Closet Confessionals | Why I Am Cutting Back on Looking Casual
Hello Everyone,
I hope all is well! In today’s Closet Confessionals, I want to share why I’ve decided to cut back on looking casual. This isn’t about policing what anyone else wears—it’s about exploring what happens when I show up for myself differently. Because if I’m honest, the way I dress changes how I feel about me.
Back in the Day, Dressing Up Was the Norm
There was a time—not too long ago—when people dressed up for the everyday. Grocery runs, classes, social visits—it was expected to look pulled together. But somewhere along the way, casual became the default. We traded polish for convenience, and in that shift, I stopped asking: what do my clothes make me feel about me?
My Opinion: Casual Isn’t Always Serving Me
I realized that when I dressed down in oversized hoodies, sneakers, or athleisure, it wasn’t really about comfort—it was about hiding. I was insecure (still working on that) and thought blending in would make me feel safer. But deep down, I hated baggy clothes and sneakers. They weren’t me, they weren’t my style—they were camouflage.
Now, when I take the time to swap leggings for tailored trousers, slip into kitten heels (you will never catch me in flats), and add a touch of makeup, I feel sharper, more confident, and more present. It’s not vanity, it’s energy. And that energy showed up in my results: last semester I earned a near 4.0 GPA. Dressing up wasn’t just about appearance—it became part of my study strategy. On the days I showed up outwardly for myself, I was more focused, more engaged, and more determined inwardly.
Dressing Up Is a Form of Self-Respect
Clothing shapes how I see myself before anyone else does. When I dress with intention, I notice it in my confidence, my posture, and my willingness to take up space. It’s not about other people’s perception—it’s about being in alignment with the version of me I actually want to be.
I’ve been asking myself:
Who am I dressing for? Me. My clothes have to make me feel good in my own skin.
Does casual equal comfort—or hiding? For me, it often meant disappearing. Dressing up feels like choosing visibility for myself.
What message am I sending inward? Looking intentional reminds me to be intentional—in my work, in class, and in how I carry myself.
Even in Class
Yes—even for class. Some people might think it’s “too much,” but for me, dressing up makes learning feel like an event worth showing up for.
I’ll never forget last fall in my French class when my classmates and I told the professor: “We dress up because when you look good, you feel good, and you do good.” And it was true. On days I showed up polished—kitten heels, a sleek outfit, a bit of makeup—I participated more, stayed engaged, and left feeling accomplished. On the days I wore athleisure, I felt distracted and less motivated. That difference carried straight into my transcript.
Your Reflection Prompts ✨
If you’ve ever thought about cutting back on casual, here are some questions to help you uncover your own style truth:
What do I feel most myself wearing?
Which outfits make me sit straighter, walk taller, or participate more fully?
Do I dress to hide, or do I dress to show up for me?
What small ritual (makeup, accessories, shoes, grooming) makes me feel instantly more intentional?
How do I want to remember myself at this stage of life—blending in, or showing up as my best?
📌 There’s no universal formula here. The goal isn’t to copy someone else’s style—it’s to figure out the choices that make you feel the most like you.
Final Thoughts
Cutting back on casual is my way of aligning how I look with how I want to feel. For me, that means heels over flats, makeup over barefaced hiding, and intentional outfits over camouflage. When I honor myself in this way, I notice it in my mood, my work ethic, and even my grades.
At the end of the day, clothes are one of the tools I use to remind myself of who I am becoming. And I want to make sure I’m showing up for her—every single day.
💬 I’d love to hear your thoughts: How do you feel about casual culture? Do you notice a difference in yourself when you dress with intention? What rituals or style choices make you feel most like you?
Share your reflections in the comments below—I can’t wait to continue this conversation together.
