What you wear can determine how confident you feel about yourself. If you aren't comfortable in what you are wearing, you may not feel self-assured.
Self-Confidence
Our self-confidence should not solely be defined by what we wear. Furthermore, our beauty should not be defined by what we wear. I'm not saying we should only wear potato sacks and never wear anything we may feel confident in.
What I'm trying to convey is that we shouldn't focus all of our attention on buying the most expensive item of clothing. The media portray this ideal, which transcends into our lives. Ralph Lauren said, "Fashion is not necessarily about labels. It's not about brands. It's about something else that comes from within you."
A Biblical Perspective
The Bible gives us a perspective on how we are to approach how we present ourselves to others. 1 Timothy 2 verse 9 says, "I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes." I believe that yes, women should dress appropriately.
When I see young women, or even teenage girls wearing very short shorts, or skirts, I often wonder. Why do they think dressing like that is appropriate or even fashionable? How does this style help to make us feel more confident in ourselves?
Beauty From Clothes
1 Peter 3 verse 3 states "your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewellery or fine clothes." Does this verse mean we can't ever wear jewellery? My interpretation is that in life we shouldn't focus on our outward beauty. We can learn from this verse that clothes don't define our beauty.
A Combination of Clothes Plus Spirit
In an ideal situation, the idea of having an overall confidence in not just yourself, but the clothes you wear would be evident. So easy in the culture of the 21st century, many women fall into the trap of believing you have to choose one or the other. You can't be both great in personality and looks. It's either brains or beauty.
However, a voice of influence in today's world thinks otherwise. Influential American recording artist Alicia Keys said "the most important thing to remember is that you can wear all the greatest clothes and all the greatest shoes, but you've got to have a good spirit on the inside. That's what's really going to make you look like you're ready to rock the world."
Believe In Yourself
Actress Sophia Loren remarked, "Nothing makes a woman more beautiful than the belief that she is beautiful." This quote is one I believe every woman should follow. If we all embrace our individual beauty and stop comparing, we would be more confident within our own skin.
Everyone needs a little confidence once in a while.
Natalie Van Egmond from Brisbane is a journalism graduate.
Natalie Van Egmond's archive of articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/natalie-van-egmond.html
