Women especially tend to spend more time and put more thought into deciding what to wear and getting dressed. Nobody wants to be over or underdressed. There are several reasons why a woman might start to make less of an effort with her appearance, from experiencing mental health issues to insecurity to perhaps even a change in circumstances like working from home or having a baby. However, dressing well and your outward appearance as a whole can have a huge impact on your self-confidence. Keep reading to learn more.
Creating the Best First Impression
Your appearance almost entirely dictates the first impression that you make; a lot of people have already come to some conclusions about you before you have even had the chance to open your mouth. These opinions can be incredibly difficult to combat once they have been formed, regardless of how incorrect they might be. This is why you really should think about how you want to be perceived whenever you leave the house; obviously, the occasion and who you are likely to meet or see will dictate what is appropriate. For example, if you were to go out for an evening to a casino, then there is likely to be a dress code, while there will be no such thing at an online casino like OnlineCasinos.co.uk, although dressing up a little can help with your confidence and give you an edge.
Cultivating the Right Image
You do not get more than one chance to make a second first impression. However, all subsequent meetings and interactions can then cement this impression or allow you to create a new image. The way in which you dress has a lot to do with cultivating your image. If you want people to think that you are capable, then you probably shouldn’t wear pyjamas to work or on the school run. However, if you want people to think that you are approachable, then donning designer gear head-to-toe every day probably also isn’t the best move. Think about the image that you want to portray and how your style can help you to get there.
Improving Your Self-Esteem
One of the biggest benefits of dressing up more often is the fact that it usually translates into an improved sense of self-esteem. You are much more likely to feel confident in yourself. Dressing up doesn’t have to always mean dresses, heels, make-up and the whole nine yards. It might simply mean getting out of your pyjamas on a day when you would otherwise laze around in the house all day. At least if you are up and dressed, you are more ready for the day and what it might bring. Dressing in the wrong clothes can make you feel out of place and embarrassed, therefore affecting your self-confidence; this, in turn, can affect your performance both professionally and personally. If you look good, you feel good, and if you feel good, then you are far more likely to be functioning to the best of your ability.
Colours Can Impact Your Mood
There are several studies on the effect that colours can have on your mood. This is often thought about during interior design efforts and even marketing materials. However, it is often something that is overlooked when getting dressed in the morning—your mood, as well as the mood of others who see you throughout the day. Think about the feelings that you want to invoke when getting dressed; blues and whites often make people feel calmer by prompting the body to release oxytocin which can stabilise your mood. Whereas colours like red, orange and yellow portray warmth and comfort, which can increase your levels of dopamine which can improve your mood, increase your attention span and even give your sex drive a boost. Having an awareness of this when you get dressed in the morning can be transformative for your mood throughout the day.
Demonstrating Respect
Dressing appropriately for the occasion also demonstrates an awareness of societal norms and expectations, demonstrating that you have respect for them and the people that appreciate them. Think about it; you wouldn’t turn up to a job interview in jeans and a t-shirt – unless, of course, that was the dress code. There has been a rise in recent years of loungewear and other comfy items that allow you to be properly dressed while prioritising your own comfort. You do not have to dress exclusively in formal wear; it is all about thinking about what is appropriate for the occasion. You can put your own spin on things, too; this allows you to express your taste and your personality.
It Allows You to Declutter Your Clothes
Most women have overflowing wardrobes full of clothes, although they never seem to wear everything. When you are trying to dress more deliberately every day and you begin to put more thought into your outfits, you can look at your wardrobe with a more discerning eye. Think about the things that do not speak to the image you want to create or the clothes you no longer like, and, for the love of god, get rid of the aspirational clothes that you intend to slim into. Clothes should fit the wearer. You do not need to fit your clothes; they need to fit you. It might even be worth exploring a capsule wardrobe. This is when all of the pieces within your wardrobe are designed to work with each other to create any number of outfits; they are all meant to be timeless and allow you to mix and match.
In Summary
In order to dress well, you do not need to go out and buy yourself an entirely new wardrobe necessarily. You simply need to put some more thought into what you are going to clothe your body in every day. Ensuring that you are comfortable should always be one of your biggest priorities. As seen above, there are a number of reasons why you should endeavour to make more of an effort, but you are, of course, welcome to put your own spin on what this will mean for you.
