6 Steps to Developing a Confident Sense of Style: Test Out Looks and Wear it With Gusto
Step 5: Test Out Different Looks
As mentioned in an earlier post, people are too busy worrying about themselves to keep notes on what you are doing or wearing. Try out new looks. Have fun testing different options to see what feels best to you. Thankfully, we have stores selling a plethora of used and cheap clothing to choose from when experimenting with different looks. Eventually, when you have a clear idea of your authentic look, you can invest in more expensive, higher quality pieces.
Leo Buscaglia, author and motivational speaker, believed the essence of education is “to help you discover your uniqueness, to teach you how to develop it, and then show you how to give it away” (Living, Loving, Learning, 1982). Fashion is a great outlet to show this uniqueness, and school or work is the perfect lab to test it out.
“Celebrate your curves,” was a common theme among respondents of our style poll. It is important to show off the best part of you and dress appropriately for your shape. Here are some basic suggestions:
- Most women’s bodies are pear-shaped, which means they have a narrow waist and wider hips. If you’re pear-shaped, buy clothing that draws attention to your slim upper body like brightly colored shirts, scarves and interesting tops. Choose belts and A-line dresses that nip in and show off your waist. Wear tailored pants and skirts, as well as hip-length long jackets. Avoid overly loose-fitting clothing, pleats and stripes, which will accentuate broader areas.
- If you’re rounder and more apple-shaped, you’ll want to draw attention away from your waist. Go for flat-front skirts and pants, empire-waist dresses and tailored, wide-legged pants. Basic sheath dresses tend to look good also.
- Flat chested? Don’t accentuate with a deep V-neck. Instead, choose rounded-neck tops, and add a layered necklace or scarf to create dimension. Shirring on the top adds interest to an otherwise flat chest.
- If you’re busty, accentuate your curves by wearing a scooped neckline that hugs your chest appropriately. Avoid shirring and excess fabric that adds volume to your top.
- If you’re extra curvy, avoid baggy, loose-fitting clothes since they make you look bigger than you are. Find fashionable, tailored pieces that comfortably complement your curves.
Shop in stores that can accommodate your shape and buy clothes that fit well, no matter what the size.
Be prepared for people making fun of anything new and wear it as a badge of courage. In fact, if people aren’t commenting (either good or bad) you’re not pushing your own boundaries. —Amy
Step 6: Wear it With Gusto — Be You!
Once you have made a decision, wear it with pride — go for it. People will be drawn to your confidence and notice you. Thankfully, once we are out of high school, people don’t often make mean comments about what we wear. In fact, people either notice and say something complimentary or do not notice at all. If you want the opinion of others, ask someone whose style you admire and opinion you respect.
You are the youngest you will ever be…wear more dresses. Be brave. —Pennie DeVleming
Feeling beautiful in your clothing is what really matters. This creates your style. It doesn’t have anything to do with whether other people like what you are wearing, if it follows the latest trend, or cost you a lot of money. You have to love it and feel gorgeous in it.
To read all the parts of the series: