I’m Emiley, and like most girls, I love shopping. I love the unique collection of clothes that occupy my closet after a mall excursion, and while I would like to think I am somewhat stylish, it’s pretty apparent that I don’t take fashion risks as often as I should. Actually, I don’t take fashion risks at all.

Since I’m from Texas, I usually live in denim shorts and a Rangers tank top; this is my comfort zone. For one week, my beloved blue jeans, button downs and sports team t-shirts were given a rest, as my best friend Taylor was given the challenge of dressing me for a week.

Taylor is a fearless, bold, adventurous woman who has a wide variety of clothing options that represent various styles, so going into this I was a bit nervous of what she would put me in.

The Rules

1. Taylor picks my full outfit, accessories, and hair for one week

2. New items could be purchased for this experiment

3. Pieces from both my wardrobe and Taylor’s could be used

Monday

Taylor’s thoughts: I wanted to give Emiley an edge today. I’ve never seen her wear a hat, wear dark clothing or have her hair straight. I wanted to bring her outside of her comfort zone and put her in my clothes or outfits I thought she would look good in, knowing that she normally would never think of doing it herself.

Emiley’s reaction: This outfit was by far the comfiest and simplest, and while it would never be something I would pick for myself as far as the colors go, I didn’t feel completely out of place in this outfit. In fact, with a little less black, I would wear something to this nature in the future.

Tuesday

Taylor’s thoughts: For this look, I went for something more sophisticated for Emiley by pairing white high-wasted jeans and a mid-neck flowing blue top. I put her hair in a low bun because I have never seen her with her hair up. I added the chunky necklace to finish off the sophisticated look.

Emiley’s reaction: This is by far my favorite outfit. I loved the simplicity of this outfit as well as the reaction it generated. I got a lot of “you look really nice” comments and one person even said, “You look like the owner of a Fortune 500 company.” In this outfit, I felt like I dressed how I wanted to be addressed. This outfit made me feel very confident. Who knew clothing could be so powerful?

Wednesday

Taylor’s thoughts: To give Emiley’s country style a different look, I had her wear a red long-sleeved shirt underneath her faded blue button down. I paired the tops with black leggings and combat boots to give an edgier feel. I was inspired to put this outfit together by Emiley’s laid back attitude while still having her country touch with her Texas Ranger’s baseball hat.

Emiley’s reaction: While this outfit was most similar to what I would normally choose for myself, I still was uneasy about wearing combat boots and a button down with something as laid back as a ball cap. It was like three separate styles placed in one outfit. Normally, I would have just worn a t-shirt, ball cap, and tennis shoes, but the boots and button down made this look a little more creative and edgy.

Thursday

Taylor’s thoughts: I was able to give Emiley a more quirky look by putting her in a bright blue high wasted jeans paired with a black and white striped shirt. When I found out she had glasses but never wears them, I thought this outfit would be a perfect way to show her how easy it is to wear glasses with every day outfits.

Emiley’s reaction: Talk about stepping out of my comfort zone. This was my least favorite outfit because I did not feel confident in this at all. I was so against the braids and glasses. I actually loved the shirt paired with the blue pants, and after some reflection, I didn’t mind having my hair in loose braids. I think the braids would suit a different outfit better, however, and the particular outfit Taylor chose that day would have looked better with my hair down.

Friday

Taylor’s thoughts: For a more boho look, I had Emiley wear her black and white floral maxi dress and added an army green button down to give her a more earthy touch to her country style.

Emiley’s reaction: I was actually so happy that Taylor picked out a maxi dress. I love wearing them, but this one in particular was a gift from my aunt that I haven’t worn yet. I would have never thought to pair a maxi dress with a button down, but I loved the way it turned out and I received a lot of compliments on this outfit as well.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I enjoyed seeing myself through someone else’s eyes. I never would have had the confidence to wear my glasses in public or even wear colors outside of my normal wardrobe. I now feel I can express myself through different ways just by the means of what I choose to present myself in. I truly believe that you “dress how you want to be addressed,” and since this experience, I now feel like I have multiple sides that can be showcased through fashion.