When you look at yourself in the camera or the mirror, how do you see yourself?
As a strong, beautiful person, disregarding conventional body standards?
Or do you find yourself comparing your body with these unrealistic standards?
Until very recently, it was common practice for us to hop on to media and see nothing but slim, ‘socially acceptable’ bodies staring up at us. Advertising outfits and makeup products, or any product/ service for that matter.
But what we’ve now only begun to see, is a huge shift in how bodies are being represented in the media and in society. This is a part of the Body Positivity Movement.
What is the Body Positive Movement?
The Body Positive Movement is rooted in people’s need to be able to accept themselves and those around them as they are. And not as what popular media would like us to be. No matter what your body type, skin colour, fashion sense or gender orientation, this movement seeks to include everybody who dares to step outside of the perfect image of skinny, muscular, tall, fair-skinned people that the media inaccurately represents.
Positive Body Representation
An important part of the Body Positive Movement is representation. Today, there are many body-positive brands and even big companies promoting positive body image through inclusion and representation. We are starting to see bigger people represented in a positive light on the screen and with that, seeing more opportunities for people who exist in bigger bodies to thrive.
But not just the screen. Over the past few years, we’ve seen a boost of bigger bodies commanding the front pages of some of the world’s most prestigious fashion magazines and campaigns as well.
How to be Body Positive?
Getting rid of unrealistic body standards and becoming body positive is a journey that everyone must embark on. Here are 15 small changes you can make to embrace body positivity at any size.
- Do Not Body Shame Other
In the age of social media, it’s super easy to look at other people and criticize their bodies, faces, and even fashion choices. It might seem harmless, but body shaming contributes to a culture where it’s acceptable to criticize women’s bodies, and also fuels negative self-talk in our minds. Make it a habit to avoid body shaming others.
- Fill your feed with Body Positivity
Choose what you see and hear- unfollow and unsubscribe to Brands that promote an unhealthy body image through their product and services. Encourage brands that promote a positive body image. Follow body-positive influencers and models. Follow uplifting body positive accounts to inspire your own journey to self-love. - Wear Clothes that Fit
Do you have a section of your closet filled with clothes that don’t fit in the hopes that one day you’ll be a different size? Instead of buying clothes that are too small, get clothes that fit the body you have right now. Honour your body with clothes that make you look and feel good. - Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
Everybody is beautiful. Comparison really is the thief of body-positive joy. Comparing your body to your best friend, mom, or favourite celeb is a surefire way to feel down about yourself. Quit comparing yourself to others and focus on features you love about yourself while trying to accept the features you’re less confident about. - Journalize Your Journey
Whether it’s a journal or sticky notes posted around your room, write down your body positive goals. Write something nice about yourself — how amazing your cheekbones are, how cute your nose is, or how wonderfully compassionate you are — and refer to it often. Sometimes we need an external reminder form ourselves.
#BeMoreOfYou with LetsDressUp
At LetsDressUp, we want to help women feel beautiful about themselves, inside out. We believe in stitching outfits that help you reflect your personality. Outfits that are made for you, for your body. We don’t want women to feel compelled to fall into Small, Medium, Large buckets. We make it easy for you to wear outfits that feel and look good by online, hassle-free stitching services. More than 1500+ women love being more of themselves with us. Will you join the tribe?