Wear the Dress. Drink the Water. Take the Damn Vitamins
We all have those items in our wardrobes that we bought for a special occasion… or because we fell in love with them… or because we really thought we’d wear them more than we do. We look at them often—longingly—thinking, “Ooh, I should wear that today.” And then we don’t.
Time after time, we pop it on, love it… then the thoughts creep in: “No, it’s too much for today,” or “It’s not the right occasion.” So back the dress, top, shoes go—to sit in the wardrobe. Not worn. Not enjoyed.
Where does that feeling come from? The one that says we can’t dress up? Who taught us we don’t deserve to wear the amazing pieces in our wardrobes?
Honestly, I think we fall into this trap in so many areas—not just with getting dressed. It’s in skipping doing our hair, not bothering with a bit of make-up, leaving the jewellery unworn, cancelling plans with friends, forgetting our vitamins… even not drinking water! It’s all the little moments of self-care, self-importance, self-kindness—and we just… let them slide.
Yes, this affects everyone. But let’s be real: it’s mainly women.
With the sheer volume of expectations, demands on our time, our brains, our energy—and the massive weight of generational cycles we carry—it’s no wonder we’re struggling to show up for ourselves in even the most basic ways. Because it all feels like EFFORT.
But I want you to look at it differently. I want you to see the positive impact of all those small things—drinking the water, taking the vitamins, putting on the dress, doing your hair, texting a friend to book a coffee date. These are not just tasks. They’re acts of reinforcement. Of telling yourself: I am worthy. I am seen. I am showing up for me.
We’re in 2025, and while it’s a brilliant time to be a woman in terms of progress, it also comes with one hell of a downside. We’re hyper-aware of what we’re not doing. What we’re not getting “right.” And we fall into a trap—one that’s been planted in us over years, decades, generations—that we should always come last.
And worse still? We don’t even have someone conditioned to step in and look after us. We’re the ones who look after everyone else.
Sure, you might have a good partner or supportive friends—but you’re the adult now. There’s no one coming to prep your outfit, organise your meals, or plan your diary. It’s all on you. Which, yeah, sucks—but it also proves just how important it is that we break this bloody cycle.
Do we want our kids to see a sacrificial lamb who does everything for everyone else and puts herself at the bottom of the list? Or do we want them to see someone who honours herself—so that she can show up better for them?
My kids are never prouder than when they see me doing something for myself. Whether it’s heading to the gym, taking a solo walk, or treating myself to a massage—they get it. (Okay, not my youngest. He’s still of the opinion that the world revolves around him. But you get the gist.)
It matters that they see it in both me and their dad—that we prioritise ourselves, even in small ways.
Now, let me be clear: I hate the old “put your own mask on first” analogy. You know, the one from the plane safety briefings? Because it implies that looking after yourself is an emergency response. Like you only get to put yourself first when you’re crashing.
But everyday life is not an emergency. You don’t need to hit burnout to earn the right to care for yourself.
Let’s ditch the oxygen mask metaphor. I prefer to think of it like watering a plant—little and often, with the occasional feed for a boost.
In fact, I think self-care falls into two buckets:
The Treats – the “feeds”: the massages, the hair appointments, the nails. Gorgeous, but occasional.
The Basics – the waterings: drinking enough, eating well, taking vitamins, getting dressed with intention.
And that’s where getting dressed is such a powerful driver. Because you do it every day. It’s a daily chance to choose you.
So let me help with a few tips to make that part feel less overwhelming:
1) Get Organised
This is the biggie. Clear the clutter. Make it easier to see—and access—the pieces you love and actually want to wear. Categorise your clothes so you can pull an outfit together quickly, without stress.
2) Re-Evaluate What ‘Comfort’ Means
For those stuck in a rut… really think about what you’re wearing on what I call “non-event days.”
Are you living in baggy joggers, gym leggings, or the same jeans-and-plain-top combo on repeat?
Ask yourself:
Do they bring me joy?
Are they easy, or are they me?
Do I feel confident or invisible in them?
Then try switching up just one element. A brighter colour. A bolder shape. A pair of shoes you love but don’t reach for. It doesn’t need to be huge—it just needs to be intentional. It will feel awkward at first. But so does any kind of change.
3) Dress for the Day You Want
Yep. This one’s my favourite.
What we wear sets the tone. It tells your brain what kind of day you’re expecting.
So here’s a challenge: picture yourself 10 years from now. You’re happy, successful, content.
What are you wearing?
I bet it’s not the same tired hoodie and leggings.
Maybe it’s a dress. A blazer. A printed co-ord. Or maybe it’s something wild—like my dream future outfit: a massive pink tulle dress, a bonkers headdress, and sparkly trainers.
(Obviously.)
But for now, I settle for a pop of colour. My signature lippy. I wear some of the dream. The full dress can wait.
The point is—start small. Reach for the earrings. The funky jacket. The dress you’ve saved and saved and saved… for what? Life is the occasion.
Now, I want to say this too—loud and clear.
The past five years have been HARD. You’ve probably developed some “hunker down” habits for a good reason. Don’t beat yourself up for that. Be gentle.
But take this post as your sign. Your boost. Your starting point. It’s time to shift.
To dress with intention.
To do the basics.
To stop waiting until you’re burned out to show yourself care.
This isn’t about huge overhauls. No big regimes. No punishments or transformations.
It’s about tiny, powerful acts for self—brick by brick.
If you commit to the small, easy changes, they’ll become the new normal. They’ll build a new foundation that supports you, fuels you, and lifts you up.
And if you want someone to remind you now and again? Follow me on Instagram. I’ll be there to give you the nudge when you need it. Because this doesn’t have to be all on you.
You deserve to feel like you again.
Let’s start with the dress.
