The Secret to Wearing Anything
Want to know what some of your favorite style stars (celebrity and otherwise) have in common? What makes everything they wear look amazing, how they’re able to pull off those looks that you don’t think you could ever walk out of the house in? There’s one thing that instantly speaks to your personal style, that can captivate an audience and that makes you look like you’ve got it all together. And that secret is…
Confidence
All photography by: Marta Skovro // @skovro_visuals
“Confidence. If you have it, you can make anything look good.”
For me, it started during my performance days as a Polynesian dancer. I’m sure you can imagine, as an 8 year old black girl, performing a dance style that most people had never heard of, let alone seen, there has to be a certain level of confidence involved. I still use the things I learned as a performer in my every day life, 35 years later.
Holding my chin up, my shoulders back and wearing a genuine smile are just a few things I always think about when I walk into a room. I may be a little shy/introverted, but best believe I will always feel confident in the outfit I chose. Whether it’s mixed prints or a pair of jeans and a tee, there is nothing in my closet that I don’t feel confident in.
Think about it - confidence can make you feel more attractive, but it can also influence every aspect of your life - from your career to your love life.
Knowing you look good can seriously change the game for you - no matter where you are or what you’re doing! This is why it’s so important to curate a closet of only pieces you LOVE. Because even on the not-so-great days, you can at least feel good in the clothes you’re wearing, which can, often times, help boost your mood!
Getting #DressedinJoy is more than just wearing cute clothes that you’ll get complimented on, it’s about being the walking personification of JOY. When you feel like you look amazing, the joy simply oozes from you! Your smile is genuine and radiant, your head is held high (instead of constantly looking down to fix your clothes), eye contact is insisted upon.
I’m sure you’re wondering, “but Mikaela, HOW do I get to be so confident?” Of course it takes some inside work, but outward confidence starts in your closet. Do you have a pair of jeans that you LOVE? Buy more of those? What style of dress makes you feel your best? Bodycon? Deep v-neck? A-line? Invest in those pieces and silhouettes that make you feel your best, and get rid of the ones that don’t seem to do anything for you or your mood.
Dress for your body.
It’s really about learning how to dress for your body. Learning what denim style works best on you, what types of fabric are the most flattering, or what styles and lengths are better for your figure (for instance, I know that pants/shorts with pleats do NOT work for my body type).
Embrace color, and find which ones work best for you.
Wearing the wrong color can make you look washed out or even sick. Take this quiz to help identify your undertones, which will give you a better idea of what colors you should/should not be wearing.
Accentuate your favorite features.
Got a great pair of legs? Love showing cleavage or your arms? Invest in pieces that show off your favorite features and flatter your body, while hiding the ones you may not want to show. I love anything with a low-v! I may not have a large bust, but v-necks are extremely flattering (especially in a bathing suit!) and they bring attention right up to my face. I also love showing off my arms, so anything strapless or one shoulder works well for me. Think about those features you love to showcase and wear clothing that accentuates them!
Recall a time when you felt great.
What were you wearing? Why did that outfit make you feel so good? Was it the lengh or perhaps a looser-fitting dress? Was it in a color you love or did the style & fabric make you feel like you could dance all night? You can recreate that feeling over and over again by wearing similar outfits. Adjust the colors, prints and play with volume and texture to create different looks from similar silhouettes. If you feel great in that high-neck one-piece swimsuit, try a dress in the same high-neck silhouette for your next fancy occasion. Stick with what you know works, to make it easier on yourself!
So what do you think? Will you work on incorporating this (not so) secret into your daily wardrobe?
And last but not least…
Determine your style.
Being true to yourself and owning your uniqueness is the key to having the confidence you need to wear anything you want. And that doesn’t mean always wearing what’s trendy, or wearing what everyone else is, but knowing what YOU like and what YOU feel your best in.
I’m working on a course to help you find and define your signature style, and I’d love to have you join me! Sign up below to be added to my mailing list, so I can notify you when enrollment begins.