3 Ways to Improve Self Image in Middle Age

PHOTOGRAPHY:  DAVID M. BAILEY

I don't know about you, but most of my teen and young adult years were spent having a low self image. So much pressure is put on women to look Hollywood gorgeous because of all that goes on in the media. It has taken many years to cultivate a positive self image, and it can happen for you as well.

I still struggle with self confidence at times but not as much I did back then. As we age, it's easy for low self worth to sneak in again. The body starts changing in ways we never imagined!  Take courage, you can still be a hottie even in middle age!

I 've been into fashion most of my life. My first experience with it was in the home-economics department of my junior high classroom. I was thrown in front of a sewing machine and told to start creating! It's an amazing feeling to wear  a garment that you worked hard to create. This started me on a journey of self discovery and dressing well.

Dressing to feel your best and taking pride in your appearance: will take you a long way In the journey of self discovery and acceptance.  

 I know there is many more factors involved with improving self confidence. Style  has probably been the main factor in helping me to overcome negative thoughts about myself.  When I was a young girl, I wasn't into looking my best .

Self confidence relates to so many areas of our being: career, family , love, and character. 

Today I am sharing 3 Ways to Improve Your Self Image:

1) Smile Often:

When you smile you automatically feel better about yourself and those around you. It is an instant mood booster. You just never know what someone is going through and seeing someone else smile makes life a little easier to bare.  When stresses come in our personal or professional lives it is harder to put on a smile...smile anyway to boost your confidence!

2) Dress for Success:

Dressing well doesn't mean wearing the most expensive designer fashion on the market, but rather discovering your own unique style.  Some things are just not flattering and you'll only find it out by trial and error. For instance I can't wear anything that is too gathered at the waist or has a lot of flare- I have a short torso and long legs- these styles make me look like a houseboat!

You might be a casual dresser, snazzy uptown girl type, seventies-boho, tailored, or hippie chic. Find which trends express your personality the best, and make you feel beautiful inside and out.  If you are unsure what your style is, go to the mall and try clothes on like crazy- until you discover your style. You can always recruit  your teenage daughter to help: they are always so brutally honest aren't they?!?

Some think looking having a sexy edge to your outfit is not appropriate for certain ages.  Hey aging happens to the best of us- haven't you heard 50 is the new 30?!( So we like to think anyway..ha!)  In my opinion there are only a few rules when it comes to age appropriate dress:

• Wear only styles that flatter your body type
• Keep it classy
• Dress fun

3) Learn A New Skill:

We are never too old to learn something new, pursue a dream, or go back to college.  Since I started blogging two years ago, I have learned a boatload of new skills, and taken many online courses. Techy stuff is not my forte and has kicked my butt big time!

Some of us are late bloomers, and decide to change careers at mid life. Never let your age deter you! If you can dream it, you can do it! It is exciting though to think about how much I have learned and how far I've come.  Pushing myself out of my comfort zone to learn this stuff, has definitely boosted my self confidence.

I hope I have inspired you to embrace a positive body image and to believe in yourself. After all if we don't love ourselves first, it is harder to love others the way we should. Insecurity can stem from many things, and as mentioned in the beginning- society puts so much pressure on us to have the perfect body, size, face etc. Self image is a struggle for many, regardless of age.

I truly believe style has no age or size- celebrate your uniqueness, your talents, and keep believing in your beautiful self! You are a divine original! Fashion makes you stay true to yourself but also makes you think outside of yourself!

Have a great weekend, do you have any fun plans?  I hope you can come back and visit soon! For daily fashion and travel updates catch me on Instagram and Twitter, thank you!