Dress For Success (The Wellness Version)

I know the common idea surrounding dressing for success is work-related, being neat, “put together” and looking professional. To me, however, dressing for success has another connotation: it’s about wellness, productivity and feeling authentically good. 

First thing is footwear. Is your footwear inhibiting movement? Does it slow you down? Does it hurt? If you answer yes to any of these questions take those bad influences off your feet immediately! I’m not kidding around when it comes to footwear, and I think many shoes do more harm than good. 

Second thing is bras. Is your bra disturbing your breath? Is it uncomfortable, leaving indentations under your arms and across your back? Are the straps irritating your shoulders? If so, it’s time to find a better bra (or go without one!). A long time ago, I had a bra-fitting and the expert said, “A bra should be so comfortable it should go unnoticed to the person wearing it.” That statement has stuck with me and it made me be more particular about bras.  

Third thing is belts or too-tight-at-the-waist clothing. These things constrict blood flow to super important core organs, like intestines, bladder and kidneys, and constricts lower back and hip motions. If you are in this too-tight get-up for 8 hours, major damage can be done. 

Fitness clothing tends to be better, but it isn’t necessarily the savior here. Many sneakers, leggings and sports bra, while they afford way more movement, are still restricting blood flow, so what’s the ultimate solution? Get picky, be particular and take off your shoes every chance you get! 

As I type this blog post, I am barefoot, sitting cross-legged in a chair, wearing yoga leggings, a big cozy sweater, and a comfortable cotton bralet underneath. To me, this is dressing for success…successful moving, successful breathing…successfully feeling good!