My Uniform and How My Personal Style Has Changed

I feel like everyone has an outfit that they just gravitate towards. One that, no matter what day, season or how they're feeling, they've got something that they like the look of, feel comfortable in, and reach for all the time. This is mine, and it has been for the longest time. I love shirts, particularly checkered shirts. I have for as long as I can remember, and I've got quite a few of them now. Whenever I see them in shops, I'm always tempted, and I definitely find myself having to hold back. Why do I love them so much? I have absolutely no idea. But I do... in fact, I'm wearing one now! Not the one you see in these photos, as I'm typing this a couple of days after I took these images. Regardless, I love shirts.

(Side note: it's so easy to accidentally type a different word instead of shirt...rhymes with pit...)

I didn't really realise until recently how often I ended up in a shirt + jeans combo. But I began to think about what outfits I end up wearing most often, and I am 100% definitely a jeans and a t-shirt kinda gal. But in my case, more of a check shirt and jeans kinda gal... and I really don't mind!

It can be really tempting when you write a blog to want to put on a bit of a persona and show off outfits that are a bit of a statement, just because they're more interesting. But the more I thought about it, the more I realised that that just isn't me... at least, not anymore.

When I was in my teens, I was very experimental with fashion. I read loads of magazines (I still do...) and loads of blogs (I still do...) and I really tried to copy the looks I saw. I loved experimenting, and I really didn't mind too much what people thought. It was fun! When I turned 17 though, I started to date a new boy, and he had quite a particular way he liked women to look. He would often tell me that my outfits weren't nice, or that he didn't like something, so over time (we were together 4 years) I found myself being less and less daring. It's sad for me to think about that, because looking back I really wish that I hadn't let him impact on me so much. I should have been stronger and stood up for what I wanted (and left him way sooner than I did) but I was young, and easily influenced.

The way I dress now has changed again. I'd say I've found a happy balance now. I've gone back to experimenting with how I dress more. I try new things, but I'm also conscious of my body type, and wanting to flatter it. Do I think you shouldn't wear something because it doesn't "flatter you?" Absolutely not! You rock what ever you want to rock, girl. But I'm aware of myself, whether I feel comfortable or not, and if I like something, I'll wear it! It also helps that my boyfriend, Tom, is the sweetest, and actually likes when I try something new (and he's never once told me I look bad in something, so... I'm keeping this one!).

So this brings me back full circle. I love a shirt and jeans. It's my "working at home" outfit. It's what I put on when I want to look nice, but feel comfortable, like I'm able to move, like I can rock up to a lunch with friends and look nice, but equally lounge around at home. It's my go to. If I want to dress it up, I'll throw on a hat and some cool boots. If I want to dress it down, I'll pair it with these Girlfriend jeans from GAP (the comfiest jeans you've EVER worn in your life!). It just works for me.

What's your uniform and how has your style changed over the years? I'd love to know!

Shirt: H&M (old) Similar hereJeans: GAPShoes: Musto X Clarkes (old)Bag: Spice FalmouthNecklace: Uneeka