Help! I Hate How I Look: Using Clothing to Manage Body Image Issues

In the earlier part of my career, I worked as a therapist, mostly meeting with children and adolescents. I had a heart for my teens, often seeing them in response to significant trauma and helping them navigate identity issues. Without trauma, the teen years are hard enough. They’re spending lots of emotional energy trying to figure out who they are, and how they want to be in the world; and depending on life circumstances, that can come with a lot of self-sabotage. Unfortunately, too many of us can recall the, “I hate how I look” flare-ups we had during those angst teen years.  

With that said, it’s no surprise that dissatisfaction with appearance or body image is a major issue that comes up during my clinical work (I still do evaluations from time to time). Whether a teen presents with anxiety, depression, or any other mental health issue, it’s often expressed through and complicated by body image issues. And the way it usually looks is an overwhelming disdain for a specific part or parts of the body like legs or arms. What’s more, they equate their poor perception of their body to their self-worth, and feel less than valuable as a result. 

Sadly, body image issues don’t stop at adolescence. We often nurture body images issues well into adulthood such that when life gets challenging we tend to revert back to self-destructive patterns, including being preoccupied with what is wrong with our body. And the “I hate how I look” fits continue to be a part of our coping style well into our adult years. It goes without saying that we are more than our bodies; and one way to counter body image issues is to meditate on other things about us we know (even if we don’t always feel) are good and worthy of praise, like varied skills, kindness, bravery, and the list goes on.

Another way to counter body image issues is through clothing. According to Entwistle, author of The Fashioned Body, clothing is much more than a form of adornment, it is the way we learn to live in our bodies. There are tons of articles on ways to hide perceived body imperfections with clothing; and while many are useful, you can not use clothes to hide a largely poor self-image. Clothing and the body work as a team, and the body gives meaning to clothes and vice versa. Without the body, clothing is just a well-constructed piece of fabric. So in order for clothing to reach its full potential, it needs a body to give it life, soul, and the unique energy only a living breathing body can give. This is why two people can wear the same outfit and look quite different. If we value our body, it can live out its full essence within the context of clothing.

Of course, we don’t have to have a perfect body image to wear clothes well. Many of us are  struggling to improve our body image and progress isn’t a straight line. But in the meantime, we can use clothing as a tool to feel good about ourselves in our bodies, letting go of the “I hate how I look” outbursts we may have come to fall back on. Here are three ways clothing can help us manage our body image. 

1. Clothing helps us become our ideal

Just as Halloween costumes allow us to embrace the hidden parts of us, everyday clothing can work in a similar way. Our clothing gives us an opportunity to take on characteristics we admire, simply by wearing clothing that has symbolic meaning for us (a.k.a., enclothed cognition). To be clear, clothing does not have symbolic meaning without context, we associate it with the people who wear them and at a particular point in time. When we think of something like a beret, a tie, or black stockings with the line down the back (a personal favorite, ha!), we have a vision of what those clothing items symbolize. And if we enjoy wearing them, it is generally because we have seen it worn, and internalized what we think it means to wear them.

With that in mind, the ability to express ourselves through clothes and take on characteristics of our ideal look allows us to compensate for shortcomings we experience when we are anxiously preoccupied with our bodies. According to a 2012 article, Expression of Personality Through Dressing using clothing to compensate in this way helps us achieve psychological and spiritual balance. And it is this sense of balance that can gird up our sense of self, giving us the emotional resources we need as we are actively working towards improving our body image. 

2. Clothing helps us get comfortable communicating parts of ourselves.

Clothing is often identified as a nonverbal form of communication.  We can use clothing to feel better (a.k.a., dopamine dressing) and improve our mood. Or we can use clothing to lean into a miserable mood, creating something beautiful out of pain in a way akin to art therapy. So it’s important to be intentional about the message we’re conveying, not just to others but to ourselves. 

For those who struggle with body image, clothing gives an opportunity to express body image issues in creative ways, and maybe release some tension. I once heard a quote by Diana Vreeland that said something like (and I’m paraphrasing) whatever you don’t like about your body, make that the best thing about you. And of course, this requires some ingenuity and the ability to let go of rigid ideas of beauty, something those with body image issues are working towards. 

If this feels challenging, try doing an experiment and wear something out you’ve always liked and can wear well enough, but unreasonable body image issues have held you back (if you’re not sure what qualifies as “unreasonable” discuss it with a trusted friend or helping professional). Psychologists refer to this as an exposure technique, and it is a way to try out new experiences or ways of being without it being too overwhelming. Afterwards, take tabs on your experience and the reaction of others. Was it as bad as you thought it was? Are there any changes you’d like to make and do you have a healthy plan to make those changes? Can you consider developing a better appreciation for your body in these clothes even in its imperfect state? These are just some questions that will help you better process the experience, and of course it may be helpful to process this with someone else as mentioned.

3. Clothing gives an opportunity to alter questionable body image ideals

Often the reason we don’t like our legs, arms, butt or any other part of our body is because we have internalized alternate beauty standards. In the old days we just had to deal with the parts of our body we don’t like; but now with plastic surgery more accessible, we can change what we don’t like relatively quickly if we have the resources to do so. And while it’s beyond me to tell anyone what to do with their body, as a psychologist, it’s my job to understand the root of these changes. That is, it’s one thing to want to make tweaks to your body, and another thing if the tweaks are never enough. If it’s never enough, it suggests your desire to alter your body is based upon a poor sense of identity, and it is futile to build a healthy image on a faulty foundation. 

While plastic surgery may not be an option for some, clothing is. Fortunately, we have agency with clothes and can make active changes with clothing to accept or reject body image ideals. We can use clothes to cover up parts of our body we don’t like or as mentioned above, show off those parts. According to a concept known as cognitive control, we have the ability to change the way we see a situation. So exercising a sense of control over your clothing can act as a catalyst for having control over the way you choose to see your body. Since body image standards have to start somewhere, why not with you?

If you’ve used clothing to manage body image issues, what ways have they worked for you, or not? Share it with us in the chat. 

Clothing Style Confidence

It’s that time of year when we are thinking about our fall wardrobe and ways to incorporate transitional pieces into the upcoming season. While some of us have no problems getting our wardrobe in order, others of us may struggle a little with putting it all together. Maybe you worry about finding pieces that are stylish but not overly trendy; worry about finding pieces that reflect the image you want to project; or have concerns about finding pieces that flatter your body.

If you have any of these worries, you may lack clothing style confidence. According to a 2018 article, clothing style confidence is described as confidence in the way “people express themselves with clothing and accessories.” Those with clothing style confidence value appearance, yet aren’t “slaves” to fashion. They tend to choose pieces that are timeless, and reflect “authenticity”, “individuality” and “self-expression.” They have a sense of what flatters their body; enjoy being creative with their clothing; and know how to mix and match pieces in ways that create multiple outfits. Their closet is well organized which helps them develop outfits easier. And they maintain their clothing well which contributes to longevity, a hallmark of sustainable consumption.

Clothing Style confidence: Getting your closet organized  

If clothing style confidence sounds like something you might need this fall and beyond, a good place to start is your closet. What do you have, what do you need to let go, and what do you need to buy? 

What do you have?

Let’s focus on the state of your closet. Is it overflowing with clothes you’ve never worn, filled with clothes that look the same, or crammed with ill-fitting pieces?

One way to tackle a disorganized closet is to first figure out what type of lifestyle you want to have. Choose 3 main areas that are important to you—maybe career, relationships, and health; and organize your wardrobe around those areas. For instance, a wardrobe suitable for work may be something that’s important to you; and if you’re looking to grow your relationships, perhaps you need outfits for nights out or weekends. And if you’re into strengthening your body, you may be looking to add workout gear to your wardrobe. Identifying these three areas will help you to better decide what to let go of and what to keep. 

What are you going to let go?

The next step is to purge your closet. While there isn’t one way to do it, it should be done in a manageable way so as to increase your chances of success. One way is to get garbage bags or baskets for clothes you no longer wear. One set of bags will be for clothes that are damaged in some way and can’t be worn as is; and the others will be for clothes that can be worn but no longer fit, are outdated, or some other reason. In order to practice sustainable habits, you want to avoid just throwing these clothes in the trash. Consider how the clothes can be repurposed (dish rag, pillow?), or have them recycled.

How are you going to put your clothes back?

Once you’ve removed unwanted clothes, put the remaining clothes back in your closet. But  don’t just put them back haphazardly, organize them in a useful way. One way to do it is to consider the three main areas, career, relationships, and health; and assemble outfits that fit those areas . Keep in mind that these outfits can be changed and one outfit may fit multiple areas, but it helps you to start thinking about what can go with what. When you’ve created these outfits, you can put them back in your closet as outfits organized according to the three main areas.

