I have a curious question...

[yari]

Do you feel a little more confident when you're dressed for your day? Not necessarily at home cause it's nice to be comfy at home, but when you go out, does dressing up boost your confidence?

Feel free to call my question shallow if you want. I am just curious what other people think because in my case my confidence does go up (for many reasons) when I dress up. I used to be called ugly by other kids while growing up and my self esteem went down the drain. As a young woman I developed a sense of fashion and started dressing better and taking better care of myself and my appearance. That helped my confidence a LOT. Then I got married and shortly after having children I totally put myself on the back burner and didn't take the time to dress a little better. I was a different person than the person I had become and liked. I didn't even like looking in the mirror because I didn't like what I saw. It wasn't until I had my third child that I decided that it was time to take me back, to make myself a priority and that's where I am today. I don't look like a super model by any means, and I don't have the "ideal" size but I like the way I look. I like the fashion I wear. I like it when I go out and feel pretty. I like it when I look in the mirror and instead of not liking what I see, I feel loved by myself. Trust me, I spend my mornings in my jammies, but I try to look a bit better when I go out (normally LOL, doesn't always happen). Anyway, just wanted to see what are other people's view on fashion or apparel having an influence on your confidence.

 

[dailydwellin]

I definitely feel more confident when I dress better. Even when I'm at home, I usually have to take a shower, put on make-up, do something to my hair and get dressed in something other than PJs and/or yoga pants or I feel like a slug. But, especially when I go out, I feel so much more confident when I'm dressed nicer.

 

[joelsgirl]

I RARELY lay around in my pj's; I even put on make up when it's just a day at home...most days. Beause I figure the "only person who sees me" is the most important person in my life, ya know, the one I used to want to impress and all.

I'm more productive when I'm dressed properly, too, I think.

 

[Sarah8914]

I'm with Kellie.

Except, when I'm pregnant, especially in the winter. I don't have a huge maternity clothes wardrobe and I'm really not comfortable in the pants I have. Having said that, I still get dressed nicely when I go somewhere.

 

[Nettio]

I RARELY lay around in my pj's; I even put on make up when it's just a day at home...most days. Beause I figure the "only person who sees me" is the most important person in my life, ya know, the one I used to want to impress and all.

I'm more productive when I'm dressed properly, too, I think.

Yep, this is me too. I'll admit it irks me a little bit when DH comes home and throws on sweat pants. I get it, you want to be comfy but a little effort wouldn't hurt either. I'm kind of anti-sweat pants though.

 

[mrshobbes]

I RARELY lay around in my pj's; I even put on make up when it's just a day at home...most days. Beause I figure the "only person who sees me" is the most important person in my life, ya know, the one I used to want to impress and all.

I'm more productive when I'm dressed properly, too, I think.

This is something I had to learn once I started freelancing and working mostly from home! At first, the idea of working in PJ's was appealing...then as the days wore on, not so much. So I invested in cute tops and shorts for home at least, and recently decided on wearing a little makeup at home. I figure I could use the practice on applying eyeliner, haha.

 

[MissKim]

Gah. This is my dilemma right now. I teach and my students are 3-5 years old and most have autism. I have gotten 4 new students in the last two weeks and the ones I had before this are not the easiest children. We have lots of bodily fluids going on (due to new students crying a lot), some of my students use hair grease, etc. The practical side of me says I should just wear my school/autism related t-shirts to work every day. I paid $10 or less for each of them and if they get stained, I can easily replace them (and I just had to throw one away this morning). Plus, I'm blessed with a principal that understands all this and doesn't have a problem with me wearing workelated t-shirts every day.

There's this other part of me that says I feel better about myself when I'm dressed up and when I feel better about myself, I am a happier person and a better teacher. I think I'm dressing up tomorrow and seeing how the day goes. I'm only teaching a half day, but it's the most demanding half of the day, so we'll see how it goes.

