This turtleneck is a big step for me you guys.
I always used to stay away from turtlenecks because I didn’t feel like they flattered me very well.
Honestly? I thought I needed to be skinnier to really pull them off.
Silly I know.
This past year has been an extremely hard year for me. I basically was stripped of everything I felt I knew about myself and in a sense, it feels like I’m having to rebuild myself.
Something about this process has been giving me a renewed sense of “what the heck?”
What I mean is, I’ve decided to say screw it to my inner critic and wear the dang turtleneck.
I definitely believe in dressing for your body type, but I also think we should never make a clothing choice based off of an inner dialogue of “this would look better on me if I were x, y, or z.”
Clothing doesn’t make us pretty, it complements the beauty that we already have.
When I talk to Kit, I recently switched my language when I complement her. Instead of saying “you look so pretty in that dress!”, I’ve been saying “you make that dress look so pretty!”
It’s a subtle difference for sure, but I want her to grow up not believing the lie that she needs external factors to be pretty. She is pretty just as she is.
And I’ve realized that I need to be telling myself that as well. This turtleneck isn’t that powerful. It won’t look better on me if I am skinnier and it won’t look better on me if I am heavier. It’s just a turtleneck.
How I wear the turtleneck (i.e. with confidence), is much more important than my size.
What about you guys? Do you have pieces you stay away from because you don’t think they would look good on you?
Outfit Details:
Turtleneck: Betina Lou c/o | Affordable Ethical Option
Neutral Sneakers: Converse | Ethical Option
Blanket Scarf: Old Madewell | Similar
Backpack: Old from Marshalls | Similar
To see my outfits in real life, visit me on Instagram!
My capsule in it’s entirety can be found here
Until next time,
Love this so much! It really makes such a difference to word it that way!
Thanks Karen! I’m trying to say it to myself as well. I think we all need that reminder!
I love this new format of your blog. I love coming here, seeing the pics and reading your words every day.
Wise words. I will have to start doing this with my 3 1/2 old. It feels silly when I tell her she is pretty. She is. But she also is very smart and a lot of other positive qualities which I don’t say that often.
Thank you so much Andrea! It was definitely a risk on my part, so I’m glad that it’s resonating with you. And I totally agree with you! I so often forget to compliment Kit on the many things that she is outside of being pretty.
Hi, Karin!
In my efforts to build a small, eco-friendly, high-quality capsule wardrobe, I’ve bumped into your blog again and again. I’m a homeschool mom who’s been living in denial about the kinds of clothes I actually need for my daily life. “Spend $150 on a fancy dress I’ll wear once this year? Sure! I don’t need underwear or jeans or pajamas or anything!” One of the things that has drawn me back to your pictures and your words is the sense of acceptance you have for yourself. Growing up in the 80’s, I was convinced that I had to be very skinny with LONG, skinny legs to be beautiful. (Cindy Crawford, anyone?) Even now, when I put on a pair of jeans or a dress, I’m thinking, “Does this make my legs look longer? Do I look too short?” I’m 5′ 8″, but you wouldn’t know it from pictures, because I’m all rounded out with thick legs and full hips. I’ve spent thirty-seven years trying to look like I have a different body than I do, and I’m just weary. Thanks for being open with your readers, for being bold in your beauty, and for allowing space for others to do the same.
I love this Helena! I also have those same insecurities… especially about my short torso. And I’m fairly short as well. 🙂 I’m so glad you are finding this place to be a space to find happiness with your body and lifestyle. Ultimately that’s the biggest thing I’m trying to communicate here. Thank you so much for sharing!