I love summer; I’m most definitely a summer girl at heart. The winter months see me struggling with the rain and snow, wearing my summer wardrobe through the chilly months with extra pairs of leggings to make sure that I don’t freeze. Winter dressing does not come easily to me – it seems bulky and boring. Summer however, is another story. Pretty dresses, shorts, skirts, cute tees, sunglasses, playsuits… you name it, I love it!
However as much as I eagerly anticipate the moment that the summer collections start hitting the high streets, I can’t help but feel pulled in more than one direction. Advertising campaigns know no limits in how low, tight or short our clothes should be, but my head and heart certainly know better. Are there standards that we as young women need to keep to despite the blazing hot weather? Do we need to put personal boundaries in place, and is so, what are they?
Here are three things that we can challenge ourselves with when we’re undertaking the unenviable task of working out what’s hot (and suitable!) and what’s not when it comes to summer outfit loving:
1. How does this outfit make me feel?
Do you feel comfortable, happy and confident in what you’re wearing or are you suddenly hyper-aware of your body and how you’re moving? I know that for me, when I feel uncomfortable in an outfit, I have a habit of pulling it down (if it’s short) or pulling it up (if it’s lower than I thought!). Wearing something I’ve felt uncomfortable in has wrecked a number of days and nights out for me. My confidence diminishes, the smile is wiped off my face and the enjoyment is drained from the activity. That’s no way to have fun!
2. How will other people perceive me when I’m wearing this outfit?
Nine times out of ten, our self-awareness will let us know that what we’re wearing may not be 100% appropriate. I’ve found it really helpful to look at myself in the mirror before I leave the house and ask myself how my friends, parents, church leaders and other figures in my life would perceive me in what I’m wearing. I then think about what a stranger’s first impression of me would be in this outfit. As drastic as this idea may sound, it really does work – I’ve made a good few outfit changes after some harsh self-evaluation!
3. Will this outfit cause other people to stumble?
As a woman, and a Christian, I don’t want what I’m wearing to cause the men that I come into contact with to stumble or struggle. Asking your brother, dad or male friend what they honestly think about your outfit will most definitely shine a light on any issues that it may cause. This may feel a little awkward at first, but honesty is always the best policy. My brother has been rating my outfits for so long now that I trust him implicitly and I think that he secretly enjoys doing it!
There is nothing wrong in wanting to look good for summer. Taking care of yourself and making an effort is a really positive, healthy thing to do and clothes are there to be worn! But the most important things are your value, your worth and your confidence.
Your value is far above any material thing, a designer dress, vintage playsuit or a pair of French Connection shorts – so don’t compromise it.
And no amount of shopping can buy you self-confidence. The sun needs to be shining on the inside and well as on the outside. Then the fun can truly begin!
Written by Jess Wilson
TweetMe @msjesswilson