Last month I wrote a piece for We Are Beautiful on fashion. But it wasn’t your average post on how to style yourself for the season, or about what’s on trend right now with links to shop. What it does focus on is true beauty for real women seeking a higher purpose than making sure their closet looks good. Click here to see the post on We Are Beautiful’s Blog, or stick around and read the full post below. I hope you enjoy! ❤
bold fashion, bolder faith
I’ve always been drawn to bright color, textures, and bold patterns when it comes to my wardrobe. I love pattern mixing, and it’s honestly what I became known for in high school and in my group of friends during college. While everyone else was in Hollister and Abercrombie, I was in Urban Outfitters and vintage thrift store finds.
Was I looked at funny because I was wearing what everyone else wasn’t at the time? Yes. Was my “fashion choice” talked about because I didn’t really follow trends? Oh yes. But did it sway me? Nope. Feeling confident and comfortable with your own style takes courage – and once you realize your clothing is a representation of the life you’re living – your mood, perspective, and courage to be different all begin to blossom.
There is a reason why I am drawn to certain styles or brands – I want what I’m wearing to tell a story and to convey a specific image about who I am and what I represent. After all, what we choose to wear is an outward representation of what we love and how we live our life.
This fashion mindset is much like how I wear my faith – always striving to have my lifestyle be a representation of pointing back to Jesus. What we choose to adorn ourselves with, in fashion and through our personality, will instantly give others a “first impression” about who we are and where we stand. And, if you’re like me, you’re one who wants to stand out.
If you’re out and about, I can guarantee you that the person whose outfit you’re most likely to comment on or take a second look at is the one who is wearing something completely unique. Bold colors, bright patterns, statement earrings, a bright jacket, funky shoes, or a fun handbag makes her…different. It’s a good different, it’s refreshing, and makes you wonder what she’s like. You might think: I wish I was bold enough to wear that. Or, I want to go ask her where that’s from! This woman with the bold and brave outfit choice is not conformed to current trends. She does not play down her style to be hidden and neutral. She does not fear what others think, in fact, she almost seems other worldly, as if she doesn’t “belong.”
This is exactly the way Jesus tells us to live our lives here on earth – though we live in the world, we are not of the world (John 15). The Bible tells us to be transformed, not conformed (Romans 12:2). Our every day choices on what to wear should represent our bravery and courage to go against the flow and celebrate our unique and individual style! We shouldn’t be nervous or reluctant to go “off trend” or try something new fearing what others will think (Proverbs 31:25).
“Wearing” our faith as Christians should be done in the same light as our every day fashion choices. When others look at you from the outside, what do you want them to notice? Is it your approachable demeanor and courage for how you present yourself in new situations? Is it your kindness through the way you treat and talk to others? Is it the way you hold yourself bravely with your chin up, despite any circumstance? Just as we want to make a presence and impact with our outfit choices, we should strive to make an impact with our lifestyle through the way we live as Christian women.
Matthew 5:14-16
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket – but it is set on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
I encourage you to try something new this week with your wardrobe. If you love big earrings but have not been brave enough to buy some for yourself, do it! If you’ve always wanted to mix florals and stripes – make it happen. Get that haircut you’ve always wanted to. Try those new heels with jeans. Sew those patches onto your denim jacket and rock it with a sequin skirt. Wear your style choices boldly, and your faith even bolder.
Who knows, you might set off a spark in someone else to find out what makes you so uniquely YOU, which could lead into a conversation centered around Jesus and our desire as Christian women to live differently.
