Have you ever heard the term ‘Dress for success?’ It’s not just jargon, they’re words to live by. Clothes are one of the most powerful tools we have to project our personality and show off who we are to the world. However, if your clothes don’t make you feel like that, then you may be participating in fashion habits that are wreaking havoc on your confidence. Here’s a handy guide to 15 fashion habits that could be secretly destroying your confidence.
1. Dressing Inappropriately
One of the easiest ways to feel comfortable in your clothes is to understand the dress code no matter where you’re going. Wearing clothes that are either too formal or too casual for an event can make you look out of place, which in turn can wreak havoc on your confidence. For example, when it comes to the office, it’s best to leave jeans in the drawer.
2. Neglecting the Fit
When it comes to fashion, the fit of your clothes is one of the most important elements of having confidence. Ill-fitting clothes can make you look frumpy or even emphasize areas of your body that you may not want to draw attention to. It’s important to invest in well-tailored and well-fitted clothes. Try looking for clothes with darts, seams, and other signs of tailoring. Or, consider taking your clothes to a tailor to revolutionize your whole wardrobe.
3. Not Dressing for Your Shape or Comfort
Everyone has a body type and when you learn what yours is, it will change the way you dress. Wearing clothes that don’t suit your body type is a surefire way to feel self-conscious. However, learning what clothes and styles work with your figure can boost your confidence to new heights.
4. Ignoring Your Own Personal Style
Another way to feel out of place in your own clothes is by ignoring your own personal style. Whether you realize it or not, we all have our own unique sense of style. When you ignore this and follow trends, you may feel that your lack of confidence comes from denying a part of yourself through your style.
5. Clinging to Outdated Trends
Following fashion trends can be fun, but with how fast trends come and go nowadays, it’s exceedingly hard to stay trendy and modern. That’s why filling your wardrobe with good quality, timeless pieces that never go out of fashion is more important than trendy, poorly-made clothes.
6. Complicating Your Look
In almost every instance, less is more. Though some people can rock the maximalism look, it’s deceivingly harder than it looks. From too many layers to clashing patterns or accessories, complex looks can make you feel cluttered and self-conscious. Aim for a minimalist approach to fashion for a more confident outlook.
7. Overdoing the Accessories
There is such a thing as too many accessories. While accessories can be the best part of an outfit, too many of them can overwhelm the look and make you feel self-conscious. Instead, opt for a few key pieces that complement your outfit rather than overshadow it.
8. Wearing Clothes That Aren’t Age-Appropriate
Dressing too young or too old for your age can make you feel out of place and less confident. Though you may not be ready to give up your miniskirts, embracing your age and choosing styles that reflect your current stage in life will actually make you look and feel more self-assured, confident, and elegant.
9. Not Paying Attention to Your Shoes
Shoes are one of the most important – yet overlooked – aspects of an outfit. Shoes that are too high, such as stilettos, can rock your confidence. Meanwhile, wearing daggy, dirty shoes can also make you appear sloppy. It’s important to take stock of your shoes and really assess whether they’re appropriate and presentable.
10. Wearing Wrong Shades and Prints
Did you know that wearing the wrong colors can ruin an entire outfit? Some of us just aren’t meant to wear bright colours whilst others should stay away from strong, dark shades. The wrong color can dominate you, or worse, make you look pale and sickly. Learning what colors look best with you is the key to confident dressing.
11. Dressing Like a Fashion Victim
Trends are enticing and fun, but relying on them as a main source of fashion inspiration is not only hard to keep up with, but it’s also obvious to other people. In turn, this can make you feel insecure about your style. Rather than buy into trends, try to focus on curating a wardrobe of timeless, stylish pieces. Not only will you save money, but no matter what day or year, you’ll always have something stylish to pull out of your wardrobe.
12. Neglecting Your Beauty Routine
Sometimes it’s not your clothes, it’s your grooming. Presenting yourself well is an essential part of looking great and feeling confident. When you neglect basic grooming habits, like maintaining clean nails, hair, and skin, this can detract from your good style and natural beauty. Make grooming a part of your daily and weekly routine for maximal confidence.
13. Not Taking Care of Your Clothes
Taking care of your clothes doesn’t just mean throwing them in the wash every now and then. It means taking valuable clothes to the dry cleaners, using shoe trees to maintain the shape of your shoes, and washing cashmere knits with cashmere shampoo for longevity. Taking poor care of your clothes means that you’ll be presenting to the public with holes and stains, which can knock your confidence.
14. Failing to Update Your Wardrobe Each Season
Every wardrobe needs a refresh once in a while, particularly at the start of a new season. When the weather changes, so should your clothes. Hanging on to outdated or ill-fitting clothes just for the sake of it can make you feel less confident about your appearance.
15. Wearing the Wrong Bra and Dated Lingerie
Ill-fitting bras or inappropriate undergarments can not only be uncomfortable but also cause visible lines to show up and affect your look. A well-fitted bra can change your body shape entirely and give you a slinky silhouette. Make sure you get fitted properly by a bra expert and have at least 2-3 well-fitting bras in your arsenal.