Your outfit can have a huge impact on how you feel, and specific fashion choices can,, unfortunately,, undermine your confidence. Here are 15 fashion items that might be dragging you down—and what you can do to replace them with pieces that make you feel unstoppable.
1. Tight and Ill-Fitting Jeans
Too tight or loose jeans can leave you feeling uncomfortable and self-conscious. If your jeans don’t fit well, you’ll tug at them uncomfortably, drawing attention to yourself. A better option is finding a pair that hugs your curves in all the right places without pinching or sagging, making you feel confident and stylish.
2. Dirty Scuffed Shoes
Scuffed or worn-out shoes can make you feel less put-together. Shoes say a lot about a person, so arriving somewhere in beat-up old shoes can signal that you’re sloppy and unkempt, attracting all the wrong kinds of attention to your outfit. Keeping your footwear polished and well-maintained ensures you feel confident from head to toe, projecting an image of someone who cares about the details.
3. Baggy Unstructured Clothing
In theory, wearing oversized, shapeless garments might be a way to hide the parts of yourself that you’re insecure about. But in reality, baggy clothes can make you feel even more hidden and insecure than you already are. Clothes with structure that highlight your figure can improve your posture and confidence, allowing you to feel more in control of your appearance. Figure out what body parts you want to accentuate and shop for clothes based on that.
4. Tacky Outdated Accessories
There are few worse feelings than looking outdated. Accessories that are out of style can make your outfit feel tired and draw attention to you. Updating your accessories with modern, sleek pieces can refresh your look and give you the confidence to know you’re on-trend and stylish. Avoid overly trendy pieces in the future to look your best-dressed self.
5. See-Through Fabrics
Wearing sheer fabrics might look fun on celebrities walking the red carpet, but for the everyday person, they can leave you feeling exposed and self-conscious. If you’re still drawn to opaque clothes but don’t quite have the confidence to pull them off, try to layer strategically to maintain your comfort and confidence while still being fashion-forward.
6. Worn-Out Undergarments
Confidence starts with your underwear. Wearing old, stretched-out bras and underwear can ruin the fit of your clothes and sap your confidence. This is particularly true for badly fitted bras that can make your bust look wonky and oversized, leaving you feeling insecure. Investing in quality undergarments that provide the right support can dramatically improve how your clothes fit and feel.
7. Clothes That Don’t Match Your Style
Fashion is supposed to be an expression of who you are, which is why wearing clothes that don’t align with your personal style can make you feel like you’re pretending to be someone else. Sticking to what feels true to you will make you more comfortable and boost your self-esteem. Explore your own personal style and dress to that.
8. Overly Trendy Pieces
Trends are a dime a dozen, and the hard truth is that they don’t necessarily suit everyone. Not only this but following every trend can lead to outfits that don’t feel authentic. Focusing on classic, versatile pieces that resonate with your personal style can help you feel more confident in your choices and appearance. Dress to your own personal style and not what other people wear to feel your most confident self.
9. High Uncomfortable Heels
Too high or poorly designed heels can throw off your posture and confidence. Though you might think they look great on, everyone can tell when you’re wearing something uncomfortable. Opting for comfortable yet stylish heels that you can easily walk in will help you feel empowered and steady on your feet, making you ooze confidence.
10. Mismatched Outfits
There’s experimenting with fashion, and then there’s committing to a fashion faux pas by mismatching your look. Whether it’s print clashing or wearing two competing aesthetics, outfits that don’t quite come together can leave you feeling out of sorts. Planning your looks ahead of time or choosing pieces that naturally complement each other can ensure you feel polished and confident.
11. Revealing Figure-Huggin Dresses
Showing a bit of skin might seem fun, but wearing something that makes you feel overexposed can be a confidence killer. If you’re uncomfortable wearing revealing clothes, don’t wear them. It’s still possible to be sexy without showing an abundance of skin. Choosing outfits that strike the balance between stylish and comfortable can help you feel secure and confident.
12. Heavy Makeup Looks
Whether hiding wrinkles or putting on bold red lipstick, makeup can be a great confidence booster when done right. However, overdone makeup can make you feel like hiding behind a mask. In this case, you’re more likely to feel insecure rather than confident. Embracing a more natural look that enhances your features can help you feel more authentic and self-assured.
13. Stained and Torn Clothing
A visible stain or tear can ruin even the most stylish outfit. You must prioritize keeping your clothes in good condition, and should they become worn or stained, you should also be retiring them. Wearing worn-out clothes is guaranteed to attract all the wrong kinds of attention to yourself. Always opt for clean, tidy clothes to be your most confident self.
14. Heavy Layering Pieces
Unless it’s a freezing day, wearing too many layers makes you feel bulky and uncomfortable. Though you might want to cover up insecurities, wearing coats, jackets, overshirts, and accessories can draw attention and make you fidget uncomfortably. Sticking to a few well-chosen pieces that allow you to move freely will help you feel more comfortable and confident in your outfit.
15. Poorly Chosen Prints
Some prints can be overwhelming or unflattering, making you feel self-conscious. Certain prints can be outdated or even warp on your body, leaving you feeling anything but confident. Opting for patterns that complement your body type and overall look can enhance your style and confidence.