Step Outside Your Comfort Zone: Visible Monday

Step outside your comfort zone. Most of us have a signature style, at least by the time we reach 40-something. Over the years we tweak our style and update it, and sometimes we have a little fun going outside our comfort zone.

Welcome to Visible Monday. If you want to participate, it’s so easy: just go to the bottom of this post for the how-to. Link back to Not Dead Yet Style if you like – we’re on Easy Does It “rules” now!

This outfit does have elements of my signature style: a flowy midi skirt, tough booties, and vintage jewelry. The deviation from the comfort zone today is the color, print and cut of the blouse. I usually prefer an open collar or v-neck, in a solid color (most often a neutral) and with cool undertones. This vintage blouse stretches all the “rules” and I love it. 😊

Style tip: when going outside your comfort zone, keep a few familiar elements in the mix. These suede lace-up booties by Born are simple and comfortable, and I love to make my outfits more casual with rugged boots.

The colorful shirt was thrifted in NYC, and the designer is Orla Kiely, of whom I had not heard. She’s an Irish designer who mostly creates homeware and handbags, all in her signature warm colors. The khaki linen skirt is thrifted too, I’ve forgotten where.

Try a new style and throw your shoulders back, women! The 1960’s pendant is a gift from my friend Bryan, and it was his mom’s.
The color and print of my blouse remind me of this 1940’s print. It almost has an Arts and Crafts vibe, very warm and home-y.

Are you stepping out of a comfort zone today, or relishing your style uniforms? Show us (whatever you’re wearing) in the link-up!

Now, let’s see what’s in your closet, Visible Women.The guidelines to participate in the Visible Monday Link-Up are so simple:

  1. Whoever wants to can join in! Just compose a post that includes any outfit, accessory, piece of jewelry, hairstyle, cosmetic or other adornment that makes you feel more confident, alive and visible that day.
  2. Go to the bottom of this post and click on the InLinkz button “Add Your Link”. It should open a new page.
  3. In the “Next Step”, you crop the pic (easy tool) you want to display, and you’re done!
  4. Visit a few other bloggers, to make new friends and increase your own following.

Stay fabulous, and wear what you love, xo

Browse these cool pieces:

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patti

44 Comments

  1. Cute outfit, Patti. I’ve stepped outside my comfort zone a lot through this blogging journey and that was the point: I didn’t want to get frumpy in my semi-retirement!

    xx Darlene

    • Thank you Darlene and thanks for linking up. Your selection of thanksgiving outfits is so appealing! xox

    • Haha! We never fight at the thrift — do we? I definitely see your colors and shapes in this blouse. Thank you for your kind comment about my jewelry – you have wonderful insight. xox

  2. Gosh, somehow I’ve been forgetting to post here! Thank you for being more consistent than I am! Also have a wonderful Thanksgiving Patti!

    • Hello Julia and it’s great to see you again! Thanks for linking up your cute and cozy poncho. xox

    • Thank YOU for linking up, Jacqui. That a fantastic trench you’ve had for 30 years – it looks so fresh and new! xox

  3. I love the print on this blouse – a great find and looks great on you. I haven’t heard of Orla Kiely I need to check her out. I have a signature style but enjoy stepping outside my comfort zone, as sometimes I find new things to wear and surprise myself.
    Alison xx

    • Thanks Alison for your kind words and for linking up. Your Laura Ashley prints are cheery and look wonderful. xox

    • Thanks dear Shelbee and thanks for coming over. Those plaid boots you’re showing today are TDF! xox

  4. I know Orla Kiely! Great find!
    Outside my comfort zone: wearing a necklace with a busily patterned top. I was staring at the photo, thinking, I would never do this, but it works. WHY? I realized your choice works because the pendant shape is similar to the blouse’s pattern, but at an angle to it. Thank you for stretching my brain.

    • Good morning, TOF and thanks for coming over! I didn’t notice the shapes intentionally but now that you point it out, I see the harmony. You have a great eye, xox.

    • Thanks Debby and thanks for coming by! Your white dress with black lace is quite elegant, xox.

    • I agree its good to step out of our comfort zones. The blouse looks great on you and so good with the skirt, great finds Patti. Many thanks for hosting.

    • Good morning, Cheryl and thanks for linking up. Your new cashmere sweater looks yummy! xox

  5. What I like about your shirt is that it accentuates the waist and creates a hip. What I like about your styling of this look is that you added this glamorous statement necklaces. It’s so unexpected with the blouse and skirt. It’s a great finishing touch for a very interesting unique look. Love your style.

    • Good morning, Nicole and thanks for linking! I really like the ways you incorporate metallics with day wear, so chic. xox

    • Good morning, Ellibelle and thanks for coming by! I appreciated all your gift ideas, xox.

  6. Very cool blouse and love the pendant! You look super pretty!
    I totally agree about mixing in your standard comfort zone wear with experimental pieces— if not you can feel weird, not like yourself or whatever. Literally agreeing with you in the least articulate or eloquent way possible lolzzz

    • Hi Kristin, so great to see you again! Love your kimono/open sweater piece and you’re looking fab, xox.

  7. I just stepped of my comfort zone by wearing a dungarees for the first time in my life :). I am familiar with Orla’s work in homewares and handbags but had no idea she does clothing. This blouse is a great statement piece

    • Good morning, Anna and thanks for coming over! Your photos of Tbilisi make me feel like I had a guided tour! xox

  8. Cute blouse, Patti. I love Orla Kiely prints. They’ve got a cool mid century modern vibe. Boots with midi skirts are a great look too!

    Theresa

  9. It’s so important to keep stepping outside our comfort zone, and trying new things, Patti! I love this beautiful blouse – it looks like amazing quality, and looks fabulous on you.

    I’m joining you with my Big Boss Lady pink pants and my Thousand-Dollar Sweater! Thank you so much for hosting!

    • Thanks Sheila and how fab are you in those pink trousers! Like, very high level fab. Have a great week ahead, xox

    • Hi Kellyann and thanks for the kind words, and for linking up! We do love a vintage vibe, yeah? xox

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