Nerdy but Girly

I've been realizing lately (as I've reevaluated my wardrobe and begun digging myself out of creative ruts), that my favorite kind of outfit to wear when I'm not working, is an outfit that can best be described as a little bit nerdy but also girly. The more I play with my wardrobe, the more I've also realized that I don't fit into the box that most Charleston residents dress within...and I've made peace with that. Maybe (definitely) it's because I grew up near LA where the styles were diverse, but I have always expressed myself through my wardrobe (and my hair), and the lack of interesting, diverse styles in Charleston gets to me sometimes.

Yesterday I had a wonderful conversation about this struggle with a friend of mine. (Which was so oddly perfect since I was struggling to pull all my thoughts together for this post and our conversation really helped me shape them.) We dove into talking about keeping our voices authentic online, wanting to grow our businesses but also wanting customers that understand what we uniquely bring to the table, and attracting the type of people we want to be friends with, while also not bending over backwards or beating ourselves up when someone decides we don't fit in their "cool club."

I've been the girl that's tried super hard to fit in with everyone around me (I am generally a people-pleaser at heart), but that road has never led to happiness. It always led me down a road of feeling fake and exhausted. It takes energy to pretend to be someone you're not, and that's not a road that does you any good.

Lately I've been declaring that I'm done with that road. (I'm sure this will be a lifelong process of continually making this declaration.) Sure, I'll dress appropriately for my job when I'm at work, but that can still maintain touches of my personality - because hopefully people are choosing to work with me and be in my life because they like the unique spark I bring to the group, just like I love the unique spark they're bringing in.

It might be hard to feel like we're on the outside, but nothing compares to the feelings of finding one of "your people." A person that you can be fully yourself with and enjoy your time with. These are the people that will encourage, challenge, and push you forward when you need a nudge because they get you. They understand what you're going for and see your real value, and that is worth so much more than conforming yourself to a crowd or aesthetic (or fashion choice) that you don't enjoy. It's not easy, but it is worth it.

So I'm going to stick with my nerdy yet girly style even if it means that I forever look like a tourist in my town. What's something you're refusing to conform to regardless of what others think?

Outfit Details
Shirt: Jordandene  |  Skirt: Banana Republic (alternative)  |  Shoes: Mossimo in Blush
Earrings: Gifts  |  ​Location: North Charleston, SC