Some of you have the dress picked out, the reservation lined up, and the whole experience poised to inspire delight and romance for your significant other. Some of us will spend Valentine’s Day negotiating sugar intake with tiny versions of ourselves. And if you’re a real romantic like me, you might also be known to hand scrawl a love note post-it that reads: “Happy V-Day, babe. Your present is that I did not spend $6.95 on a card. You’re welcome.” But whether your February 14th is pretty spectacular or pretty much a Tuesday, there is one thing we all can do to manifest a little more magic on Valentine’s Day this year.
I believe that every life is worth showing up for – and dressing up for. Dress up for yourself this year, my friend. I encourage you to spend some time picking out a noteworthy outfit. Not because you have a date; not because your calendar requires it; but because you deserve to see yourself in something nice every now and again. (And also, you should wash those leggings.)
There is something magical that happens when you feel good in your clothes. Think back to when you were a kid. Power came from that lightning bolt-adorned cape and possibilities awaited when you slipped on that crown, satin dress and matching gloves. Those clothes made you feel like you could do anything. And that “I can do anything” feeling is everything!
When you feel good in your clothes, you show up differently. You meet your day with a little more confidence, a little more positivity, a little more of that “I can” attitude. Clothes have power, and I say it’s time we start to harness that again. So here are some super practical tips on how you can use your outfit to show yourself some style love.
Bright colors make you happy. (It’s science, y’all.) But don’t feel like you have to wear the standard combo of red and pink. For this holiday, we love all shades of femme feeling colors ranging from boho blush to vivid violets. So instead of reaching for that same black top or dress “because it’s slimming” (cue stylist’s eye roll), try instead to choose a color that compliments your skin tone and hair color. Wearing the right colors near your face can instantly wake you up, helping you look more alert and vibrant. Gather some garments in different shades of happy colors, hold them up to your face in the mirror and notice which ones make your look more alive. If you are a die-hard neutral fan, a colorful scarf or a piece of bright jewelry will do the trick as well. The point is to find out what colors not only make you smile but also complement your complexion.
Wearing pieces that fit you well will always read more chic than wearing the best designer in the wrong size. So even if those holiday pounds stick around longer than you’d like, allowing yourself to wear that larger size will actually make you look more polished than something that is ill fitting or too tight. The same goes for those of you seeing success from your healthy resolutions. Wearing clothes that are too big for you can make you look (and feel) a bit frumpy. So while you may not be at your goal weight yet, investing in a few new pieces that fit your body now will help you see your progress and motivate you further on your fitness journey. If it’s too big or too tight for you, you are better off selecting something less festive this Valentine’s Day than defaulting to your only shirt with hearts on it.
Putting intention into creating a new way to wear your current pieces can serve you in many ways. Forcing yourself to create an outfit that is outside of your usual rotation will challenge your brain in a new and creative way. Plus, you will discover how to get more mileage out of your wardrobe! (Did you know that skirts can actually go with more than the one shirt you bought to match it?) Taking a few steps to feel good in your clothes is a conscious, intentional act, and it is what self-care is all about! We take time on Valentine’s each year to show love and attention to others. Shouldn’t you do the same for yourself?
So this year, as you show your love with little notes and delicately wrapped treats, consider wrapping yourself in something that says, “I love me,” too!
