I don’t know about you, but I have a closet FULL of clothes…some of which I never wear. When I was recently at a conference, a group of us were having this conversation about how we have clothes that we should get rid of but just can’t.
Why?? Why do we hold onto things we don’t wear, don’t need, don’t fit and that we don’t feel good in? Is it that we spent money on them and we can’t bear to get rid of them because of the expense? Is it that they have sentimental value? Is it that they were a trendy item that might come back into style? Is it something that we might fit into again someday?
I will tell you that one of the things I have discovered recently is that I have things that are considered “business” outfits that I still wear at conferences or meetings, but I truly don’t feel good in them. I spoke to a group of women a few weeks ago, put on my dress slacks, blouse and jacket but truly didn’t feel good about the outfit. I truly wished that I had worn a favorite dress that I knew I would have felt more like myself in. I know that it wouldn’t have changed my presentation, but I know that I would have felt a lot better about myself in that dress!
So next time you put something on or wear something that you don’t feel good about, take my advice and put it in the donation bin (I keep one in my closet for when that happens). Your clothes are an extension of you and affect your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Clothing plays a role in shaping our self-perception and interactions with others.
The clothes we choose can reflect our personality, mood, and identity. Our clothing choice can also impact on our confidence level. Next time you put something on that truly does not make you feel good go ahead and change it…you might be surprised how that great outfit will influence your mood and emotions!
