During the interview, our focus was mainly on how women might build confidence in the corporate environment, a topic which is very close to my heart after almost 30 years in the corporate world. But eventually we touched on the topic of style – because for so many of us, how we present ourselves to the world is absolutely linked to how confident we feel.
It is easy downplay the links between how we are dressed and our confidence levels. Some might suggest that it is superficial.
But I disagree.
Style and confidence are absolutely linked. We all know that when we think we have nailed an outfit we also feel we can take on the world.
At least for that day.
Because the opposite is also true.
Throw on any old thing, rush your hair and make-up and there is a strong chance that you’ll be feeling less confident. Especially if something unexpected happens – like an urgent meeting with your boss or you run into your ex-husband’s new wife.
So the question naturally arises. How can you use style to support your confidence? Here are three tips to help you out.
The Link Between Style And Confidence
1. Understand Your Triggers – And Dress To Negate Them
If we take a moment or two to connect with ourselves, we know the people and situations that can rock our confidence. A presentation or big meeting at work. A family lunch at the home of your gorgeous sister-in-law. Checking in to a 5-star hotel – or simply eating at their swanky restaurant. These are the days that you need to take extra care with your appearance and create an outfit that looks so good, you don’t have to give it another thought. An outfit that underpins your confidence for the day.
But what about the days when the triggers pop up out of the blue? While you don’t always have to be dressed to the nines, it is worth taking the time to build outfits that won’t leave you feeling bad about yourself if an unexpected trigger crosses your path.
An added benefit is that you’ll become known for always looking pulled together. And let’s be honest – there are worse things to be known for.
2. Listen To What You Are Telling Yourself About How You Look
It is important for all areas of your life to understand that you spend all of your time with you and that is important to watch what you say to yourself.
Women are often their own worst enemies, repeatedly telling themselves that they’ve dressed inappropriately, or that they look fat or ugly or something equally nasty.
If you catch yourself saying something in your own mind that you wouldn’t say to your best friend then stop and examine your thoughts. Challenging yourself as to whether your thoughts are fair and accurate is usually a good place to start – because often your thoughts are neither fair nor accurate. And yet many women believe that they are. A kind and honest chat with yourself can sometimes turn your confidence around.
Another option to deal with your own confidence sapping thoughts is to switch your focus immediately to one thing you like about your appearance – however small. Compliment yourself on your perfect lip colour or your cute shoes. Remember that like attracts like – so one positive thought is likely to bring on a whole lot more, which will in turn increase your confidence.
3. Remember What You Were Wearing When You’ve Been At Your Most Confident
It is easy to look back on the days where our confidence wasn’t so great – and beat ourselves up. But a more empowering trick is to remember the days when your style confidence was sky-high and to learn the associated lessons. What were you wearing on that day? Think about that particular outfit carefully. What was it that left you feeling so great? Was it the comfortable cut of your jacket? The colour combination? The height of your heels? Whatever it was, look for ways to incorporate those confidence boosting elements into future outfits.
A Final Thought On Style And Confidence
Using style to boost confidence is one simple area that any woman can nail. All she needs to do is understand the link between dressing well and the feeling – and therefore, the projection – of confidence.
What do I mean by dressing well? At the very least, this means incorporating two key basics into your look. Firstly, choose clothing with a flattering fit, items that suit your body shape. And secondly, select colours that bring out the best in your skin and hair tone.
I’d love to hear some of the ways you’ve used style to boost your confidence. Please share them in the comments section below.
