5 Ways to Start Dressing for Confidence and Empowerment

Everybody deserves to look in front of a mirror and smile, but sometimes, it’s easier said than done. Self-love isn’t an easy feat, and there are going to be days when we’re filled with more doubt and insecurity than usual.

Of course, this is totally normal. But we do owe it to ourselves to try a little harder, and one way to do that is through the clothes we wear. After all, even science says that clothes aren’t just clothes. In the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, researchers describe a phenomenon called “enclothed cognition,” which makes the connection between the symbolic meaning of clothes and the physical experience of wearing them. It gives depth to the phrase “dress for the part.”

This means that, even on your worst days, you have the power to get up and change the course of your mood just by dressing up. We’re not saying a single outfit can change your life, but it’s a nice fact to take comfort in. Below, we have shared some of the ways you can dress for confidence and empowerment.

Take Advantage of Colors

The first step to dressing confidently is by understanding what looks good on you. Certain colors can highlight your features and complement your entire look — from the shade of your hair down to your complexion. You can try to consult color palettes or even a color wheel for reference, but you don’t really have to complicate things so much. Simply dress in contrast to your features and skin tones to allow your natural color to pop.

Know Your Body Shape

Another key factor to dressing with confidence is knowing your body type. After all, not everyone is built with the same angles or proportions — and that’s what makes us unique. But by having an idea of your own shape, you can easily point out what clothes can flatter you best. You can check out The Chic Fashionista’s online guide to find out yours.

However, don’t think that this limits your choices. Realisation Par’s selection of skirts and dresses come in various cuts, necklines, and silhouettes that are built to flatter most women. Their designs exude a signature kind of elegance and femininity, which is another welcome confidence booster for women.

Embrace Your Personal Style

We all have our personal style preferences, and honoring them will make you feel more confident. It doesn’t matter if the clothes that feel natural to you aren’t the most conventional. What’s important is that you know what you like, and you aren’t dressing like you’re someone else. Whether you love casual t-shirts or enjoy wearing head-to-toe prints, style is your chance to express your individuality.

Prioritize Comfort

You could be wearing the most attractive outfit in the world, but if you’re uncomfortable it is something that’s very hard to hide. More than anything, fashion should be fun. You shouldn’t have to put yourself through discomfort just for aesthetic purposes. At the end of the day, clothes shouldn’t just look good. They should feel good, too. So if you’re the type of person who isn’t comfortable wearing revealing clothes, you can always find a balance. Woman Within’s midi dresses are the ideal length for anyone who wants to show a little skin, but at the same time aren’t too revealing. The array of fun designs allow you to stand out without having to conform to a short dress length, and its casual cut ensures comfort wherever you take it.

Flaunt Your Strengths

Now that you know what looks good on your body type, it’s time to play up to your strengths and put them front and center. For example, if you’re tall, you can enlist the help of vertical stripes to divert the focus on to your height. If you’re curvy, you can highlight your curves in a figure-forming dress. Whatever body part you’re most proud of, choose clothes that can complement it. Everlane’s cropped wide leg pants are one of the most universally flattering garments you can buy online. The fit can hug angles in all the best ways, while giving off a fun, nostalgic vibe suitable for all ages.

For more clothing ideas that are sure to bring out your best assets, head over to our other post on Woman Ready.