Last week was a good one for the girls.
With International Women’s Day on Thursday and Mother’s Day on Sunday, it’s been a week filled with girl power, positivity and celebrating femininity. And I’m all for that!
Seeing so much empowerment between girls got me thinking about what makes me feel powerful in everyday life, like what makes me say yeehh, I am a strong independent women!? Apart from having a supportive relationship, home life and job, a lot of the time it’s what I wear that gives me confidence day to day. I have always been a big admirer of how fashion can transform your mood or persona and influence how you portray yourself to the world. A bit like a costume on stage, the way we dress can help us to play a certain role. My style is a way of expressing myself and personality, and often gives me confidence even when I am lacking it.
That’s why I am celebrating the iconic red dress, because man does this dress do that!
We have all had that feeling of when putting on an item of clothing that makes us feel amazing. A piece of clothing that says who we are and want to be all in one. Like yeh this is how I want the world to see me. I love that feeling when a piece of clothing just gets me, it’s like ‘me’ summed up in a piece of clothing and makes me feel invincible. Just like that costume on stage, it doesn’t matter if I’m a little nervous inside, the fact I feel amazing in the outfit makes me forget that and gives me confidence to be who I want to be.
That’s how this red dress makes me feel.
Why I love a red dress
The dress in this post, which was kindly gifted to me by the team at Cari’s Closet, is a perfect example of how an item of clothing can transform your thinking. As soon as I slipped this dress on it felt special and I knew I had made a friend for life. I don’t know if it’s the quality of the fabric or the amazingly rich red colour but it was love at first sight. Not to mention it fits like a dream, hugging the areas I feel confident about and covering up those I don’t. That’s the feeling I am talking about, when a piece of clothing is just perfect and makes you feel like you can take on the world.
I don’t own much red in my wardrobe, or any colour for that matter, I tend to go for good old black, but actually choosing a brighter colour like this has helped me step out of my comfort zone. And that just makes me love it even more. I could have chosen a black dress and still felt amazing in it, but going for red is a little reminder to myself that actually I can rock a bright colour and I can step out of my comfort zone and feel empowered doing so.
My favourite part of this dress is the neck line, it’s so me! I’ve never really been into revealing clothes instead opting for comfort and warmth over trends so the fact this dress has a beautiful high neckline and long sleeves suits me down to a tee. I feel comfortable and covered meanwhile the intricate lace detailing adds a bit of elegance, making it perfect for a night out or special occasion. I am already planning to wear this dress to many a summer wedding, engagement and birthday party coming up this year paired with simple heels or my favourite black sock boots.
Why everyone should own a red dress
Ok I’m not saying go out and buy one right now, just that everyone should have that one piece of clothing that reminds them of exactly what they want in life. Whether it’s a red dress or a cracking pair of jeans that fit amazingly, by identifying why it makes you feel great and being reminded of that every time you wear it can be empowering.
That item might change every few years, or grow with confidence. I never thought I would be a red dress kind of girl a few years back. Having lost all my confidence after leaving uni and looking for work, I started to hide away and withdraw. I just thought what’s the point in making an effort. It’s only in the last few years I have started to really enjoy experimenting with fashion again. And to be honest, rediscovering my personal style has really helped me rebuild a lot of my confidence over the past few years. This dress reminds me of how good I feel now.
So whatever it is that makes you feel confident, wear it as much as you like and soak up all the good vibes until it starts to radiate out to your everyday life.
What piece of clothing makes you feel empowered?
I would love to hear your thoughts on dressing for confidence. Do you find fashion can impact your mood and thinking?
I hope you have enjoyed this little post as much as I did writing it, let me know if you would like to see more posts on confidence and style. Lastly a big thank you to Cari’s Closet for gifting me such an inspiring item, check out their gorgeous range of dresses and occasionware here.
Anna x
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