hand don't you? When you're comfortable you're confident and vice versa, so Converse and flat yet oh-so chunky ankle boots are my vice lately.
Even with figure sculpting jeans such as the humble bootleg, these being from Next, I decided to throw caution to the wind and my previous styling thought process and rock them with a pair of fresh out of the box Converse high-tops (RIP 12 year old babies) to embrace my height and show you what I really bloody look like sans heels.
LEATHER JACKET- c/o ALL SAINTS, TOP- LAZY OAF, JEANS- c/o & OTHER STORIES, BOOTS - c/o OFFICE, BAG- ANYA HINDMARCH c/o SELFRIDGES
I have a lot of love for a bootleg jean; Not only is it totes nostalgic for me as it was my trouser and jean shape of choice throughout the nineties, but I find it often gets overlooked for more relaxed shapes, I've always loved an underdog. But with the latest denim trends throwing shade to relaxed fits and distressed finishes in favour for selvedge denim and dark indigo washes, these bootleg babies are just the pair for me.
I'm also suitably impressed that these jeans actually allow me to wear flats with them, they're the perfect length without dragging along the floor which in itself is a minor miracle. However, don't get me wrong I've also worn them with my trusty platform boots too for the ultimate seventies style points (see this look here)
GILET- TOPSHOP (SIMILAR), KNIT- BELLA FREUD, JEANS- c/o NEXT, BAG- c/o MULBERRY, TRAINERS- CONVERSE
I think at this time of the year it's important to experiment, to revisit your wardrobe and your most loved and unloved items and to shake them up a little bit. To style them with different pieces to create something new altogether (see this post if you need a dose of inspiration) and to go against your styling norms and most importantly to stick a middle finger up to the styling "rules"
And thats exactly what I did with this look today. Not exactly the most on trend or extraordinary get up, but a look that is made up of pieces that I love, yet have neglected in my wardrobe. I was in a little slump, unsure with what to wear and I just started throwing things from my rails and onto my body and this is what I came up with. It's comfy, it's cosy and it's me. It's a look made up of pieces you've seen before, but it's real and I hope you don't mind that not everything is necessarily available for you to pick up.
It's purely here for inspiration, something I'm trying harder to focus on, rather than sharing the NEW NEW NEW with you all the bloody time. I'm really conscious about how much I have and would truly love to live with less, so this is me dipping my toe and sharing something not particularly new, but something that you'll all be able to conjure up using items you already have in your wardrobe.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on this.
Is it 100% vital that you must be able to pick up each exact item that I wear? Or is it okay sometimes to feature older items purely for style inspiration purposes? It's definitely something I'd like your feedback on and something I'd like to explore some more in upcoming posts.
So that was a bit of a brain fart of a post wasn't it. I'm not really sure how I went from being short, to bootleg jeans, to revisiting my wardrobe and a brief look into my thoughts on my own personal consumerism but hey, I sometimes just like to let my fingers do the talking and this is where we've ended up.
As always I'd love to create a discussion in the comments about any of the above topics, I'm keen to hear what you'd like to read more of and I just love having a good ole natter with you lot twice a week!
See ya on Thursday!
x M
Yes to this post. ??
I think it’s a great idea to feature less of the new and posting more of your loved items, it’s refreshing as in this day in age it’s all new new new and not everyone can relate or afford to buy something every week or keep up with the latest trends, it’s all become so materialistic so I wholeheartedly am behind this post and this idea!! Thank you Megan for just keeping it real and doing you! 🙂
Ps. Huge congrats on the L’Oréal Campaign, you look amazing!
Oh Nicola I’m SO glad you enjoyed the post! I couldn’t agree with you more with regards to NEW NEW NEW so I’m thrilled you’re happy to see some older pieces for inspirational purposes!
Lots of love x
I loved this look, Megan. It’s kind of a relief to see an outfit made up of “older” pieces, as opposed to brand new items, because it eliminates the FOMO feeling of not being able to afford those new cool pieces. It serves purely as inspiration to return to my own wardrobe and see what I can come up with, which is great.
Also, I’m quite tall and curvy/ busty and I’ve ALWAYS wished i could be tiny and petite and small. I’m still working on my physical insecurities (sometimes it’s easy and sometimes it’s really damn hard), and I’m glad you are too. It just goes to show that the old cliche of “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” is so true & the only real option in life is to accept + embrace yourself as you are, as hard as it may be. Anyway, enough with the stream of consciousness babble haha. I love your content and you’ve inspired my style endlessly. So thank you!
All the love, from South Africa!
Ohhh Megan (nice name honey bunny!) I’m so glad you liked seeing some older pieces, thats so so great to hear.
Ahhh really!? Your figure sounds THE DREAM to me! But hey, we always want what we haven’t got ey? However, that being said I LOVE that age old saying of beauty is in the eye of the beholder, how true!
Thanks so much for the gorgeous comment babe xo
I loved that you shared this post and how you reworked items that you already have in your wardrobe. I’m trying to lessen buying new clothes, too, but it’s quite hard to do since I love to go shopping. So it’s lovely to see posts like these where you show us different ways to style pieces you already have. <3
HAHA I’m with you on the struggle of not buying, I adore online shopping SO much and having something new to wear, but it’s totally something I’m conscious about! Thank you darling xo
I have the opposite issue, being 5′ 11″, so I love to see how you style flats! Having things that are always new is not the best part of your posts, your creativity and joyful style is! xx
Ohh Shauna thanks so much, I’m so glad you don’t mind me using older items! xo
I really appreciated this post Megan as I often struggle with how to style a super casual outfit without making it look scruffy whereas you have a real flair for adding interest to even the most paired down of pieces. I think very stylish women often underestimate how much their casual dressing can also serve as a source of inspiration. I would love to see you create more content that is specifically anti fast fashion, showing us how you breathe new life into the workhorse items in your wardrobe. I think it could stand alone and doesn’t necessarily need to compete with your new in videos, which I also love.
With the new in stuff I wonder if it ever feels like being stuck between a rock and a hard place. I personally really appreciate that through you trying so much I’m able to make more informed, satisfying choices as a consumer. It’s like having access to my own fashion filter!
P.S. my little sister is also 5’4. I’m 5’7 and I look at her and think 5’4 is just a divine height. She’s all about the big, clunky boots, smudged eyeliner and oversized jackets, looking like she’s stumbled straight out of the movie ‘Heathers’. I think 5’4 is the best of both worlds. Throw on heels and you’ve got legs for days yet you also have the option to look equally badass in youthful fashion like dungarees, cartoon prints and clashing colours, which I find you can often exploit more aggressively.
Oh Sarah thank you ever so much for reading and for the gorgeous comment, it means SO much to hear from you!
I REALLY love what you said about breathing new life into the workhorse items, I think this is TOTALLY something I’m going to run with, so thank you for the inspiration! I truly appreciate it!
Your little sister sounds like an utter babe!!!!!! But my goodness 5’7 would be my ideal height I have to say, you lucky little lady youuu! xo
I LOVE how you’re finding pieces from your wardrobe that aren’t necessarily on trend, or brand new, but that you love and feel comfortable in. Such a breath of fresh air, and inspiring to small bloggers such as myself who are constantly feeling the pressure to feature with new, on trend outfits, their items immediately available for others to buy! P.s I am 4’11 at 20 yrs of age 🙂
much love xxx
georgiathroughthepages.blogspot.co.uk
Georgia, thank you so much for the lovely comment, I’m so glad you like the reusing of items within my wardrobe! It’s such a hard thing to get right and to know what is best, but I’m so glad you, along with the other ladies in the comments are liking it! Thank you babe x
“It’s purely here for inspiration, something I’m trying harder to focus on, rather than sharing the NEW NEW NEW with you all the bloody time.” Love that line. This post did inspire me, so thanks, Megan! As always, I love the positive vibes from the colors that pop out from your outfits!
x M
Ohhhh M, thank you darling, means a lot that you enjoyed the post xo
I definitely would love to see more of your personal wardrobe because I absolutely love your idea of playing around with pieces that represents who you are. As a uni student, I find it hard to purchase every on-trend item so it will definitely help give me inspiration on my own clothing choices.
