On Dressing Well

I want to start with a quick disclaimer that I'm not trying to shame anyone or make anyone feel bad about the way they choose to dress. I just want to discuss something I've learned recently that I thought people might enjoy hearing about.

People just don't dress like they used to. I think we can all acknowledge that. No one is flying with a hat and gloves, or wearing nice clothes just to go grocery shopping.

Now, I do enjoy being comfortable. But lately, I've made it a goal for myself to steer clear of "bummy" clothes or throwing on things that don't make me feel good. I want to dress better, I like dressing better, and so I wanted to talk about why today.

It makes me feel good

When we don't feel great, we tend to thrown on any old thing. I don't know about you, but when I do that, it doesn't exactly help me feel any better. In fact, it often makes me feel worse.

When I take the time to pick out a thoughtful outfit, complete with accessories, it makes me feel more motivated and ready to face the day. This is especially important for me because I work from home.

There's a lot of jokes about working in your pajamas, but it's honestly not good for you. Wearing a complete outfit (except for shoes) every day reminds me that I am working, not lounging around.

It improves my self-image

I've struggled with self-esteem since I was a teenager. I have a hard time liking myself or my appearance to this day.

However, now that I make it a goal to dress better, I've noticed it's also had an effect on my self-image. I feel a bit more confident in the way I look. I smile at myself in the mirror more.

Not to say that I put my self-worth in clothes. They are just things. But dressing better helps me show respect to myself, which has also helped with my mental self-talk.

It makes me creative

Yes, putting together a nice outfit every day can be tiring sometimes. But it's also a great way for me to stretch my creative fashion muscles.

I always wear that skirt with that top. Why not try a new one and see how it looks? I'm not sure how to style this piece. Why don't I check Pinterest for inspiration?

It helps I watch several fashion YouTubers who share their outfits and inspire my own creativity. By getting out there and trying things I'm not even sure will work sometimes, it's led me to new favorite outfits or unique clothing combos.

It's glorifying to God

We are made in the image of God. As Christians, we carry His name. We need to be thoughtful in all we do, including how we dress.

Does dressing in sweats all the time bear the name of God well? Does it reflect the beauty of our Creator?

I'm not sure it does. Again, I'm not saying we should be vain and focus more on our clothes than our worship to God. But what we wear is a part of HOW we worship God, and I think we need to give it more thought.

(I could go on much longer here, but I'll save that for the book I want to write someday.)

Again, this isn't meant to accuse anyone or make you feel guilty. But if you don't put much thought or effort into your appearance, maybe this is a gentle reminder that it's okay to and it even has positive benefits.

Also, would you be interested in some tips on dressing better that I've implemented myself? Let me know in the comments if that sounds useful.