Dressing for the Activity

I met a gentleman recently who travels for work and he shared that he always wears a blazer when flying. This is not to save space in his suitcase or to prevent it wrinkling in his carry on. It's because he noticed that when he does, he gets treated better by the airline staff. The desk agent is a little kinder to him, the chance of him getting an upgrade increases, and the flight attendants show him just a tad more respect. He's still the same person whether he's wearing a blazer or a t-shirt, but his interactions improve because he is dressed like he commands respect, and he's also showing respect to the people he interacts with.

Traveling in style!

He's learned the way to navigate what could be a bumpy activity by wearing the right clothes for it.

This idea of dressing for what you're doing is definitely not a new one! That's why we've got ballgowns for the galas, athletic gear for sports, suits for the workplace. Each type puts you in the mindset of that activity. You'll feel more elegant at the gala, more capable in the sport, more confident in the job if you're dressed appropriately for it. This is the power of clothing!

I was in Macy's recently and as I stood in line, I had a chance to look at the other people around me. They were all there buying new clothes for what looked like everyday purposes - blouses, jeans, a couple of work dresses, that sort of thing. Very normal purchases.

What stood out to me was that not one of them was wearing something similar to what they were buying. They were in athleisure wear, ill-fitting jeans (and not the trendy kind), baggy t-shirts, etc. The kind of clothes you find where you buy your groceries.

I was hoping to give these women the benefit of the doubt, that obviously they needed the clothes they were buying to replace the ones they were wearing. But then I made a point to look at how people dress when they go shopping around town and from what I observed, it's not the norm for people to look their most stylish when they're out in the stores. Trust me - I'm looking. I'm not judging, but I'm certainly paying attention, and it seems that people are not wearing all these lovely clothes they buy!

So what's the reason for this? Do they only wear those clothes for a special occasion or for work? Is shopping for new clothes such a mindless errand that they just wear whatever they wore to the gym to do it? I'm not suggesting that you put on that ballgown to head to the boutiques, but wearing clothes that align with what you're out looking for is essential for the right frame of mind when shopping for clothes.

One client put it this way:

I hate shopping when I feel sloppy. It doesn’t inspire me to level up.

Of course, buying basic t-shirts or athletic gear doesn't require much inspiration, but when shopping for your everyday clothes or even undergarments? Oh, it definitely should! Using one of your favorite outfits that fits your three words is a simple way to gauge any potential purchases. Does what you're trying on make you feel as good as what you're wearing? Does it go with other pieces in your wardrobe, which are easier to remember* when you've literally got some of them with you?

Imagine looking to the next phase of your life, seeing your future self - the brave entrepreneur, the adventurous empty nester, the polished everyday member of the community. Whatever it might be, you've decided it's time to start moving toward it. You're then wanting to find a few specific pieces of clothing that will help take you there - after all, you know that how you dress changes how you feel. Don't sabotage those efforts by wearing anything less than what your future self deserves.

Knowing all of this, try putting together an outfit that aligns with that vision and wearing it when you go shopping. You'll be in that right head space, helping you see and feel like your future self, which will help you see and find the clothing that fit your goals. One client wore her chartreuse cardigan because it helped channel the creative but polished business self she wanted to be.

Keep doing this every time you head out, and you'll find your vision of your future self coming to light more effortlessly because you're showing respect to your future self right now. Eventually you'll get in the habit of wearing your loveliest clothes on a day-to-day basis. After all, you bought them for a reason, so let them help you move through life with purpose and style!

xxx

*Do you have a hard time remembering what you've already got in your wardrobe? I've got an app for that! It's a digital wardrobe with all your clothes in it, ready to remind you that you've already got 5 black blouses before you buy a 6th!