Overcome Body Insecurity When Shopping

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overcome insecurity positive body image clothes shoppingWith the changing seasons, many of us are stepping into our closets and realizing we need a few new pieces to update our wardrobes. I’ll be honest, my favorite season to shop for is winter. I can pile on the layers, cover any problem areas, and still feel like a million bucks! Iowa summers mean humidity which does not pair well with too many layers of fabric.

I love to shop, especially for my kids. Everything is cuter when it’s pint-size, right? My least favorite pieces to shop for are jeans, shorts, and swimsuits for myself.  

Why does shopping for clothes have to be so hard? Why do jeans have to be so skinny? Why do swimsuits have to have so many cut-outs? Why can’t shorts be a teensy bit longer without making me look dowdy? Why does stepping in front of the dressing room mirror make me sick with dread?

After years of having babies and bouncing from maternity clothes to regular clothes and the cut of clothing ever-changing, it’s hard to determine what works best for my body type. I’ll be honest, I am insecure about my body which makes it hard to go into a dressing room and look in the mirror objectively while trying on clothes.  

The dressing room mirror is my enemy.

There are a few things I do when I need to overcome body insecurity and face the dressing room mirror. First, I think of Ross Geller in his leather pants. At least, I have never needed to use lotion or baby powder to extricate myself from a pair of pants. Here are a few more practical tips.

Tips to Overcome Body Insecurity

Shop Online and Try-On at Home

Sometimes trying things on in the comfort of your own home with pieces you already own and love makes you feel more confident. Online reviews sometimes help give perspective to whether the outfit will work for your body type or if you need to size up or down.  

Subscription boxes are perfect for allowing you to choose what you want. They give you options based on your preferences and let you try on all the pieces in the comfort of your own home!  

Take a Shopping Buddy

Sometimes, I want to go to the store, but I can easily get discouraged. It helps me to take someone I know, trust, and love when I go shopping. They help pick out things that might flatter my figure, decide whether it’s worth buying, or if I need a different size. A second opinion is always helpful. If all else fails, texting a picture to someone works, too! Do you have a friend or family member who has a good fashion sense? Invite them to join you on your next shopping trip!

Ask for Recommendations and Find Brands That Work for You

Ask your friends for recommendations, especially if she has a similar body type to you. Many of the brands I have fallen in love with have been recommendations from others I might not have found on my own!

Once I find a brand I love, I always go back to that brand first in the future. I have found certain brands just don’t work for me, and that’s ok. As moms, our time is limited and there’s nothing more depressing than going into a store and trying on several pieces and leaving empty-handed.

Dress With Your Assets in Mind

It’s easy to focus on all our faults and the things we would like to change about our bodies, but there are qualities we like about ourselves. Find clothing pieces that work to showcase those assets! When you find a cut that works well for your body, make a mental note for the future. What works well for your body type?

Remember to be a Role Model

I know my girls are watching how I treat and appreciate my body, so I do my best to dress with confidence and exhibit positive body image. Our bodies are pretty miraculous no matter the shape or size. It’s important they know our outward appearance merely enhances the beauty they already have within them. Clothing is an expression of who they are.

Next time you go shopping for yourself, know you are not alone. Think of Ross Geller with his leather pants, ask a friend to join you for a ladies day out, or try a subscription box! You will face that dressing room mirror with more confidence, enemies no more.

6 COMMENTS

  1. Awesome tips!! Online shopping is the best- I can try on in the comfort of my own home and lighting!! I love finding free shipping and returns (Nordstrom is the best for this!!)

  2. Erin, these are great tips! I do a lot of online shopping and I liked your tips for trying things on at home. I also liked your point about your assets and keeping them in mind.

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