How we dress isn’t just about making ourselves look good for others – the clothes we wear can directly influence the way we view ourselves and how we feel. When we’re feeling low, we are more likely to reach for comfortable clothes that may not necessarily be flattering or inspiring.
When we dress in a way that makes us feel confident on the other hand, we approach situations and other people differently, meaning that when we dress for success, we’re more likely to achieve it. Here’s how you can boost confidence using your style.
Fashion Psychology
Our fashion choices can say a lot about who we are and how we want to express ourselves. Fashion psychology is the study of how clothing choices impact how we perceive ourselves and each other.
When it comes to how we choose to dress, there are many psychological factors at work. Depending on our personalities, we may want to conform to current trends or blend in, we might want to appear desirable or stand out from the crowd or we may wish to express our uniqueness or creativity through what we wear. Clothing can also shape our self-concept, not only informing others of who we are and what we’re about but also guiding ourselves on how to behave, for example, when wearing a uniform.
What Makes Someone Stylish?
In a survey of 2,000 Brits by Damart UK, 16% of people said that feeling stylish comes from having confidence and 14% said it was about feeling comfortable in your own skin. Great style can be as simple as finding the right look that makes you feel like the best version of yourself.
Knowing how to dress for your body shape is one of the first steps to boosting your confidence through your style. Many people fall into the trap of dressing to hide parts of their body they may be unhappy with, rather than choosing clothes that celebrate and highlight their best features. Shifting your mentality from disguising perceived flaws to flaunting your assets might take some getting used to but you can start small by choosing t-shirts in fabrics and colours that you love or investing in a well-fitting pair of jeans.
It’s hard to be stylish when you feel uncomfortable so make comfort a priority. That doesn’t have to mean loungewear every day but be sure your underwear doesn’t dig in or that your dress doesn’t ride up as needing to constantly readjust your clothes will dent your confidence.
Having the Confidence to Express Yourself
29% of Damart’s respondents acknowledged that anyone can be stylish at any age. When voting for the most stylish celebrities over the age of 40, Kate Winslet came in third place and Dame Judi Dench in second.
They were both pipped to the post by Dame Helen Mirren who took the top spot by not being afraid to add her own edge to classic looks. From formal gowns on the red carpet to tailored trouser suits that show she means business, Helen Mirren oozes style and isn’t afraid to mix things up now and again with a figure-hugging dress or bold animal print.
Conclusion
Feeling confident in the way we dress isn’t about following trends or wearing power suits but feeling comfortable in our own skin and not being afraid to express ourselves through our clothing choices, something that is possible at any age.
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