Fashion is and always will be one of the most personal ways to express yourself. It’s a way to reflect who you are, what inspires you, and also how you want to be seen when you walk out of the door. But your style might not always fit into what others consider to be normal. If that’s the case, then it can be hard to just be yourself and stay confident. You might start thinking that you’re the weird one, or you might even suppress your personal style just to fit in with others. But, y’all know what I say about that, “You do you, Boo!” Personal style is just that…personal! Remember that because it’s important.
But the truth is, confidence in your own fashion choices has zero to do with what others think, and everything to do with embracing what makes you unique. Fashion is meant to change and evolve over time as a way to express your individuality and interests, so here’s how you can embrace it. I think confidence is probably the most important thing you put on when you get dressed. If you feel confident in your look, you will definitely be confident!
Wear confidence first…
Learn to wear confidence first. It’s your first accessory of the day! Owning your personal style starts with confidence. If you’re confident in what you wear, it becomes a part of you. People will notice that confidence before they even notice the colors that you’re wearing, and it’s what empowers you to stop second-guessing your fashion choices. Well, I dunno…I think some people see the colors long before they see the confidence. But, it takes confidence to wear the colorful clothing I wear.
One great thing to remember is that everyone has different tastes. What someone finds bold can be inspiring to others, and what some people dislike could be loved by another. Confidence is all about valuing your own opinion over someone else’s, and that’s why you should wear things that you personally love without worrying about what others think.
Remember…style is personal…
Your wardrobe is meant to be a reflection of your style and fashion, not someone else’s. Maybe your style comes from your culture, or perhaps it’s based on your hobbies and interests. Whatever the case is, you’re the one that makes it special. My friend, Shelbee, tells me I’m a fashion chameleon, and I think she’s right. My style is constantly evolving.
For example, if you like accessories that feel unique or expressive, ear weights are a perfect example of how fashion can be deeply personal. They’re bold, individual, and meaningful. It shows confidence because you’re wearing something that represents your taste instead of following trends. Now, I don’t think I’m going to go as far as ear weights, but I’m seriously considering another piercing in each ear…just not sure where to put them as my hair covers my ears so much. I’ve also considered a nose piercing, but I’m just not sure about the pain level there.
Stop with the comparisons…
It’s also a good idea to stop with the comparisons. Comparing yourself to others (in any capacity, not just fashion) is one of the fastest ways to start doubting yourself. It’s easy to look at influencers or friends and think their style looks better than yours, but you should banish those thoughts and instead think about your personal style instead.
Focus on how your clothes make you feel rather than looking at others. If your outfit gives you energy and makes you smile, then that’s all that matters. That feeling of authenticity and joy that your outfit gives you is far more powerful than chasing trends that you don’t even like.
Embrace your personal style…
Standing out isn’t something that you should be ashamed of, but rather, it’s something to celebrate. Every creative person has moments of doubt when their choices and styles don’t make sense to others, but that’s just part of how we express ourselves.
No matter if you think you’re wearing quirky fashion or misunderstood outfits, your choices are your statement. Whatever patterns you mix or accessories you wear might not appeal to everyone, but that’s okay. What matters the most is that your style is an extension of you and that it brings you joy.
My only fashion quirk – if you can even call it that – have been my graphic t-shirts and my jewelry, I think.
Thanks, Cat! I think I have many fashion quirks…one is not knowing exactly what my style is…you’d think I’d know by now!
Completely agree that confidence is the most important thing to put on every morning! And getting dressed for yourself – wearing clothes that make you feel good – and not worry about everyone else.
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thank you, Jill! I think when you feel confident, it just shows! You’re absolutely right about not worrying about anyone else! I’ve stopped doing that, and I feel so much better!
I agree with all of this! You look gorgeous in this dress! I adore your hair, the print of the dress, and the colors of this look!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you so much, Kathrine!
I love this! And it is so true! I love fashion and overdress for work, but it makes me happy! Love the hair and the dress on you! They are so perfect together!
Thank you, Laura! I had a feeling you probably are dressed differently than many of your colleagues. I think it’s unfortunate that teachers don’t dress professionally as much. I feel like, if you want to be perceived as a professional, dress like one. But, other professions dress down these days, too. But, the important thing is that you love what you’re wearing!
I love this message, Marsha. I have purchased clothes before because I love “the look” on someone else and then felt uncomfortable every time I wore said outfit. No more. If I’m not comfortable and confident in something, I don’t wear it. I always hate when I hear things like “dress your age,” or “that style is outdated.” If you feel good in something, then go for it. I may not love everything someone else chooses to wear, but if I catch myself judging, I change it to that’s not for me, but you do you!
Thank you, Christie! I have done the same thing. I also have tried to stop judging others by thinking about how they’re wearing what feels good to them.
I don’t have a sense of fashion at all so I admire anyone, like you, who does!
Thanks, Lisa! I work hard at it, but I think my sense of fashion changes all the time.
Hi, Marsha – I totally agree. If you wear what you love, you will look like your best self and feel wonderful throughout your day. Lately, I’ve been combining opposing styles just to see how they go and it has been a new and refreshing look each time. I guess that means I’m advocating experimenting with favorite styles. Your jewelry makes this flowing dress look all the more magnificent! Thanks for sharing these uplifting thoughts – Angie, http://www.yourtrueselfblog.com
Thanks, Angie! What an interesting concept. I’d love to hear more about what you mean by opposing styles. It is fun to experiment with different looks which is something I do all the time.
I wear a lot of fairly plain and simple outfits, but my tulle skirts are my quirks: I just love how I feel when I wear them, the whimsy just adds a pep in my step!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Thanks, Mireille! I think tulle skirts just add such a fun element to any look! You always look fabulous, though!
This is such great advice, Marsha! I love your sentence – “I think confidence is probably the most important thing you put on when you get dressed.” it’s so true but sometimes it’s hard! I think it’s one of the things I loved most about spending my days with kindergartners! They embraced my quirks and that gave me confidence and joy! Such a blessing!
Thanks, Laura! I do think my confidence has grown so much the last few years. I really take chances on some outfits…sometimes, they’re good, sometimes, they’re not. Would you believe I had a group of girls who would keep track of the number of days a week I would wear a dress or skirt? It’s funny what kids notice. Kindergartners are fun because they’re so honest! I couldn’t have taught them, but I really enjoyed visiting in the kindergarten classrooms when I was a Resource Teacher.