Having Confidence in Your Style

Written by Dr. Carri Lager
Photography by Carri Lager

In a world obsessed with trends, algorithms, and curated perfection, confidence in your personal style is the ultimate form of rebellion and self-love. Owning your own unique brand of fashion can reflect how people perceive themselves and how they wish to be perceived.

It can also positively impact self-esteem, identity, and emotional well-being. When you feel good in what you wear, it can trigger a positive feedback loop – you stand taller, make better eye contact, and engage more confidently. This can often lead to more positive social interactions.

Style is also a form of self-expression. Choosing clothes that align with your personality and values can help reinforce your sense of identity, which can reduce internal conflict and increase feelings of authenticity. Confidence in your style isn’t about chasing trends or external approval but rather making choices that feel right for you. This autonomy supports a stronger internal locus of control, which is associated with higher psychological resilience. Your personal style is an extension of your personality, your experiences, your story. Building confidence in it starts with tuning out the noise and tuning into yourself. Confidence is like a muscle, the more you use it, the stronger it gets.

Ask yourself:

• What do I actually feel good in?

• What pieces bring me joy, even if they’re not trending?

• What colors, textures, or styles make me feel like me?

A word of caution—social media is a great place for inspiration, but it can also become a comparison trap. Personal style isn’t about copying someone else. It’s about taking inspiration and making it yours. Curate your feed with voices and images that empower you, not make you question yourself. Be sure to give yourself the freedom to evolve. You’re not locked into one aesthetic forever. Just like you grow and change as a person, your style will too. That doesn’t mean you’ve lost your identity—it means that you’re expanding it. When you embrace what you love, wear it unapologetically, and walk with confidence, something magical happens. People start to see you, not just your outfit, and that’s the real power of personal style – it’s not just about what you wear, but how it makes you feel because the most stylish thing you can ever wear is confidence.