If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that looking great is about more than just what you wear. It has to do with confidence, attitude, comfortability… If you ever struggle with how you look (I’m pretty sure that’s every woman), then read through these tips to help you find confidence in your wardrobe.
Buy budget trends
I’ve said it a hundred times, but I’ll say it again. You don’t have to spend a lot to look good. Forget about the brands (unless of course, you want to splurge every once in a while). You can find amazing trends from places like H&M, Forever21, and even Target. These stores often copy trends straight from the runways, so you are literally getting the looks for less. Pick the trends you love each season (I like to pull them from magazines and put them on my bulletin board so I don’t forget), and buy them piece by piece as you find a little extra money in the budget from month to month. A $20 shirt won’t take you too long to save for. I always wear these pieces with confidence, because no one can see the tag; they have no idea where I bought it. As long as it follows the trend, who cares? Besides, I’ve seen some really ugly stuff on the runway. I wouldn’t want to wear that, anyway.
Be comfortable
If you feel uncomfortable in what you wear, you will look it. That doesn’t mean, however, that I am endorsing sweatpants (unless, they’re cool mom sweatpants like these)! You might be amazed at what clothes are perfectly comfortable; even skirts, dresses, and (gasp) heels, if you find the right pair. You’ll never know if you don’t try it on. As a mom, I never buy anything that restricts my arm movement (you know those annoying tops and jackets that won’t allow you to raise your arms?), because I’m constantly picking up my toddler. On hot days, I don’t like my legs to sweat (that sounds weird…), so I wear shorts and skirts instead of jeans, which just feel yucky in 90 degree weather. Find what you feel comfortable in, and wear it.
Have confidence
The bottom line is, if you exude confidence in what you wear, others will believe in it too. Have you ever shown up to an event totally overdressed? Make the most of it! If you own what you’re wearing, others will think you are the best dressed there, and they’ll be the one feeling under-dressed. This has happened to me one to many times in the past, and I just tell myself, “You’re the best dressed person here.” (Ok, I know that sounds a little narcissistic, but it totally helps with self confidence).
Sometimes trying a new trend also takes some confidence. I remember the first time I wore boots with dress (when this was a revolutionary idea, it seemed crazy), and I really had to own it if I was going to pull it off. Now that’s I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone and tried this look, I feel great in it every time. Sometimes you have to take some fashion risks – just do it with confidence!
Buy a wrap dress – every woman should own one
This tip comes straight from the gorgeous Diane von Furstenberg. She says, “A wrap dress [is] flattering on everyone. It doesn’t wrinkle. It’s proper but also sexy. You can dress it up, dress it down. My proudest moment was when I was on the cover of Newsweek for designing it, but I had no idea that 37 years later women would still embrace it!” (Redbook, November 2011) You said it, Diane. The wrap dress if the perfect go-to item.
Jewelry completes the outfit
I’ve never been a huge fan of jewelry, but in the last 5 years or so I’ve really embraced necklaces as the finishing touch to my outfit. A t-shirt and jeans look so much more put together with a fabulous necklace. Start simple with something like a pendant locket, or a piece in silver or gold and work your way up to statement pieces. Earrings and bracelets or a great cocktail ring can really finish a look as well. The bottom line is, great jewelry shows that you put a little extra thought and effort into what you’re wearing, and it’s one of the easiest and quickest ways for a mom to add to her outfit.
Hopefully some of these tips helped you rethink how you wear your clothes. Every woman has the right to feel beautiful and sexy on any budget. It all starts with confidence!
Link Parties: