Our bodies are constantly changing - through time, life stages, and personal experiences. As someone who’s been every size between a 12 and a 22, I’ve spent most of my life navigating the complex relationship between my body, my clothes, my confidence, & how I see myself.
This collage tells part of that story… but I also want to share some of the lessons I’ve learned along the way that taught me how dressing for the present can be empowering.
1. Clothes are for the body we have right now.
For years, I put off buying clothes I really loved, telling myself I’d wait until I reached my "goal weight." But sometimes that took years - or didn’t happen at all - leaving me stuck in outfits that didn’t make me feel good. It wasn’t until I started dressing for the present me and investing in quality pieces that I began to feel more comfortable and confident.
Building my first capsule wardrobe was one of the steps that helped me align my clothes with my lifestyle and preferences. Now, I see clothing as a tool for self-expression and self-care, not as a reward for achieving a goal.
2. It’s okay to let our bodies change.
Life, hormones, and time all play a role in how our bodies evolve. Comparing myself to photos from 20 years ago is unfair - so much has changed since then, including my lifestyle and priorities. I’m still working on releasing some of the weight I’ve gained in recent years, but I’m doing it in a slow, relaxed, and sustainable way. My mindset is healthier now: I trust my body to guide the process and focus on how I feel instead of chasing an outdated idea of perfection.
3. Weight isn’t the key to self-love.
When I was at my smallest, I expected to feel confident, happy, and at peace with myself. But you know what? I still received mean-spirited comments and took them on board, trying to shrink further and be “better.” I’ve learned the hard way that validation has to come from within. No size or number on the scale will ever quiet the critics if I don’t already feel love and acceptance for myself.
4. Confidence is a mindset.
Confidence comes from feeling good in our own skin, and clothing plays a part in that. When we wear something that feels good and reflects our style, we naturally radiate confidence. It’s not about dressing for anyone else; it’s about showing up authentically and empowering ourselves in the process.
Now, I’m designing clothes that fit and function, offering customisations that help us feel amazing right where we are - not just someday.