What Keeps You Going on the Hard Days

You know those mornings when you wake up and the world feels heavy? When motivation has packed its bags and left town, and even getting out of bed feels like climbing Mount Everest in flip-flops?

I had one of those days a few years ago. I woke up feeling like I'd been hit by a truck—not physically sick, just mentally and emotionally drained. The kind of day where pulling the covers over my head and hiding from the world seemed like the only reasonable option.

But I'm a responsible person (or at least I tell myself that), so I dragged myself out of bed and got ready for work. The problem? I dressed to match my mood—sloppy and frumpy. I grabbed whatever was closest: pants that didn't fit quite right, a t-shirt that was fine, and a pink poncho style shawl.

Throughout that entire day, I could feel myself operating at about 30%. I wasn't bringing my all to anything—not to my clients, not to my work, and definitely not to myself. I was just going through the motions, counting down the hours until I could crawl back into bed.

The Moment Everything Changed

At the end of that rough day, I made a decision that would change how I approach difficult mornings forever: I never wanted to show up that way again.

I went home and threw out those clothes—yes, really. Then I thought about the outfits that made me feel like I could conquer the world. One piece immediately came to mind: my emerald green dress. The one that fits perfectly, makes my eyes pop, and always earns compliments from strangers.

That's when I made my pact with my future self: the next time I wake up feeling less than stellar, that emerald green dress is what I'm wearing. No questions asked.

Why This Simple Strategy Works

As a personal stylist, I see the power of clothing every single day. But this wasn't just professional knowledge—this became deeply personal. By choosing what I'll wear ahead of time, I've removed the decision-making burden from my future self when she's already struggling.

When you're having a rough morning, the last thing you need is to stand in front of your closet feeling overwhelmed by choices while already running late. But when you have your "armor" ready—that outfit you know makes you feel amazing—you're setting yourself up to show up differently.

The science backs this up too. Research shows that what we wear directly impacts our psychological processes, a phenomenon psychologists call "enclothed cognition." When we wear clothes that make us feel confident, we literally think and act more confidently.

It's not about looking perfect or impressing others. It's about giving yourself every possible advantage to feel strong, capable, and ready to face whatever the day throws at you.

The Ripple Effect of Dressing for Your Best Self

Here's what I've noticed: when I wear that emerald green dress on a tough day, something shifts. I stand a little taller. I speak with more conviction. I make eye contact more easily. The clothes don't magically solve my problems, but they give me the foundation to handle them with grace.

This principle extends far beyond one dress. Through my work with clients in wardrobe edits and colour analysis, I've seen how the right pieces can completely transform someone's energy. It's not about having expensive clothes—it's about knowing which pieces in your closet make you feel most like yourself.

Think about it: you probably have at least one outfit that makes you feel unstoppable. Maybe it's a blazer that makes you feel boss-level confident, or jeans that fit so perfectly they feel like they were made just for you. Those pieces? They're your secret weapons for tough days.

Building Your Own Hard-Day Strategy

The beauty of this approach is its simplicity. You don't need a complete wardrobe overhaul or a shopping spree. You just need to identify what you already own that makes you feel amazing, then commit to reaching for it when you need it most.

Consider creating what I call a "confidence uniform"—not because you'll wear the same thing every day, but because you'll have go-to pieces that never let you down. This is especially powerful for professionals and business owners who need to show up consistently, even when life gets messy.

If you're not sure what your confidence pieces are, this is where working with a personal shopper or getting a professional colour analysis can be game-changing. Through my Style Foundations program, clients discover exactly which colors, silhouettes, and styles work best for their unique features and lifestyle.

Your Clothes Are Your First Line of Defense

I've learned that getting dressed is often the first decision we make each day, and it sets the tone for everything that follows. When we choose clothes that support us—that make us feel capable and confident—we're essentially putting on armor for the day ahead.

This isn't about vanity or superficiality. It's about recognizing that you deserve to feel great in what you wear, especially when everything else feels challenging. Your clothes should be working for you, not against you.

For those going through life transitions—whether it's a career change, relationship shift, or simply evolving into who you're becoming—this becomes even more important. Your wardrobe can be a tool that helps you step into your new chapter with confidence. My Master Your Style course is designed specifically for this kind of intentional style evolution.

The Power of Preparation

One of the biggest gifts you can give your future self is preparation. Just like having emergency contacts in your phone or a first-aid kit in your car, having your confidence outfit ready is a form of self-care.

Maybe it's hanging that emerald green dress where you can see it, or keeping your power blazer cleaned and pressed. Maybe it's knowing exactly which jewelry makes you feel put-together, or having your favorite shoes easily accessible. The key is removing barriers between you and feeling your best, especially when motivation is in short supply.

What Gets You Through?

Now I'm curious about you. What outfit in your closet makes you feel absolutely amazing? What's your version of the emerald green dress—the piece that never fails to make you stand a little taller and feel a little stronger?

I encourage you to identify that outfit right now. Think about what you're wearing when you feel most confident, most like yourself. Then make a commitment to reach for it the next time you're having one of those tough mornings.

Because here's the thing: you're going to face hard days. We all are. But you get to choose how you show up for them. And sometimes, showing up starts with what you put on.

Ready to discover your confidence pieces and build a wardrobe that supports you through every season of life? Let's work together to identify the colors, styles, and silhouettes that make you feel unstoppable. Explore our styling services and take the first step toward a wardrobe that truly works for you.