The 5 Steps to Dressing for Your True Self

Introduction

Clothing has come a long way from its original purpose of protection against the elements. Today, it serves as a powerful form of self-expression—an opportunity to share with the world who you truly are. The way you choose to dress can significantly impact your emotional, physical, and mental state. Have you ever felt uncomfortable in an outfit, despite compliments from others? Or found a purchase languishing in your wardrobe, still tagged because it just didn’t resonate with you? If so, you’re not alone. Let’s explore how to say goodbye to discomfort and dress in a way that truly reflects your authentic self.

Step 1: Embrace YOU

The first step to dressing for your true self is to embrace who you are. Acceptance can be challenging, especially when we focus on perceived flaws. Instead of telling yourself, “If only I were thinner, prettier, or more confident,” try recognizing that you embody all those qualities already. Often, we view ourselves through the lens of societal standards, which can warp our self-perception.

Key Reflections:

• Love your body: Start by taking care of your body and expressing gratitude for it. Recognize that neglecting your body is neglecting you.
• Dress to flatter, not hide: Understand your body shape and learn to accentuate the parts you love while feeling comfortable.
• Implement changes: Take actionable steps to embrace all aspects of yourself.

Step 2: Look Within

The next step is to look within. This self-reflection is crucial for understanding your true self. Take a moment to quiet your mind and consider the following questions:

• What do I usually wear, and does it resonate with me? How does my body respond to my outfits?
• What is my favourite item of clothing, and why do I love it?
• What values do I stand for, and how do I want to express them through my clothing?

Remember:

True self-expression comes from the heart. Close your eyes and recall a time when you felt amazing in what you wore. What elements of that outfit made you feel confident? Write these down—they are the building blocks of your true self.

Step 3: Translate, Not Transform

It’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to transform into someone else by mimicking influencers or trendy styles. Instead, focus on how to translate your true self into your wardrobe.

Here’s How:

• Identify your qualities: For each quality you wrote down earlier, think about how you expressed that through your favourite outfit. What fabrics or prints made you feel great?
• Flatter and camouflage: Consider how your outfit flattered your body and camouflaged areas you wanted to downplay.
• Explore missing qualities: Is there a quality you want to express more? Use tools like Pinterest to create a visual board that captures your essence.

Step 4: Understand Your Body Shape

Recognizing your unique body shape is essential to dressing for your true self. Celebrate the fact that we all come in different shapes and sizes, and your true self loves you just as you are.

Key Steps:

• Examine your body: Look in the mirror (preferably in your undergarments) and study your proportions. Are your shoulders narrow compared to your hips? Are you top-heavy or bottom-heavy? Or hourglass? Or are you pretty equal from shoulders to hips?
• Emphasise and love: Identify the parts of your body you want to emphasise and those you wish to soften. Remember, what you perceive as flaws can actually be your unique traits.

Step 5: Understand What Colours to Wear

Colour plays a vital role in your mood and self-expression. Not every colour complements everyone, so it’s essential to discover what works for you.

Try This Exercise:

1. Sit in natural light with a clean face and hair pulled back. Use a half mirror to focus on your upper body.
2. Drape a primary yellow fabric across your shoulders. Does it enhance your look or make you appear tired?
3. Repeat the process with a royal blue fabric. Note how it affects your appearance.
4. Determine whether you’re more suited to yellow-based or blue-based colours and research shades that enhance your look.

Final Thoughts

Don’t take yourself too seriously! Fashion should be fun. Experiment with expressing your qualities, whether it’s your quirkiness, boldness, or feminine energy or all of the above. Embrace the journey of discovering your true self through clothing, and remember that every outfit is an opportunity to express who you are at your core.

Now, go forth and dress your truth!