“To pull off any look, wear it with confidence.”

Audrey Hepburn

At the beginning of last year I made it a goal to “live a more beautiful life” (which I talked about here). Part of that goal meant trying to “dress up” more and wear things that bring me joy. If there is one thing I miss most about having an office job, it was putting on nice clothes every day.

I’ve never been someone who lives in athletic wear or sweats, but I felt like I was wearing the same jeans and t-shirts everyday, rarely wearing the cute pieces that filled my closet.

My goal to “dress up” didn’t mean dresses everyday or office clothes, but to shop my closet a bit more, mix up my go-to’s and find pieces that I truly love and feel like “me”. For the most part this meant a great pair of jeans and a fun top or lady jacket, which I’ve discovered is my new favorite combo. It didn’t have to be anything special, just something that I felt good in.

Doing so really helped me learn more about my personal style and what makes me feel my best. I also realized that when I spent a little more time making an effort in what I wore I felt better. My mom always told us growing up “dress the way you want to feel” and I’ve always known that to be true for me, but I really noticed a difference this past year. When I took time to look a little more put together and wear clothes I felt confident in I felt exactly that- confident and put together, ready to tackle the day.

Doing this also helped me to figure out what pieces in my closet I was actually wearing or what pieces my wardrobe would benefit from rather than add to the chaos. It was much easier to clean out my closet and say goodbye to pieces I had been holding onto for far too long. And I also don’t feel the desire to impulse purchase as much as I used to. I’ve learned to really think about what value something would add to my wardrobe and if it would make me feel like my best self.

After a full year of dressing up I’m glad to say it has become my new normal (well, about 85% of the time). I love putting together outfits and feeling my best. I rediscovered pieces and will soon be sharing some closet favorites; a series of items that I truly love or have owned for years.

I hope this encourages you to find and wear pieces that you truly love. Don’t worry about what’s “in” or expected. Wear pieces that you are confident in and make you feel your best. You won’t regret it!