Can the way you dress affect your confidence?
Dressing for confidence is about much more than wearing the latest trends, says Relationship and Intimacy Expert Dr Nikki Goldstein.
It was influential and stylish American costume designer Edith Head who famously said “you can have anything in life you want if you dress for it”.
While ‘having anything’ might be wishful thinking, there’s no doubt feeling fabulous as we stride out the door – whether it be to go to work, out to dinner or to pick up the kids – puts a sparkle in your step.
Making the right choices
People who look good, usually feel good and radiate positive energy and Dr Goldstein says when it comes to clothes, it’s all about the choices you make.
While wearing expensive labels might provide momentary satisfaction the relationship expert says it’s more about being confident and comfortable in your own skin.
“Are you covering up most of your body? Wearing dark colours to hide,” she asks. “Make sure whatever you are wearing doesn’t restrict you from being you or take attention away from you.”
Play to your body strengths
It’s important to play to your strengths when choosing an outfit. If you’ve got a great pair of pins, don’t be afraid to let them shine.
“My best tip is to flaunt one asset,” Dr Goldstein says.
“This is what I call balance. A bit of sexy with a bit of covering up. It might be a shoulder, both shoulder, cleavage or legs? There is always an exception to the rule, but if you are looking for that balance it’s a good place to start.”
Confidence in infectious
The expert says when someone feels more confident, they’re generally happy and have more resilience to take on daily life stressors and tasks, with a good mood also often infectious to others.
“It’s a great benefit for a relationship as someone who believes in themselves and who is confident will not only help their partner to feel the same, but help reduce any negative issues.”
She says being able to show the world you’re confident with who you are is sexy, something woman were previously criticised for.
“Now woman have the right to be sexy and it’s the confidence to do so that allows them to present this way.”
“It’s not just about stripping off the layers of clothing and it’s not just about looks. This confidence that sexy brings has a flow on effect to other areas of a woman’s life, including her mental health.”
See more from Dr Nikki Goldstein:
