What Should I Wear?
- Fab Totoli
- Oct 27, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 15, 2024
The Power of Fashion Communicating Through Your Wardrobe
Have you ever found yourself staring into your closet, wondering, "What Should I Wear?" I think every woman has asked herself this question at least once in her life—if not more!
There’s always an intention behind the clothes you choose, even if it feels like a mindless decision at the time.
Have you ever searched your entire wardrobe for that one specific piece, only to feel like you’ve turned everything upside down?
The Message Your Clothes Send
The truth is, our clothing choices say a lot about us. When you get dressed, you’re sending a message—whether you realize it or not. If you’re the type of person who thinks, “I don’t have to prove anything to anybody,” remember that the message you send can sometimes come across as disrespectful or careless, depending on the context.
For instance, if you love florals, lace, and soft, delicate materials, you might unintentionally project an image of fragility or passivity. And while there’s nothing wrong with that, being aware of the impression you create is crucial, especially in professional settings.
A Case Study in Style
Let me share a story. I had a client who often felt that no one took her seriously at work. After discussing her style choices, we realized that the way she dressed was affecting her image and how others perceived her.

Here’s the scoop: she’s petite—a stereotype that often comes with being seen as "cute."
Her go-to outfits featured florals, polka dots, and delicate prints in soft pastel colors.
While these styles conveyed sweetness and delicacy, she didn’t want to be viewed that way.
Finding the Balance
So, how can she maintain her personal style without compromising her professional image?
The key is not to change who she is or what she loves to wear—it's about incorporating elements that communicate the message she wants to send to the world. She can still rock her floral tops but pairing them with a structured blazer transforms her look into something more polished and professional.
This simple adjustment helps her project the image of someone who deserves to be taken seriously.
Understanding the Power of Fashion
Fashion is powerful! It can boost your confidence but can also limit you if you confine certain garments to specific body types. By understanding which clothing works for different settings—be it work, casual outings, or shopping—you can play with these effects to enhance your personal and professional life.
I personally love vibrant colors and impactful elements in my outfits, which reflect my fun personality. I've done this instinctively since I was young. The choices you make about what to wear create a certain impression and influence how others perceive you.
Why Appearance Matters
If you didn’t think your appearance mattered, you wouldn’t spend so much time and energy shopping for clothes and choosing what to wear. While you shouldn’t let fashion dictate your choices, it’s essential to understand how clothing can empower you. The right outfit can transform how you view yourself and boost your self-esteem.
Comfort Is Key When you Wonder What Should I Wear?
This might seem obvious, but let’s emphasize it: don’t wear something that doesn’t make you feel comfortable!
Take Kim Kardashian, for example. She confidently embraces her curves and doesn’t adhere to conventional rules about what a pear-shaped woman should wear. Her comfort in her own skin shines through her fashion choices.

Be Aware of Dress Codes
Now, here’s the flip side: while you should feel free to express yourself, it's important to be aware of dress and social codes. The clothing you love may not always be appropriate for every occasion, and wearing the wrong outfit can send unintended signals.
Imagine an attorney showing up in court wearing jeans and a t-shirt. It just wouldn’t convey the right message, would it?
Food for Thought
We all have a message we want to communicate, and misinterpreting that message through our clothing can lead to misunderstandings about who we are.
People form impressions based on what they see—what’s the first and last impression you’re sending?
Is it aligned with who you truly are?
Smiles, Fab
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