How Is Fashion A Form Of Self-Care
Written by: Denisse Espalter, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
You may be asking yourself how does fashion become a part of my self-care routine? It is very simple- we all know that when we look good, we feel good, right! The concept behind this is that part of self-care and taking care of yourself and clearing your mindset also ties into how we look on the outside. It goes hand and hand and when we realize that those new pair of jeans fit amazing, or those new shoes are like magic on your feet- you in turn are smiling away and feeling confident!
What you wear is often a reflection of how you feel. But does it work the other way as well? Can clothes affect your psyche? When I remain in my pjs, I usually am not motivated to accomplish anything, but in contrast, when I am wearing an outfit that I feel good in, I feel motivated and empowered to accomplish whatever I set my mind to. It may be a cliche, but the old saying ‘dress for the job you want, not the one you have’ applies to how you feel as well.
Your style and the clothes you wear affect both your mood and your confidence. To feel beautiful, strong, and self-assured, you must wear clothes that empower you but there's no magic formula. You must wear the clothes that are right for you. Here are some tips that can help boost your confidence, improve your mood, and raise your self-esteem through personal style.
Let’s break down some tips:
Be Your Own Best Friend. Confidence and self-esteem come from being your own best friend. Be your own best friend by wearing what you want, when you want. No more saving things to wear “when its best”. Remind yourself of the outfits that make you feel amazing and start wearing them more often. Make your own style rules, be comfortable in your clothes, and take care of yourself - the confidence will follow. Believe.
Declutter Your Wardrobe. Nobody feels good wearing ill-fitting, worn-out, and dated clothing. Let’s detox that closet! A cluttered closet makes it difficult to find and create outfits that make you feel comfortable and confident. Being overwhelmed by a messy wardrobe can leave you feeling uninspiring about your style. Declutter your clothes by getting rid of anything you no longer want to wear, anything that doesn't fit or make you feel great; declutter duplicates, unworn items, and past loves. Consider the fit and feel of all your clothes and don't keep anything that makes you feel or look uncomfortable. You should feel excited to wear everything single piece in your wardrobe, if you don't then get rid of it.
Create A Wardrobe You Love. Once you've decluttered your wardrobe and promised never to wear anything that makes you feel anything less than amazing, you can start creating a wardrobe you love. Simply your style by choosing well, buying less, and being conscious of fast fashion. Adopt new shopping habits by choosing quality over quantity - No more cheap ill-fitting clothing! No more tops that shrink in the wash! No more shoes that pinch! - and invest in creating a capsule wardrobe of useful pieces that work together; you can do this with your accessories as well. Learn to invest in timeless silhouettes in classic pieces that will never go out of fashion.
Express Yourself. Using style to empower and build confidence only works if you do you; dress to express yourself by having fun with clothes that show your personality. Whether you go for bold patterns or minimal colors, expressing your personal style is the only way your wardrobe will work to empower you every day. Don't be afraid to test your comfort zone, try new styles, or stick with what you know looks good. Clothing affects confidence, color influences mood, and style affects self-esteem so use them all to express yourself.
As Anna Wintour says, “create your own style… let it be unique for yourself!” Remember to give the best of you to the world. When you are keeping yourself in mind and putting yourself first- all falls into place.
Denisse Espalter, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Denisse Espalter is recognized as a top Life & Style Coach and a sought-after Communications Expert. After multiple life-changing experiences, learning how to pivot her mindset and not let fear hold her back, she created Unboxed Life and Style, a lifestyle brand. She developed a company that not only has amazing self-care & entrepreneur boxes, she also coaches, educates, and inspires women on how to take their life experiences and learn how to evolve with them as their life and style change. She offers courses on how to clean out the layers in your closet to become the better version of yourself and shifting your mindset. Encourages women with Love the Skin You're In program. She teaches how to develop a self-care routine and prioritize yourself and a Leveling Up Entrepreneur course to gain clarity, confidence and build strategies to grow your mindset.
Her Book Everyday Woman's Guide to Doing What You Love will be released in June 2021. Her mission: Is to be a resource and teach women to stop doubting themselves. "The more clear you are on what you have - the more confident you will be!"
