For many sensitive and soulful women, the fashion industry has often felt like a world that isn’t for them and most certainly doesn’t belong to them. In passing, they may catch a glimpse of the unique but odd runway fashions and the ever-fleeting trends of “what’s in,” leaving them feeling intrigued at best and disheartened at worst. Many sensitive, soulful beings walk around fashion like a pothole in the street—something to avoid on the way to the things that matter. Even the word 'fashion' can feel exclusionary and, perhaps, false.
And yet, for perceptive, sensitive, and intelligent women, beauty is often a value they hold dearly, if not a primary driver and motivator in their daily lives. They are enthralled with the beauty of nature; they love making their spaces beautiful, and they are captivated by art that ignites something within them. But clothing? Well, clothing can often be left out of their sphere of beauty almost entirely, and secretly, many of these sensitive souls are really struggling in this area. They may have a few pieces they like, but embodying daily beauty and daily inspiration through clothing, that struggle often feels more personal and more complex. They stare into the abyss of drawers or closets full of things that genuinely do not ignite their souls but simply will do. That’s because somewhere inside of them, they feel fashion is not for them; it doesn’t belong to them.
And it makes sense why it’s a struggle. In our early childhood, our parents often dictated what we’d wear and when we’d wear it. In our adolescent and young adult years, we usually allow culture to dictate our style to fit in with those around us. And in adulthood, when we finally begin to have some semblance of freedom to choose, some capability to demonstrate our own essence with less fear of what’s in, we’re not 100% sure what style is even ours. That’s because we likely haven’t had the time, resources, or know-how to really develop a personal sense of what styles can fully embody us. We are often surviving—in our careers, professions, or with our families—and because of this, clothing becomes something we get by in. With the exception of special occasions, it’s rarely something that truly uplifts us or transforms us.
So, how do we move from this place of fashion as something outside of us, and why is it even worth doing?
Because sensitive, intelligent, and intuitive women tend to be deeply affected by beauty, the lack of consistent beauty in what wraps their daily vessels can directly affect the level of energy they exhibit in the world. Neglecting how they adorn their bodies can create discord within the value system of a sensory-driven woman. It can consciously or subconsciously make them feel like they are not living truly and fully in their essence. And when it comes to showing up in the world and sharing their unique talents and gifts in the way only sensitive and soulful beings can, that’s a really big deal.
If we think of a time when we last felt beautiful in something—and maybe that’s been a long time—it’s easy to see how clothing can transform us. For me, up until creating my own clothing line, the last time I remember feeling truly majestic was in a pink and black prom dress in 2008. It felt special, unique, extraordinary. And for that evening, I felt special, unique, and extraordinary.
The reason sensitive and soulful women yield to what’s comfortable vs. what’s beautiful AND comfortable often comes down to a few things 1) they’re unsure of how the two can coexist, and the process of exploring how the two can coexist feels overwhelming 2) They’re not sure if the effort is worth it (even though deep down, sensory-inspired women know it is) 3) somewhere inside, they don’t truly believe they are worthy of feeling regality and beauty in their every day lives.
So, what’s the simplest thing we can do to address this, especially after many years of struggling in this area?
Here’s a simple yet powerful shift in perspective: You deserve to feel beautiful—like a work of art—every day.
Here’s a simple yet powerful shift in perspective: You deserve to feel beautiful—like a work of art—every day.
Practice saying this three times to yourself:
I deserve to feel beautiful every day
I deserve to feel beautiful every day
I deserve to feel beautiful every day
If it feels right, set a small but powerful intention tonight: tomorrow, you’ll wear something that makes you feel beautiful - like a-work-of-art-beautiful. Go to your closet and pull out the pieces you love that make your heart soar and truly inspire you. Do it now if you have the time and space - let your soul decide and lay out your clothing so it’s ready for you. This is a special gift you can give yourself. (And if you don’t have clothing that inspires you right now, don’t fret. Just pick out what brings you closest to the feeling of beauty). Allow your soul to dress you. It’s knows the way.
The most important part: notice how you feel when you adorn your body with beauty. Notice how you show up in your daily interactions. Do you feel more optimistic, embodied, confident, whole?
I’d love to hear how this goes for you. Please send a message with any reflections you‘d like to share. I read every one.
With profound appreciation for your being,
Cassandra
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