FASHION FORWARD Use Fashion to Feel Empowered

Because you don’t need a cape to be a real-life Super Woman

By Angela Antonello

I think empowerment is all about confidence and fashion is an amazing tool to show the world what makes you tick. Having a unique style means taking pride in your own body and personality and knowing precisely who you are.

Power dressing has thankfully evolved since the days of shoulder-pads and pinstripes, and we no longer need a flashy outfit to communicate that.

Feeling confident through fashion requires taking the time to discover what suits your unique personality. The main focus in this area should be with a simple goal in mind: making yourself happy. When you’re wearing clothing that you truly love, it will be easy to feel empowered in all aspects of your life.

Social media is constantly telling us what we need. Going down your own path can feel impossible when it comes to fashion trends. I challenge you to seize the opportunity to do something different and truly discover your signature style. There is nothing stopping you from setting trends other than feeling like you need to follow them.

Part of feeling confident is feeling comfortable without feeling out of place or fearing judgement. This can be difficult to believe and practice. Therefore, I wanted to share my top three fashion tips that will help you feel better about yourself, increase self-confidence and achieve ensemble empowerment.

1. Invest in better quality clothing.

It may seem simple for me to say this, but it is often overlooked. Investing in well-made garments is instantly going to boost your self-confidence. When you wear high quality clothes, your sense of self-worth starts to increase because you are only putting the best on your body. It is that euphoric, excited feeling you get when you’re being treated to luxury.

2. Master the art of power dressing.

One of my favorite tricks to feeling more confident in what I wear is to find the clothes that make me feel the most powerful. Power dressing is about allowing your personality to shine through. You are essentially putting your best self forward while staying true to who you are. It is about making up your own set of rules that are authentic to only you. Once you’ve found your mojo, use that one outfit that makes you feel empowered to create alternative outfits that make you feel just as good.

3. Own your look.

The common saying “fake it ’til you make it” comes to mind here. Instead of walking down the street telling yourself, “You can’t possibly feel good in what you are wearing,” I want you to own your look. Hold you head high and believe that you are making great style decisions. Once you have mastered all the above steps, don’t allow yourself to waver. Create a new voice, one that is positive and tells you how awesome you are.

Life is too short not to wear what you like and feel good about yourself in what you are wearing. Uncover your own empowering ensemble and the sky is the limit!

Angela Antonello owns Fashion Rescue 911 Fashion Truck & Boutique, located at 52 Oswego St., Baldwinsville; (315) 857-6690. Hours are noon to 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, noon to 6 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.