Embrace Every Curve: A Guide to Body Positive Dressing
If you've ever spent time in a changing room, you've likely overheard a myriad of comments made by women about their own bodies. We're inherently self-critical. We often hold unrealistic beliefs about how our bodies should look, often comparing them to digitally enhanced and smoothed images that aren’t actually attainable. Despite the ongoing movements promoting the celebration of individuality and diversity, many of us grapple with similar insecurities – 'my stomach is too big,' 'my arms are too wobbly,' 'my hips are too wide,' 'my arms/legs/neck/face are too short/long'... the list is endless. Ironically, these perceived flaws that consume our thoughts often go unnoticed by others.
Often when we try clothing on in a shop and it doesn’t fit us, we blame our bodies first rather than the fact that the clothes just aren’t right for us. Last month, to encourage us to embrace our bodies, we held a Body Positivity event at Jigsaw. Transformation Coach Claire Tavernor from The Southwell Wellbeing Centre shared some tips on As a personal stylist, I've personally witnessed the transformative impact of dressing for your body shape. In this blog post, I'll share some of the valuable tips I shared at the event on dressing with confidence, allowing you to embrace your body as it is now:
You don’t need to change your body
Transforming your body isn't necessary; it's about mastering the art of dressing to accentuate and celebrate your unique self.
Embrace clothes that perfectly fit your current body, rather than waiting for ‘once I’ve…’
Feel confident in an outfit regardless of your unique shape or size.
Invest your hard-earned money in pieces that will be both loved and worn.
Stop allowing your clothes to drain your energy.
Recognise that you deserve to exude confidence every time you dress for the day.
The Power of Proper Fit
One of the fundamental principles of dressing for your body shape is finding the perfect fit. As a Personal Stylist I understand that clothing that hugs your body just right not only looks great but also feels comfortable. When your clothes fit well, you exude confidence. Key tips to remember:
Tailoring is your friend: Don't hesitate to invest in tailoring. A skilled tailor can adjust your clothing to suit your unique shape perfectly.
Know your measurements: Understand your measurements, including your bust, waist, hips, and inseam, to make shopping for the right fit a breeze.
Try before you buy: Always try on clothes before purchasing. Sizes vary between brands, so rely on the mirror, not the tag.
Colours, Patterns, and Textures
The world of fashion is a kaleidoscope of colours, patterns, and textures, which you can use to your advantage advantage. When dressing for your body shape, consider the following:
Colours: Darker colours can create a slimming effect, while brighter ones draw attention. Opt for shades that complement your skin tone.
Patterns: Vertical stripes can elongate your silhouette, while patterns can add dimension to certain areas. Choose patterns that balance your proportions.
Textures: Experiment with textures to add depth to your outfits. For example, consider wearing textured fabrics on areas you'd like to highlight.
Embracing Trends While Staying True to You
Fashion trends come and go, but your unique style is timeless. I encourage you to embrace trends that resonate with your personal aesthetic. Here's how to do it while staying true to your body shape:
Edit, don't copy: Instead of adopting a trend entirely, incorporate elements that align with your style and complement your body shape.
Accessorize with trends: Add trendy accessories to your classic outfits. A statement belt or fashionable handbag can elevate your look without compromising your unique style.
Building a Body-Positive Wardrobe
A body-positive wardrobe is one that makes you feel fantastic every time you open it. Here are my essential tips for creating such a wardrobe include:
Invest in quality basics: Building your wardrobe on well-fitted, high-quality basics ensures a solid foundation for any outfit.
Donate or sell what you don't wear: Regularly assess your wardrobe and part ways with pieces that no longer serve you. It clears space for items that truly resonate with your style and body shape.
Versatile pieces are your best friends: Invest in versatile items that can be dressed up or down and mixed and matched to create different looks.
Breaking Down Beauty Standards
In the world of fashion, breaking down beauty standards is an integral part of body positivity. I encourage you to challenge conventional beauty norms and to celebrate your uniqueness. A few thoughts to consider:
Real beauty comes in all shapes and sizes: Remember that beauty is not confined to a single body type. Your individuality is your greatest asset.
Confidence is your best accessory: Regardless of what you wear, the most attractive quality you can possess is confidence. It's about celebrating your unique figure, embracing your body, and feeling confident in your own skin.
You can find out more about How to Define Your Style Personality: Using Style Types and Get Style Inspiration with Pinterest: A 3 Step Tutorial. If you want personalised help with dressing your proportions and creating outfits, I offer a number of services that can help you:
