Let's Stop Dressing to Impress
Have you ever wandered through your closet shuffling past outfit after outfit in hopes to find the right one? Had a fashion show in front of the mirror rejecting every fit? Called on a friend to get reassurance that the new top you just bought matches with your jeans? If you answered yes to any of these questions you are not alone. Today, many people are taught that we should dress to impress. While it is understandable to want to fit into today’s unrealistic expectations, it is important to eliminate this pressure.
Now for some people dressing up makes them feel confident and themselves. Spending time selecting unique outfits may be an enjoyable experience. Clothes can even be used as a way to express yourself without words. If this applies to you, then why not continue to wear what makes you happy?
This is not the case for everyone. Many individuals feel more comfortable wearing something quick and casual like sweatpants a t-shirt or a hoodie. Maybe you do not have time to dress up or just have no desire to.
Many people also feel this second way but force themselves to dress up to fit societal norms. The fact that people feel the need to do so is very sad. Clothes should be used to express one’s personality rather than act as a shell to hide behind.
While years of belief cannot be instantly thrown out, we can all do our part to make people feel accepted despite how they dress. To begin, be the change by wearing whatever you feel best in the next time you leave the house. Next, take a moment to ask yourself if you are part of the problem. Notice if you tend to treat peers differently based on how they dress. If so, this is something to work on. Lastly, do not be afraid to call out individuals who treat you or others poorly due to looks. By doing so you will be encouraging them to rethink their actions.
Although there may be constant pressure to look like someone you are not, remember that the clothes you put on your body do not define the person you are. Any individual who would make you feel inferior for something as simple as some fabric is not worth your time and energy. In the end, life is way too short to be caught up on what other people think of you. So despite the fear it may bring, let’s start today to eliminate the belief that we need to dress to impress.