The way we look can affect the way we feel. Sometimes, we have days when we look in the mirror and admire our sartorial flair, walking away with a spring in our step. Other days, a quick glimpse at our reflection is all that’s needed to make us feel down or experience a slump in self-esteem. It’s normal to have good and bad days, but putting an effort into your outfits and the way you present yourself can help to lift your mood and boost confidence. If you’re in need of a pick-me-up, or you’re short on inspiration, here are some simple fashion fixes to make you feel great.
Underwear
Any fabulous outfit, no matter how casual or formal, starts with underwear that makes you look and feel good. Many of us are guilty of chucking on the first things we find when we open our drawers, and we hang onto underwear for years on end. If you don’t feel good when you wear the underwear you currently have, it doesn’t fit anymore, or it has seen better days, now is the time to spruce up your collection. Buy items that fit properly and flatter your figure and look for pieces that are both stylish and comfortable. Getting your underwear right can make your clothes look better and it will also make you feel confident as soon as you start getting dressed. There’s a vast array of styles available both online and from stores and you can spend as much or as little as you like.
Loungewear
Currently, most of us are spending more time at home than ever before. Loungewear has become a staple, with many of us changing out of pajamas into comfortable clothes we can hang out or work in at home. We often associate feeling fantastic with dressing to the nines and getting glammed up, but there’s a lot to be said for investing in comfortable clothes that give you a confidence boost in your downtime. We all need clothes we can chuck on to do the washing, chill out on the sofa or tidy the kitchen in. Buying the right loungewear enables you to cross the style and substance boxes. There’s a huge range of options available now, and the selection has increased since the pandemic, with demand for tracksuits, robes, jogging bottoms, loungewear co-ords, cozy jumper dresses and jumpsuits going through the roof. Choose styles that suit your personal taste. You might want to be glamorous in silk camisole dresses teamed with thrown-on cardigans or you may prefer something more understated like a velour tracksuit, a hoodie and matching leggings or a comfy jersey jumpsuit, for example.
Fun, feel-good pieces
We can all benefit from injecting a little fun and frivolity into our wardrobes. Even if you tend to dress formally, there’s nothing wrong with adding some novelty socks, some cool pyjamas or a bright sweater to your closet. Have fun with fashion and buy items that put a smile on your face. Patterned socks and knickers, slogan tees and sweatshirts and bold, printed dresses and skirts are ideal for making your wardrobe a little cheerier and bringing a smile on a gray day.
Accessories
Many of us love fashion, and we want to feel that we look good, but we don’t have the means to buy new clothes all the time. If you like to keep up with trends, but you’re on a budget, the best way to stay stylish without breaking the bank is to create a capsule wardrobe. Once you have a capsule wardrobe, you can create different looks with minimal effort. Mix and match the pieces you have and use accessories to vary the aesthetic of your staples, basics and statement pieces. Accessories can lift even the most understated t-shirts and dresses, elevating simple outfits and creating unique ensembles. A collar necklace can transform the look of a plain sweater or a basic vest or tee, while a hat can finish off a stylish get-up for a wintry walk, for example. You can experiment with sunglasses, jewelry, hats, scarves, bags and shoes to switch up your look in an instant.
Color
Did you know that the colors you see can affect your mood? Research suggests that we respond to different colors in different ways. Shades of blue, purple and green soothe and relax us, while tones of yellow, orange, pink and red can energize and uplift us. We tend to think about color a lot when decorating our homes, but the colors you wear can also impact your mood. If it’s miserable and cold outside, you’re feeling a bit low or the monotony of your daily routine is getting to you, inject some color into your life. Put on a bright yellow sweater or a patterned pink or orange dress. Wear fun, bright socks or throw on your red coat when you leave the house. If you’re feeling a little frazzled, life is hectic and you’re struggling to switch off, opt for calming shades of blue and green and take some time out.
New trends
For fashion lovers, there’s nothing more exciting than trying out new trends and embracing different looks. Whether you’re one of those people who love to read magazines and scroll through social feeds, or you don’t know where to begin putting outfits together, it’s beneficial to be open-minded. Buy items you love and try not to write things off or assume looks won’t suit you without giving them a go. Updating your wardrobe and getting out of your comfort zone could help you to feel more confident about your appearance and give you the boost you need to be a little bolder and celebrate your individual style.
The way we look often influences the way we feel. It’s wonderful to be able to dress up from time to time, but for many of us, there are limited opportunities to do this. Thankfully, you don’t need to have galas or high-profile events to attend to feel great. These simple fashion fixes will lift your mood and make you feel more confident.