Six Steps to Developing a Confident Sense of Style: Introduction

Self Confidence is Key

It is not always the pretty girl with the expensive clothes and handbag who people admire and want to be like. Often it is the person who has her own unique sense of style, walking around not noticing whether she fits in or not—a woman with self confidence. She wears what she wants and has that “look” about her that no one else has. Think Zooey Deschanel with her spunky vintage-inspired style or Rhianna wearing sneakers with a dress. To some people, this uniqueness comes naturally, but for others, we have to work a bit harder to discover our true self and thus, unique style. How does a person do that? In this series we will present a six-step process for discovering and developing a unique sense of style and building self confidence.

Too often we get wrapped up in trying to mimic fashion magazines or celebrities, to fit in with our peer group or wear what is trendy or popular. Instead, let’s determine who we are, what we like most and wear it with gusto. Who cares what others think of us? The truth is, people are too busy thinking about themselves and their presentation to concern themselves with what we are wearing, doing or thinking. If someone asked you what they wore yesterday, chances are you couldn’t tell them. We are all too busy worrying or fussing about our own look and life to concern ourselves with others’ choices. Our goal should be to look authentic.

Wear what’s comfortable and stick to it. Don’t dress like the people around you, dress like you.—Joanna Anderson

Our Community Suggests

At Beckons Yoga Clothing, we polled our community of customers, asking, “If you could give your younger self advice about developing a confident sense of style, what would you say?” These are the most common responses:

• Avoid trendy clothing.
• Choose things you love, that celebrate your body shape.
• Experiment to find your perfect style.
• Choose the things you love rather than the things that other people are wearing and then, own the look.

You might say you don’t care about how you look. The truth is, every day you choose the clothing you put on. If you truly do not care, then you are going for the “I don’t care” look (Think: sweat pants or pajamas in public). If you dress like your friends and follow their fashion lead, you are allowing someone else to define you and your presentation to the world. While looking like your friends may be a step in the experiment process, the true representation of you takes some consideration and planning. You are unique and therefore should celebrate your uniqueness through deliberate clothing choices. Remember, everyone makes clothing choices every day, like it or not. If you make intentional buying and wearing decisions, you will hone the vision of yourself you present to the world every day. This in turn helps reflects and builds self confidence.

Come back for Part 1: Taking Stock of Who You Are

Thank you, Peyton Prater, for allowing us to use this photo. She came out of the womb with a sense of her own style.

To read all the parts of the series:

Introduction

Step 1: Self Evaluation

Step 2: Take Inventory

Step 3: Seek Inspiration

Step 4: Acquiring Perfect Pieces

Step 5 & 6: Test Out Looks and Wear It With Gusto