Fashion and Self-Esteem

In today's world, girls are often taught to be people-pleasing, selfless, accommodating, soft-spoken, polite, submissive, aesthetically appealing objects. We are taught to apologize for our success, to pick up the downtrodden, and put ourselves last in our own quest for success and professional development. We are taught to quiet our voices, restrain any internal aggression, look good, feel good, and for who? For what?

I started this blog to have a creative space all of my own. I created it for myself. I created it to share things with others- family, friends, even strangers. I love fashion and travel and want to share some of the outfits I wear, places I go, and any tips and tricks I learn along the way.

At the end of the day, what I care about is so much bigger than fashion and wanderlust. What I care about is cultivating healthy self-esteem in women and the role that fashion plays in self-esteem.

Self-esteem. We all want it and we all need it, yet, not all of us have it. So, what is self-esteem? Merriam-webster online gives this definition:

self–es·teem

noun \-ə-ˈstēm\

: a feeling of having respect for yourself and your abilities

Full Definition of SELF-ESTEEM

1

:  a confidence and satisfaction in oneself :  self-respect

What role does fashion play in cultivating healthy self-esteem? 

Fashion and personal style can cultivate healthy self-esteem by helping you feel your best. If you feel good about what you are wearing, it shows. If you feel put together in a way that pleases you, if you're comfortable, if you like the fabric and prints you're wearing, if you like your shoes and bag, accessories and hair style- all of these outward things can help you feel more "you". Fashion is one way to express yourself and it's one way to step toward a more confident you.

Your personal style is a way to express your inner self, outwardly. Having a strong sense of who you are can be reflected in what you wear. Think about it- even when you dress for utility, and not purely for "fashion". Would you feel comfortable, capable and confident on a camping trip dressed in stillettos and a mini dress? Probably not. What about wearing hiking boots and a headlamp to a wedding? Fashion can help you express yourself while also helping you feel confident, satisfied, and collected. It can help you feel your best. It can help you feel excited to get dressed in the morning. 

It can help you tap into your creative self. Fashion, like many things, can also be abused and make you feel bad about yourself. Let fashion help you feel good, not bad.  

What aspects of fashion build up your confidence?