You can also choose to go department store style. That is, create a section for shirts, pants, dresses, etc…And you may choose to color-coordinate the sections or arrange them by type, i.e., work shirts, weekend shirts. If you arrange them by type, keep in mind that there will likely be some overlap as many clothing pieces are versatile. For instance, some clothing may be able to be worn both to work and to the gym. 

Once you have your closet organized, you can better determine what pieces you need. But before you accumulate more clothes, be sure you know what pieces enhance your body image. This may be something you’ve already got covered, but if the concept of body image triggers complex emotions, here are some things to consider. 

Clothing Style confidence: Body image/Type

Know how you feel about your body

Before you focus on what flatters your body, it helps to be clear on how you feel about it, or how you feel about yourself in your body. These are complex issues that may take some time to unpack; but it helps to start thinking about it, and how it impacts the way you dress. A 2015 study showed that those with a poor body image are less inclined to purge their closets because it requires them to engage with their clothes, and perhaps determine fit– something they’d rather not think about. As a result, their closets remain disorganized, and they cope in maladaptive ways such as purchasing more clothes they either don’t need or won’t wear; or just wear the same few pieces repeatedly. 

So if you have body image issues that make it difficult for you to begin dressing for your body, you’ll want to start addressing it in the healthiest way possible. This way you can begin to appreciate your body (even if you don’t love it yet) and dress it in a way that makes you feel your best— a necessary component of confident personal style. According to the 2018 article, those with clothing style confidence have what they call “aesthetic perceptual ability.” That’s basically a fancy way of saying they know what looks good on them, and can put clothes together in an aesthetically pleasing way. Of course what’s aesthetically pleasing to one person may not be aesthetically pleasing to another. But if you wear something you like and feel good in, and others respond positively to it, it’s a good sign you’ve tapped into a sense of style that inspires others. 

Be aware of the different body type systems

While the concept of dressing for your body is something we generally espouse; the concept of body type itself can be controversial, and there are varying opinions about how bodies should be categorized. One of the most well-known body type systems focuses on silhouettes and body parts. They consist of five body types including hourglass, apple, pear, rectangle, and inverted triangle. Generally speaking, this body type system focuses on creating balance with the hourglass shape as the standard. And the clothing recommendations typically involve helping you create balance by hiding problem areas. So if you are an inverted triangle shape, it’s recommended to wear clothing that adds curves or volume on the bottom in order to balance out the wider top.  

Another fairly popular, but perhaps lesser known body type system is the Kibbe body types. This system, developed by David Kibbe, was created to address some of the problems associated with the idea that certain clothes are suitable for only one body type. It focuses on the way our body moves in clothes; and argues that clothing is flattering if it embraces our “essence” and is well-integrated into our sense of style. The Kibbe body types focus on the softness (referred to as yin) and structure (yang) of our natural body shape; and includes five main types and 13 subcategories. The main types include dramatic, classic, gamine, natural, and romantic; and it recommends we choose clothes that harmonize with our body. Special attention is paid to the lines and drape of the clothing  to ensure it complements our shape and uniqueness. For instance, a dramatic is thought to be tall and angular with little to no softness. So the recommendation is to wear sharp, geometric clothing with crisp tailored pieces and vertical lines to enhance the height and angularness of the body.  

A quick internet search will show a host of other body type systems, and all have been critiqued in some way. You may find one that works for you, or you may take bits and pieces of several and apply them. While others can give input, it’s ultimately up to you to define, embrace, and dress your body. Maybe you’ve decided you’re a pear shape (wider at the top than the bottom) and also fall under the category of natural (considered a “soft yang” with angular, blunt edges). As recommended, you can decide to wear clothing that balances out your top (e.g., voluminous tops); or you can focus on your “blunt edges,” and choose clothing with relaxed, loosely constructed silhouettes. Overall, learning what most flatters your body is an ongoing work in progress, particularly as we get older and our body shape changes. But once you have a working understanding of what looks good on you, you can dress with increased confidence.

Note: If you are looking for stats on how body image issues are impacted by social media, particularly among younger audiences, check out this resource on social media addiction and mental health issues, lanierlawfirm.com/social-media-addiction/statistics/.

Clothing Style confidence: Shopping on a budget

Make a list

Once you begin figuring out what suits your body, you can make a list of the clothing items you want to buy. Of course, you’ll want your list to be informed by research. One approach is to do an internet search of the pieces you need and figure out what you like. This is purely about waking up your sensibilities so don’t worry about price tags, just take note of the pieces that speak to you. Next, do comparative research to see if the pieces you like come at different price points. This way you can be an informed shopper; and better prepared to shop on a budget. 

