Waking up and getting dressed for the day may seem like just another part of the morning ritual, like brushing your teeth, but for many women, it can be a struggle. Finding an outfit that makes them feel good about themselves and doesn’t bring on a wave of negative thoughts about their bodies can be a challenge some days. Does this sound familiar?
According to a 2011 survey done by Glamour magazine, “On average, women have 13 negative body thoughts daily—nearly one for every waking hour.” With so much pressure from the world to look a certain way, it’s no surprise that women face trials in building a strong positive body image and having confidence in themselves. A terrific way you can bypass unrealistic and unfair expectations we sometimes put on ourselves is to create a personal style that embraces your body type.
If you are ready to have more confidence, read on to learn how to dress for success and let your style shine!
Pay Attention to When You Feel Your Best
Everyone has that one power outfit in their closet that no matter when they wear it, they almost feel like someone else. Maybe it’s a little black dress that makes them look their slimmest or a floral blouse and boyfriend jeans that makes them feel fashionable and trendy. The problem here is that too often that one outfit doesn’t help shape their shopping habits. Instead, they spend time and money on pieces that they may like enough, or that fits their lifestyle needs but doesn’t inspire them or give them that added boost of confidence.
When you are shopping for new pieces or simply rifling through your closet, be sure to think about what kinds of styles tend to make you feel the best about yourself. If you notice that when you are in a dress, you feel more feminine and empowered, then start wearing more dresses! If you feel your prettiest in a certain color or silhouette, then take note of that. Those are the inspiration pieces you want to invest in for your wardrobe!
Play Up Your Favorite Features
It’s far too easy to pick yourself apart sometimes than it is to exhibit self-love and admire your best assets. One way to make that shift is by focusing more on the things you do like about yourself when thinking about your style. Do you appreciate your strong legs as a runner? Shorts and knee-length dresses should be staples in your wardrobe. Have you often been told you have gorgeous eyes? Adding a few colorful garments that make them pop can’t hurt! Highlighting the characteristics that you appreciate the most about your body can help you stand a little taller when you go about your day. Intentionally choosing clothing and accessories that play up your best features can help you embrace those things repeatedly. Confidence is just like any other habit; you need to take time to build it up.
Flatter Your Shape, Don’t Hide It
How many times throughout the week are spent adjusting a shirt that feels a little snug around the midsection or pulling at baggy pants that seem to never sit where you want them? These distractions in your wardrobe make you constantly aware of your clothing and your body and add an extra dose of insecurity into your day. Quite frankly, nobody needs that!
Instead of spending time hiding or camouflaging certain body parts, create looks that flatter your body shape. If you are tall and slender, add feminine details like peplums, ruffles, and pleating to add curves in your silhouette. If you are pear-shaped, lean towards garments that feel comfortable in your hips and thighs but show off your waistline. Everyone knows that women’s bodies come in all different shapes and sizes. Embracing your shape and dressing to flatter it can add so much comfort and confidence to your life.
Remember: There are No Rules
What works for her may not work for you. Everyone has a unique style and looks that work for them and make them feel their best. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. Allow yourself time to figure out what works best for you and your personality, and don’t feel pressured to follow rules that don’t exist. Let fashion be a creative outlet rather than a stress factor, and it can be life changing!