 

[Milmomma]

I'm kinda weird. I dress really nice when I'm not feeling well and have to go out. Its like I make up for feeling like poo by dressing up. I'm most confident walking out of the gym after giving it my all.
I can see how it would make you feel more confident though.

 

[SeattleSheri]

Interesting topic! I work full time in a business environment, so I wear business attire daily. I've always been interested in fashion and I don't think anyone needs to feel like they are vain because they take an interest in their appearance. Studies have shown (and anecdotally I agree), that people judge you based on your appearance, whether they mean to or not. People that are dressed attractively are generally judged by their peers as being more capable.

 

[Sherly]

I do feel better when I dress myself when I go out. At home, I just stay in comfy clothes, t-shirt/pjs and comfy pants, especially now that I have a son, it's just easier way around the home. I put effort in putting nice clothes when I go out, especially when I go with my family. Only lately that it's been hard for me... after the pregnancy, I am still in the process of building up my confidence, because most of my clothes don't fit and I have limited choices, since I am breastfeeding...
Having said that, I don't really wear make up, unless it's a special occasion. I just never get used to putting on lots of stuff on my face, except for my facial stuffs. Am I the only one that doesn't really put make up on? I do make sure that my hair and myself are presentable, though, even if I'm just in pjs all day.

 

[nun69]

I honestly feel pretty good when I am dressed up, but when I go to work, I work in scrubs and in a lab and even though I could wear make up and do my hair all up nice, usually I get hot and my makeup is all messy by the end of the day and if my hair gets in my face it is a disaster just because I draw blood all day. So for me, I feel pretty good about myself whether I have my hair and make up done or not when I go to work cause all the vets appreciate me regardless But alot of that has to do with anyone that spent time in the military knows alot of women just didn't have the time to wear alot of make up (or it wasn't allowed due to hazardous and such) and your hair ALWAYS had to be above your collar whether it was short or put up in a bun/french braided, etc. But I also don't really judge people on how they dress to go out unless it is too a nice restaurant/party/etc because honestly you should look partially decent when you go somewhere like that (sweats/yoga pants/pajama pants not acceptable )

 

[glumirk]

I don't think it's shallow at all. Especially as women who take care of everyone we love, if we don't spend time on ourselves we can lose some of that self-worth that is really important to hold onto.

Now, it's not easy at all with kids who start screaming the instant you get in the shower, or with a body that is ever-changing because of pregnancy and breastfeeding. Or with curly hair that needs a sleep bonnet to look decent the second day. I'm happier when I take the time though, and I definitely need to do it more often.

 

[Keely~B]

I definitely feel better with at least a little makeup on. We're pretty casual here, people don't dress up much. I try to wear decent jeans/ shorts and top, sundresses and leave the comfy clothes until evening. For me, I'm way more productive that way, so it's more about getting things done vs confidence. I do love some loungewear though, feels so good

 

[DawnMarch]

I have been thinking about this a lot lately because I've been working on what I call my "Better Me in 20-1-3" project. Over the last few years, I had put on about 15 pounds, and none of my clothes fit the way I wanted and so I just bought mostly loose, frumpy stuff that was hard to feel good in. Then I lost about 20 pounds since December, which made me feel better but what REALLY helped was that I went out and started focusing on fashion more -- really just putting in more effort to look nice. I still didn't spend a huge amount of money, but I started paying attention more to clothing combinations, layering, accessorizing, and I actually altered some of my own clothes to fit me better or to be more stylish (e.g., I sewed seams down the sides of some of my pants to make them straight leg instead of boot cut, since straight is "in" and boot cut is not). It does take some effort, but it's fun and I definitely feel more confident when I go out knowing that I have a good outfit put together and makeup on. I found that just subscribing to some current fashion blogs and then using that info to buy some seasonal accessories (scarves, some of those "statement necklaces" that is in style, etc) has made a big difference. I'm no Kate Middleton, mind you, but I do feel a lot more confident.

Gah. This is my dilemma right now. I teach and my students are 3-5 years old and most have autism. I have gotten 4 new students in the last two weeks and the ones I had before this are not the easiest children. We have lots of bodily fluids going on (due to new students crying a lot), some of my students use hair grease, etc. The practical side of me says I should just wear my school/autism related t-shirts to work every day. I paid $10 or less for each of them and if they get stained, I can easily replace them (and I just had to throw one away this morning). Plus, I'm blessed with a principal that understands all this and doesn't have a problem with me wearing workelated t-shirts every day.

There's this other part of me that says I feel better about myself when I'm dressed up and when I feel better about myself, I am a happier person and a better teacher. I think I'm dressing up tomorrow and seeing how the day goes. I'm only teaching a half day, but it's the most demanding half of the day, so we'll see how it goes.

Kim, do you have thriftstores near you? I have become a Goodwill junkie because we have a huge Goodwill near me that is like a goldmine. Last week, I bought lovely solid-colored, "fancier" t-shirts that were from Ann Taylor and Talbots for $5 each at our Goodwill. Cycling through clothes is more bearable if it doesn't cost much to begin with!

 

[YepBrook]

Interesting question! Hm. I guess I'm not what most would consider a "well-dressed" fashion forward person. But I'm not schlumpy either. I wear comfy jeans or lounge-type clothes at home and I wear casual stuff when I go out. I get dressed up in skirts, slacks or dresses for church on Sunday. I put on make-up everyday, but my hair isn't complicated I either have it pulled up in a ponytail or messy bun, or down. As a sahm & homeschooler, most of my life is spent in comfy clothes at home. And I feel pretty great about it, too.

I feel super confident & self-satisfied when I'm wearing something new... regardless of what it is, yoga pants or designer jeans. I like that feeling but my budget definitely doesn't support it. LOL. I went into some debt before I got married buying pretty clothes, and I guess now I've broken the habit of always shopping for clothes... I lead a pretty simple life and my wardrobe reflects that. And I'm OK with it. I guess I just don't 'need' that high in my life so much anymore. It's not important to me but I have many friends who dress much nicer than I do and I can appreciate their passion for fashion.

 

[Lizzy257]

I'm not very fashionable in general, and rarely (if ever!) wear make-up, but I definitely do feel better when I'm dressed less casually. I pretty much live in jeans, so for me anything would be considered dressing up, lol! I'm not that bothered by clothes really, but I definitely don't think it's shallow to want to look and feel your best. I've lost about 30lbs in the past few months, and love being able to fit into clothes that look better (and fitting back into old jeans), so I can appreciate that it feels great to look your best.

Having said all that, I'm sitting here scrapping in my pjs right now and it's only 7pm

 

[Sherri Tierney]

My confidence isn't greatly affected by what I am wearing. It has way more to do with how I am feeling. I do like looking nice, but I can't say it always happens. I am not really into fashion. I think trends change too often for me to keep up with. When I buy an article of clothing I expect to wear it for 3-5 years, not just for a season. If I feel good though then I am way more confident than I am if I have a headache or am tired or something like that.

I never used to wear make-up at all. When I started working last year I started wearing a little mascara because it helped me look awake. I've always liked lipstick but finding something that stays on me is just a joke. After asking around, some friends recommended a brand that actually works for me. Now I wear lipstick and mascara every day. Most days I brush on a little eyeshadow but I don't do anything fancy with it. My whole make-up routine takes about 90 seconds but makes a world of difference in how I feel. I suffer from anemia and it causes me to be extremely pale. My lips typically border on blue. Adding that little bit of make-up, especially the lipstick, helps mask that and makes me feel better about my appearance. I may not be dressed up, but at least I don't look sick.

 

[Kjersti]

I know this is COMPLETELY AWFUL but my confidence goes up/down by the stupid number on the scale.

