Getting dressed is something every woman does. Every day there is a decision made about how she will clothe herself. Read on to find out how getting dressed each day can set you up for success.
I don’t design clothes, I design dreams. – Ralph Lauren
I have a history with clothing. As far back as I can remember I have liked clothes. My parents would take my sister and me shopping each year before school to get a new wardrobe. We had some guidelines of what clothing was appropriate, but for the most part we were able to make our own choices in clothing.
That was a coveted time of year – shopping day. What girl doesn’t like to have cash in her hand to go clothes shopping with?!
Now as an adult I still love to go clothes shopping.
Clothes Are Fun
Have you ever stopped to think about how much clothes have and do play a role in your life? Each morning you are presented with the task of clothing yourself. You think about your tasks for the day and decide what you will wear based on your days schedule or the level of comfort you want.
Some days require a little more effort than others in our clothing choices: Dressing up for parties, getting ready for a date, making sure you have the best outfit on for that interview.
When you think back to milestones in your life do you remember what you were wearing that day? Think back to your senior prom or wedding day. Can you picture your dress and the accessories you wore on those special and memorable days?
Clothes have an impact in our life.
Life is a party, dress like it –Audrey Hepburn
Clothes Change With Seasons Of Life
In middle school I started buying copies of Vogue, In Style and Seventeen magazine. Combing the pages, I admired all the fashion and accessories. Looking through the pages would inspire me to think of ways I could recreate the looks I saw in the magazine using what I had available in my closet.
I remember the year of my sixteenth birthday. I had bought a lace front spaghetti strap tank. Spaghetti straps were not parent approved, but I was sure going to try. The family was going out to dinner that evening to celebrate my birthday and I came out of my room feeling confident in my new spaghetti strap tank.
After a long discussion (um… fight) I put on a jean jacket over my new tank top and we proceeded to dinner. I was always pushing the envelope with clothing against my parents’ guidelines.
The next season brought marriage and I was even more excited to get dressed up each day. As a newlywed wife I enjoyed looking nice for my new husband.
Then pregnancy came and I was shopping for a whole new wardrobe. This season was a little harder to find cute clothes but I made it happen. Have you ever seen a 34 week pregnant woman in a dress and heels?! Yes that was me 😉
After the babies arrived, clothing became more for comfort and accessibility for breastfeeding. Looking cute was not as easily attainable but I did manage to get dressed most days those early years of motherhood.
Clothing Choices Reflect Personality
Do you remember in high school the different “clicks” that formed? You had the popular kids, goth kids, country kids etc. Each click wore a similar type of clothing. Their clothing projected an image they wanted others to see.
Now, as moms, we also have a style that reflects our personality: Yoga mom, casual mom, stylish mom, classy mom. Each mom has her own style.
Clothes Help Self-Confidence
You wake up not feeling so great but you decide to get showered and dressed rather than stay in your pajamas. You’re thinking “If I get ready for the day, maybe I will feel better”.
It works! Studies show that getting dressed and wearing an outfit you love boosts your mood. Check out this study from Human Resource Development. Participants had increased self-confidence based on the type of clothing they chose to wear.
We can choose our clothes based on our mood or we can choose our clothes to help create the mood and attitude we want to have.
Getting Dressed Creates Productivity
As a stay at home mom and homeschooling mom I could easily lounge in my PJ’s all day. But when I stay in my pajamas- that is just what I want to do –lounge.
While having a lounge day is a good idea for busy moms we also need to have productive days.
In our home everyone gets dressed each day. The kids have to make their beds and get dressed before breakfast. I get dressed and make my bed each day also.
Getting dressed increases my motivation to start the day off well.
If someone knocks on the door I don’t feel embarrassed answering it. When a friend calls to ask if we can meet at the park to play I can say “Yes!” and not tell them “Well I can in a hour. I’m not ready for the day yet.”
When I’m dressed I feel accomplished. That’s a great way to start my day and it’s such a simple habit to add to My Morning Routine.
Find out more about my Morning Routine here:
Clothing Inspiration
I’m sure you have had days when you just couldn’t find anything to wear. And maybe you even cried about it. Or is that just me? 😛 Those times really can affect your mood.
Sometimes we need a little outfit inspiration. Here are some of my favorite ladies that I follow for clothing inspiration:
Alison from Get Your Pretty On
I love Alison’s story from Get Your Pretty On. She was a mom stuck in a yoga pants rut. After she started working from home she lost all motivation to get dressed each morning. Alison noticed how that was affecting her mood and productivity each day. She went on a mission to get out of her mom rut and made time to get dressed each day.
Now Alison is inspiring moms everywhere to get out of their clothing rut by providing them with outfit inspiration, style and beauty tips.
“I love helping other moms gain confidence and feel great through accessible style, simple outfit formulas and easy beauty tips that work for every day.” –Alison from Get Your Pretty On
Check out Get Your Pretty On for fun and stylish outfit ideas!
Merrick from Merrick’s Art
Merrick discovered her love for sewing and began to refashion her clothing items. It wasn’t long before she started cutting fabric and creating her own clothing styles.
She shares her great style and shopping advice on her blog merricksart.com and also has an amazing Instagram account @merricksart
Leanne from Elle Apparel
I discovered Leanne through Merrick. They just happen to be best friends in real life.
Leanne offers great style ideas for moms and also fashion and beauty tips.
She recently began creating her own amazing dresses. Each month Leanne unveils a new dress that she has sewn and styled herself. She showcases her dresses on Instagram using the hashtag #themonthlydressseries
Getting dressed for the day you want to have only comes with benefits. It helps elevates your mood, increase productivity and give you self-confidence.