Also, thank you for inspiring me to embrace my height as well, I’m only 5′ 2″ & I find it very frustrating to deal with from time to time.
Suzin
I’m so glad you enjoyed this post babe and I will FOR SURE be delving into my wardrobe and my older pieces to offer up some new and hopefully some inspiring outfit ideas! Thank you gorge x
Loved this post so much! Personally I take inspiration from all of your post and try to recreate it with what I have in my own wardrobe and I would love to see more more posts about your personal wardrobe since they show which pieces you truly love and reach for every now and again over time. Also restyling “older” clothes is what I find hardest so this post was so helpful!
At times where so many people are all about that scandi and minimalistic style I just love how you keep inspiring us with your colourful and quirky outfits. You really make me reach for more colours for my daily outfits and I find that really uplifting so thank you so much for that!
xxx
Oh Marlenaaaa! This means so much, I’m thrilled that you like my colourful style… YAY for all the colours! I agree that finding love for “older” items in your wardrobe is tough, so I will for sure be featuring more of these in my posts from now on! Thank you gorge x
I love when people re-use pieces from previous outfits and work them into different looks! That’s how a wardrobe works at the end of the day!
I always worry about re-working the same pieces too, but day to day, I love the same old pieces! xxx
You’re SO right! xo
I’m the exact same height Megan! It always makes me feel better though that according to Google, “the average English women is 5’3″!” That means we’re above average!! Haha Anyway, I think you always look amazing and like you have legs for days! Loved this post as always,
Georgie x
Oh wow, thats fascinating, I had no idea the average height was 5ft3, interesting! I always presumed it would be taller. OMG I’m taller than average.. What a day! ahahha!
x
Yes! I’m so happy your restyling faves and sharing them on here!! Last year I swore off fast fashion and shopping (except for the essentials) but I still always read your blog because I love your bold styling and I genuinely love reading your posts, and it’s really refreshing to see bloggers wear things more than once these days lol.
YAY I’m so glad you’re excited that I’ll be restyling old faves some more! I’m so glad you still read my blog, that means the world babe! Thank you gorgeous x
I’m a uni student and I’m studying Fashion Promotion so to see this kind of blog post is something I definitely needed to feel a bit better about the fact I can’t buy clothes on the reg as, of course, I’m a student haha. We need to see more posts like this as sometimes it’s easy to get down about the fact I can’t buy all the amazing clothes I want to and can sometimes feel abit worthless as a fashion student! Thanks Megan, this is refreshing! X
Oh fabulous, hows uni going? I loved my course!
I’m glad you’re on board with the restyling of my faves, yay! x
Hi Megan
I love this look this is me on a regular opting for comfort ?! I’m only 5’1 so even smaller than yourself, proper pocket sized so any tips on looking taller in pics rather than having my friends bend would be great haha!!
I love the finding and reworking clothes you already have, sometimes when you find something you haven’t seen in ages and style it up it feels like it’s new!
Fab post as always!
Pammie xx
YAY on the opting for comfort!
TBH it’s all about getting the photographer/friend to get low haha! Thats my fave trick 😉
I’m so thrilled that you’re considering sharing most posts featuring older clothes. I find the *new new new* aspect of fashion blogging so relentless – I honestly think it creates a sense of nothing in life being quite right until you have x/y/z. Everything becomes so throwaway, and it creates this pressure to always be ahead of the game. I swear, it can be anxiety inducing. The thing with you and your posts is that you’re a genuinely talented stylist with heaps of individuality and creativity. I love your ability to create looks out of the most random of items, so I love the idea of seeing more of you simply digging into your wardrobe and showing us what you come up with. Clothes can have such sentimental value, it would be a waste not to share items you treasure and their backstories even. So yeah – seriously, you can totally get away with posting more looks intended just as inspiration! I for one have been massive inspired by your use of colour over the years. There are other bloggers out there who just post variations on the same look over and over again, just with new (usually expensive) versions of the same old stuff, but that’s never the case with you. Basically, yes please! X
YAY I’m so glad that you’re on board with the sharing of older items! I can imagine the newness getting a little tedious, but I don’t think you should see it as nothignb eing quite right babe, thats never been my mentality, it’s purely to showcase the latest trends and offer style inspiration 🙂
Thank you so much for the lovely words about being a stylist, that means the world! I completely agree about the sentimental value of clothing, it would be SUCH a huge waste not to share more of them!