 

[mariewilcox]

I am Jekyll and Hyde on this subject

I work from home. I see no one except my daughter from the hours of 4 am to 3 pm. I wear workout pants and sweatshirts during the winter and comfy shorts and tops in the summer. I don't wear makeup unless I go outside my home, and even then I don't always bother (I never wore it much growing up or when I was younger for that matter). Even at 50 I don't feel I need much makeup. A little mascara for everyday casual and some liner and shadow for special occasions.

But, when I have to go out I do wear nice jeans and tops and wear something besides sneakers (according to the season). I do admit that I do not own a pair of pants other than jeans. I do not own a dress or a skirt. But that doesn't mean I'm frumpy and don't care

I guess at my age I'm pretty confident in myself by now and really don't worry about what others think... oh wait, I've been that way my whole life!

 

[mummytothree]

I'm with Brittney, Brook and Marie what wear or how I look doesn't much affect my mood/confidence/self esteem! I never wear make up and almost never wear jewelry. I live in Jammie's at home and yoga pants when I go out. It just what works for me and I'll choose comfort over fashion any day! Hahaha! And just like Brittney I feel my most confident right after I exercise and I'm hot and sweaty and red faced!!! Hahaha! But I've never been a "normal" person and I know that I'm the exception to the rule and I a okay with that!!

I say do what works for you and makes you feel good about yourself because that's what matters most!!!

 

[MissKim]

I dressed up today, and I feel better about how today went. Going to try it again tomorrow....

 

[KristinCB]

I wonder if it has something to do with where people live too?

I live in a tiny mountain town where the majority of women dress pretty casual - its rare to see someone dressed up completely during the day sort of thing. Now if I lived in the city I imagine it would be quite the opposite as people are always going to places not just dropping their kids off at school or running to get bread or the mail etc.

So with that being said yea I don't really get dressed up all that often and I'm pretty frugal with my clothes because it isn't of great importance to me. I do like trying to play with makeup though and I did just get my hair cut/highlighted and will say that does make a world of difference for how I feel about myself.

 

[KristinCB]

Interesting question! Hm. I guess I'm not what most would consider a "well-dressed" fashion forward person. But I'm not schlumpy either. I wear comfy jeans or lounge-type clothes at home and I wear casual stuff when I go out. I get dressed up in skirts, slacks or dresses for church on Sunday. I put on make-up everyday, but my hair isn't complicated I either have it pulled up in a ponytail or messy bun, or down. As a sahm & homeschooler, most of my life is spent in comfy clothes at home. And I feel pretty great about it, too.

I feel super confident & self-satisfied when I'm wearing something new... regardless of what it is, yoga pants or designer jeans. I like that feeling but my budget definitely doesn't support it. LOL. I went into some debt before I got married buying pretty clothes, and I guess now I've broken the habit of always shopping for clothes... I lead a pretty simple life and my wardrobe reflects that. And I'm OK with it. I guess I just don't 'need' that high in my life so much anymore. It's not important to me but I have many friends who dress much nicer than I do and I can appreciate their passion for fashion.

I love everything you said :thumbup::thumbup:

 

[mrshobbes]

I wonder if it has something to do with where people live too?

I'll agree with this, but more on it also depends where I work. I used to work in a fashion magazine, and with the exception of shoots (where you MUST be comfortable because you're running back and forth, crouching down to pin and tuck in stuff, and carrying a boatload of clothing and accessories), you obviously had to look presentable. There was an unspoken rule of incorporating the trends into your wardrobe. This was especially important when going out to events and presscons since we'd obviously be representing the magazine and being out there with colleagues and clients. It was one of the things that stressed me out the most, because I wasn't one to really pay attention to trends.

When I went to work in a travel magazine it was a definite change. Not that people were frumpier, but it was more about looking more professional than fashionable.

With my present job, I definitely need to look more corporate since we deal with multinational clients. But even then, not even company is the same, and I find myself trying to "match" the level of "corporateness" whenever I visit clients in their offices.