Shop anywhere

When you’re shopping with a limited budget, consider low budget or discount shops. You’ll be surprised at what you can find at Walmart or discount stores. In this age of the world wide web, nothing is new, and you’ll be hard pressed to find clothing no one else has access to. So it’s not so much about what you buy but how you style it. 

And don’t rule out vintage or thrift stores (which I love). While you may be able to find more one-of-kind pieces there, keep in mind that it might be difficult to build a capsule wardrobe within a short period of time from vintage stores, particularly if you have specific ideas of what you want. The art of vintage shopping is to have loose expectations because you never know what you’ll find. So while it’s possible to create a wardrobe full of vintage pieces, it’s not likely something that will happen in one month. And a modern wardrobe has a mix of vintage and new pieces to create freshness. So focus on getting the clothes you need and mix it in with great vintage pieces as you find them. 

While shopping, it’s also important to choose pieces that will enhance your wardrobe. This involves identifying at least 2 other pieces in your wardrobe that each new piece will go with. This makes the pieces more versatile and an asset to your wardrobe. More than that, try to buy clothing that can be worn past one season. According to the 2018 article, those with clothing style confidence purchase clothes that can be used for a long time, and tend to opt for timeless styles. So if you are looking to build a wardrobe that doesn’t need to be switched up every season for the latest trend, consider buying staples pieces that you can wear long-term along with one or two trends you enjoy.

Consider color 

It’s true that the colors you wear have an impact on you and others. But the effect of color is complex, and its impact is attributable to a number of factors like our physiological responses to color, our cultural associations with it, our personal experiences with it, and the context in which it’s presented. Generally speaking, warm colors like red, orange, and yellow energize us while cool colors like green, blue, and purple relax us. For example, if you are looking to exude energy you may choose a warm color like orange. And if you are looking to exude a more calming presence, you may gravitate towards cooler colors. 

With budget in mind, you’ll want to consider the colors you purchase so you can spend your money wisely. Neutral colors like black, white, gray, or tan, can be subdued or dramatic. They act as background music when paired with brighter colors, and reinforce the characteristics of those colors. So while you need a variety of colors, you’ll want to make sure you have a fair share of neutrals as they can typically be worn with many other clothing pieces. Essentially, consider the colors you are drawn to, be sure to include neutrals, and know how to wear colors in ways that bring about the impact you are looking for. If you find you don’t have enough of your desired colors in your wardrobe, be sure to target them when shopping.

Dressing for Your Body Type: Athletic/Skinny-Fat

Hi There! Way back in 2017, I interviewed three women with different body types about their body image journey. I thought it would be valuable to share how they overcame their struggles with their bodies in hopes that it would help us with ours. Well, I’m excited to be bringing back the series because if we’ve ever needed support as we strive to become the best version of ourselves it would be now when the world feels so upside down.

For this installment of the series, I’m interviewing the VP of Design Development  for Coach, Pamela Saunders. Pamela has a sharp sense of style (and I’d low key like to raid her closet). So I was happy to be able to pick her brain about her body image journey and style sensibilities. Now go ahead and take out your (virtual) pen and pad and start taking some notes! See the interview below.

Trulery: How would you describe your body type?

Pamela: I would lovingly describe my body type as athletic/skinny-fat.

Trulery: Ha— skinny-fat! How would you say your body image evolved—how did you learn to appreciate your body?

Pamela: My appreciation for my body image has been quite the journey. The moments that shaped it the most were post-college, corporate America, and COVID. I was always a snazzy dresser, thanks to my mom who started out as an executive in retail and came home with new items weekly. But I was always in oversized clothes (and still enjoy them actually) and very preppy.  This continued when I went to college, in a very small town, in the mountains. I wore sweats and Birkenstock’s for years; and because of the coverage, I wasn’t as focused on my health or body. Needless to say, I gained the freshman 25, and it stuck. Fast forward to post-college, I started to go to boutique gyms, and tried different work-outs. Once I started seeing my athleticism, and how quickly I was able to gain muscle, I was addicted.

