You Are Allowed to Change Your Style (Even If It Scares You)

One of the scariest things about style, or at least my style, is this quiet thought I have carried for a long time that I cannot change. I am such a systematic person. I find what works and I stay there. I lean toward darker clothes without even thinking about it. Black has always been my go to. Sometimes I will add a little brown here and there, but real color has never been something I reach for when I am getting dressed.

It is funny because my home is the complete opposite. I am surrounded by color every single day. My space feels warm and alive and full of personality. But when it comes to what I wear, I have always kept things simple and neutral. Somewhere along the way I decided color belonged in my environment, not on my body.

Over the last two years though, I have slowly started to shift. It did not happen all at once. It started small with little pops of lime or a hint of yellow. Nothing too bold, nothing that felt like I was stepping too far outside of myself. Just enough to try something new without feeling uncomfortable. And now I can feel something changing in me. I think I am ready to explore a little more, even if it feels unfamiliar.

The other day I was talking with a coworker about getting dressed and how easy it is to just keep things basic. We both agreed that it takes less effort to throw on something simple than it does to really think about your outfit and try something different. Life is already full. Between work, home, and everything else we carry as women, it can feel like there is no extra space to play with style.

But the more I think about it, the more I wonder when that time is supposed to come. When do we ever get to turn everything off long enough to focus on ourselves and what we enjoy wearing. There is always something that needs our attention. There is always another responsibility waiting. And because of that, it becomes easier to stay in what feels safe and familiar.

The truth is, most women want to feel good in their clothes. We want to look in the mirror and like what we see. Not in a snooty fox way, but in a way that feels true to who we are. So why do we make it seem like changing our style is such a big deal? Why do we act like we are supposed to pick one look and stay there forever?

I had a moment recently that made me really think about this. I saw a yellow dress and it caught my attention right away. It was soft and pretty but still had a presence to it. It was the kind of piece that could easily become the center of an outfit. And instead of feeling excited, my first reaction was to put it l back. I immediately started thinking about how I would wear it and whether it would even feel like me. #lol your girl fumbled the ball because when I went back the next day it was gone. 

My hesitation  showed me a lot about myself. It was not about the dress, It was about me being unsure if I could step into something different. When it comes to jewelry, I do not have that problem. I will stack colorful bangles and mix textures without a second thought. That feels easy. But committing to a full outfit with color feels like a different level. It actually feels like I am cheating on my black style. I know that sounds a bit dramatic.

But, I am starting to realize that it is not really about the clothes. It is about allowing myself to be seen in a new way. 

It is about letting go of the idea that I have to stay the same just because it is what I am used to. Style is not supposed to be something that traps you in dimension. It is supposed to move with you as you grow. 

So this summer I am giving myself permission to switch things up. Not in a full revamp way and not all at once, but in a way that feels adds to my style not take away. I want to try new combinations. I want to bring more color into my outfits. I want to stop overthinking every little detail and just see what happens.

If you have been feeling that same pull to try something different, this is your reminder that you can. You do not have to change everything overnight. You can start small. Add a bold piece of jewelry. Wear a scarf in a color you would normally avoid. Choose something that feels slightly outside of your comfort zone and see how it feels.

For some people that may seem like a small step, but for others and for me it is a big one. And that matters, because every little change counts.

At the end of the day, we are all just women getting dressed and trying to feel like ourselves. There is no rule that says you have to stay the same forever. You are allowed to evolve. You are allowed to experiment. You are allowed to change your mind about what your style looks like. And that’s on Trill burgers. :)

And maybe the best part of all of this is realizing that style does not have to be so serious. It can be playful. It can be a way to reconnect with yourself. It can be something that brings a little bit of joy into your everyday life.

So if you have been holding back, consider this your moment to try changing or adding to your style

Because you are allowed to change your style, and you might be surprised by how good it feels when you finally do.

Lastly, this summer your girl is going to switch it up for real. A little more color, a little less overthinking, and a lot more just wearing what feels at the moment. And if it does not look how I want,  that is fine too. I am just here to enjoy getting dressed and restyling myself again. Come on summer I got something for you.

Drop a comment if you want to see me in full color? 

Until Next Time: Wear What The FUNK You Want! And that’s on every FUNKY thang

Xo Tangie Bell