Looking stylish comes naturally for some, but not so much for me. I admire those who seemingly put together cute outfits with ease. They seem to wear the perfect attire whatever the occasion. I find it’s time- and energy-consuming because it’s not as easy for me. With some effort, I can put together a cute outfit, but I usually end up wearing the same things again and again. I don’t spend a lot of time styling myself, even though what I wear and how I look can influence how I feel about myself.
It may seem superficial, but how we look is an expression of ourselves and the basis of first impressions — something I wrote about in my blog post, The Power of a Good Hair Day, and rings true here.
Comfort Over Style
I tend to lean towards comfort over fashion or style, yet I’d still like to look nice. A lot of my clothes don’t fit the same since I’ve gained weight. I may settle for an outfit that looks okay but isn’t flattering, especially when I’m running short on time. For instance, I may wear something that is loose or makes me look boxy instead of curvy. That said, I would like to put more effort into elevating how I look.
When Picking an Outfit Makes Me Anxious
Sometimes trying to decide what to wear to social functions makes me anxious. Not wearing the right outfit (e.g., one that fits the occasion, looks good on me, and/or makes me feel confident) can affect my mood and make me feel self-conscious. Not always, but sometimes.
There was one time where I liked what I was wearing, but after I saw pictures, I realized it wasn’t flattering. I think it was a combination of the pattern and colors I wore, along with the style of the blouse and pants. I also chose a flat boot out of comfort, but it did nothing to help the outfit. Even so, I had fun at the event and didn’t let it get to me, but the pictures gave me pause, making a mental note for next time.
Getting Fashion Inspiration
When I like what I’m wearing and look good, then I feel good. I feel confident. For years I’ve joked that I need a fashion makeover or a personal stylist. Having enough time to plan and shop (if needed) helps me put together an appropriate outfit. I also get some inspiration from Pinterest boards, YouTube and Instagram. It helps to get tips that I can remember and incorporate, such as what type of clothing to wear to compliment my body type. I also recently joined Stitch Fix to see how their online stylists fare.
I know I need to work with what I’ve got. It’s okay that not all styles will look good on me or that what used to look good no longer does.
When looking for inspiration, I seek women with good fashion sense and similar body types that look great in what they’re wearing. Learning what looks good (and what doesn’t) in putting together an outfit matters. Ultimately, I think it’s finding the right fitting clothes that flatter my figure. Hopefully, in time, putting together a flattering outfit and elevating my look will become easier for me. I imagine it will not only make a difference in how I look but also in how I feel.
