When you dress in a way that makes you feel beautiful and confident, you carry yourself differently. You become unstoppable.
I didn't start Ellie Arbee because I wanted to sell clothes. I started Ellie Arbee because I believe women have the ability to radiate confidence throughout their day. Pure, authentic, delightful confidence that subtly proclaims their presence with intent. The way we dress can empower that sense of self, and when dressed in that confidence, we can take on anything.
SO WHY DO WE STRUGGLE TO GIVE OURSELVES PERMISSION TO DRESS THE WAY WE REALLY WANT TO?
Grab a cup of coffee, lovely, and let's talk about it.
The connection between clothing and confidence:
When you slip into an outfit that you adore, one that fits you perfectly and makes you feel beautiful, it's as if a surge of self-assuredness washes over you. The right clothing has the remarkable ability to enhance your sense of self-worth, transforming the way you carry yourself and interact with the world.
It's less about the clothing itself though, and more about what it's doing for your head and heart. We all want to feel beautiful. We all want to be perceived a certain way - whether we like to admit it or not!
How we dress sends a message not only outwardly, but more importantly, inwardly.
All of us have experienced that moment where you see a piece of clothing you would LOVE to wear… you can see yourself in it, doing your thing. You might even pick it up, look it over, try it on… But then you put it back. “What will people think of me if I wear this? I'm not cool enough to wear this. I'm not sure I want to be noticed…"
Clothing is a form of expression, a way to announce what you care about and how you feel about yourself.
There's never a “right” time
We tend to think that we're not “ready” to dress in a particular way. We don't have the job, the status, the confidence, we feel like an imposter… we'll dress a certain way when we reach a milestone.
Here's what I've learned;
There is never a “right” time to dress how you like. There is also no such thing as the “right” occasion either.
Wear that dress.
Do your hair in a different style.
Wear the red lipstick you always wanted to.
Rock that pair of heels.
And to quote the wonderful Dr Seuss;
“Those who matter won't mind, and those you mind, don't matter.”
5 tips for growing your confidence through what you wear:
- Purchase ONE item you've always wanted to try wearing. Don't overthink it, just do it.
- Give yourself 30 seconds in front of the mirror: Put on the item, look in the mirror, double check your accessories, and tell yourself, “First name / Girl, you look great today!”
- Get out the door! Don't change, don't question it, just get yourself out the door and into the world!
- Be proud and courageous as you go through your day. Picture the woman you want to be, imagine what she moves like, thinks like and talks like. Be her today, she is you!
- At the end of the day, think of how you felt being honest with your style, with being you. You are unstoppable. You are beautiful. You are celebrated. You are wearing your identity.
Repeat again tomorrow! And soon, dressing the way you want to dress will become second nature. Don't delay! Start to play with your style and have fun. You can even bring it into all of your hobbies - like golf ;)
To all my fellow ladies who are creating themselves and evolving through life, I am so happy you're here with me on this journey.
If you're curious about the accidental path to starting an apparel brand, you can read the story here.
Ellie Arbee is not just about clothes. It's about giving women the confidence to walk through life feeling unstoppable.
Shop the Essentials here.
