Can Fashion Be a Form of Self-Care? 5 Styling Tips to Include in Your Self-Care Routine

While some people might say that fashion is frivolous, it can actually be a really powerful form of self-care! How you dress can have an impact on how you feel, so it’s important to take the time to invest in outfits that inspire your mood.

From slipping in a cute dress that’s both comfy and stylish to putting together that knockout #girlboss outfit the night before a big interview, here are five styling tips to include in your self-care routine.

Invest In A Few Go-To Staples That You Can Pull Right Out Of Your Closet Without Hesitation.

On days when you’re running late, or feeling stressed (or both!), coming up with a cute outfit to wear might seem close to impossible. Help yourself be ready when moments like this happen by creating a capsule collection of pieces that work well together and make you happy, too.

• You can never really go wrong with a crisp, white T-shirt as your base layer.
• A cozy cardigan is the perfect finishing touch.
• Online boutiques often have clothes that are stylish and affordable, so look to find quality capsule wardrobe essentials from cute women’s boutiques.
• Neutral separates in flowy, comfortable fabrics are fantastic options that you can throw on and walk out the door in an instant.

Plan Your Looks In Advance By Laying Out Your Clothes The Night Before A Big Day.

Whether you have a big interview in the morning or a fun date scheduled for Saturday night, being excited about upcoming plans can make it difficult to get ready in the morning without feeling really overwhelmed. To help avoid a frantic morning—and the pile of clothing on the floor that it usually causes—take some time the night before to try on different outfits and pick the one you like best.

• Take a look at the dress code before you start planning your outfit. If it’s a big interview, go all out. If you’re going somewhere casual, comfy clothes can totally work.
• Check the weather to make sure you have enough layers on or that you remember to bring that umbrella with you!
• Stretch around a little bit and take note of which outfit you feel most like yourself in.

Once you have your outfit picked out, set it aside and try your absolute best to avoid changing your mind at the last minute. There’s nothing worse than panicking because you decided to try something different on before rushing out the door!

Get Creative By Giving Old Favorites A New Life As Part Of Fresh, Flirty Outfits.

If you have pieces you truly love but don’t feel like you have enough of the “right” occasions to wear them, now’s the time to come up with some reasons to reach into the back of your closet.

• Dress down that structured blazer you normally reserve for a big presentation at work to make a virtual happy hour with the girls a little extra fun.
• Tie the front of a white button-down shirt for a stylish way to wear this classic piece.
• Use accessories to make any go-to outfit you have in your collection feel completely brand new.

You really don’t need a whole new wardrobe to seem like you have a whole new wardrobe. These quick swaps and creative pairings are totally enough to do the trick.

Get Rid Of Pieces Of Clothing That Don’t Bring You Happiness—Or That Have Bad Memories Attached To Them.

The KonMarie method of tidying up says not to keep items in your home that don’t “spark joy,” and you can certainly apply this to your wardrobe! Think about all of the clothes that you have hanging in your closet, and when you have some time, go through each piece. You can do this all at once or little by little throughout the year.

• If you have items that you purchased for a special occasion, but don’t see yourself ever wearing them again, perhaps they might be worth donating.
• Some outfits bring back not-so-happy memories, like a bad date or a sad occasion you’d rather not remember, and they’re definitely not worth keeping on hand.

A good closet cleanout doesn’t only make it easier to find the staples you truly love, it also gives you the chance to make some room for a few new boutique pieces in your collection!

No Matter The Occasion, Always Keep Comfort At The Top Of Your Mind.

When you’re getting dressed in the morning—or thinking about what new items to add to your closet—or even when you’re changing in your pajamas at night, there’s nothing more important than choosing clothes that you’re comfortable in!

• Flowy fabrics and stretchy waistbands can make it easier to relax and unwind without feeling constricted.
• Pick out colors you feel most confident in, from flattering neutrals to attention-grabbing jewel tones.
• Oversized silhouettes can be like snuggling up in your favorite blanket, but find a balance of proportions that flatters your figure best.

There are many different definitions of comfort, but most important of all is how you feel when you’re wearing an outfit. If you don’t like the way something looks on you or the way a certain fabric falls on your figure, don’t be afraid to swap it out for something you love instead.

Take Care

Fashion is about more than looking cute! Whether you’re looking to build your confidence with a power suit that’s interview-ready or snuggling up in comfy loungewear for a night in with your favorite rom-coms and a cup of cocoa, don’t be afraid to use the power of fashion to inspire your mood. Now, that’s a major form of self-care!