I'm embarrassed to admit that one of the major challenges I faced at the new job last semester was my attire. I have always prided myself on not judging people based on appearances. That appearances matter little in life (and still fundamentally agree with that statement). However, I found myself realizing that in order to convey confidence both to myself, my colleagues and my students... clothing really started to matter. At a community college I have a wide array of students of diverse backgrounds. I did not want to come across as a white, know-nothing, late twenty something-- fresh out of grad school (even if its kind of true). I felt that they needed to feel confident that I knew what I was doing.
At the same time I was new to the campus, the town and the very inner-city environment from which many of my students derive. I honestly did not know how they would react to my typical quirky, colorful & mostly thrifted garb. Most of all, I did not want to seem like I could not relate to them or their backgrounds.
Lastly, I came to realize that half of what counts in giving a good lecture was feeling confident--both physically and intellectually. If I was the least bit uncomfortable in something that was a bit too tight or revealing, or linty, or faded, or holy-- it made me really self-conscious. Here I now was standing in a much smaller room (classes here are much smaller) in front of a group of 28 sets of eyes.
Needless to say, given that much of my wardrobe is thrifted-- there are lots of paint splatters, fades, holes, snug seams and loose ones. I found myself wearing outfits that were "practical," dare I say "functional" for the task at hand. My most challenging days were faculty meetings! How did I convey to my colleagues that I'm not too young and no I'm not a student here :) Combine this challenge with very little time to thrift or shop. Some days I felt myself, other days I felt like I was losing a bit of myself in dressing for this new role in my life. I had many stressful mornings trying on a million things--as D. patiently watched and gave quiet advice (so as not to upset me).
But.... lets not get overly dramatic. Clothing is still only clothing, right? I'm still me. This long post is to tell you that one of my goals in the new year is to slowly uncover me, or should I say dress me better. The me that is now a professor. I don't feel like I should have to become more "practical" or boring, and I certainly don't have to purchase brand new clothing to do that. Since I also have more time for myself this semester, and I feel more and more comfortable each day at my campus-- I'm making more of an effort to dress the way I like. To keep me on my toes-- the goal is to make myself take more outfit photos.
Here are a few from the last week.
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| Monday (Thrifted dress, belt) |
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| Tuesday (Thrifted dress, blazer) |
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| Wednesday (Thrifted skirt, blouse, belt, & shoes!) Scarf-- crocheted by me! Flowers- lovingly arranged by D. from the throw-away pile (the perks of having a hubby who works at the coop) |
Your outfits are adorable! LOVE the handmade scarf in the last one! =)
ReplyDelete=) oops! Sorry! Signed into the wrong account.... anyone know how to DELETE an old Blog? =) Still think your outfits are adorable!
ReplyDeleteI love your outfit posts! You know the part where you talked about D who was quietly (so as not to upset you) giving advice while you tried on a gazillion outfits...you poor gal...I imagine that if you are anything like me then you were probably REALLY worried and close to tears with frustration. It's lovely D knows you so well. I just had this conversation with my hub the other day about appearance affecting how people can percieve us....its true....humans do use appearance as a judging tool when attempting to figure out a new person they do not know.
ReplyDeleteman sometimes i wish i didn't love clothes so much. i feel like people have it easy if they just put on slacks and a solid colored top and call it a day. LOVING clothes means having too many choices and thinking about it all too much and it also means knowing and caring (as you explain) how you want to appear to the world as well as yourself. personally i actually love this whole journey and i think it shows a lot of pizazz and style and artistic expression. but it can be trying, especially when for the reasons you explain, you have to fit in. you are doing BEAUTIFULLY at capturing your own style and still looking professional! seriously, i admire that wonderful balance you are finding. it is one of the reasons i have shyed away from pursuing teaching at the college level. (how sad is that?!) i don't want to wear demure clothes! when i had a full time classified job at the community college i got looks from higher-ups, and i am talking allll the way up and down looks!?! i mostly wore long hippie skirts with little cardigans. nothing too crazy, right?! no one ever said anything but i did feel sort of like the young whippersnapper. they liked me anyway though, luckily!
