Shape Up Your Style: Dress for Confidence, Not Just the Occasion
Discover the power of dressing for your body shape to feel like the best version of yourself.
Unlocking Your Fashion Potential
Over the last few months, I've had some progress—my eating disorder, digestion, and bloating have decided to play nice for a change. But let's be real, there are still a few things that need fixing, like the fact that my energy is now on a permanent vacation somewhere in the land of "I’m-so-tired-I-could-sleep-for-a-century." I've teamed up with my GP to figure out what's going on, and if I need to call in the specialist cavalry, we’ll go there.
Oh, and weight gain? Yep, it's a thing. My scale decided to make a surprise cameo, and now my mental health and body dysmorphia recovery are throwing a tantrum. To keep my sanity in check, I slapped some Post-it notes around to remind myself that this is a recovery process and that healing takes time. How nice of me, right?
Some notes for daily affirmations:
This is nutrients (also known as not the enemy, no matter how many times that bag of chips tried to convince me otherwise).
Food is not the enemy (unless it’s that last slice of pizza, but let’s be real, that’s just self-sabotage).
You are healing (cue the inspirational music and positive vibes).
This is a process (spoiler alert: it’s a slow one).
Now, as if my energy wasn't already plummeting, I discovered that none of my clothes fit. Cue the wardrobe crisis! So, I decided to embrace my inner fashionista and buy a new wardrobe—on a budget, obviously. I didn’t go all out; just a few staple pieces to mix and match with the few things that still fit without making me look like a potato sack.
I chose six tops and three bottoms—one pair of jeans and two pairs of dress pants. Not trying to get too fancy here. Four solid blouses (because we all need a reliable go-to), and two printed tops for when I’m feeling spicy. With my new base wardrobe, I went through my closet and tossed everything that didn’t fit anymore. Sayonara, old wardrobe. It felt so refreshing, like a Marie Kondo moment but with a lot more caffeine.
The closet clean-out was like a spa day for my brain. A little minimalism never hurt anyone, right? With fewer pieces, it was easier to mix and match and create new outfits that actually looked intentional. Plus, I had plenty of cardigans, blazers, and jackets lying around to go from “work mode” to “let’s hit the bar” in no time.
Here’s a life pro-tip: For every new piece you add, get rid of one—at least. (Or five, if you’re feeling bold.) If you haven’t worn it in six months and you don’t feel cute in it, it’s time to part ways. Don’t let your closet become a graveyard for clothes you pretend to wear.
How Dressing for your Body Shape can Boost Your Confidence
Now, let's talk about dressing for your body type, because I’m all about that self-love—just with better fashion. Embrace your body and dress to highlight those features you’re actually into.
Hourglass Shape
Lucky you! You’ve got curves for days. Rock those fitted tops, dresses, and pencil skirts. Show off that waist like you're a 1950s pin-up, because why not?
Apple Shape
I’m here for you, Apple! You might carry more weight around your midsection, but guess what? You’ve got great legs. So, let’s focus on those instead of your tummy and throw on a flowy top that draws attention upward. You’ve got this.
Pear Shape
Pears unite! You’ve got a killer lower half, so flaunt those hips with an A-line skirt or a fit-and-flare dress. Balance it out by adding volume to your upper half, because why not be balanced and fabulous?
Rectangle Shape
Okay, rectangles, time to add some shape to that straight-up-and-down frame. Peplum tops, wrap dresses, and high-waisted pants will give you some curves, or at least the illusion of them. You deserve it.
Inverted Triangle Shape
If you've got the shoulders of a swimmer and the hips of a ruler, you're an inverted triangle. But fear not! Grab some wide-legged pants, flowy skirts, and tops that add volume to your lower half to balance out those power shoulders.
Now, let’s talk about dressing for your features. Want to highlight your waist? A belt is your BFF. Got arms like a goddess? Show them off in sleeveless tops. But hey, if you’ve got a back that could grace the cover of a romance novel, why not go backless? You earned it.
And accessories—oh, the magic of accessories! A good statement necklace can make even your comfiest t-shirt look chic. But, for the love of everything fabulous, don’t go overboard. Your outfit doesn't need to look like it came from a yard sale.
Fashion is fun, people! Break the rules. Experiment. Try new things. And if you totally flop? Laugh it off. Fashion is about feeling good in your own skin, not about following some arbitrary rules. So, find what makes you feel like the best version of yourself—whether that’s rocking a pair of neon green pants or channeling your inner Audrey Hepburn. Just wear it with confidence and call it a day.
And remember, the best accessory is confidence. Wear it proudly, and don’t forget to have fun with your fashion choices, because in the end, it’s all about feeling like your best self—even if you're wearing baggy clothes one day and a trendy outfit the next. You do you, boo.
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