It’s been said that “dressing well is a form of good manners” and “visualize your highest self and start showing up as her.” While I certainly agree with both, I’ve been mulling over how to develop this into a post for a week (translation: overthinking) because I want to tread lightly. It is not my place to tell anyone else how they should appear or project onto them what I think would make them happy.
I’ve approached this like most things in my life lately, with an open mind and a willingness to try. I do know for myself that taking the time to put together an outfit, style my hair and put on makeup is and always has been cathartic. It goes hand in hand with my present attempt at a more intentional wardrobe. Slowly but surely I’m curating a closet full of pieces that I love and that fit perfectly. Quality over quantity. Supporting brands that offer fashion to and represent all bodies.
I fully connected dressing well to my mental wellness when I wasn’t…. so well. In the thick of it, most days I fully lost any desire to even try. I’m pretty sure I wore the same black on black on black for most of the summer. It gave me no joy to see my sullen, makeup free face in the mirror, hair stringy and brittle from lack of care. When they list loss of interest in favourite activities as a symptom of depression, this was it for me.
Now I’m not comparing other’s lack of attention to their physical appearance to a mental illness, I simply mean that it became clear to me that one’s exterior is fully connected to the interior. If you feel absolutely fabulous makeup free and in active wear, then by all means you be you. It will be obvious to everyone that you love it and that confidence will lead to success and happiness. However if you’re not showing up at 100% because you think you’re not worth it or because you feel you don’t have time? I want to assure you that you are and you do.
As for the manners piece, I guarantee you will have more positive interactions with others when you show up confident inside and out. Not because people are shallow and judge us on our appearance (although that’s an unfortunate reality) but it’s more so that you have taken yourself and them seriously enough to put some thought into how you will present yourself to the world.
Now if you’re shaking your head at me, and calling me old fashioned for feeling more powerful with red lipstick on, it’s okay I’m used to it. My previous colleagues used to call me “psychotic” for not owning a pair of sweat pants and considering jeans to be lounge wear. I used to let it get to me, but the more I embrace my truly authentic self the more I know that I will continue to “try” for my sake and for others.
As the blog progresses I will definitely add a “style” section where I share my closet curation process and tips. No fashion policing here, just a cheerleader who wants you to reflect your inner beauty externally in your own amazing way!
Cue Lizzo “I do my hair toss, check my nails, baby how you feelin?”