I was asked the question recently: What is the importance of style and appearance?
Clothes are not who we are; however they do send a message to the world about who we are or even who we aspire to be.
They are a way of communicating what we feel on the inside and translating it to the outside. I find that this works both ways. If I am wearing something I love and I feel good; it re-inforces how I feel on the inside. Equally if I am feeling good on the inside I will often choose an outfit I love.
Here comes the challenge. There are days for all of us when we do not feel good, for a variety of reasons. Something has happened that we did not want to happen or something that we wanted to happen did not. It can then be difficult to take care of our appearance. It is so easy to slip on any old thing and that can re-inforce the pattern of not feeling great.
I have found that during challenging times it is worth making a bit more effort and “putting our best face on” so to speak. I admit that I have not always lived up to my own high standards but when I do it has been worth it. We are sending a signal to ourselves as well as to the outside world.
What are your thoughts on this subject. Has making an effort and paying attention to your appearance helped you through challenging times? Do share your opinions.
We had the most wonderful trip to South Africa. Initially I stayed with an old…
The joys of summer kaftans. In my opinion a kaftan is one of the most…
What I wore in France - holiday styles for Summer
Our journey through France and overnight stay.
View Comments
I totally agree with you that making an effort to look your best can help in difficult times.
I've had various health problems over the last five years - surgery and chemotherapy for breast cancer, heart attack, and I'm currently suffering from very painful sciatica.
It takes a supreme effort to stop it all getting me down, and putting make up on, dressing in something that makes me feel good plays a big part.
Hi Jane
Thank you for sharing. From my recent experience which i will write about next week i know how difficult it can be.
I always try to look put together when I go out. This is sometimes very difficult here in Florida where it is so terribly hot and sticky! Yuck! But everything is air conditioned, so I can wear heavier things and scarves as long as I am going to an air-conditioned mall! I especially love wearing my Hermes scarves! I feel very dressed up in them even with just a simple tee shirt or blouse.
Oh....I meant to say how elegant you always look in your outfits!
I'm a firm believer that our appearance does make a huge difference.
I just read a saying that clothes are a tool---and I thought that was a good way to describe it.
And just because life is more casual now, doesn't mean we have to look sloppy---you show it so well, that you can look fabulous!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I agree with you and would just like to add that I feel more confident when I'm put together.
You always look elegant without being too fussy. I, however, am short, 5'3", and 145 lbs. Larger on top, slim on bottom. So many of the clothes that look fabulous on you would look awful on me. Any advice for my body shape? Thank you.
i so identified with the comment from linda. i live in south louisiana and find it difficult to look put together in the heat and humidity, altho i always make the effort.
your style is an inspiration to me. it it always elegant and simple, always becoming. i also find it is adaptable to my situation with variations for the climate here in the deep south. last weekend i bought a sweater vest that reminded me so much of you and that i know i will wear all winter. it is just the simple, clean lines you prefer.
This post appeared in my email box at just the right time today. I was having one of those days you describe, feeling bad about myself, guilty about spending money (having just reduced my work hours) and was just about to cancel my appointment for my eyelash and brow tint, feeling I didn't deserve to treat myself.
Reading your post reminded me why appearance is important and I didn't cancel. Now I'm feeling AND looking better and ready for whatever challenges the weekend brings. Thank you so much!
I always dress up on chemo days and for oncology appointments. Surplice tops make it easy to access ports and a big scarf can cover things a bit more as one moves between chemo suite and doc's office. Feels better. Ponte pants are comfy to snooze in while getting treatment and don't wrinkle. Loved the ones from J.Jill that are 2 years old. For some reason last year's had seams down the back. Bad idea especially if you tend to develop clots. Glad it has changed this year. Smiling as best you can at all the wonderful people who are helping you is a great accessory.
Hi Pam
Thank you for your comment. Definitely agree with the last comment. I will explain why in my post next week.
I think you have to have some rules which you stick to no matter what. I always wear perfume, lipstick and a necklace, even if I'm not going anywhere, and I never wear clothes with brands and slogans on them. I never wear trainers and I would never wear sports clothing anywhere other than in the gym!