Back in the summer, Stitch Fix sent me a beautiful top: flowy and black,with a distinctive-but-not-flashy turquoise beaded neckline. It has a vintage feel, and reminds me of something my grandmother used to wear.
I loved it immediately, but but with its long sleeves and our hot weather, I couldn’t wear it immediately. I’ve been making up for it this fall, pulling it on for multiple occasions that fall into dressy casual territory, when all that’s required is a great shirt and dark jeans.
This shirt is a compliment magnet–even strangers stop to tell me how pretty it is–but it’s not fussy or attention-grabbing. I feel like myself when I’m wearing it, not like I’m playing dress-up (like some unfortunate statement pieces make me feel) and not like I’m trying too hard. I hate feeling like I’m trying too hard.
When I’m wearing it, I’m not thinking about my clothes: I just feel confident and comfortable (though I’ve learned I feel a little more comfortable with a camisole underneath because the neckline scoops low).
I can get ready in a snap: top, jeans, shoes. I don’t even need jewelry.
It’s not a perfect shirt: billowy sleeves are never my first choice. (I’ve even thought about cutting them off to make banded three-quarter sleeves, but I’m not sure I’m brave enough. Any sewing tips?) But it doesn’t have to be perfect to work, which is a relief for anyone who has some shopping to do.
Every woman needs a Confidence Shirt in her wardrobe–a go-to outfit that makes her feel fabulous in 5 minutes or less. It doesn’t have to be a shirt, of course: some women swear by a distinctive top, like I do; for others it’s a power suit, or maybe a favorite sweater.
Whatever it is, if you can pull it on and forget about it, feel unfussy yet more like yourself in it, you’ve got yourself a winner.
What does your version of the Confidence Shirt look like? (If ALL your clothes make you feel confident and comfortable, give us some tips in comments!)
31 comments
Tops that become my “go-to” pieces usually come from Anne Taylor Loft or Brooks Brothers. (Just realized this a few years ago and stopped buying anywhere else.) I love the quality and cuts. BUT, I have to wait for their sales because they are pricey for me. 🙂 Very pretty print. And your video the other day was great.
I hold out for sales, too. And thank you. 🙂
I love that top, especially the beading!
I love this idea. I have a couple of dresses that make me feel fabulous when worn with tights and boots. I need a Confidence Shirt, though!
One of my winter resolutions is to wear more tights! I love the dress/tights/boots combo.
I wear a confidence muumuu, basic black.
I need one of those just to wear around the house, Tim. Nothing demands respect quite like a long, flowing black muumuu. I’m serious.
I tried wearing mine around the house to see if it would work on the kids like it does on the lawyers at the courthouse: Do what I say! Didn’t work.
Aw shucks. Back to the drawing board . . .
NICE. (I was waiting for you to say that!)
Yes, I am that predictable.
I love this idea! I love clothes that feel confident yet effortless, but I think I’m still at that stage of getting to know myself and my wardrobe better so I can know which pieces those are. I found out my “season” for the first time yesterday, and it definitely helps me understand why I like some colors but may not feel as confident in them if they don’t mesh with my undertones. Haha it seems so complicated though!
Hurray for finding out your season! Oddly, I was just talking about seasons with someone this morning, for the first time since that cult classic post on Color Me Beautiful. 🙂
Love that shirt! The dress in my profile pictures is my Confidence Dress. I love it so much and it makes me feel like a million bucks.
And you look like a million bucks in it. 🙂
You look smashing!
Oof! I’m so so early into the fashion game. I haven’t found the perfect top. And I wear tops out so so so quickly (bought in March and two are already worn with holes!). I would love to find something like this for my style. I’ll keep my eyes peeled. 😉
Anne, you look great as always. I know what you mean about having some things feel like you’re “dressing up” and others just feel like a natural fit. I have realized that my personal style is a little more comfortable than what I ususally wear to the office, but I don’t like to look sloppy, either, so when I find a piece in between (comfortable but pretty) it usually comes home with me.
I like your shirt! I have a confidence dress. People know I mean business when I wear that dress.
My black boots. I instantly feel like a confident, sophisticated woman when I wear them, as opposed to either a little girl playing at being a grown-up, or a schlep.
I have a long black wool skirt that also works, but it’s VERY dressy, and wool, so I only get limited use out of it. Alas!
That is a lovely shirt. I’m not a big fan of billowy sleeves either, but I don’t have any sewing skills. My confidence shirt is a berry colored tunic with a diamond pattern. It makes me feel energized!
Sweater dresses and my boots… I could conquer the world in them!
Ooh, I looove this shirt! I myself have no confidence clothes. I need all the help. :/
what is the brand? I would love to request one and give it a try from Stitchfix!
The brand is eight sixty.
I love anything with ruching and a faux wrap style. I have several from Lands End in short sleeve and elbow length and I recently bought a gorgeous three quarter length sleeve version in a green velour. I also have two long sleeve sweaters that are the same sort of style that I bought from Kohls last year (Apt 9 I think). I basically wore them all winter. They are sliming and forgiving on the litle mommy tummy I still struggle with but they easily dress up or down as needed. I would probably fill my whole wardrobe with them if I could.
That’s a great shirt! These days (still dealing with a post-partum pooch) my “confidence shirt” is a blazer over a colorful or patterned top. (I’m back at work.) It looks really put-together and covers up the lumpy areas that I’m not very happy with.
I recently (finally!) bought some skinny jeans and that is how they make me feel… I do need to find a top to go with it. I also have a designer dress that was a recent splurge that is perfect when I need to dress up. I’m realizing that the way clothes make me feel when I wear them is far more important than how many I own and how cheaply I got them.
That’s a realization I’ve been slow to come to, as well.
I love a tunic. It’s one of my “confidence uniforms” — tunic and a skirt. I’ve found them everywhere from designer to Kmart!
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