This is such a wonderful read and I found it really relatable but from the point of view of the opposite body type! I remember not having a clue what to wear when I started work experience at Heat in 2002 and was at least four dress sizes bigger than everyone else in the office (in fact on my first day I wore an absolutely awful purple trouser suit from Dorothy Perkins and everyone else was in "jeans and a nice top"). I suspect a lot of people in a supposedly stylish industry have secretly felt similarly - I think most people come to journalism because they're good at writing, which in most cases means they were probably a nerd at school and not one of the cool girls! My body has changed a fair bit over the last 20 years and so have my clothes (I mean, I try and change them most days...) but now I'm in my early 40s I feel the most confident about what to wear and also give less of a shit. Recent development was buying a thick, warm "unflattering" coat without panicking that it wouldn't show my waist off, which is what I've felt programmed to do my whole adult life (a bit like you covering your legs!). I've actually had quite a few compliments about it it and it turns out it's nice being warm and comfortable - who knew?!
What a great read! I have been a fan of yours since the Glamour days and I love your 'clothesmyhusbandhates' on Instagram (we have all been through that!). I am so pleased to have stumbled across your SubStack and to read your take on various topics.
Such a lovely read. Just today I was feeling grim about my Winter Wardrobe - even if I have something nice, it gets covered in more layers because I cannot do cold weather. But to cheer myself up I put on a green corset top over my winter black dress and it actually worked. It added a bit of joy to my day because I felt more myself with some style added in to the many layers of wool 😊
Jo, I had no idea about this. You always seemed so stylish to me at Glamour - you introduced me to Marni! Maybe that was after you’d found your fashion mojo. Love the honesty of this piece. And admire you all the more. ❤️
I love this article so much. As someone who has inadvertently (but perhaps you just take jobs at places that produce content relevant to me!!) followed your career, I would never have guessed you had struggled to find your foothold in styling yourself. I get roped in to be a personal shopper to friends and I try so hard to emphasise that this should be fun dressing up exercise and should not be a scary thing. There’s certain things to remember but ultimately this is a wonderful way to communicate who you are and to feel comfortable in how you present yourself to the world. I am so in awe of you and envious of your career, Jo. Thanks for such great articles!
I love this! You partially inspired not to wear black all week. 😂😂😂👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
This is such a wonderful read and I found it really relatable but from the point of view of the opposite body type! I remember not having a clue what to wear when I started work experience at Heat in 2002 and was at least four dress sizes bigger than everyone else in the office (in fact on my first day I wore an absolutely awful purple trouser suit from Dorothy Perkins and everyone else was in "jeans and a nice top"). I suspect a lot of people in a supposedly stylish industry have secretly felt similarly - I think most people come to journalism because they're good at writing, which in most cases means they were probably a nerd at school and not one of the cool girls! My body has changed a fair bit over the last 20 years and so have my clothes (I mean, I try and change them most days...) but now I'm in my early 40s I feel the most confident about what to wear and also give less of a shit. Recent development was buying a thick, warm "unflattering" coat without panicking that it wouldn't show my waist off, which is what I've felt programmed to do my whole adult life (a bit like you covering your legs!). I've actually had quite a few compliments about it it and it turns out it's nice being warm and comfortable - who knew?!
Love this, Jo, and wore pink (instead of all black) in honour of your post :)
What a great read! I have been a fan of yours since the Glamour days and I love your 'clothesmyhusbandhates' on Instagram (we have all been through that!). I am so pleased to have stumbled across your SubStack and to read your take on various topics.
Such a lovely read. Just today I was feeling grim about my Winter Wardrobe - even if I have something nice, it gets covered in more layers because I cannot do cold weather. But to cheer myself up I put on a green corset top over my winter black dress and it actually worked. It added a bit of joy to my day because I felt more myself with some style added in to the many layers of wool 😊
Jo, I had no idea about this. You always seemed so stylish to me at Glamour - you introduced me to Marni! Maybe that was after you’d found your fashion mojo. Love the honesty of this piece. And admire you all the more. ❤️
I love this article so much. As someone who has inadvertently (but perhaps you just take jobs at places that produce content relevant to me!!) followed your career, I would never have guessed you had struggled to find your foothold in styling yourself. I get roped in to be a personal shopper to friends and I try so hard to emphasise that this should be fun dressing up exercise and should not be a scary thing. There’s certain things to remember but ultimately this is a wonderful way to communicate who you are and to feel comfortable in how you present yourself to the world. I am so in awe of you and envious of your career, Jo. Thanks for such great articles!