Entering corporate in the fashion space heightened my appreciation for my body. I was able to try different trends and appreciate how my body looked in many different styles. More recently, my relocation to Costa Rica in early 2021 made me love my body and all its flaws. It was hotter than Hades, and there was no way I could ever cover cellulite and stretch marks. I was a beach bum whenever possible and lived in a bikini. There was so much freedom in just enjoying the sun, focusing on being healthy and “surviving COVID.” Everyone in town had the same mentality and was focused on wellness, growth, and self-care. So there was no room for insecurities and not loving yourself. It was a liberating experience!

Trulery: What is one piece of advice you would give to anyone struggling with your specific body type?

Pamela: I would say to anyone struggling with my body type— “get over yourself!” I was so self-conscious about my thighs that I never wore shorts until this year. Now that’s unimaginable! Self-love is everything. No one is perfect, and if you embrace yourself, the world is yours!

Trulery: What styles or pieces of clothing work best on your body and why?

Pamela: I’m 5’5” on a good day, and short-waisted. So any item of clothing that can help elongate me and skim my shape works for me. Some of my go-to pieces include a wrap dress that creates curves, and balances my top and bottom; midi-slip skirts or dresses; and long trousers with heels. Of course my bikini, and cropped blazers that lengthen my lower-half.

See Pamela’s 6 staple wardrobe pieces.

Vintage Saint Laurent/ Missoni Crochet-Knit Bikini/ Military Combat Hat/Dries Van Noten Jumpsuit/Gianvito Rossi Floral Lace Peep-Toe Booties/Tamara Mellon Hellbent Mid Calf boot

You can see more of Pamela here.

Dressing For Your Body Type: Tall, On The Slim Side

Hey all! We've made it to the third and final (at least for now) installment of the Dressing for Your Body type series, and hopefully it's inspired you to learn how to appreciate your body even just a little bit more. This week I'm interviewing my loveliest friend Myriam. I've known her for years, and have seen her cope with body issues we all deal with. Here's what she had to say about how she has come to appreciate her body type.

Trulery: Hi Myriam, I'm really excited to have you share with us! Tell us how would you describe your body type?

Myriam: This is kind of a tough one for me because I don't really feel that it fits in one category completely. I'm clearly tall and on the slim side but wouldn't call myself boyish or athletic. But neither am I curvy or pear-shaped. Is there a "Myriam" body type? Because I'm that for sure.

Trulery: I feel you. Sometimes it can be hard to define our body type in ways that really capture how we perceive it. How would you say your body image evolved, and how did you learn to appreciate your body image?

Myriam: I started to appreciate my body when I started working out, and oddly enough it didn't have much to do with weight loss. I became more confident when I realized how capable my body was. My aerobic conditioning and strength training really helped me to feel good about myself. When I'm fit-- in-shape and strong, I feel and look my best.

Trulery: Realizing what your body can do, can really go a long way with being appreciative of the body you have. What is one piece of advice you would give to anyone struggling with your specific body type?

Myriam: I'd say know you are more than your body! Be grateful for it and what it allows you to do (work, exercise, bear children...), and don't get caught up in what you should look like or what you wish you looked like. Also, accentuate your positives! We all have something we like about ourselves-- our legs, arms, neck, or whatever works for you.

Trulery: That's great advice. What styles or pieces of clothing work best on your body and why?

Myriam: Another loaded question! It's hard to answer because I favor so many different silhouettes. I enjoy dressing so I like to play with different styles. I'll say there is no substitute for a well-fitting pair of jeans.

Trulery: What are 5 must-have pieces for your wardrobe?

Myriam:  (1) Jeans, of course! I love their versatility. They come in a variety of fits and washes, and you can dress them up or down. (2) I also really like how a blazer can instantly polish a look. I love to wear one draped over my shoulders. (3) A mid-heel or kitten heel in a metallic or a bright color is another must-have for me right now. And shoes are a great way to add a little personality to your outfit, especially if your outfit is pretty safe. (4) The cropped pant is another good one. I like these slim or wide legged. I'm obsessed with ankles, and being tall, this is a silhouette I can comfortably wear without fear of the inseam being off! (5) And I have to include a statement blouse. It's an easy way to elevate an outfit and try out new details, trends, or colors.

Trulery: Thanks Myriam!

Can you relate to Myriam's body image journey? Tell us about it!

shoes| blouse| jeans| blazer| pants

Dressing For Your Body Type: Full Hourglass

Hey All! I'm back with the next installment of my Dressing for Your Body Type series. This is where I interview women of different shapes and sizes about their body image issues and how they overcame them. No matter what size you are, you've probably had to overcome even minor issues with your body type. And I think it's really helpful to talk with other women about how they've dealt with it. This week I'm interviewing my friend, Kanika. She's funny, no-nonsense, loves being a nurse, and is really just a cool person. I've always admired her self-assured presence and thought she would be great to interview about her body image. Here's what she had to say:

Trulery: Hi Kanika! So tell me how you would describe your body type?

