Dressing the Part

Written by: Erin Bakker

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There is something happening to my closet.

I have always liked clothes, but lately I am having way more fun getting dressed.

Brighter colors. Cool patterns. Layers. Funky sneakers. Chunky earrings. Bright lipstick.

Things that feel a little bolder than what I might have reached for a few years ago.

And I think it has everything to do with House of Blueprint.

The more creative this whole journey becomes, the more I find myself wanting to dress like I feel.

A little more colorful.

A little more interesting.

A little less worried about whether everything is technically supposed to go together.

It is the same thing I love in a room.

The antique next to the contemporary piece.

The weird lamp.

The unexpected color.

The thing that should not work, but somehow does.

Apparently I now want to dress that way too.

I am layering things I would not have thought to layer before. Wearing sneakers that make a whole outfit more fun. Choosing earrings that absolutely have something to say.

And lipstick has made a comeback.

A bright lip can make me feel completely put together even when the rest of the situation is questionable.

I think there is something really powerful about dressing for the version of yourself you are becoming.

Not in a fake-it-until-you-make-it way.

More like giving yourself permission to visually participate in whatever is exciting you.

House of Blueprint has made me want to notice more.

Color.

Pattern.

Texture.

Art.

Objects.

Rooms.

Gardens.

And apparently pants.

I am not trying to develop some perfectly defined personal style.

That sounds exhausting.

I just want getting dressed to feel creative.

If I put something on and it makes me stand a little taller, want to wear lipstick, or immediately think, yes, this is fun, I am probably keeping it.

There are definitely a few things I keep reaching for lately:

• bright color

• interesting prints

• layers

• funky sneakers

• chunky earrings

• oversized or unexpected accessories

• bright lipstick

And I think the real rule is that there are fewer rules.

Wear the color.

Mix the patterns.

Put on the ridiculous earrings.

Buy the sneakers.

Dress like you are going somewhere interesting.

Even if you are just going to the grocery store.

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What is making you feel most like yourself lately?

Color? Sneakers? Big earrings? A red lip? Something completely different?

Which one are you most likely to add?

• More color
• Funky sneakers
• Statement earrings
• Bright lipstick

You can vote for more than one answer.