How to Dress with Confidence

True or false? When you love how you look in your outfit you feel good. 100% true for me. If I take the time to get dressed in an outfit I love rather than not caring I feel SO. Much. Better. There is definitely a connection between my clothing and confidence.

Confidence has never come naturally for me. I have struggled with body image and insecurities since elementary school. I have never been thin and wanted to be so badly. I always felt envious of my friends and sisters who didn’t have to put anything thought into how they look in their clothes. Through the years I learned how to dress my body with clothes that are flattering and comfortable.

As women our bodies are always changing. We develop hips and curves, we carry babies and then have to navigate how to dress our postpartum bodies, but it is through this that I have learned how to dress with confidence. I have learned how to take care of my body by having an exercise routine and being intentional about what I eat. I know I will never be a size two, but the size on my tags means nothing.

Here are three ways to help you dress with confidence:

Find a Great Fitting Pair of Jeans Can I start by saying how thankful I am for high waisted jeans?! The low rise jean trend was at a peak when I was in high school, and I hope it never comes back. Like, ever. But, if low rise jeans are what make you feel good then you do you. Start by trying different brands and styles until you find the pair that fits you like a glove. Jeans do not have to be uncomfortable. They are a wardrobe staple and when they fit you great you will look forward to wearing them. I linked a few different brands of jeans below that get rave reviews, some I have and love and some are on my wish list to try.

Wear What you love and Forget the Rest Find the right fabrics, colors, fits, and dress length for YOU. When you wear a dress that flatters your figure you feel great. When you wear a color that looks good on you it makes your features pop. If you aren’t sure what colors you should wear use this as guide. Create a color palette you love and fill your closet with those colors. Below I created an example of my closet color palette. When you know what you feel good in and what fits your body right it makes it easier to choose the items you bring into your closet.

Define Your Own Personal Style You do not have to wear all the latest trends to be stylish. Define your own personal style and stick with it. By defining your personal style you will discover what you like and why you like it. Use your style as a tool to help boost your confidence. Your wardrobe will become a true reflection of you and it will make getting dressed in the morning an easier process.

Here are a few ways to help you define your style:

1. Start by making a list of your style icons; a few people you would love to dress like. Use Pinterest or Google to study their outfits and see what each of their styles have in common. Try to create outfits to “copy” their style. An example of one my style icons is Joanna Gaines.
2. Make a list of items you do and don’t like to wear. Take out a notebook or laptop and start writing. When you know what you don’t like you won’t be tempted to buy a piece on your “dislike list” because you like how it looks on someone else, or because it is a current trend.
3. Evaluate the pieces in your closet. Look at your most worn/go to pieces and think about why you love them. Take out the pieces you don’t like or don’t feel like “you” and think about why you don’t like them. Remember this when you shop in the future. Make sure your closet is filled with basics you love and the key elements you need to create outfits.

Whatever you decide to wear:

Wear it knowing you chose it. Wear it with joy. Wear it with comfort. Wear it with excitement. Wear it with knowing it’s YOUR style. Your very own personal style. But most importantly,

Wear it with confidence.