Dress for Destiny

I don’t understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little, if only out of politeness. And then, you never know, maybe that’s the day she has a date with destiny. And it’s best to be as pretty as possible for destiny. — Coco Chanel

On the surface this quote by Chanel could seem superficial. But focusing on your outer world is just as important as your inner world. It’s not frivolous to wear beautiful clothes, buy yourself flowers, or keep a lovely home. It’s time to dress for destiny.

Back when I was a struggling career woman, someone said to me, “Don’t dress for the job you have, dress for the job you want.” Well, I say, Dress for the life you want.

Everything in your world impacts what is inside of you. Surround yourself with things that inspire you. I’m not only talking about clothes, but also the things in your home, the food on your plate. Dress your life for destiny.

My Inspiration

I’m a lipstick lady. I learned it from my mother. My mom dressed nice and put on makeup and perfume every day. She did it for herself because it made her feel good. I’m sure she did it for my dad as well, but it made her feel more confident about herself. My mother taught me there is nothing wrong with looking good.

Take the extra effort to look and feel your best. Show up for that date with destiny. You never know where or when fate will show its face. You could meet the love of your life at the supermarket. You could find an amazing career opportunity in a coffee shop. You never know. You want to be prepared. Start dressing for the life you want. Expect it. It will come.

My Yoga Pants

Several years ago I had surgery on my abdomen. At the time I bought a couple of pairs of yoga pants to wear while I recuperated. I knew I’d have to wear them to work, so I bought Ralph Lauren yoga pants and they were pretty nice. They could actually pass for real pants. I even wore them with heels at times. But then I settled into them. I bought a few more pair. Why wear anything else? They were so comfortable and looked pretty good. I could have chosen to wear skirts and dresses while I recuperated, but no, I had myself convinced yoga pants were genius. But yoga pants made me feel casual and blah. They made me look the same every day. They became my new uniform.

Now if yoga pants make you feel fabulous, then by all means, wear them. I can’t determine where your destiny lies. Perhaps yoga pants are perfect for the lifestyle you want to cultivate. But for me, yoga pants were linked in my mind with my surgery. When I wore them I always felt like I hadn’t fully recuperated. I was letting them hold me back. I wasn’t facing my destiny with my best foot forward.

Breaking free from the security and comfort of the yoga pants, finding elegant clothes that fit my body and flattered my shape, gave me a boost. It help me put my surgery behind me. I felt better on the inside, and I had rejoined the world. I envisioned the woman I wanted to become and was dressing for my destiny.

And as Coco Chanel said, it’s always best to be as pretty as possible for destiny.