Research finds that the clothes we wear on our backs can greatly influence our confidence and performance. The way we dress impacts how we think and how others perceive us, and we also project who we are or who we want to be through the clothes we wear. However, not all of us are confident in our ability to choose clothes that look good on our bodies and shapes, and not everyone has a grasp on what outfits look trendy and up-to-the-minute.
If you are someone who has never been confident about the way you dress, let 2021 be the year that you finally learn how to choose outfits confidently. After all, many of us are still spending the majority of our time at home, and there has never been a better time to start experimenting. Here are some surefire ways to improve your personal style and taste during the pandemic.
Invest in a capsule wardrobe
A capsule wardrobe is a closet full of basics that you can safely mix and match. It’s a collection of pieces that are basic, durable, and neutral enough that you can wear any two or three pieces together and know that whatever combination you choose, the whole outfit will still look good. Here are some pieces that you need for your capsule wardrobe:
- Heavier outerwear like an overcoat or trench coat
- A leather jacket
- Well-tailored button-up shirts
- A suit that fits perfectly
- Knitwear
- Well-fitting T-shirts
- An office blazer
- Denim jeans
- White sneakers, neutral heels, and one pair of stilettos
- Little black dress
- A belt
Once you have a handful of these items per category, you can be sure that you would have a perfect closet filled with items you can use for a long time. Just make sure to default to brands that are known for their durability and items that last for many years, and that you opt for colors that are a bit more neutral so that you don’t end up with vibrantly colored pieces that may be trendy now but will start looking outdated by next year.
Explore the world of accessories
Another simple way to instantly amp up your style is by exploring accessories and jewelry. You can wear the simplest dress in the world, but with the right pair of earrings or a statement bangle, you can already elevate the entire look and give it an elegance that wasn’t there before.
Look at online stores and boutiques that offer jewelry for women so that you can have a gander at their complete catalog. The best part about online shopping is that, more often than not, stores already have their entire inventory posted, so you no longer have to risk your health by going to a physical store.
Know who you are and what you want
One trap we can fall into when trying to build our personal style is copying others at the risk of not being true to ourselves and who we really want to be. If you truly want to improve your style, here are some things about you that can influence how you choose clothes:
- Age. While there’s nothing wrong with wanting to look youthful, you can do that and still be age-appropriate.
- Job. How formal or casual does your work require you to be? Regardless of dress code, know that you can find a stylish but appropriate ensemble that will help you move comfortably at work while allowing you to express who you are.
- Lifestyle. Stilettos may improve your posture and make you feel good about yourself, but if you have to ride the train every day and stand up for an hour, then it might not be the most convenient.
- Aspirations. What type of person do you want to be seen as? Are you trying to land a different job? Do you want people to perceive you as serious or someone who’s more fun and willing to let loose every once in a while? Letting your aspirations and personality dictate your wardrobe will help you find pieces that are true to who you are as a person and not just someone following the crowd and the trends.
Understanding these facts about yourself will help you narrow down your choices and give you leeway to express yourself through your ensemble.
Last but not least, don’t neglect what outfits make you happy and comfortable. If you are confident with yourself, then the rest—confidence and a strong sense of self—will follow. Good luck and happy shopping!
