Dress Up Your Confidence

How many times have you looked in the mirror when you’re feeling low and seen nothing you can be proud of?  If you’re anything like the majority of us, I expect the answer is many times.  Instead of looking at the whole person, we look only at the parts of ourselves that we don’t like:  my tummy’s enormous; I wish my breasts were smaller/larger; just look at these stretch marks.  Sound familiar?

When you’re feeling this way, your clothes don’t seem to work for you either.  I bet many of you try on garment after garment, tossing them aside with frustration as none of them seem to fit the bill.  Everything Is a massive struggle

In the corporate world, there is a business term known as The Spiral of Success.  In essence the theory states that when you look good, you feel good and your self esteem increases.  In turn, this will enable you to project yourself with more conviction and confidence.  Others are drawn to you, so you are likely to gain more positive responses from work associates, family, friends and even strangers.  From a business or romantic stance you are more likely to gain trust and respect with a resulting positive impact on your relationships and, ultimately, your bottom line.

The success of T.V. programmes such as ‘What Not To Wear’ and ‘10 Years Younger’ have proved that both women and men can increase their self esteem by changing the way they dress.  Newly discovered optimism and enthusiasm emerge, and suddenly life does not look so bleak after all.  

Changing your appearance, for one that is authentic and flattering, can be the first major step in gaining back your self esteem.  Imagine looking in the mirror and saying “wow, I look fabulous”.  That’s what dressing up your confidence is all about.  An additional benefit to looking and feeling fantastic is that you can spend more time doing the things you love rather than spending the time worrying about your appearance.  So what have you got to lose?

Here are my top tips for looking modern and stylish, whatever your age or shape.  Although they are geared more towards women, the principles can still apply to the men out there.

1. Enhance your body.

Understand what fabrics and shapes suit you best.  Don’t ignore it.  Contoured shapes need drapier fabrics that skim over the curves.  Angular shapes need stiff, starchy fabrics to enhance the straight lines.

2 Wear the correct size

If you wear clothes that are too small, you will look fatter.  If you wear clothes that are too big, you’ll look dwarfed.  This also applies to accessories, so if you’re a smallish build do not carry an extra large briefcase – it will undermine you. 

3. Wear Flattering Colours.

Especially near to your face.  Warm skins need warm tones like olives, golds, browns to enhance your glow.  Cool skins need cool tones like blue and pink to flatter the skin.  The wrong colour can drain and add years. 

4. Foundation is Key.

Wearing the right size underwear is critical.  Get yourself measured on an annual basis.  If you are overweight, you can appear to lose up to a stone just by wearing the correct bra.  Lacy bras may look good in the bedroom but they don’t work so well under a T-shirt. 

VPL (visible panty line) is a no go area, so search the shops for knickers which sit flush against the skin.  If your tum’s got a life of it’s own, try magic knickers – they do a marvellous job. 

5. Spend Wisely.

Buy only what makes you feel fantastic.  All your purchases should make you feel like a million dollars.

6. Accessorise.

Less is more is often the key to perfect accessorising.  Too many accessories can give you the “chandelier” effect.  Pick just one great accessory to add some dramatic impact.

Men – think about your tie.  This is the one area where you can really put your personality into your clothing.  A word of warning though – novelty ties are not novel or humorous.

7. Experiment

Don’t be afraid to experiment. If you’ve had the same look for years, make the transition easier by adding small changes until you become comfortable and confident with the new look you. 

8. Stand up Straight.

A poor posture can ruin any outfit.  So if you’ve made all this effort, make sure you can carry it off to your best advantage by standing tall.

9. Learn to accept a compliment.

Many of us respond with “this old thing!” or similar when someone tells us how nice we look.  Imagine that compliment was a bouquet of flowers or a gorgeous box of chocolates.  Would you throw them back to the person who gave them to you? .

10.  Celebrate Your Assets

Embrace your best qualities and dress them to your advantage.  Show off your personality and celebrate your uniqueness.  There is only one you.