Create a Wardrobe That Builds Your Confidence

Wearing just the right combination of clothes can help make you feel great -empowered, attractive, and confident. With so many styles and trends out there, how do you know which clothes will be the right ones for you? Here are some quick tips to help you build a customized confidence-boosting wardrobe for your closet.

Determine Your Body Style

Not every body is shaped the same. You want to find clothes that compliment your shape to build your wardrobe, so figuring out what that is should be your first step. Body shapes are generally named for their appearance, so decide if you are a pear, apple, rectangle, hourglass, or inverted triangle. Taking measurement is the best way to determine your shape. If you don't want to do that, try standing in front of a mirror and roughly outline your body from shoulders to hips. Which of these shapes would emerge? Be honest and non judgmental. There is no ideal here.

Once you have an idea of your overall shape, then you can begin choosing clothes and accessories that accentuate it. Research some styles that work well for your specific body type and get ready to feel like a million bucks in a new wardrobe.

Declutter What You Already Have

Now that you know what styles to choose, take an honest look at your closet. If the very idea fills you with dread, then this step is that much more important. Go through every single piece of clothing, a pair of shoes, and even the smallest accessories. Ask yourself these questions:

• Did I wear that in the past year?

• Does it feel good when I wear it?

• Does it work with my body style and shape?

• Is it in wearable condition (no holes, stains, missing buttons, etc.)?

• Does it fit?

If the answer to any of those questions is "no", get rid of the item. Anything that is stained, ripped, or otherwise not wearable can become a rag or get tossed. The rest of it can go in a donation bin. If your stuff is still in style and also in great condition, consider taking it to a consignment store to earn a little extra cash for clothes you actually will wear.

Buy Versatile Pieces

Seek out clothing choices that can be worn with different things to create new looks. Although the idea of this type of capsule wardrobe is not new, it is definitely popular. You build an entire wardrobe with 20 or 30 pieces that can be mixed and matched almost endlessly. Embrace clothes that can span seasons and occasions with the right layers and accessories.

Wear What Feels Good

Clothes are about so much more than looks. Everything you put on your body should feel good there. If a top is constantly slipping off your shoulder or that gorgeous sweater turned out to be an itchy nightmare, go ahead and toss them. When you are shopping for new clothes, make sure to try them on to see how they actually look and feel on your body.

Dress for the Season

Even if you have whittled your wardrobe down to a dozen or so pieces, you still want to wear clothes that are appropriate for the season at hand. While wearing black in the summer is perfectly acceptable today, you wouldn't wear a heavy black sweater in the heat. Wearing clothes that are designed for the season your in will help you feel both more comfortable and more confident.

Splurge on Special Items

If you see something and want it, ask yourself if it is something you will actually wear. Otherwise, what's the point of buying it? If you know you'll really wear those new designer sneakers, then go ahead and add them to your closet. Remember, part of the reason you decluttered was so you could add in those great special finds when they pop up. Wearing clothes that make you happy can be a huge confidence booster.

Your clothing choices can really influence how you feel throughout the day. Start with an honest assessment of yourself and your current wardrobe, then move toward clothes that accentuate your body and style to really build your confidence.

Brett is a 43 year old father of 2 boys. Has a degree in Business Management and enjoys learning about emerging business trends. In his free time he writes about his experience with business and emerging trends.