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Monday 13 March 2017

Outfits that give us confidence

Clothes for confidence: black MaxMara jacket, cropped trousers and red accessories
We all have a couple of outfits that are our "go to" outfits when we need to feel confident. When I'm going to an event such as a conference or interview where I need to impress, I can always depend on my black jacket (above) worn with trousers which are "of the moment" - as in cropped trousers today - and either metallic boots in winter or sandals or edgy flats in summer.

The jacket is a MaxMara but was an amazing bargain. I was rummaging in the House of Fraser department store in Swindon a few years ago when, on the sale rail, I found this divine jacket. And it was reduced to £10!

I'm wearing it with a white blouse from Peter Hahn (sold out, but this one is similar) and cropped trousers from Next. The sandals are by Vionic - they were sent to me to review. I haven't had chance to wear them all day yet (it wasn't warm enough to venture out in sandals last week) but my initial impressions are good: I was immediately aware there was some divine cushioning under my feet, podiatrist-designed technology to provide orthotic support, relief and stability which helps realign the feet back to their natural position.

I added a couple of red accents with my felt rose by Jo's Designs (Etsy) and red bag. Not to mention the lippy and nail polish.
Clothes for confidence: black MaxMara jacket, cropped trousers and red accessories
My other confidence outfit is this:
Confidence outfits: grey Vivienne Westwood skirt and black embellished jumper from Boden
I tend to wear this if I'm going to meeting women a lot younger than me. My logic, which is probably flawed, is that as it's a Vivienne Westwood skirt it defies fashion trends. Her skirts and dresses are known to be figure flattering and the draping is very distinctive.

I didn't pay the full price for this skirt either, which has a bit of a story behind it.  There's a site called Hardly Ever Worn It where you can buy second hand designer clothes and accessories. Occasionally they have clothes provided by a celebrity. In the case of my skirt it was Carol Vorderman, who will be well known to UK readers. So I have Carol's skirt! It's a size 10 and at the moment a little bit snug, if I'm honest, as I still haven't shed the seven pounds gained between Sept and Dec last year.

I always feel confident in Peter Pan collar tops and have several. This one is from Oasis (past season). 

The jumper is one I've had for a couple of years, from Boden, which has a blingy collar.  It's always been a favourite.
Confidence clothes: Image showing woman wearing a grey Vivienne Westwood draped skirt and black embellished jumper from Boden
So there are my two confidence outfits.  What do you wear for the big work occasions?

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18 comments

  1. Hi gail
    Thank you for popping over to my blog and for your lovely comments.
    You too seem to know how and where to pick up a good buy. I love the story behind your grey skirt. It's a real statement piece.
    I'm lucky that I work from home so no power meetings for me but I do dress up every day as I love putting outfits together
    Lynn x

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  2. Very chic confidence outfits, Gail! I love the VW skirt with all its details. thanks for linking up, you look fab. xo

    -Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

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  3. Carol Vorderman's skirt eh? I once had a slip worn by Cilla Black but my derriere couldn't get in it so I sold it on. I like both of these looks. Bargain jacket!! X

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  4. I can see why the jacket and skirt are your go to items they are both beautiful. The jacket was such a great buy!

    Gemma x
    www.jacquardflower.uk

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  5. I, too, can see why you feel confident in your black jacket and chic, cropped pants. You look amazing! Love the bright red bag and rose, too! Adds just a touch of drama.

    The skirt is a fun change of pace and adorable with your Peter Pan collar shirt. Two wonderful looks! Thanks for sharing!

    Mary
    http://marymurnane.com

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  6. I think both of these outfits look great Gail!
    At this stage of my game, I can't tell you how much I love the ankle boots with dresses and skirts! For some reason that look just resonates with me!
    jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Jodie, I've had those boots for years and love the way they come back into fashion!

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  7. No way! your jacket was £10 bargain. x Looks a well styled outfit and yes would look great with boots too. Loving the jumper with the peter pan collar. Jacqui
    www.mummabstylish.com

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    Replies
    1. I was amazed when I found it because I hardly ever find a good bargain!

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  8. Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style.

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  10. Both outfits are great! I also love wearing my black jacket - it truly is a confidence builder! I love that you paired yours with cropped pants and sandals and pops of red. It looks very current. The skirt is great, too! I just love the drape.

    Andrea
    Andrea’s Wellness Notes

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Andrea....I had a red belt I was going to add but alas it was not very flattering!

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  11. Love the skirt! What great finds! I'm popping over to that hardly ever worn site now!
    Thank you for linking up Gail x
    www.vanityandmestyle.com

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  12. I'd feel confident in Carols skirt too. It looks fab.

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  13. Your jacket was such a bargain! I love the pops of red, gorgeous bag. You look great in Carol's skirt! I'm going to check that site out. Thanks for linking up :-)

    Emma xxx
    www.style-splash.com

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