Too much is often used as an insult. But the thing is? I know I’m too much. Fashion wise? I have never met a party dress that I didn’t love, statement pieces are my go-tos, I treat metallics and animal prints like neutrals. And in life? I feel deeply- which means I can be over the top loving and get over the top mad. Middles? I don’t do well. All of this I’m working on.
(I’ve also written about causal styling being a bit out of my comfort zone here.)
In life I’m working on being more steady and being a better communicator with my loved ones. Fashion? That’s where it gets tricky. The thing with my fashion is- I like being too much. Fashion forward, over dressed, party dresses, suits- I genuinely LOVE wearing them. And I wear them a lot (when I’m not in gym clothes). I don’t think of my fashion as too much- just as who I am. Yet. As I age. (The caveat I have to say for ego is- I’m not THAT old!) I’m beginning to appreciate simple outfits. The great pair of trousers, the fantastic top. Perhaps or perhaps not paired with shoes that could be statements. Things you can throw on without thought but would be fantastic.
And what I’m coming to believe is that perhaps (with the right pieces or right person) even simple might be too much- and maybe that’s perfect!
When people tell you that you’re too much, they usually want you to be less (and the opposite of that is one of my favorite sayings:”If I’m too much then go find less!”). Of course, there are times to temper our emotions, our reactions, and perhaps ball gowns aren’t called for on the treadmill or the grocery store- there are times when diluting yourself serves no one. Mainly you. I often and firmly state that part of why I think fashion is important is that it’s a way to tell our stories and our stories are important. There may be NOTHING that can move me from this point of view. Sometimes our stories (and outfits and feelings and etc) are BIG. But if they’re ours- who cares?
I think what I am trying to say is that being less of yourself isn’t a way to be – or to dress. The things that bring you big feelings or great outfits or anything that makes you feel alive- I don’t believe in dimming that. Especially when even simple can be big!
Being one to love the “too much”, how I loved this outfit surprised me. Trousers are IN- and you can find them at every price point, but I find the best ones are a bit wide, but fitted at the waist. (Fun fact I used to hate pleated pants, but I guess that a lot changes when you’re not 18!) This body suit is years, years, old- but I love the v neck and the strappy ties. Paired with a mule that’s both statement and work go-to? A lot of simple- it’s black, classic, on trend but NOT over the top. And it’s too much- unexpected details, fitted well, and could go from work to cocktails. I also felt great in it; and when you’re someone who feels at home in party dresses, a simple outfit feeling great is quite the compliment.
Can you be too much (or all that you are) in outfits that aren’t too much? Or- are simple outfits just as impactful as statement outfits? When I was younger, I thought that the answer to both of these questions was no. However, my opinion on these issues, as well as how to style simple but impactful outfits, is changing as I get not as young. What is your stance on being too much? Or how that connects to your outfits?
I’ve linked these exact trousers and similar bodysuits and shoes for your not too much but just enough outfits below!
RA
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