Investing in your self-image and taking steps to rebuild yourself after an upsetting, life-changing experience is a step in the right direction.
Poor self-image is perhaps the biggest struggle for women going through a divorce. Taking care of yourself can be on the list of the least things to worry about for newly divorced women and single women. The emotional turmoil makes itself obvious in the way you look and carry yourself. And it’s perfectly alright. Divorce is a struggle and that struggle can get in the way of us being concerned with our appearance.
It’s time to move forward, though. And it is more important than ever to take care of yourself. How you are perceived by others often depends on the physical signals you send with your appearance. And to top it off, when you look good, you’ll feel even better. That’s why appearances matter.
In fact, that’s how many divorcees and single parents keep it together. They fake it till they make it!
“Love yourself enough to give a damn about looking your best. It’s all a sacred celebration.” — Danielle LaPorte
There is no denying the fact that sweatpants and baggy shirts are cozy and comfy. These clothes are like comfort food, i.e. often the only solace during trying times. But try to leave them at home and look your best in public.
7 Reasons It Pays To Pay Attention To Your Appearance
Look sharp and be sharp
The clothes you wear, address people before you ever get to open your mouth and say hi. If you were lost in a new city, would you be more comfortable asking for directions from a nicely dressed person, or someone who looked like a hobo? Dress for the message you are putting out to the world. People are more likely to listen to you, give you time, consideration and respect when you are dressed for the part.
It’s a confidence booster
When you look good, you feel more confident. Whether you are headed to work, to pick up the kids for school, to a movie date or an interview, dressing well will help you feel more confident. And your behavior will reflect positively on you, helping people trust you and be confident in your abilities as well.
Yes, running shorts and an XL t-shirt are super comfy, but they aren’t doing anything for you. So, get up and dress up.
Express your better self
When you dress up, you are unleashing your personal sense of style and creativity into the world. Dressing up doesn’t mean you must look like you are headed to prom. It only means you are trying your best to look smart, clean and alert at all times. You can even express your creativity and personal style with a nice tee shirt and a well-fit pair of jeans.
Increase productivity
Dressing up has a definite link with higher productivity. If you are an entrepreneur and a business owner, your employees are counting on you to get over your personal setbacks so business can continue as usual. Moping around in your PJs is not only threatening your sanity but also the sanctity of your job or your business. It is important to soldier on despite the divorce, and the first step to doing that is getting up and getting dressed for the part of a successful, productive individual who contributes to society.
Get respect
A well-dressed woman stands out and gets noticed. When everyone around you looks like they just got out of bed, your boss, your clients, your teachers will take notice that you took the time to get up and get ready. Dressing up doesn’t take a lot of effort, just put on your dress and cute flats instead of the sweatshirt and sneakers, that is literally all you need to do. And it takes a commitment from you, and not a lot of time. Do not let the stress of divorce affect the way you look at work or college.
It will help you stay fit
Wearing clothes with elastic is a surefire way to gain weight over time. Well-fitted smart clothes will help you keep a tab on the inches and motivate you to stay fit to keep fitting the clothes. If you are wearing anything loose fitting or something with elastic inside it, it just becomes easier to cover up the added pounds and the fact you haven’t seen the inside of a gym in months.
When you look good, it annoys some close-minded people
Obviously, we all know a few characters who are always on the lookout for negativity. When you rise above your situation, and not let the world in on the devastation you may have suffered as a result of a divorce, it annoys them so much. And this is all the more reason to keep doing what you do. When you look good for yourself, also keep an eye out on the reactions from people around you. If they are reminding of your grief, they aren’t your friends. And it’s a great way of weeding out the well-wishers from the herd.
The Last Word
Looking nice and well put-together doesn’t require you to spend an insane amount of time and money. You can spot some great ‘affordable’ finds at your nearest clothing boutiques, putting together a post-divorce wardrobe on a budget. Purchase pieces that make you look good and help you create a vision of victory via your ensembles.
So, go ahead, put on a pretty outfit and carpe diem. As Rachel Zoe says, “Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.”
Divorce is a transitional time. It is important to pay attention to your personal needs, emotions, and feelings at this time. Invest in your self-image. It will help you feel better. Taking these steps to rebuild yourself after an upsetting, life-changing experience is a step in the right direction. It takes bravery and willpower to move ahead and as women, we all must have that commitment to ourselves. The wounds will heal over time, we promise.
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