How a Wardrobe Makeover Can Improve Your Body Image

Wardrobe makeover, you say? 

Yes, please! 

The prospect of changing up your wardrobe is undoubtedly appealing at the best of times. Still, there are also legitimate reasons why a wardrobe change can significantly impact your body image. It can be an important consideration when working toward improving it. 

Read on for why this is the case and steps to get started with your body image-boosting wardrobe. 

1. No more lamenting over clothes that no longer serve you

Do you ever sift through the clothes in your wardrobe looking for something to wear and saying to yourself, "one day, I'll be able to wear this again!" 

[many times]

Our wardrobes really should be a place where we can feel empowered, excited and give us options to match our chosen style, identity, and fashion choices. When we have wardrobes filled with garments that no longer work or perhaps grown out of it can lead down a path of negative thoughts toward our bodies.  

2. No more trying to change back the old you

Our bodies do an incredible job of adapting to support us through different life stages.

Our size and shape are very likely to change throughout our life, which is normal. But sometimes, we tend to fight these changes to keep our bodies exactly as they were years ago. An important part of building a positive body image is in developing greater acceptance and compassion toward ourselves.

Having a greater understanding of how different bodily changes across our lifespan can help support us is a good way to show ourselves more love and compassion. 

Changing up our wardrobe to celebrate and embrace our bodily changes is a good part of this process. Keeping old clothes in the hope that they will one day fit again might keep us tied to fighting these changes rather than embracing them. 

3. Yes to more of feeling comfortable

When I'm wearing something that feels good and comfortable on my body, I often notice how it transpires into how I feel about myself as a whole.

On the other hand, whenever I wear something that doesn't fit right and is uncomfortable, I notice how much my focus draws inward, and I can feel more distracted and self-conscious. A poorly fitting bra or underwear is an excellent example of this. How often are you adjusting an uncomfortable bra or undies? I know right? Argh! 

Clothes that you enjoy, feel good in, work with your identity, and feel right for you, are important for more reasons than their look. 

4. Ideas for starting a wardrobe makeover

An excellent first step is to make some room in your wardrobe for any new items you'd like to add.

There are a couple of ways you could consider approaching this task. 1) put those old clothes that no longer serve you into storage, or 2) consider donating them or selling them? This is entirely up to you and your budget and comfort level. This step is also important because you are in essence clearing out those old items leaving room for a positive wardrobe space! 

Start by choosing some wardrobe items that best represent you. 

Now, this is the fun bit where you get to go out and look to add some new pieces that you truly love and enjoy to your wardrobe.

Whether you start with some basic pieces or go with some more elaborate, think about what you feel most comfortable in and enjoy. Experiment with different fabrics, patterns, colors, loose or firmer fitting clothing. If you don't feel 100% about your choice, that's okay pop it aside and think about it; there's no rush. 

Seek out budget-friendly clothing ideas 

Adding to your wardrobe doesn't need to be an expensive exercise.

There are many budget-friendly ways to approach it. One of my favorites is thrift stores you can find some genuine classic pieces. Some of my favorite wardrobe items cost $5.00 that I picked up at a vintage market, and I love that it is a little more environmentally friendly way to shop. 

If you're feeling creative, you could also consider thrift-flipping some items from your thrift-store finds also. Thrift-flipping is where you alter a piece of clothing and use its fabric to make another item of clothing. Like taking sweaters and making them into a fabulous skirt, for example. 

Heading to a clothing-swap is also a fun and novel way to add to your wardrobe.

You can organize your own or attend another, but it's a fabulous way to recycle your clothes and find great new items. Renting fashion is also a growing trend that might be worth looking into because you can explore new looks and ideas that work for you. 

Enjoy your new exciting wardrobe, knowing that it's there to serve you and your body as it is with some fabulous and comfy fashion is a great feeling. 

Image credits: Matthew Henry