Sunday Edition: Never Skip Getting Dressed
Okay, maybe not never, but I think you should more often than you don't, and I'm giving you a running list about why you should make time to get ready everyday
The Sunday Edition is Tuesday’s little sister—off-the-cuff updates I’d bring up over a coffee catch-up with a friend.
Feeling good about what you’re wearing, and having a streamlined way to get yourself ready for the day ahead — these are, in my opinion, pinnacles of heaving a healthy routine, taking care of yourself and feeling your best.
In the fall of 2021, right around when I was gearing up to go to back to work after being on maternity leave with my daughter, I found myself jotting down (read: typing into the notes app!), “I am a better version of myself when I get dressed.”
The days of my maternity leave when I got up and put on an outfit for the day (which often times was a simple as an exercise dress, or bike shorts and a t-shirt) I felt WAY better over the course of, and especially at the end of, the day. It wasn’t about putting on a super chic outfit, or the best combo possible- it was about taking a few minutes to think about what I was planning on doing that day and then getting myself ready for it. I thought about it so much that I went on to write a whole essay entitled, “I’m a Better Mom When I Like My Outfit.” (Maybe I’ll share it here someday.)
Wearing something that you feel good in — please notice my use of the word FEEL GOOD — because there is a difference between feeling good and looking good, and I’m talking about here, what I’m saying is important - it’s feeling good. When you feel good, you look good. Feeling good is totally personal, and has nothing to do with what others (or the world) tells you looks good. You’re the only person who’s opinion matters about all of this.
When you put something on, and you feel good, maybe even great - that full body YES, that feeling that - this is it, I feel good, I feel like myself — it’s infectious. It grows and can help you set (and hold) an intention for a day, turn your day around, set it in a particularly direction, feel in control, do whatever it is you need to do on a given day.
Let me share an example - this past week was a full one at work, particularly when I spent Tuesday in a day of 30 minute back-to-back meetings, ending the day with a giant list of to-dos that I hadn’t had a second to tackle or prioritize. On Wednesday, I knew I was going to need to go into work and be Focused and Productive (capitals are intentional). I had been thinking about my wide leg dark denim jeans the night before, and thinking that I hadn’t worn them in awhile, mostly because of how cold it’s been I haven’t wanted to expose my ankles. I wondered whether I could pair them with my black leather boots…
Simple, streamlined, comfortable, with tiny bits of personality via a gold rolo chain. I felt like I could do what I needed to do that day - which was put my head down and get a ton of stuff and work hard to not be distracted by anything non-urgent that would come my way. (By the way, I made good on this intention!) The outfit didn’t do the work, but leaving my home feeling confident, comfortable, polished and clearheaded did WONDERS.
And maybe you don’t think getting dressed matters. That’s totally cool with me. But, But, But. I WILL challenge you to try to put on something that makes you feel *great* - what that is is different for every person - and it doesn’t have to be fancy. I would willing to bet that when you wear something that you feel great about, that you feel like yourself in, that gives you that full body yes - you will agree - it’s a GREAT feeling.
Clothes do matter. Yes, it’s just stuff. Material things. So, in the hierarchy of things that *matter,* I, of course, understand where stuff lands. But, another way to think of stuff (or, at least some group of our stuff) is collections of things that resonate with us. That tell the world who we are and what we love and what is important to us. What you wear can help to make you feel great, and tell others who you are as you move through the world.
I was talking to a friend of mine recently, who regularly gets the immense privilege of hearing me go on ang on about clothes and outfit ideas and making time to take care of ourselves by getting dressed (hopefully you can hear that I’m joking, but if you know me irl, then you can bet your ass I will be discussing this with you!)
She looked at me and said, “one thing that I did that was so good this morning, was take a few minutes to get ready before we came out.” And I was like — YES. YESSSSSSS. (Also, not to toot my own horn but since I am tooting my own horn, she mentioned that she did it because I’m always talking about how important it is).
When she was overstimulated that morning, (as mornings with small children can so often make you!), she took a 10 minute beat — and got dressed, did quick makeup, styled her hair. The vibe was good!
And that’s just one, in a long, long list of reasons why you might consider taking a few minutes to get ready every day - regardless of what you are doing on that particular day. Other reasons, you might ask? Oh! You shouldn’t have, I definitely wouldn’t want to list as many reasons as I can think of to compel you to give this a shot, but fine, since you asked…
A running list of reasons why I think you should get dressed every day (okay, fine, MOST days!)
To trick yourself into feeling better when you’re having an off day.
To immediately boost to your self-esteem or confidence.
To feel more like yourself when you’re feeling off.
When you’re exhausted, and want nothing more than to spend the whole day in bed but you’re a full grown adult and you have no choice but to go on with it - you might as well look good while doing it.
If you have an important presentation, or meeting, or discussion, and you want to feel and look confident going into it.
To have 10 minutes to yourself to pop in your audiobook, or music, or favorite podcast and zone out.
To set the tone for the day you want.
Because you want to look great.
To give yourself something to look forward to everyday.
To feel really really good about yourself.
To find a reason to wear or use something you’ve been saving for the right occasion. Maybe it’s an item of clothing, a piece of jewelry, a new lipstick — Use it!
To get your mind out of ‘lounge’ state.
To give your focus or productivity a little boost.
Because picking out an outfit and feeling inspired by the clothes you wear, the accessories and jewelry you choose, the makeup you put on and the way you style your hair is a way to practice and exercise your creativity!
Because you love getting dressed up!
What have I missed…tell me in the comments!!!
Free ways to support The Second Act that I’d be oh so grateful if you took a few second to do:
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