Generally speaking, improving your body image takes work and time. It takes a process of changing the way you think about your body, worrying less about other people’s judgments, and much more.
However, there are some really simple things that can make a big, instantaneous difference in your body image.
My clients often say things like, “I want to like my body even if my clothes are tight/ I don’t like my outfit/ I’m wearing no makeup” etc. And I agree that that should be a goal.
But sometimes little things like clothing or makeup can make a big difference. And sometimes, the accumulation of feeling a little better from these things can help in the bigger goals of loving your body no matter what.
My Top 5 Instant Body Image Boosters
These may sound kind of silly, but trust me on this. . .
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Wear Bright Lipstick — This is one of those tips that will sound really silly until you try it. In the last few weeks, I’ve been really enjoying wearing bright lipstick, particularly this color.
Why It Works: Wearing bright lipstick is a signal to yourself and others that you want to be seen, that you’re not hiding. Whenever I wear it, random people say “hi” to me. Sometimes they even ask me about my lipstick and we end up in fun little conversations. Whenever I put it on, I just feel good.
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Wear Your Favorite Clothes (No Saving Clothes!) — I often have to remind myself about this. I used to have a tendency to save clothes, particularly dresses, for special occasions. In the past, I would save them so long that I no longer felt excited about them. So unless you have a particular, special event coming up soon, do not save any clothes. Wear your favorite clothes today, this weekend, etc. Dresses that you expect to wear to a party, unless formal, can usually be made acceptable for work with a blazer or sweater.
Why It Works: When you wear clothes that you’re excited about wearing, you feel good and energized. You’re telling yourself that you’re worthy of your favorite clothes, that the most mundane day calls for a celebration of you and your body. (Note: If you wear a uniform or have very specific constraints on what you can wear to work, wear your favorite panties or bras. It’s a little more discreet, but you still get the benefit of knowing you’re wearing sexy stuff!)
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Wear Only Clothes That Fit Comfortably — I acknowledge that this one can be tough, especially if you’ve been going through changes in your weight. But it’s really important to wear clothes that fit, or at least modify them as best as you can so that they fit better. If you can’t buy a new wardrobe, a combination of belts and tailoring can help make loose clothes fit better, whereas things like tanktops can be used under shirts or dresses that can no longer be buttoned. At the same time, if you have a few outfits that fit, it’s better to mix and match among those few things than to go even one day in pants that feel too tight. (By the way, if you have some money for new clothes, Torrid is having major sales right now.)
Why It Works: Wearing clothes that fit allows you to feel more comfortable in your skin. Tight clothes in particular can be a reminder of weight gain (which can be upsetting if you’re new to or still working on being fat positive). Uncomfortable clothes are just distracting. When you feel good in your clothes, it’s another reminder that you take yourself and your comfort seriously, which will actually boost your body image.
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Find A Concealer That You Like And Wear It — A good concealer can do wondrous things. As I said above, I definitely want you to love your face, warts, pimples and all, but sometimes covering those things up just a bit can do wonders. Personally, I use this stuff (which wonderful makeup artist Lisa Johnson told me about). If I’m really running late, this concealer plus some bright lipstick (see above!) is enough to make feel really cute.
Why It Works: Concealer allows you stop fixating on the redness, bumps, pimples etc. on your face. It’s really that simple. When you feel like those things are more covered, you relax and feel better about being seen.
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Wear Fragrance/ Essential Oil — Fragrance can have a huge effect on your mood. Just dabbing on a little perfume or using good smelling products or essential oils can really affect your day and your self perception.
Why It Works: Taking a few seconds to apply a fragrance is yet another signal to yourself that you matter. Throughout the day, you get little reminders of it every time you smell that scent again.
It’s Not Frivolous, It’s Divine
I used to think that most of the things I listed above were frivolous or unimportant. But they’re not. Every time you do something special for yourself like wear fragrance or clothes you like or bright lipstick, you tell yourself that you matter. It’s a reminder that your comfort and attractiveness and vibrancy matter. That not only affects your day and your self-perception, but it can affect the way that others see you too.
When you do these things, you are adorning your goddessly self. That is important.
Improving your body image is definitely about loving all of yourself, including perceived imperfections. But there is nothing wrong with wearing clothes or makeup or anything else that helps you feel good along the way. You can love your imperfections and your fabulous, non-made up face and still have fun and give yourself a boost with some of these tips.
An Extra Fun Little Tip
Recently, I joined Birchbox. For $10 a month, I get a box of fun little makeup and hair product samples every month. I’ve been really enjoying playing around with what I get, and it’s perfect for me because I love trying new stuff. It’s really a fun way to play around with your appearance, so click here to check it out!
Do you have a favorite body image booster? Comment and let me know all about it!
Golda is a certified holistic health counselor and founder of Body Love Wellness, a program designed for plus-sized women who are fed up with dieting and want support to stop obsessing about food and weight. To learn more about Golda and her work, click here.
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Love it. I really want to try one of those crazy-bright Schiaparelli pink matte lipsticks. I’ve been scared. NO MORE.
These are great. I am a stay ay home mom and I cannot believe the difference I feel in getting ready with cute clothes and make-up (even if I am just cleaning the house) can make! I am going to buy a some perfume too…I can’t remember the last time I did that!
I’ve been splurging on eyelash extensions for the past year. They’re definitely not for everyone: they’re pricey, they have to be maintained, and you have to use oil-free products.
But I love waking up in the morning looking like I have naturally long lashes AND the world’s best mascara.
And I also love that it feels like an indulgence. Making time for my touch-up appointments makes me feel like a lady of leisure.
Oooh. That sounds fun, Nadira. Thanks for the tip!
Great advice as always. If I could add, take care of your hair. If it’s short, keep it well-groomed. If it’s longer, check out Pinterest – there are quite a few dos on there that look fancy and sophisticated but are actually fairly quick and simple. I’m not sure why it works, but I always feel better when my hair is done.
Great idea. I love pinterest!
I avoid scents a lot because of this. If I know someone’s allergic I won’t wear perfume around them. That’s why I mentioned essential oils too, because they seem to be less allergenic for others. However, I can have an asthma attack just from cat hair or dog hair on someone’s sweater, and I have no control over it, so what can you do? It’s a horribly allergenic world!
Great post–just what I needed today, Golda, especially about not saving clothes. I agree with Crystal–nail polish. I tend to bite or break the nails on my hands, but I can still have beautiful toes. Even on days I put my feet in closed shoes, I get to see my beautiful toes in the shower, and at the beginning and end of the day.
Hi Golda, I find that many of my friends and folks in my community are highly allergic to scents. So for me, part of feeling good is about taking care of my fat community and going scent free. This guide is particularly helpful. http://www.brownstargirl.org/1/post/2012/03/fragrance-free-femme-of-colour-realness-draft-15.html
what an excellent article again, well done Golda x
wonderful advice again x.
This is a great post! Spot on!