Ohhh Ash, your comment has really made my day, I’m so glad you enjoy my use of colour and the things I share, it means the world!
Lots of love to you babe and hope we can stay in touch xo
I’ve only just seen your reply here (I just commented on your latest post and thought I’d check back) and just wanted to say that I’m also totally on board with you sharing new stuff so please don’t think I meant that in a negative way – I bloody love clothes shopping and a little guidance as to what’s new and exciting out there is always appreciated!! I just really love it when new and old can be mixed together, like you often do. So yes, in short, big big fan of your work over here! X
You look so amazing in this look, red is definitely a perfect colour on you! To me, people have more style if they can style the same piece in 6 completely different ways than if they’re constantly just sharing whats new on the market. I understand that fashion is forever changing and don’t get me wrong, I adore seeing the new trends and styles through the seasons but I think we’ve reached a point in the fashion industry where everything has to be new and its frustrating. Out with the old and in with the new is creating so SO much waste, I recommend watching ‘The true cost’ on Netlfix, really opened my eyes. I try to focus on sustainable fashion on my blog through my # Charity Shop Bops where all my outfits include charity shop finds! I think the fashion industry is in need of a big change in regards to how much new stuff is constantly being manufactured because its pretty ridiculous and saddening when you see the facts. Nevertheless, I adore this post and you look wonderful!
Lucy Jane | Infinity of Fashion
Ohhh Lucy Jane thank you darling! Means a lot.
I’m DEFFO with you on what a talent it is to be able to style the same piece in completely different ways, that deffo takes a stylist!
Thanks for the recommendation on the Netflix programme, I’ll give it a whirl for sure! xo
Oh Megan I absolutely love your style & attitude to fashion, so whatever you share I will love! I do think it’s nice to see you incorporating your older pieces with newer ones, & Yes I do love to be able to buy your pieces, but any inspo is amaze!! ❤️ Plz never stop sharing your content ? Xx
Ohh Sophie thank you darling, means a lot! LOADS OF LOVE TO YOU GIRLIE X
I loved this! I delve into my wardrobe to create newness by putting old pieces together which i have never thought to before. Sometimes its a ‘meh’ but other times I find a great new outfut I didn’t know I had!
More if this would be amazing and some tips on how to go about styling older outfits up and inspo would be great!
Love all your videos too so if this was included in these too then that would also be dreamy 🙂
Keep doing what you’re doing!
M x
Ahhh I love that so much, it really is like hitting the jackpot when you find an unworn outfit combination!
Awesome, I’m thrilled you’re on board for restyling the oldies!
Lots of love x
I’m as tall as you, Megan! I was so happy to have found a fashion blogger as tall as me, you have no idea!! (Althought where I live 5’4″ is the average height, more or less, but many of my friends are taller than me). I don’t think I’ve worn heels in the past year, besides my creepers platform, and I don’t regret it in the slightest hahah
This outfit looks so cozy and stylish, I love it ?
And feel free to feature older pieces of clothing in your outfits, it makes them more relatable ^^
YAY! Hello there fellow 5ft4-er! Thanks for your comment babe, I’ll be sure to feature older pieces from here on out! xo
Baby Meg, I truly loved this post! I had to look in google what 5ft4 was… cause in Argentina we measure everything in meters. We are the same height, but I never “struggle” with it, I think it’s a acceptable size, not too small not too tall, great to wear heels, great to wear converse.
