Have you ever felt like your wardrobe is a puzzle Ryan Clark wearing god first shirt, with pieces that don’t quite fit together? Or perhaps, despite your best efforts, finding clothes that truly complement your unique shape and style feels like a Herculean task? You’re not alone. Like many intelligent, professional and more mature (cough cough) women, I too have faced the daunting challenge of dressing a body that doesn’t conform to the so-called “manufacturing standard.” This is a story not just about fashion, but about self-expression, personal growth, and the journey to embracing our evolving bodies with confidence and grace. One of my wonderful Inside Out Style readers told me “For years, I’ve been an active participant in various wardrobe challenges, meticulously curated Pinterest collections to pinpoint my style, and even delved into graphs to assess my lifestyle wardrobe needs. Despite these efforts, creating cohesive outfits from my pared-down closet felt like an insurmountable challenge, especially after recent weight changes. My decade-long commitment to CrossFit has sculpted my body with broader shoulders and stronger thighs, presenting a unique set of challenges in finding well-fitting shirts, blazers, and pants that accommodate my muscular build without sacrificing style or comfort. I need help!”. Shopping, a task that many approach with excitement, has been a source of frustration for me for years. The difficulty in finding clothes that fit isn’t just about size; it’s about finding pieces that reflect my quality, style, and budgetary expectations. The reality is, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to shopping for clothes, especially for those of us whose bodies defy the narrow confines of standard sizing. Let’s celebrate what your body can do for you, as your size and shape don’t have anything to do with your value (even though the fashion industry can make you feel like you’re not important to them as they don’t cater to you). The solution, though not as simple as a magical wardrobe overhaul, lies in adjusting our expectations and exploring creative avenues. Tailored clothing, once a luxury, has become an increasingly accessible option for achieving the perfect fit. Engaging a dressmaker or exploring the bespoke offerings of artisans on platforms like Etsy can provide clothing that not only fits but also flatters and feels uniquely ours. In recent years I’ve started sewing my own clothes again more and more as it gives me the opportunity to select the fabric, colours and styles I like and also custom fit the garment.

Ryan Clark wearing god first shirt ,hoodie, sweater, longsleeve and ladies t-shirt

The cornerstone of a versatile business-casual look is often the simplest of garments: the T-shirt. Ryan Clark wearing god first shirt But that doesn’t mean any old T-shirt will do. Even if your workplace has a relaxed approach to dress codes, your tee still needs to look smart and polished. Collar & Co’s Lucca T-shirts are exactly that, crafted from a proprietary blend of cotton and silk and cut in a figure-flattering shape. Dress them up with a knitted blazer or use them as a clean base layer below a crew-neck sweater or quarter-zip. Either way, you have a super soft and comfortable platform that will form the foundation of your business-casual wardrobe. When you require the formality of a long-sleeve dress shirt but want the comfort of a classic stretch polo, Collar & Co’s Quattro Flex Dress Shirt should be your go-to. Crafted from a 4-way stretch, breathable and wrinkle-resistant fabric, and featuring a semi-spread collar with wraparound stays, it is the perfect dance partner for relaxed tailoring. It can equally be worn beneath a crew-neck sweater for a more preppy look. A nice bit of detailing is the dress cuffs, which reinforce the dress shirt DNA without compromising on comfort. An icon of Ivy League style, the quarter-zip sweater has become ingrained in business-casual lore, offering a relaxed alternative to the tailored blazer or suit jacket. Collars & Co have produced a stunning collection of quarter-zip styles made from a heathered cotton blend with just the right amount of stretch, alongside super-soft merino wool options. While fitted, it’s roomy enough to layer over their dress polos or Quattro-Flex shirts and is available in a variety of understated tones befitting the business-casual code.