Lately, I've been thinking, hearing, and reading about confidence. Where do we get our confidence? Who or what is our source? Sometimes, we allow circumstances in our lives to steal our confidence. The good news is that we can always regain our confidence, but we have to do the work. Our confidence is something that we have to work on every day. We must exercise love for ourselves, think good thoughts, and speak words that will add, not subtract.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13 New King James Version
Because this newsletter focuses quite a bit on style, I want to write about how important it is to dress up to boost our confidence and let that confidence shine through.
Dressing up is a form of self-expression and can significantly impact your mental health and emotional state while also playing a vital role in having a positive body image, as wearing an outfit that makes you feel good increases your confidence and projects outwards. Basically, wearing a great outfit makes us feel awesome.
So, how does an outfit boost our confidence?
Wearing your favorite color, fabric, or cut can uplift your mood and make you feel more at ease. Don’t focus too much on whether a particular color looks good on you or not, if you like the color and it makes you happy, wear it!
Well-chosen clothes and accessories can empower you, helping you feel more self-assured and ready to conquer your day. Wear clothes that fit your body!
Dressing well can leave a lasting positive impression, influencing how others perceive your competence and personal traits. Someone is always watching!
Dressing in a way that reflects your style signals to your brain that you are capable, competent, and ready to conquer whatever comes your way.
In short, making an effort pays off. If you're feeling down and you dress up, your mood might lift up a bit or a lot. It's better than not making an effort at all.
A few things to remember
Find the style that will make you feel better about yourself. It is not the style that looks good on that influencer you follow on Instagram unless she is a positive source of inspiration and motivates you to explore your style. I wrote about finding personal style here. Trust me, you don't want to dress like someone else. You want to dress like the best version of you! And the best version of you is awesome.
Comfort is key. You do not want to feel uncomfortable in your own clothes. You'll just think about it all day and not enjoy your life. When you are comfortable, you feel at ease and are happier, which makes everyone around you happy, too.
Dress for the occasion. Wearing the right clothes for the occasion shows respect and will boost your confidence. You want to feel comfortable by wearing the right clothes. Do your research. If you don't know what to wear, then ask for help. It's perfectly ok if you don't know. Google it or call a friend; so many resources are out there now.
Below are a few style moods. Perhaps you can identify yourself with one or more than one. Style moods can mix. For example, you can be polished and cheerful or creative and feminine.
Polished
Elements of a polished look: classic pieces, well put together, elegant.
Smart
Elements of a smart look: trousers, blazers, classic pieces, neutrals.
Cheerful
Elements of a cheerful outfit: colorful, decorated, quirky, irony.
Feminine
Elements of a feminine look: a-line/full skirts and dresses, ruffles, polka dots, puff sleeves.
Creative
Elements of a creative outfit: mixed prints and patterns, color blocking, high-low.
This is are some examples of outfits I wear depending on how I want to feel and look.
When I want to look creative
When I want to look creative and then some
When I want to look feminine
When I want to look relaxed
When I want to look smart
Guys, I bought all my clothes long ago, which is why I’m not linking to products.
So, friends, wear a great outfit next time your confidence is low, and show your awesome self to the world. I bet you will feel so much better.
I love you! Thank you for being here. Enjoy your Sunday, and may you have a blessed and very fruitful week filled with great outfits. Until next!
xoxo
MC
Way true! I had a friend in university who would “dress to impress” on the days she had a hard test. She said it boosted her confidence :)