Does Fashion Boost Our Self Esteem?

A very wise woman once said, ‘Dress how you want to be addressed.’ There couldn’t be more truth to this statement. What started off as a glamorous and burgeoning industry centuries back has today evolved as an inextricable part of society. The question we ask today in the article is, does fashion boost our self esteem? To put in clearer terms, can what we wear define our levels of self-esteem and confidence? The answer to this is a resounding ‘Yes’. Irrespective of what the naysayers say, being fashionable and stylish is the easiest way to stay and look classy and fabulous. And when you look good, you feel confident. That’s just how it goes. Still not convinced? Read through these 5 reasons to know why and how being fashionable definitely boosts our self-esteem.

1. The Right Clothes Make You Comfortable

Fashion is as much about functionality as it is about style. And functionality prioritizes comfort. Ever noticed that woman who looks like she is gliding rather than walking, or that man who is ever-so-charming in the boardroom or the golf course? The confidence, the charm, the spring in the step comes from being comfortable in your own skin, and your clothes are the second skin you don, an extension and expression of yourself. Hence, those who understand and pay attention to fashion, pick outfits and accessories that they will be most comfortable in, which translates into the ease and elegance they always seem to possess.

2. Being Stylish Makes You Feel More Well-Prepared

There’s nothing that a little dab of powder and a swipe of lipstick can’t do right. Fashion is a holistic approach, where you don’t just concentrate on what you are wearing, but also grooming yourself well, and making sure you have your most impressive look on at all times. Alright, I hear you that it is not possible to always look prim and proper, and sometimes a day around in the pajamas is all you need. But, meetings, professional and personal demand that you look stylish and well-put together. This is not just a superficial piece of advice, but there is enough research and studies to prove that the way you dress actually affects your mood, and your willingness. When you are well dressed and looking good, you automatically feel more prepared to take on a situation. The simple act of being bang on in your sartorial choices helps you feel powerful, affable, in a position to negotiate better, and be more assertive. Simply put, it makes you more well prepared.

3. Desire to Stay Fashionable Keeps You Motivated

Being fashionable does not equal being shallow. In fact, it implies the opposite. A desire to stay fashionable ushers in self motivation, innovation, and creativity to experiment with styles, invest in designs and textiles. Unintentionally, it hones your observation skills, makes you alert to your surroundings, the latest fads and trends. They say those who follow fashion seriously can hold a conversation really well. This is because, fashion is not just about being on the surface. It is about the coming together of arts, culture, silhouettes, fabrics, economics and ultimately personal taste and choices. It keeps you motivated, and your energies channelized to create something beautiful and visually appealing. It gives your gray cells a fierce workout, and you a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. Now isn’t all of this going to absolutely give you a confidence surge?

4. Fashion is the Language and Expression of Originality

Fashion is our most intimate expression of ourselves and our personalities. Bizzare, eclectic, sophisticated, sleek or sexy, it is ultimately about originality. Knowing that you are an original can be the best form of self-esteem tonic that you can get. Wearing a Gothic Lolita dress to a Halloween party, a suede gladiator sandal to a music festival or a Cavalli dress to a reception are all ways of expressing your originality. The whole process of picking a dress or shoes that is stunning, but not seen too much is you sending the message across, ‘I know I am different, and strong and stunning in that difference.’ Fashion thus becomes a language of asserting your own distinct identity. It becomes a prominent language of expressing your identity, self-worth, and self-esteem.

5. Dressing Right is Synonymous to Feeling Powerful

Tell me that a black power suit does not make you feel rich and famous. Tell me a good hair day does not make you feel like you have wings. And I will not believe you, or count you among the minority. The point is as Miuccia Prada, heralded designer and head of the iconic Prada fashion group quotes,

‘Fashion is one of the first things you do to elevate yourself.’ Fashion is empowering, elevating and without sounding obnoxious, can turn a house-maid into a princess. Reread Cinderella if you don’t believe me. It’s not the prince that changed her destiny. It is the stunning ball gown and beautiful pair of shoes that made her look like a dream and exude confidence, charm, and beauty, which ultimately besotted the prince. The point is dressing right does wonders to you and your personality. Dressing right is synonymous to being powerful. It indeed is the first step to elevate yourself. And that explains why most of the global leaders, celebrities, icons have an entourage of designers and fashion consultants with them. Powerful people dress well. And, even if you cannot afford an expensive designer, you sure have imagination, creativity and inherent style to design a powerful wardrobe. The thumb rule is to always dress like you are someone important. Remember when you dress like a nobody, nobody notices you. Now turn this rule upside down and understand what and why fashion is so integral to your self-esteem.

To Conclude,

Here's hoping I have given you a perfectly logical explanation to the co-relation between fashion and self-esteem and inspired you to give some serious boost to your self-esteem,fashionably of course.