I honestly believe in re-vamping clothes. And since I came across with your channel and instagram, I felt more inspired than ever. I bought several items the past months, but I took a pleated skirt from my granma’s closet that it’s just fantastic, and I’ve been loving playing around with it. I’ve declutter a bit, and got in touch with so many pieces I forgot that I had.
So, I WOULD LOVE to see more of this kinda post! Cause I believe that being a true fashion stylist or blogger- or whatever you wanna call it- is not about buying everything you want and see, but knowing how to put together different styles, colours, textures, wether they are new or old.
And… youtube recommendation: would love to see a new DENIM DETOX STYLE CHALLENGE. thats a hard one!!!!!
love love love, Mech
Thanks darling, I’m so glad you enjoyed the blog post. I’m glad you never struggle with your height, I no longer do, I actually really bloody love being petite now 😀 I’ve done a denim detox before, find it here…. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIZKWR9_wuk&t=5s&list=PLGUwI61MgJBN7mRGTzvDOS3tJh3TaTNW9&index=13 xx
Love love LOVE you’re style, i’m 5’10 so I’m basically the giant of my friendship group, but I love being tall!! Loving your youtube channel at the mo too xx
Ohhh thanks babe sosoosoo much for the lovely comment! xo
Dear Megan,
You should know that your ability to style even the most pared down of outfits is absolutely inspiring! I’m in college, and have found it so easy to fall into style ruts when it comes to dressing down. I love rocking sky-high platforms and a mini on a night out, but I’ve never felt as confident in jeans and sneakers, mostly since the extra height I get from heels always makes me feel so much more confident and like a true badass. But your styling here is impeccable! Cozy and cute with that extra bit of flair that seems to come from your own Mancunian sensibilities. I absolutely love how you’re embracing your height, and you should know that your blog gave me the confidence to embrace some things about myself that normally drive me crazy! (Like my long torso and my wavy hair- I’ve even started wearing more crops than I ever thought I would and my sea salt spray has a new life!) Keep doing what you do best, babe, and know that a lot of us girls Stateside are finding tons of inspo in your badass (and oh so pocket-size) self!
Xx,
Devin
Ohhh babe thank you so much for the totally lovely comment, it means sosos much! I agree with the feeling confident in heels rather than trainers, but it’s such an amazing feeling when you learn to embrace your size and rock trainers regardless of the lack of leg lengthening. It’s incredible to hear that my blog gave you the confidence to embrace some things that you weren’t so confident about, wow that is SO amazing!
Stateside!?!?! OMG! WOWOWOWOW Where abouts?
x
I absolutely don’t mind not being able to buy your clothes (or similar ones). I think it’s absolutely genius to take some pieces from your wardrobe that you’ve forgotten and style them. Also, it’s very important to embrace your height. I’m 5ft8 and it has its advantages and disadvantages but hey who cares as long as you’re confortable 🙂
Lots of love,
Sandra
Ahhh Sandra I’m so glad you’re on board with this! Faaaabulous news! xo
Amazing look. I fall in love with the bag such a beautiful colours 🙂
http://www.ivanasworld.com
It’s awesome right, so super seventies! xo
Hey Megan 🙂 I’m just gonna say more of the same (all the girls above said all the good stuff) but I loved this post. I love seeing some pieces several times, it’s true that all the New-new-new wave can be overwhelming. It’s not relatable to me at least, I don’t really buy the “trendy” items because fashion goes way too fast anyway and I’m still a student, so I rarely buy new clothes. I like giving a long and loving life to what I own, so it’s nice to see girls like you do the same 🙂 I think it’s such a waste to wear something only once or twice, to me clothes aren’t really meant to be so disposable. I’ll continue to love your posts no matter what, because you have the best content anyway, featuring old or new 🙂 <3
Ohhh Madeline, I’m so glad to hear your up for seeing more of the old and less of the new 🙂 I too think it’s such a shame to wear a piece only once or twice and it’s something I’m making a conscious decision to do less of. I want to give pieces a loving home and style them in a number of different ways so I’m so glad you’re on board with this x