We’ve all been there — you’ve bought something new in a style you’ve never worn around your friends and family before, and you’re scared it won’t look right on you or people will think it’s weird.  Well, over the past few years, my style has changed a lot, and even on a daily basis, I switch between multiple aesthetics!  Here are some tips I’ve come up with that have helped me figure out how to build the confidence to wear what you want.

Ease your way into it

Slowly start incorporating a few pieces at a time into your wardrobe.  For example, if you’re interested in building up a dark academia wardrobe, maybe you can wear plaid skirts or pleated trousers, but style them with something more casual like a t-shirt.  Eventually, you’ll build up to a full on dark academia aesthetic.  And the more you wear whatever it is you want to wear, the more you’ll realize it’s not that bad and the more comfortable you’ll get. 

Make sure the clothing itself is comfortable

I don’t know how many times I’ve worn something uncomfortable and out of my comfort zone, and the fact that it was so uncomfortable to move around in made the situation so much worse.  Once, I wore some heels to a job interview that were super cute, but incredibly uncomfortable on my feet and it honestly ruined my confidence because I was barely able to keep up with the interviewer as they showed me around the office.  Don’t be like me.  Comfort is key to confidence.

Wear it for YOU, not for other people

Remember, everyone’s style is different.  You really cannot please everyone so don’t take it personally if someone doesn’t like your outfit (which, I know, is easier said than done).  Wear something because you like it, not because others like it.

Wear it around complete strangers or just a few friends/your partner first

Try wearing new styles around strangers who don’t know how you dress already or a few loved ones who you know won’t judge you for trying something new.  You won’t feel as self-conscious and it makes for an easy way to test new outfits out and experiment with different styles. 

Wear it around the house & take pictures

If that’s still too much for you, just wear what you want to wear by yourself around the house.  It also helps to take pictures and see how it looks on camera first, so you’ll get an idea of how you look to others.  You could even post a picture online first instead of wearing a new outfit for the first time in person.

Finally, ask yourself this: you’ve likely seen others wear this style and thought it looked cool, so why wouldn’t it look cool on you?  If other people can rock the style, so can you.  You can start small; you don’t have to go all out right away.  Ease into it, get comfortable with it, and remember to wear it for yourself and no one else.  I hope these tips help you find the confidence to rock that new aesthetic!

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If you liked this post, check out my other fashion posts or my YouTube video on how to develop your personal style.