Before you assume I’m a shallow person whose only concern is appearance, allow me to explain. I have always been the type to care about my personal appearance. I was that girl who got up over an hour before her 8am class just to put makeup on and make sure I looked presentable. Yes, I do still do that, though I’ve learned to make sure there’s never a class before noon in my schedule. For the most part, I won’t leave my dorm, my house, my hotel, whatever, without makeup on. Why? I’ll get there.
I’m a firm believer in “look good, feel good." If I wear sweatpants and a hoodie every day, I’m going to feel as lazy as I look. That’s not to say I’ve never had those days, we all have. But for the majority of the time, I prefer to wake up a little bit earlier (ask anyone, I value sleep a LOT) and put effort into my appearance. I’ve found that when I’ve done my makeup and I’m wearing clothes I’m comfortable in, my day is (almost) always better.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying you need to spend an hour on makeup and an outfit every day. It’s all about being comfortable in your own skin. I frequently hear girls complaining about how uncomfortable jeans are. No problem! You don’t need jeans and a collared shirt to look presentable. There are plenty of ways to take something simple and dress it up. Leggings are considered a lazy option, for example. However, as soon as you pair them with boots, and a sweater and maybe even a scarf, you’re golden (just an example). It’s not about what you wear, it’s how you wear it.
The goal every day should be to put your best foot forward and to have a great day. By feeling good about the way you look, you automatically boost your own confidence. You’ll carry yourself with more confidence and it will be obvious to others how comfortable you are. I know what you’re thinking: "I don’t like makeup and I’m not going to start wearing it." Honestly, I’m jealous. I’ve gotten into the habit and it’s one I don’t see myself breaking any time soon. You don’t need makeup to feel confident. Like I said, it’s more about how you carry yourself.
I don’t mean to preach, really I don’t! My goal is simple: to remind everyone that no matter the day, the rain, the gloom, your mood, whatever, if you feel that you look good, I promise you’ll feel good too. On the days I don’t put any effort into my appearance, I notice how often I tend to keep my head down. I feel more self-conscious and I don’t want to make eye contact with anyone because I don’t feel like I’m at my best.
Now what about the appearance of others? Am I wrong to say I care about that too? Once again, don’t assume before I can explain. I do not look at someone and immediately judge their appearance. I don’t look at what someone is wearing, or how much makeup they have on in order to determine how I feel about the person. Appearance does matter though. Have you ever been talking to a professor after class? Your professor is dressed nicely, as they always are, and you’re wearing the clothes you slept in. When your appearance makes you feel confident, you’ll stand with your hands by your side or swaying back and forth. When your appearance makes you feel less than fantastic, you’ll tend to remain with your arms folded across your chest, legs crossed, and fidgety hands. Why? Because you aren’t confident in yourself.
Imagine you've submitted your resume for a job you’re really hoping you get. You get called for an interview with the head of human resources. You wouldn’t show up wearing a sweatshirt and a t-shirt. Why not? Because you know it’s unprofessional and you most likely won’t be hired. When you take pride in your appearance and the way you present yourself, others notice. Your potential employer will notice the way you carry yourself and the way you walk into the office with your head up because you look and feel good.
I’ve heard people say to always dress as if you’re going to see your worst enemy. You want them to see you looking and feeling great. Filled with confidence and not worried about what anyone thinks. So don’t worry about the designer you’re wearing or what brand your backpack is. Present yourself in a way that makes you proud. Because, honestly, that’s what really matters.
