We’ve all been there. You’re out shopping or scrolling online, and you spot that outfit. You know the one—the bold, bright, can’t-miss-it piece that makes your heart skip a beat. But then, almost as quickly as you fall in love, you hear that little voice in your head: “But I can’t wear that.”
Let’s break that down, shall we? “I can’t wear that” usually translates to something like, “I’m too old,” “I’m not daring enough,” or “People will judge me.” Honey, if you’re stuck in that cycle, let us be the first to say: it’s time to kick those excuses to the curb. The only thing keeping you from rocking that fabulous outfit is the belief that you can’t—and we’re here to tell you, you absolutely can.
“But I’m Too Old…”
Let’s get this one out of the way because it’s the excuse I hear most often. Somewhere along the way, we got this idea that certain clothes have an expiration date, as if once we hit a certain age, we should all start dressing like we’re extras in a matinee production of Little House on the Prairie. Or like it’s time to get Golden Girls hairdos at the beauty shop once a week. Spoiler alert: that’s a load of nonsense.
The reality? Style has no age limit. Whether you’re 25, 55, or 75, you can wear whatever makes you feel fabulous. Bold prints? Yes. Bright colors? Bring it on. You’re not “too old” to wear something—if anything, you’re finally at an age where you get to wear whatever the hell you want without caring what anyone else thinks. So go ahead and buy that leopard print dress or those statement earrings you’ve been eyeing. You’ve earned it.
“But It’s Too Bold for Me…”
Here’s the thing about bold fashion choices: they’re only “too bold” if you think they are. People often say they can’t pull off certain colors or styles because they’re worried they’ll stand out too much. But let me ask you this—why wouldn’t you want to stand out?
If your entire wardrobe is a sea of neutrals and “safe” choices, of course a neon pink blazer or a floral maxi dress might feel like a lot. But the only reason it feels bold is because you’re not used to it. You deserve to be seen! You deserve to turn heads and have people notice when you walk into a room. Trust us, nothing feels more empowering than stepping outside your comfort zone and realizing, “Damn, I can wear this.”
“But What Will People Think?”
Oh, this one’s a classic. Here’s the truth: people are going to have opinions no matter what you do. Whether you wear head-to-toe black or show up in a rainbow jumpsuit, someone’s going to have something to say. So why not give them something fabulous to talk about?
The secret to great style is dressing for yourself—not for other people’s approval. If you love that bright yellow dress or that funky pair of shoes, wear it. If your bestie Sarah think it’s “too much,” well this isn’t about her. Seriously Sarah, we don’t need that kind of negativity in our closets!
This is about you feeling confident and expressing yourself. And here’s the kicker: when you feel good in what you’re wearing, people will notice that more than anything else, even Sarah!
How to Step Out of Your Comfort Zone (Without Panic)
Now, I’m not saying you need to set fire to your entire wardrobe and start over. You don’t have to go from head-to-toe neutrals to a full-blown kaleidoscope overnight. But if you’ve been yearning to add a little excitement to your closet, here are some tips to start stretching beyond that comfort zone:
1. Start with Accessories
If the idea of a bold outfit makes you break out in hives, start small. Add some colorful accessories—think a bright handbag, statement necklace, or fabulous pair of shoes. Accessories are an easy, non-committal way to dip your toes (pun intended) into more daring fashion choices.
2. Try One Bold Piece
Ready for a bigger step? Try wearing one bold piece at a time. Maybe it’s a bright top paired with jeans, or a patterned skirt with a simple tee. By keeping the rest of your outfit neutral, you can experiment with bolder choices without feeling like you’re going too far out on a limb.
3. Trust Your Instincts
Don’t overthink it. If you put something on and it makes you smile, wear it. Don’t immediately start second-guessing yourself or running through a list of reasons why you “can’t pull it off.” You can—you just need to give yourself permission to feel fabulous.
4. Give Yourself a Compliment
When you try something new, don’t immediately look for what’s wrong or what you think doesn’t work. Instead, give yourself a compliment. Look in the mirror and focus on what you like about the outfit. It might be the color, the way it fits, or how it makes you feel. Compliment yourself first—and notice how your confidence grows.
5. Remember, It’s Just Clothes!
The beauty of fashion is that it’s temporary. If you try something and it’s not your thing, that’s okay. You can take it off. But we guarantee that taking a fashion risk and breaking out of your style rut will show you a side of yourself you didn’t know was there—one that’s ready to take on the world with a little more boldness.
Be Brave, Be Bold, Be You
At the end of the day, style is all about self-expression. It’s about embracing who you are and having the confidence to step out of the safe zone, whether that means wearing bright colors, bold prints, or just something a little outside your usual go-to. Fashion isn’t about blending in—it’s about standing out in a way that feels authentic to you.
So the next time you’re tempted to say, “But I can’t wear that,” stop yourself. Ask why you think you can’t—and then go ahead and wear it anyway. Trust us, the moment you step out in something bold and realize how fabulous you feel, you’ll never look back.
And if you need a little help breaking out of your comfort zone, you know where to find us. Fairley Fancy is full of colorful, daring pieces to help you embrace your bolder side. Because you can wear that—and you should.
Xo, Tobi, Bebe and Ellison
