Step out of your style cocoon

It’s Saturday, and as you know we don’t usually publish a column on the weekends – after all every girl needs a day or two to shop. But today I made an exception.  Not only because I’m sitting at home reading through my stack of girly magazines, but because yesterday, it happened again.  I tried on an outfit I “knew” wouldn’t look good on me and absolutely loved it!

It’s amazing how many times this has happened, not only to me but when I insist a friend tries on an outfit that she is sceptical about.

After one friends’ absolute amazement at how fabulous she looked – and she really, really did – in an outfit that she insisted was “not for her”, she gave me the title of “Style Guru”.  I don’t know if I deserve that title, because I am guilty of being far too comfortable in my style cocoon .  It’s a safe place to be.  Safe, but but utterly boring!

Ladies, get out there and get creative with your fashion sense.  That’s what change rooms are for! If you don’t like it you don’t have to buy it.  Try on an outfit you think you wouldn’t like and see what happens.  Now, I’m not suggesting you pick a hideous outfit that you hate – I’m thinking more along the lines of those outfits that grab your attention.  You know the ones you touch and decide are not for you, but can think of a million people who they would look good on .  Go for it – try it on and have some fun.  You may love it or you may hate it, but either way you will give yourself a chance to step out of your boring style cocoon.

My fabulous little outfit came from Truworths.  Now, being blessed with my own curves (that I’m still no convinced are all a blessing), I always thought that ruffles and layers would make me look like, well, like a ruffled cupcake.  Yesterday, I was on a mission to find a LBD, when I bumped into this number.  It was a simple black halter that ended just below the knee, with layers and layers of simple, but elegant satin ruffles.  I picked it out of the rack and stared at it for some time, picking out all the flaws that would show when I wore it.  I had a bit of time to kill, so tried it on just to prove how terrible it would look.

So, I got my size and eagerly went to the change rooms – by the way, Truworths have the best change rooms – they are spacious, comfortable, carpeted and they don’t have those hideous lights that highlight every flaw.  Ok, anyways, back to my story. So I slipped this little number on and felt like a little girl trying on a princesses’ dress – it was fabulous. I twirled and twirled and just had to have it.  When I got home, the first thing I did was try it on again – with heels and accessories, just to see if it was really that great, or if it may have been Truworths’ magic mirrors that made it look so good.

The verdict – fabulous! I can’t wait to wear it – I have a premier coming up next week, and think this may be a perfect opportunity to show off my new number.

If you’re stuck in a style cocoon, I challenge you to step out!  The next time you go shopping and you’re trying on an outfit – pick another one (just for fun) that you wouldn’t normally wear.  I’m talking about a colour you don’t think will look good on you or a style you think you’ll hate.  Take the risk and see what happens – think of it as your very own, possible style transformation in the change room.

Enjoy and good luck!