The moment I chose celebration over concealment
Recently, I found myself reflecting on a personal experience that highlights a larger societal issue: the pressure to conform to narrow beauty standards, as a woman. This reflection was triggered by an ad (or rather a dozen of) I saw on social media that reignited my temptation to hide my shape with shapewear. It made me realize how easy it is to fall (back) into the habit of concealing our natural curves beneath layers of fabric, perhaps instead of celebrating them. How disempowering, really when you think about it. So this time, I did something different. Instead of letting myself led by my willingness to literally fit in, by minimizing my appearance, I just waited. And pondered. And connected with what I really felt was the right thing to do for me, at this point of my life. And as a side note, I am 40 years old, as I am sharing this story with you.
My Wedding Dress
It all began with that first innocent piece of nude shapewear I chose to wear under my beautiful wedding dress, 8 years ago. You might relate to this experience: selecting that perfect dress months before the big day, perhaps a little too snug because, let’s be real, who hasn’t overestimated how much weight they would lose by then?! I’ve been there, and I don’t regret it. On such a special day, you want to feel like a queen, and yes, a queen with a flat belly, while we’re at it. However, when that “once-in-a-lifetime” concealment turned into a belief that I must always hide my shape, I realized it was time to reconsider. Plus, I remember feeling constricted under that dress, and while I cherish the gorgeous pictures from that day, I now understand the importance of celebrating, rather than concealing, my true self.
The Allure of Shapewear
In a world inundated with images of seemingly perfect bodies, it’s easy to feel inadequate, to say the least. Shape wear brands often capitalize on our insecurities, promoting the idea that our natural forms are either not enough, or in my case, too much. I was drawn to the notion that a piece of fabric, (which one and only purpose is to make me appear smaller) could make me feel more accepted, more attractive. But as I scrolled through the website of one brand famous for its shape wear, I began to question why I felt the need to hide in the first place.
This moment sparked a deeper reflection on how these brands perpetuate a cycle of self-doubt, encouraging women to believe that their bodies must be altered to be deemed beautiful.
Reclaiming Our Bodies
The turning point came when I realized that the very act of hiding my shapes was a disservice to myself and to all women. I began to embrace the idea that our bodies tell a story: one of strength, vulnerability, and authenticity. Instead of conforming to societal pressures, I chose to celebrate my curves and the unique aspects of my body. This shift in perspective empowered me to reject the narrative that I needed to fit into a mold and instead embrace the beauty of my individuality. I started to seek out brands that celebrate diversity and body positivity, aligning with my values and supporting a movement that uplifts rather than diminishes. Along the way, I actually met a wonderful style coach, whose work is truly inspiring as she helped me understand how to make my dream style come to life, through educating me on different aspects of styling, and through a lens of self-love. I’ll tell you about her in another post (see below for link).
To wrap it up…
This journey from wanting to conceal my natural shapes to celebrating them has been transformative. As we navigate a world filled with unrealistic beauty standards, let’s challenge the notion that we must hide to feel worthy. It’s time to reclaim our bodies and redefine what beauty means to us. By embracing our shapes, we not only empower ourselves but also inspire others to do the same. Remember, you are beautiful just as you are, no shapewear needed!
With love,
Joëlle
Here is a link to: When style becomes a catalyst for personal growth, confidence and well-being, ft. Lucy Hunt
