I’d have to say that sometimes being here on this forum has helped me push my style. It’s influenced me to experiment (with mixed results but always an education!), and sometimes adopt approaches and styles that I formerly avoided.
My husband nudges me a bit too. He’ll encourage me to try things on even though I’m pretty sure they won’t suit me. It even happened yesterday, with a dress in a little boutique. It wasn’t successful, but it also wasn’t a fail in the way I expected, so it was a good lesson.
That dress that won you over is adorable. Terrible length for me (long legs but not good-looking ones!) but I’m happy you discovered it!