There are things in life we know are true. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. What is inside matters more than what’s outside. There are enormous pressures put on everyone about the standard of beauty that we should all be chasing. But, the truth is, not only is this “universal” standard of beauty unattainable. Frankly, it makes the standard unattractive. If we all looked the same, then it wouldn’t be appealing anymore. What’s important is standing out.
Standing out can look like always being the friend that shows up, being the one in the family that everyone comes to for advice, or being the coworker that always picks up extra work when asked. Another way you can stand out is through the way you dress. It’s important to figure out what your fashion “voice” is and how you want to present yourself to the world. And, while you may have already figured out ways to become instantly more attractive, you still may be a fashion chameleon – changing your aesthetic every day. But, there is beauty in finding your authentic aesthetic and sticking to it.
Figure Out Who You Admire
Maybe you’ve always loved how Diane Keaton looks in high-waisted trousers, a wide belt, and a cool hat. Perhaps you can’t get over how cool Matthew McConaughey always looks in a simple button-down and jeans. The list of whose style you admire is endless, but choosing who has your favorite and most relatable style is a great place to start. You probably already emulate these people when you’re dressing every day, but it’s important to translate it in a way that flatters you.
Know Your Body Type
Translating a style to a way that flatters you is critical when trying to find your voice. Maybe you love the oversized aesthetic of the Olsen twins, but you can’t pull it up because of your shape. Say you have an apple-shaped figure – you’re a bit rounder in the middle with killer legs. A good compromise would be going with an oversized top from your favorite plus size boutique and then pairing it with a tight-fitting pair of skinny jeans or leggings. Say you love the high-waisted bell bottom jeans with a tight tee tucked in, but you’re petite. You may not be able to pull off the bell bottom look, but a boot cut or baby flare would be incredibly flattering. If you aren’t sure of your body type, there are plenty of quizzes or tutorials online to help you figure that out. Once you know your body type, finding your ideal style of dressing becomes easier for you.
Comfort Is Key
You have to be comfortable to exude confidence in the clothes you wear. Think about the most attractive and compelling people you know – they’re likely very confident and comfortable in their skin. So, you want to ensure that when you’re figuring out your fashion voice, you’re not going with what’s en vogue at the moment, but what you feel good in. Because if you don’t feel good in what you’re wearing and you know it doesn’t suit your body type (as mentioned above), you’re not comfortable or confident. And, that’s never a good look.
Fast Fashion’s High Cost
The actual cost of fast fashion is higher than many may think. It’s detrimental not only to the environment but also to your pocketbook. The reality is, trends will come and go, but if you’ve found your authentic fashion voice and are dressing to that daily, you’re not going to fall for the fast-fashion advertisements. Ultimately, shopping for what looks good on you and is true to who you are will save you a ton of money. No one is saying you have to go full-on capsule wardrobe or never shop again, but ask yourself (a couple of times) if you’ll wear an item often enough that it’s worth spending your hard-earned money on.
The great thing about finding out what you really love and feel great in as far as the way you dress goes is it saves you time, money and also protects your self-esteem. You’ll feel confident and like yourself, which is the best gift you can give yourself and the world.