ReplyDeletewell i hope to eventually send you some pretties that will help fit into these lovely looks you're dreaming up!
Andrea, your style is perfection. These outfits are very "you." So, I'd say you are doing a good job so far.
ReplyDeleteI had very similar feelings before this semester started and a very small budget to work with. Not to mention, the mommy gear I have been wearing for two years was just not going to cut it. I basically had a pair of black pants and a shit to start with. Since I am becoming me and more a minimalist these days, I was convinced I did not need much. Still it was difficult to find those few pieces I could afford and were versatile enough to get me through a few months. I basically trashed anything I did not like and am now working from the bottom up. I think it is fun to find a professional style that works and is comfortable/functional. One of my goals this yer is to learn how to sew clothes - blouses and tops, at least, so I can make a few pieces that are the fabric, cut, and colors that I love and look good on me.
So good to read your posts again.
I love the skirt in the last outfit and overall I think you do a good job of looking polished, but still unique. It can be hard to look put together and not zany with thrifting or vintage, but you pull it off as a personal and professional style. Overall, I think it's important to dress in things that you're comfortable and confident in regardless of what you're doing. If you spend the entire evening out with friends making sure your bra isn't peaking through a blouse that has some gaps between buttons or hiking your skirt down, it's not going to be fun for anyone especially you. Dressing in something that fits and flatters is the first rule of style and it looks like you have it down.
ReplyDeleteI like the last look best. Separates work well on you. You don't look like you are trying to hard with that look. The blazer in the second one though? I'm not a fan. It may be the picture, but it doesn't look like it fits you well. Also, I think blazers are a snore. If they are a unique color/texture/pattern they can be neat, but too often they are the go to for work appropriateness. Like throwing a blazer on will mean you are authoritative, but I don't get that vibe from blazers. If the clothes fit you well, are the right lengths and you have good posture then THAT is what gives you an authoritative look.
ReplyDeleteSuper cute, Andrea! I really like the belted red sweater and the handmade cowl! Good work! And your curls look so happy in their new length...
ReplyDeleteI faced the same problem when I started teaching--I hated being mistaken for my 18 year old students--but I was young and fresh-faced and not ready for (financially or style-wise) "suits."
It's tough to find a professional look that fits a funky personality and has the wiggle room of a more relaxed teaching environment. Nice scores.
I always found that simple worked best--I thrifted only the best-fitting, most versatile garments made of quality materials. Quality fabric trumps all else, I think--you can look more elegant and teacherly in a cashmere sweater and slim wool pants thank you will in a cheap, ill-fitting polyester blazer, even though a blazer is a "professional" staple.
Andrea, thanks for your sweet post about my banners!
I loved seeing them in your home--it's an honor!
I thought I had left a gushy comment on that post, but maybe you didn't catch it. Anyway--I'm so glad that they are happy in your beautiful, warm home!
xoxo,
Gina
Are cardigans timeless? My SIL recently asked me if I considered myself a "shoe person" and I told her no, that I was not. I have about 4 or 5 pairs for different weather or situations but that's about it. (And even that seems like too much.) But then I was thinking about it and I am definitely a cardigan person - I own 12 different styles and colors (ok, less colors. What can I say? I love the aubergines.)Some of it does relate to my work environment (live in Florida, work in a cold building) and the need to layer. Anyway. Just random thoughts, I guess. I always like to see your fashion posts. Remember our friendship was based first on Makeup Alley. :)
ReplyDeleteAndrea! I love what you've done with "professional" dressing. I've always found dress-codes, whether explicit or unspoken both restricting and inspiring. You're garb here is the perfect example of how one need not sacrifice personal style for looking like a "grown up" (something I'm still decidedly working on;)
ReplyDeleteAnd you know what, I bet even if you showed up looking a little more thrifty, they'd still be dazzled by your intellect. You are one inspiring lady. So much love to you.