outfits from a very normal week
a normal workweek, sartorially documented
It took a long time to get to a place where dressing myself had nothing to do with what anyone else might think. I remember middle school like it was a full-time surveillance system. Every outfit decision felt like it was being judged under a microscope that, realistically, only I could see. I wish mini-Traci understood that literally no one thinks about you more than yourself.
Now, 20-something years later, I no longer dress for an audience or the approval of others. I get dressed embracing the idea of pushing the edges of “traditional” dress code and show up in clothes that simply feel like me. Sometimes that means “overdressed.” Sometimes it means a little loud. Either way, authentically me.
No secret around here, I’m a high school history teacher. I’m not dressing for the office or corporate America. The hallways are my runway. My students are my daily audience, and honestly, some of my most enthusiastic (and brutally honest) supporters. Occasionally, I even receive unsolicited style feedback from teenagers in pajamas, which I accept with grace and mild resentment.
Luckily, I work in a place where people are genuinely accepted for how they show up. I like seeing how each person expresses themselves in their own way.
Here are a few outfits actually worn to work this week. These were snapped after the workday, which is all the proof needed that they were truly worn: clothing wrinkles, frizzy hair, and a strong need for sunglasses to hide the EOD mascara drip.
I paired each look with an “unsung hero”—something that did heavy lifting that day but doesn’t always get the shoutout.
Affiliate links included below.
Monday
Last week’s spring styling with cowboy boots really reminded me how much my boots bring me joy. I tossed on the blazer to give it a slightly more formal look.
Almost a tragic experience in all-white as I got sloppy with my espresso-making barista skills. Live to tell the tale.
I changed after work into my comfy clothes because I had a dentist visit where I got my teeth cleaned and cheated on my dogs with Hazel the best therapy pup ever!
🏅Unsung Hero: Supershine Moisturizing Hair Cream
Run it through my strands after I shower and helps prevent frizz-o-mania from getting out of control.
Tuesday
I bought this blazer for an award ceremony a few weeks ago and refuse to allow it to be a one-hit wonder. As a professional shopping sleuth, I was bummed to see that after I purchased it, there’s a much less expensive version floating around.
🏅Unsung Hero: Lint Brushes
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: they don’t call them “German Shedders” for no reason. Hairy Dogs + Black Clothing = a battle I lose daily.
Wednesday
Wednesday I had to take care of some personal medical needs—the audacity! I decided to dress comfortable yet put together for my appointment. After spending 90 minutes in the waiting room, I was super grateful I chose comfort over having a stylistic moment at the ENT.
🏅Unsung Hero: Nervous System Regulation Playlist
Nothing gets me amped up with anxiety like a 12:00pm medical visit. This frequency playlist convinces my body we are, in fact, safe-ish. Or it’s a placebo effect, IDK!
Thursday
Wearing this look to work: normal. Wearing this look to my 5th grader’s “Gym Show” — AKA watching him play “Gaga” and juggle a plate on a stick — was arguably a bit aggressive. Outfit-wise: what feels good feels good, can’t stop the feeling!
🏅Unsung Hero: Cropped Barn Jacket | Second Hand: XS, S, M & L)
I snagged this beauty second hand for a fraction of the price. It’s the perfect light layer when the weather has ZERO respect for consistency.
Friday
Would you believe, after outing myself to the internet for putting on white lash primer at least once a week and forgetting the mascara afterward, that I would do it literally the next day? Have no fear—I had my handy provisions pouch with mascara to quickly apply between period 3 and 4.
I feel like this look’s inspiration was a combination of Jaymee Geelan’s note & Sogole Kane’s pink/green color combo in this post.
🏅Unsung Hero: Mini Mascara
This tiny mascara literally saved the day from yet another missing eyelash morning.
Last Week on Rambling In Style
It’s been a minute since I’ve done one of these, and if you’ve been with me since the beginning, you’ll know that this type of content was my starting point here on Substack.
Usually by Friday I get pretty sick of seeing myself in a mirror and taking a picture, so I’ll try to sprinkle these posts in when I have the self-confidence, good lighting, and gusto.
Love ya lots. Dress like yourself. The rest will follow!
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You are so so stylish! The aligne blazer is now on my wishlist!!
When I saw your post in my inbox this morning, I rubbed my eyes because I thought I was dreaming! I was like, what?? Twice this week! Yay! The audacity of those teenagers giving you style tips while wearing pajamas, hahaha! Love those J.Crew linen pants, they look great on you. Always so chic, and that blazer!! Wow!