Fashion is more than just the glitz and glam of the runway. I; Omotola Saba, didn’t know until I noticed that my style affected my mood more than I could imagine. The confidence I feel whenever I have a “perfect fit” is indescribable. Confidence is a formidable force that can reshape the landscape of our personal and professional lives and reflect through the clothes and how we wear them.
Since my epiphany, I have ensured my outfits have a splash of colour and a distinctive item to infuse personality. I even embraced the art of bead making to craft exciting accessories that lend character to my outfits. The best part? The unexpected compliments from strangers and close friends alike. Who doesn’t like the occasional “you look amazing” from strangers?
Dressing up is one of the many ways to build your confidence. Layer by layer, you carefully construct your mood from neutral to being on the clouds. The way you dress plays a crucial role in how we perceive ourselves and how others perceive us. Of course, you’re not putting on a show for people. However, the dopamine rush from getting complimented by strangers and loved ones alike can help you fall in love with yourself and ultimately put your confidence on an all-time high.
“The cliche ‘you are what you wear’ covers the sociological, economic, and biological aspects of fashion and your fashion choices reflect all of these.”
While speaking to Dr. Aanu Jide-Ojo, a clinical psychologist, on the psychology of fashion, she told us that what we wear definitely influences our perceptions of ourselves. In her words, “It can be a euphoric or dysphoric experience. Fashion can symbolise the journey in terms of what you can afford and the group you want to affiliate with. It can also be a signifier of your values. For example, if you solely shop vintage or adopt slow fashion, it will influence how you shop and what you wear”
The science of fashion is not complex to get lost in. You can connect with your authentic self by experimenting with your style, fabrics, and elements and learning about your body. Remember, being confident shows a good relationship with yourself. Therefore, search within for the things that resonate with your soul.
Need help with confidence-boosting outfits? Don’t fret
It can be quite the hassle to find a clothing piece that boldly states “designed for confidence” every time you stare into your wardrobe. The proper clothing can give your outfit the pizzazz it needs and evoke the emotions you need to have a good day. Filling your wardrobe with confidence-boosting pieces is crucial to getting your daily fashion dopamine hit. With these ideas, you’re sure to pick your confidence boost for the day!
A stylish blazer
You can never go wrong with a blazer. A well-tailored blazer exudes confidence and authority. Whether heading to a business meeting or a special event, a sharp look in a bold colour will definitely have you turning heads.
Statement pieces
A striking pair of heels, a draped after-dress or bold accessories are all statement pieces that will instantly put your outfit together. Statement pieces are a good idea to keep people talking so throw them on and get ready to be the centre of attention.
Comfortable confidence
According to Dr. Aanu, wearing comfortable clothing means different things to different people but primarily, it allows you to be present in your body as opposed to being stuck in a fantasy self. Never underestimate the power of comfort. When you feel physically comfortable in your clothing, you exude confidence effortlessly. Opt for stylish yet comfortable outfits that allow you to move freely.
“In a world that pushes trends and images at you daily, having a clear compass that guides your style is important. Being consistent with these contributes to your self-esteem.”- Dr. Aanu.
It is tempting to buy inexpensive trendy outfits. However, investing in quality pieces that fit well and stand the test of time is a wise decision. The quality of your outfit often helps boost confidence and will instantly make you feel confident.
When dressing for confidence, always plan for whatever occasion you want to attend. Take a few minutes out of your evening to give you a sense of preparedness in your styling choice ahead of the next day. Knowing you have chosen the most confident outfit can set a positive tone for the event.
Getting prepared for events can be stressful if you have a cluttered wardrobe. A cluttered wardrobe can hinder your decision process and trigger decision fatigue, making it harder to choose confidence-boosting outfits.
Dressing for confidence is more than obliging to fleeting fashion trends; it’s an art form, a testament to the potent potential of self-expression through our attire. What we choose to drape ourselves in can become our armour, our source of inner strength. We embark on a transformative journey toward heightened self-assurance by meticulously curating outfits that ignite our confidence and infusing mindfulness into our daily decisions.
Remember, confidence that radiates from within isn’t merely skin-deep. It reflects your inner spirit, elegantly poured into the fabric and design you embrace. It’s a blend of empowerment, chic aesthetics, and timeless class that empowers you to conquer the world with an irresistible sense of self.
