Recently Ditch the Clique interviewed my FAV men’s stylist @dave.diazjr for an upcoming project (make sure you’re following here or on instagram for more on that VERY soon.) To be honest, his response has me thinking A LOT about the relationship between body and mind when it comes to looking AND feeling good.

My guess is, whether you’re a self-proclaimed fashionista or not, you know the power of a “good” outfit. You know the type that fits like a second skin, flatters your figure, and is the PERFECT color for you? When you put it on you feel beautiful, confident, and ready to rule the world…YES that’s the “good” outfit I’m speaking of! Not only does it look good but it makes your FEEL good too, right? Well, call me out if I’m wrong, but isn’t there a relationship between the two? In fact, I believe the saying goes “when you look good, you feel good.”

And GIRL I’m confident when you FEEL good, you look good too!

My point here? If your head and heart are in a solid place, you’ll look good no matter what you’re wearing!

Sounds wild coming from a fashionista but it’s true! When I made the mental shift to feeling good no matter how I look…well let’s just say there’s A LOT of freedom in a mindset shift like that. The BEST advice I have to getting there? Look out for YOU first! Take care of yourself mentally, emotionally, and physically. Make yourself small promises you can easily keep and follow through with – this builds confidence FAR beyond what looks can give. And let’s be honest…you can’t be good for anyone or anything else if you’re not good for you FIRST!

But because we’re BIG fashionista’s here at Ditch the Clique, we want to equip you with THE spring and summer wardrobe staples that will have you looking as good on outside as you feel on the inside!

Pants

Gen Z said it first and we’re backing them up – baggy jeans, pants, and clothes in general are in! But GIRL that doesn’t mean you have to *completely* ditch your straight leg style! Mix it up – try skinny or straight denim with a slit at the end (for a loose, flared look), sport ACTUAL flare denim (YES they’re back), and try a highwaisted baggy pant that FITS YOUR BODY. Sure, it may feel uncomfortable at first to try something new (and something we’ve deemed out of style for YEARS) but you never know until you try!

Tops

Tie up tops, crop tops, and mesh/secondskin things are ALL the rage and flatter EVERY figure! To be honest I originally second-guessed this top fearing it was “too tiny” for my curves, but wearing it was SO empowering! Tiny tops on ALL bodies are in IN!

Shoes

I confidently say this EVERY season but platforms! Platform sneakers, sandals, heels…you name it, it should be a platform! Platforms are THE way to add height while still being supportive and comfortable enough for a stroll around the city or night out with friends (because that’s becoming a thing again WOO!)

Dresses

This is going to sound CRAZY contradictory but opt for either loose fitting OR figure flattering but ALWAYS full of color! Whether in maxi style or above the knee, a fun, creative, colorful dress is THE way to show just how cool you feel on the inside!

Overall this summer, the more colorful you are with your style the better! Think baggy or loose on the bottom, fitted and flattering up top. Be as playful as you want – style is in revival and this is your chance to express on the outside how incredibly good you feel on the inside!