Clothing has never been an expense I’ve invested in. With a meager salary and a body that was constantly changing, I chose to wear my clothes until they were worn out rather than buy expensive splurge pieces. After a decade wearing threadbare leggings with oversized sweaters my body image and self-confidence rapidly declined. I no longer wanted to look at myself in the mirror and stopped taking care of myself — not just with the lack of quality in the clothes I wore, but I lived life as if I were invisible.
It turns out I’m not alone, and there’s actually psychology to back this up mental health phenomenon. Carolyn Mair PhD, the author of the book Psychological Aspects of Fashion tells me, “It’s stressful for us if we don’t feel comfortable in what we’re wearing. If we’re really worrying that it’s appropriate or it’s suitable, or we don’t feel confident in what we’re wearing.” The negative effects of stress can lead to a whole slew of mental and physical ailments, according to Mayo Clinic (depression, anxiety, perpetual stomach aches, high blood pressure, etc. etc.). But after so many years, I didn’t even realize that my self-esteem had taken such a hit until my…
