Some of my most memorable movies are transformational. Not in the Transformers or Wolverine type of way, although I am not hating. I mean, in ‘The Devil Wears Prada’, ‘Pretty Woman’, ‘Miss Congeniality’ and ‘The Princess Diaries’ way—a total fashion makeover.
Having grown up listening to and reading various fairy tales, I could recognise the concept of a fairy Godmother transforming Cinderella into a princess. An endless wardrobe of beautiful clothes, accessories and shoes, not forgetting a personal hair stylist and make-up artist; all for free.
This is every woman’s fantasy. Whether as a lifestyle upgrade or an escape from their everyday reality. Besides, who wouldn’t love a free fashion makeover? And these movies sell that fantasy; no wonder they are box office hits, garnering hundreds of millions worldwide.
However, the piece of the puzzle that ties these stories together is the confidence gained. That is the true transformation. It is the narrative of a shy girl, with no fashion sense, often bullied and overlooked, changing over into a capable, confident and fashionable icon. A clear distinction and the missing link is confidence.
According to Psychology Today, confidence is the act of believing in yourself. The conviction that you can face life’s challenges and overcome. As depicted in the movies mentioned above, the affected characters gain an undeniable confidence after the makeover.
It is reflected in the way they talk, walk, and dress. If a character was easily bullied, they no longer take the insults personally and can now talk back and defend themselves. They no longer slouch but maintain an upright posture. If they previously dressed in dull clothes that made them invisible, now they wear bold and sparkling outfits that can be spotted miles away.
Confidence is considered the ultimate fashion accessory because it improves self-image, enhances personal style and heavily influences how others perceive you. It is a powerful expression of self-assurance that says, ‘I am comfortable in my skin.”
While confidence is triggered by a fashion makeover in the afore-mentioned movies, it lasts long after the branded clothes and make-up are taken off. In the fairy tale Cinderella, at the stroke of midnight, when the beautiful gown turned back into rags, the carriage into a pumpkin and the coachmen into rats, Cinderella revolted. She had tasted and experienced confidence; therefore, there was no turning back.
Aside from the movies, the most iconic look ever created in the history of Hollywood was the Marilyn Monroe potato sack dress photoshoot. Marilyn Monroe was a fashion icon, an actress and a popular sex symbol in the 1950s. As the story goes, one journalist criticised her dressing at a party, claiming that what she had worn was tacky and vulgar and that she would have been better off wearing a potato sack.
As a response, she did a photoshoot wearing a potato sack, and the images were stunning. She proved that she could wear anything and still be sexy and beautiful. That’s the power of confidence. While clothes can directly affect your behaviour and mood, it is embracing your uniqueness that makes you really stand out. It gives you presence.
Therefore, each time you dress, remember, confidence is your best accessory. It looks good on you, so never leave home without it. ♥
Mourine Warui is a media and communication expert and seasoned writer. Her goal is to empower and offer solutions to everyday girl’s problems while provoking candid and authentic conversations. Other goals are to provide inspiration and entertainment to readers through creative, thought-provoking and edgy stories.
