Fashion trends come and go; what’s stylish one minute is totally dated the next. This is why it is hard to rely on fashion trends when trying to upgrade your look. It is fortunate then that there are a lot of effective ways to upgrade or boost your appearance that has nothing to do with fashion at all. You can upgrade your look without buying into consumer culture. If you are looking for ways to improve your look and, in turn, your confidence, then read on to learn more.
Posture
What you wear is really only half of the equation; by making some adjustments to your posture and the way that you carry yourself, you can transform the way your clothes look on your body. Having a good posture can also change the way that people view you. It is all about body language. By working on your posture, you will appear taller, healthier, and more confident. That being said, having a good posture does not come naturally to everyone. For some people, it takes a lot of work, especially if you spend a lot of time slumped in front of a computer. If you want to work on your posture, you might find it helpful to check your posture in a mirror. Your head, shoulders, and hips should all be in alignment, tuck your stomach in slightly to engage your core and make sure that your back is ever so slightly curved. It will take some work at first, but over time, you’ll find that it becomes more and more effortless until your posture is no longer something that you have to think about; instead, it will become an innate habit.
Hair
Your hairstyle and length can also affect how others perceive you, especially in terms of intelligence and wealth. Often, women with short to medium-length hair are seen as intelligent and good-natured, whereas those with long hair are often seen as the least intelligent but also the most attractive. This is obviously incredibly outdated and frankly a little sexist; however, there isn’t anything that says that you cannot use this to your advantage. However, before you go out and get a new style, remember that the most flattering cut for you will depend on your face shape, your hair type, and your age. For example, if you have naturally curly hair, you should consider getting some layers cut in as they emphasize your hair’s natural wave. On the other hand, if you are a little older, you may want to go for a collarbone length cut to soften your features.
Skin
Having clear skin can improve your confidence and affect what other people think of you. That being said, the look of your skin is not always something that you can control; for example, some people suffer from chronic skin conditions. However, you can do the work to try and put yourself in the best possible position to clear your skin. Start with your diet; eating a lot of fatty or sugary foods can cause your skin to break out. Eating a healthier diet high in fruits and vegetables can help clear your skin and even out your skin tone. Some fruits and vegetables also have anti-aging properties. Your skin often reflects your inner health and sometimes your mental health, as the appearance of your skin can change when you are feeling anxious or stressed. Think about implementing a skincare routine to make sure that your skin always looks as healthy as possible. Moisturizers, exfoliators, and the like are a must to ensure that your skin is hydrated and smooth. You could also look into taking some supplements such as collagen or fish oil to improve your skin from the inside out.
Sleep
Almost everyone can relate to lamenting their dark circles after a particularly sleepless night or a night of partying. Sometimes people may treat you differently if you frequently have dark circles, such as asking if you are sick or tired. These comments are not always welcome, and sometimes they can even be damaging to your confidence. In addition to dark circles, sleep deprivation can also prematurely age the skin and negatively affect your performance. Take control of this by practicing good sleep hygiene. Avoid caffeine too late in the day, don’t eat large meals before bed, and sleep in a dark room without technology. You may want to come up with a sleep schedule, too, so that you can try to maintain some consistency by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. Coming up with a calming bedtime ritual can pave the way for a longer and higher quality sleep. If you are sleeping better, then this will be reflected in your appearance and your mood, and your performance.
Smile
Your smile can have a huge impact on how others treat you, it can affect your self-confidence, and some people are more likely to suffer periodontal issues. If you do not like your smile, it is okay to do something about it. You can look into getting them whitened if that would improve your confidence, or you could get them straightened. Having discolored or misaligned teeth can really hurt your confidence, and sometimes it can lead to further oral issues down the line. The dentist can be pricey, but there are other options. For example, you could look into whitening your teeth at home, or you could look into invisible braces companies like Alignerco that offer a cheaper alternative to Invisalign. They allow you to straighten your teeth at home using their aligners. They have a range of payment options, including plans that make them much more accessible, and they also have a tonne of resources, including this article on clear braces vs wire braces. When you feel more confident in your smile, you will find yourself smiling more often. Smiling can boost your mood in and of itself. Smiles indicate positivity and openness, which is why others are often drawn to people who smile more. You might even find that you are awarded more opportunities because of your smile.
Be Present
It can be really easy to get side-tracked looking at your phone or scrolling through social media in today’s technologically oriented society. Think about it: how often have you sat with your friends only to find them all looking at their phones? Probably quite a lot. However, by spending a lot of time online, you are inadvertently compromising your opportunity to connect and engage with the world around you. Eye contact is an amazing tool, use it. By trying to be more present, you will find that you can make better connections with others, and you can change the way in which they view you. This isn’t to say that you should get rid of your phone completely, but when you are at social events, try to keep it in your pocket or your bag and instead work on being present.
In Conclusion
There are lots of things that you can do to boost your confidence and change the way that others perceive you, all of which have nothing to do with fashion. The above list is made up of tried-and-true methods, they are classics, and they have a universal application and appeal. Try some of them out and see how much your confidence changes.