“It doesn’t matter what you wear, it’s what’s inside that counts!”
We have all heard this countless times from a loving Mother, Grandmother or well meaning Aunty…and yes, absolutely, 100%, without question – Confidence, identity and self worth is an inside job.
One of our understandings about the clothing we choose for ourselves is that it is an outward expression of who we are. Given that we have absolute control over what we choose to wear, it can actually be more of an indicator of our true self than our faces or our bodies, which we didn’t choose. So whilst, yes, it IS what’s inside that counts…it can be what’s on the outside that helps us communicate our true identity.
WHEN WHAT’S “OUTSIDE” COUNTS…
You know how you feel when you wash your hair, pop on some mascara and slip into a pair of jeans and a cotton top that you KNOW fit well, you KNOW looks fresh and feels SOFT against your skin…
You know how you feel when you slide on those favourite heeled boots with your black skirt and button down shirt and walk into a big meeting or presentation…
You know how you feel, and studies have proven time and time again that what we feel on the outside translates internally, giving us more confidence, more conviction, and lifts our moods.
Likewise, what about those days when we just CAN’T. We feel cruddy and so we make no effort with our clothes, our hair or anything else. The way we dress causes us to think ‘I can’t get out at the school gate’, or ‘I can’t let people I know see me like this’…and what do you think THAT internally translates into?!
“…BUT I DON’T LOOK LIKE THEM”
So? Does it matter if you are a size 6 or size 16? What if, like me, you are two different sizes top and bottom? Or, also like me, the clothes you see on the models, don’t look like THAT on you?
Guess what? – that is just fine! Perfect, in fact. The thing about finding your style and cementing your sense of self through your wardrobe is that after you have chosen the type of style you feel comfortable with and the type of clothes that make you feel the best, then you add the final ingredient – AUTHENTICITY.
We are talking about YOU.
Who YOU are.
How YOU wear the clothes.
NOT anyone else.
Your AUTHENTIC self.
WHAT YOU CHOOSE CAN WEAR CAN BE A MIRROR TO WHAT’S ON THE INSIDE
OR a veneer of camouflage against a world that judges quickly on surfaces.
OR a suit of armour in an uncomfortable situation.
OR a map to display your aspirations.
YOU are what YOU choose to wear.
Working on self care, self love and self worth from the inside is a life long adventure, but why not recognise and work on completing the feedback loop from the outside. Taking consistent action creates momentum and builds on itself and we begin to feel the improvements little by little, ultimately, building confidence.
SO, WHAT NOW?
Decide on what YOU like.
Browse some websites and find some brands YOU like. Learn about the brands. Think about your wardrobe. Pass on anything you don’t like, don’t wear or doesn’t fit you. Plan your purchases and plan your future purchases – note: less impulse, more planning.
Every time you get dressed – BE YOU!