Kanika: I'd have to say hourglass-- with the right undergarments!!!! Undergarments smooth out and shape, and push things to where they need to go. It's like photoshopping. It doesn't add what you don't have, but it sharpens what you do have.

Trulery: Real life photoshopping- so true! How would you describe how your body image evolved? Or how did you learn to appreciate your specific body type?

Kanika: As I got older, I realized you got to work with what you have. In hindsight, I wish I had been more appreciative and accepting of my body. I would have been more inclined to maintain and value what I have. People are getting butt injections to have a bigger butt and that's natural for me.

Trulery: I agree. I think we should try to value our body, even if it's not exactly where we want it to be because it's the only one we have and one day we might wish it was the way it is now. What's one piece of advice you would give to anyone struggling with your specific body type?

Kanika: I'd say focus your shopping energy and money dressing the parts of your body you like. I like that my waist is naturally narrow so I don't shy away from high-waisted pants or skirts, or clothing that cinches at the waist. It makes my top and bottom look proportionate.

Trulery: That's so much better than focusing on the parts you dislike, and having a bad shopping experience because you somehow only noticed clothes that highlighted all the wrong areas. What other styles or pieces of clothing work best on your body and why?

Kanika: I like looser tops, fitted bottoms. I use to be opposite, but now I realize good quality, fitted fabrics thru the hips and thighs are more flattering for my ample bottom and narrow waist.

See Kanika's 5 must-have pieces for her wardrobe and why she likes them.

1. dress 2. boots 3. spanx 4. pants 5. bag

Thanks for your insight, Kanika!

Can you relate to Kanika's body image experience? Tell us about it below.

Dressing For Your Body Type: Petite

Hey Everyone! I'm excited to share with you a new mini-series, Dressing for Your Body Type. It's where I interview women about their body image and how they've overcome insecurities about their body type. I think most of us have struggled through body image issues at some point in our lives no matter what size or shape we are. As I have gotten older, I've had a hard time trying to maintain my 20's body, and have not always felt as comfortable in my skin as I'd like. I work through it by trying to keep a consistent exercise regimen, making healthy eating choices-- most of the time, and understanding that I do not have to wait until I reach a certain size to value myself and my body. I try not to be so focused on my physical appearance that I forget my worth and purpose is much bigger than that. It's definitely an ongoing process but it's worth it to keep at it, particularly when we often get unrealistic messages about what we should look like. For this series, I decided to interview three women with different body types in hopes that you'll be able to relate to at least one of them and their unique journey to a healthy body image. This week, I'm interviewing the lovely Nicole Borjas. Here's what she had to say:

Trulery: So Nicole, how would you describe your body type?

Nicole: I'm definitely petite.

Trulery:  I think being clear and confident about your body type is a great first step towards a healthy body image. How has your body image evolved, or how did you learn to appreciate your body image?

Nicole: I've learned to embrace trends that are more flattering to my body type and not feel so bad about skipping the ones that don't always work for me. That in itself has helped me learn how to appreciate my shorter frame more. There are a lot more clothing brand options now for petite ladies which is fun to find.

Trulery: I agree that knowing what works for your body is key. What is one piece of advice you would give to anyone struggling with your specific body type?

Nicole: Finding clothing that is tailored well to your body frame is very helpful. It took me a while to figure that out. Sewing machines, or tailors are your friend.

Trulery: And it's always good to have clothes that are uniquely fit since so much of what we see is standard and mass produced. What styles or pieces of clothing work best on your body and why?

Nicole: I am loving the high-waisted trend. High-waisted jeans are my favorite. They make my shorter legs seem longer which I appreciate.

Trulery: What are some must-have pieces you think make a good foundation for your wardrobe and why.

Nicole: My must-have pieces are....a little back dress, high-waisted jeans, a quality white T-shirt, black jeans, and a leather jacket. I like good wardrobe staples that you can adapt from day to night, and can wear in different seasons.

Thanks Nicole! Check out her wardrobe staple picks below!

1.LBD 2. jacket 3.black jeans 4.jeans 5. t-shirt

If you can relate to Nicole's body image journey, feel free to share it with us.