Self-Love Through Style: Embracing Your Body at Every Stage!

Rediscover Your Confidence: How to Dress for Your Body Now, Not 10 Years Ago.

As busy mums, we tend to put everyone else first, leaving little time to care for ourselves. But here’s a truth I’ve learned both from my own journey and working with other women and mums: the key to feeling confident in your clothes starts with embracing your body as it is today. Yep, that’s right - not how it was 10 years ago, not how you wish it would be next summer - right now!

In this article, I’m sharing personal styling techniques to help you dress with confidence at any stage in your life. These tips will help you truly connect with your wardrobe, reflect your unique beauty, and feel fabulous every day. So let’s get into it;

1. Stop Waiting for the ‘Perfect Body’

The first step in embracing your body through style is to stop thinking of it as a ‘work in progress.’ One of the most common things I hear from clients is, “I’ll treat myself to new clothes when I lose that extra stone.” But here’s the problem: waiting to dress for a future body often means you’re neglecting the body you have right now. When you wear ill-fitting or outdated clothes because you’re holding off for a ‘better’ time, it’s much harder to feel good about yourself in the moment, I’m sure you’ll resonate with that, we all do it.

My Tip: Start by treating yourself to well-fitted essentials - think about your everyday basics like jeans, a great bra, or a tailored blazer that flatters your shape. Even if you plan on body changes, investing in core pieces that fit you now will have a powerful effect on your confidence. If you do happen to lose weight or change shape through exercise, you can have these clothes altered down the line, so don’t think of it as money wasted…. Which leads to my next point.

2. Understand the Psychological Power of Fit

I always say that fit is everything - and it’s not just about looking good, it’s about how your clothes make you feel. Wearing something too tight or too loose can subconsciously affect how you carry yourself. For example, trousers that dig in at the waist might make you feel self-conscious, while something too baggy can make you feel frumpy or disconnected from your body. Nobody looks good with the ‘nappy bum’ when your trousers are too big and baggy.

That’s why I recommend getting the core pieces in your wardrobe tailored to your exact shape. It’s a simple yet powerful way to look more polished and feel in control, no matter what your size or shape.

My Tip: If you’re carrying a little extra weight since having your kids, or are going through other body changes now with perimenopause, don’t rely solely on off-the-rack sizing. Consider visiting a local seamstress to adjust key items like trousers, jackets, and dresses to fit your current shape. The confidence boost from having clothes that fit properly is worth every penny.

3. Dress for How You Want to Feel, Not Just How You Want to Look

One of the most impactful mindset shifts you can make is to think about dressing based on how you want to feel. Are you seeking more confidence, comfort, or a sense of empowerment? When you focus on the emotion behind your outfit choices, you’ll automatically select clothes that better align with where you are in life.

For instance, if you want to feel more grounded and calm during your day, soft fabrics like cotton or cashmere can create a cocooning, reassuring effect. If you want to feel powerful, structured blazers or bold prints can give you that extra boost.

My Tip: Try picking out outfits based on your emotional goals for the day. Ask yourself, “How do I want to feel?” Then pick a fabric, cut, or colour that aligns with that energy. This makes the process of getting dressed far more intentional and empowering.

4. Use Colour to Celebrate Where You Are Now

Many of us shy away from wearing certain colours because we think they draw too much attention or we’re not confident about what suits us. But here’s a secret I share with my clients: the right colours can make you glow. Understanding your personal colour palette not only makes your skin look brighter and healthier, but it also boosts your mood and energy.

If you usually stick to neutral tones, I encourage you to experiment with pops of colour that make you feel vibrant and alive. Warm colours like corals, rich greens, or even a striking blue can be incredibly uplifting, and you don’t need to overhaul your wardrobe—just adding a statement scarf or blouse in a new hue can transform your look.

My Tip: If you’re unsure about your colour palette, think about how you want to celebrate where you are right now. Choose colours that make you feel energised and confident, rather than trying to blend in or hide behind your clothes.

5. Create a Wardrobe that Grows with You

Your body will evolve over time, and so will your wardrobe needs. Instead of thinking of your wardrobe as fixed, think about it as something that can adapt and grow with you. Invest in a few versatile, high-quality pieces that can accommodate small shifts in weight or shape, like wrap dresses, adjustable-waist or elasticated waist trousers, and oversized shirts that can be styled in multiple ways.

My Tip: Look for adjustable pieces—a good example is trousers with side tabs or a belt that allows you to adjust the fit. This means you can feel comfortable whether your body fluctuates by a few pounds or a full dress size.

My Final Thoughts:

Your body is incredible, and it deserves to be celebrated through your personal style. The key to feeling confident is learning how to dress the body you have now, not waiting for some idealised future version. By embracing this moment and working with your natural shape, you’ll not only look better—you’ll feel empowered in every aspect of your life.

If you’re still not sure and feel you need personalised advice on creating a wardrobe that truly fits your lifestyle and body, I’m here to help! Book a FREE 30 minute Pre Styling Consultation Call, this is a virtual session on Zoom. You will get the opportunity to tell me where you feel you need some guidance and I will give some tips there and then and also which service is best suited to your current needs. Check out my Services Page for more information and use the form at the bottom of the page to contact me to arrange your Free Call.

PS: Have you downloaded my Free Ebook yet? It is a style guide with all my tips on how to begin clearing out and curating your capsule wardrobe by yourself. It also includes some items you shouldn’t be without in your wardrobe and also a quick and easy morning makeup routine. Grab your free copy here

Let me know in the comments if you have had any wardrobe “aha” moments after embracing your body? Will you try any of the tips I’ve given above? I’d love to hear from you!