Does the size tag have a choke hold on your style?

 It’s just a number right..? So why is it that so many of us allow the number on the size tag of our clothes to define us. Define how we dress , the clothes we wear, our style and ultimately our self worth. I have styled many women in my almost ten years working in fashion retail. Too often I saw women refuse to purchase something or even try on something  if the smaller option did not fit. It was a bit mind blowing at times to think that just going up a size seemed to be such a big deal breaker. 

So why does the number matter so much? We all have this ideal in our head of what we deem acceptable or even desirable to others. I’m here to tell you that honestly no one knows or for the most part,  even cares about what that tag says. Is there really a big difference between small and medium, size 12 or 14? Those numbers are just industry standards and not at all rooted from what real women exactly look like. NO ONE is sample size. We all come in unique shapes and sizes, it's rare to have clothes fit perfectly off the rack. And you know what, that is okay. The most important thing is that our clothes fit our body the way we want them to.

Good fit can be a confidence booster. We all felt that rush when we put on the perfect pair of jeans . . . you know the pair. That pair that hugs you in all the right places. It has you checking the  mirror, just knowing you look good. All of our clothes should make us feel like that. It’s all about the fit. So here are a few tips to keep in mind the next time you go shopping.

1. Try it on!  Simple but truly trying on clothes really makes a difference.(Don't let the fluorescent lights scare you)

2. Grab more than one size. Every brand is different and sizes vary. I suggest grabbing the size you normally wear and a size up and down. That way you have your bases covered, and can avoid having to run in and out of the fitting room to grab another size. Because 7 out of 10 of us aren’t doing this.

3. Wear basics. This will allow you to have a better idea of how an item will play well with what you already have in your wardrobe. You won't be distracted if you have a basic base like jeans and a plain tee versus bright and loud printed clothes on. 

 And an added bonus tip:Wear  the proper undergarments it makes all the difference so don't skip this tip. 

The biggest tip I can give you is to make the Tailor your best friend. So what if an item of clothing doesn't fit perfectly, do we just leave it behind ? Not at all. Get it and take it to the tailor. You will be surprised how easy it is to get your clothes altered to fit you. The outcome makes all the difference. It will definitely give you a confidence boost when you have that perfect fit. Many chic and put together women say that the tailor is their secret weapon.But know that not every style works on everybody, or body type. Don’t beat yourself up about it.  If it doesn't work out, that is OK! Find the styles that celebrate you and make you feel amazing. Because we all are beautifully unique. 

Lastly, be honest with yourself as long as you feel comfortable and confident no one will know or care what the size tag says on the inside of your clothes. All they will see is the stunning person  that you are.