You’ve heard it all before: If you’re confident and you “own it,” you’ll always look great. It’s a philosophy that’s easy to get on board with, but one that isn’t always the easiest to live by. Everyday stressors can trigger an onslaught of insecurities, and scrolling through filtered Instagram images 24/7 can leave you feeling downright inadequate.
But the truth is that confidence is a muscle; the more you practice and work it, the stronger it becomes. Unfortunately, unlike building a stronger booty or core, there isn’t a gym class that can help you get there. But there are a variety of ways to feel more comfortable in your skin.
Together with Macy’s The Edit and the Macy’s Fashion Office (two amazing places to get clued into all the latest Fall trends), we’ve turned to three multifaceted, accomplished, fitness-obsessed chicks—a WNBA athlete, a USA National Team gymnast, and one of our very own editors—for a confidence refresher course. While each has unique tactics, they all utilize fashion to psych themselves up so they can kill it in the gym and beyond. Read on for tips and tricks.
Lexie Brown
Jason Kim
As a professional WNBA player for the Connecticut Sun, Lexie Brown lives what she describes as her “dream life”—except it wasn’t always so dreamy. “My biggest hurdle was rediscovering myself and my purpose when basketball wasn’t making me as happy as it did when I was younger,” she says. “I realized that it was the environment that was throwing me off, and not the game. I was forced to dig deep and find out who Lexie truly was, without defining myself solely as a basketball player. That’s when I discovered my confidence for the first time. I was 19.”
That confidence now filters into every aspect of Brown’s life on and off the court, including her style. “I’ve built up quite the workout wardrobe. When I feel that I look good, then 99.9% of the time I kill that workout.”
“When you’re feeling down list five things that you are grateful for.”
When she’s not breaking a sweat, she still makes dressing for confidence and function a priority. “The way I dress says that I love my body,” she says. “My style sets me apart because it’s so versatile. I can honestly make any type of clothing fit for any occasion. But my favorite part about my style is how comfortable I always am. The outfit from the Macy’s shoot was so comfy and flattering—right up my alley. I felt amazing. It was the most beautiful I’ve felt in a long time.”
Another key to Brown’s confidence? Gratitude. “When you’re feeling down, list five things that you’re grateful for,” she advises. “I think we get so wrapped up in what we don’t have or we haven’t achieved that we forget about the amazing things in front of us. Also, stop comparing your journey—whatever it is—to other people’s. Everyone has a purpose! Focusing on someone else’s is only blocking you from discovering yours.”
Shop Lexie’s Look at Macy’s
Nastasya Generalova
Jason Kim
Nastasya Generalova is used to moving to different tempos. As a rhythmic gymnast with the USA National Team, Generalova is basically required to be in tune with her body no matter the background music, and always project poise and strength—skills that extend well beyond the competition space.
For Generalova, when it comes to choosing an outfit that makes her feel confident, it’s all about playing with her style to show the various facets of her personality. “My mood does play a big factor in my fashion,” she says. “I could be wearing a beautiful dress one day to an event and feel strong and feminine, but another day I could be wearing a blazer and a suit and feel just as feminine with a hint of tomboy,” she says.
People will always have something to say, so you have to rock whatever makes you happy regardless.
For this reason, she gravitates toward stores that cater to her dynamic style. “What I like about Macy’s is that they have a variety of very sophisticated clothing and accessories. I like how the clothing there is youthful but mature at the same time. Same goes for the accessories. You can really find what you need there no matter what your style is. There’s everything there!”
Having choices is a necessity for Generalova, as is the confidence to stand by those decisions. “You are your own person,” she says. “People will always have something to say, so you have to rock whatever makes you happy regardless—that’s the key.”
Shop Nastasya’s Look at Macy’s
Kristine Thomason
JASON KIM
Women’s Health associate online editor Kristine Thomason has had the best of both worlds. A California native now living in New York, she takes inspiration from the two places she calls home, creating a life—and a look—that’s all her own and makes her feel confident. “I guess you could say I have a bicoastal style,” she says. “I love to incorporate a mix of casual, colorful, boho pieces into my wardrobe, with more tailored, sophisticated clothes.” Thomason also loves seeking out unique items from vintage stores, thrift shops, her mom’s closet, and her travels. “It’s so satisfying to bring back a unique find that comes with a story.”
Working out helps me feel energized, clear-headed, confident, and connected to my body.
Fueled by a desire to keep challenging herself, Thomason’s style is constantly evolving. “I feel confident when I try out a new, bold look—like the outfit I wore for this photo shoot! The jeans fit so well, and I like the unusual, sporty stripe detail on the side,’ she says. “Plus, it was fun taking a classic casual outfit—jeans and a plain white tee—and layering it with a more professional jacket and metallic loafers. I loved the juxtaposition of easy and professional—and the clean simplicity of the overall outfit made details like the red varsity stripe really shine.”
Sporty is more than a style; it’s a way of life for Thomason, who works out five days a week. “There’s no greater mental and physical feeling than finishing a workout—whether it’s a long run, challenging yoga flow, or boxing class—knowing I put my all into it. It helps me feel energized, clear-headed, confident, and connected to my body.”
Shop Kristine’s Look at Macy’s
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