HOW TO: dress with confidence

Do you dress with confidence? We don't mean dressing in a revealing or showy manner. We're talking about looking poised and self-confident, no matter how you feel. Part of it is attitude, but the other part ‑- the easy part ‑- is wearing clothes that fit you and that have a little flair. It's about looking as great as you can whenever you can. To dress in a more self-assured way, follow these simple steps. You'll be surprised at how subtle changes can make a huge difference in how others view you and, more importantly, how you feel about yourself.

The Fit of Your Clothes

How your clothes fit can make all the difference in the world when it comes to looking and feeling confident. Jackets are a good example. A baggy, ill-fitting jacket looks sloppy and may even cause you to slouch. A well-fitting jacket looks neater and will help you to stand up a bit straighter, creating a more confident appearance. Here are some other examples of how fit can improve your style and your attitude.

• Pants: The right pair of pants doesn't need to be tight ‑- it should fit just so. Don't be concerned that a proper fit may emphasize your curves. In fact, pants that fit right will make you look slimmer and trimmer than pants with too much fabric hanging from the rear area. You'll notice the difference the minute you put them on.
• Jackets, coats, dresses and tops: Wearing tops that create a waist is important in having a crisp, pulled-together look. And it's more feminine. Remember that clothes that are too boxy or loose tend to fade into the background. Boxy shapes will also make you look and feel shorter than you are.
• Bras: There is something about wearing the right bra that makes you stand up straighter. Some women wear sexy lingerie because it makes them feel better. Either way it translates into a more confident demeanor. Whether you are flat-chested or amply endowed, finding a well-fitting bra is essential to dressing with assurance. Look for one that is smooth-fitting and supports your bust size. Make sure it fits in the back as well as the front. Lumps and bumps under your clothing will only make you feel self-conscious.
• Shoes: Sometimes high heels can make you wobble, and nobody wants a weaving walk. But when you pick a shoe that's right for you, wearing heels will make you look taller, slimmer and even sexier.
• Jewelry: One of the quickest and most effective ways to achieve a stylish appearance is with jewelry. Especially a piece of bold jewelry. A chunky necklace, bracelet or earrings (not all worn at once!) will make people stand up and take notice of you. And for your own personal benefit, you'll simply feel more fashionable.

Colors That Flatter

Wearing all black is fine. It's slimming and it's sleek. But wearing a subtle pattern or a splash of color on occasion tells people that you aren't afraid to be noticed. Additionally, color can be used to distract from any areas on your body you may consider a "problem," resulting in a confident new you. Here are some other tips regarding hues.

• Mix colors: Don't feel compelled to match everything. Wearing an orange top may be a big step for you, but make it look fresh by pairing it with chocolate brown, charcoal or burgundy. Try wearing pink with heather gray or navy. The key is to feel confident, so if you're more comfortable wearing a bright color on top and a dark color on the bottom, by all means do so.
• Prints: Widely placed stripes can give the illusion of a larger bust. Petite figures are more flattered by small, low-contrast prints. Use patterns to your advantage.

Beauty Tips

Right or wrong, how you look to others is greatly influenced by how well groomed you are. Even an outfit that cost a small fortune will be diminished if your fingernails are chipped, your roots are showing or your brows are unkempt. No one needs to wear mascara or even lipstick to the corner market, but make sure your grooming is exquisite. Take note of these simple ways to complete your new look from head toe.

• Neat nails: Whether you do a buff manicure at home or get a professional one at a salon, make sure your nails and cuticles look well maintained.
• Hair care: Get a haircut on a routine basis. It's amazing what a difference a quick trim can make to your appearance. If your hair keeps falling in your face, use a fashionable hair accessory to hold it back. Also, keep your roots colored; on "in between" days, wear your hair with clips or adjust your style to disguise the color break.
• Smooth, pretty eyebrows: Don't underestimate the importance of keeping well-kempt eyebrows. Eyebrows frame the face, and correcting imperfections can change your appearance dramatically. You'll know what we're talking about the first time you look in the mirror after you've groomed them.
• Makeup: Not necessary, but if you insist, a little makeup can go a long way. Even a touch of lipstick or hint of blush can transform your face to complete your look.

*I hope you girls can get a tip or two from this article.

*credits to makeup.ivillage