Did you know that it’s scientifically proven that us ladies have the lowest self esteem during our periods?  Well, it’s currently that time of month for me, and I always have to prep in advance.  Mentally, I keep having to engage in mini pep talks whenever I look in the mirror, assuring myself that it’s the hormones that are making me feel so unattractive, and — quite frankly — ugly looking. 

Now, everyone tells us that looks aren’t all that important. But there’s no denying how much our outer appearance can affect our overall mood. And when it’s that time of month, it’s like a double whammy because not only are our hormones messing with our self esteem, but the fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone can lead to some serious bloating, graying of skin, breakouts, and lack-of-glow usually reserved for those days we’re not menstruating.   

It’s a monthly battle we all must face, but the situation is far from hopeless. With a little bit of period prep, you can maintain your confidence and élan during your time of month. 

Please don’t let your period stop you from living your best life

Seriously, you guys. Don’t be like me and put your life on hold just cause you’re in the throes of hormone fluctuations. I used to spend the nights of my menstrual cycle moping in my room — hiding from everyone — much like the Beast in Beauty and the Beast. My only comfort would be an overpriced order of Shake Shack, while I’d lie in bed and rewatch The Office for the 9873983 time. 

While there’s nothing wrong with completely collapsing and vegging out from time to time, doing so throughout your whole cycle will only leave you feeling worse.  

Believe me. I’ll never forget this one night during my senior year of college, when my besties were begging me to go out to this fabulous new ‘80s themed night club. Since it was the second night of my period, I simply refused to go. With my fresh new batch of zits on my forehead, extra pounds of water weight, and sickly complexion, I was unfit to be seen in public. 

But my friend Sarah insisted, “You’re coming out with us whether you like it or not,” and practically dragged me all the way to the ‘80s club, I ended up having one of the best nights of my entire college experience. 

Thanks to my bestie, that extra push made me realize that so much of our insecurities during our period only exist inside our heads. And while we may be anxious that everyone’s secretly judging the way we look, chances are extremely high that this is not the case. Far from it. 

So, women. Please. Get out there with your baddest strut — while wearing these adorable period-friendly clothes.

Which stylish fits are best during your time of month?

Please, please, please, ladies, don’t fall under the assumption that just because you’re on your period you can’t have a total blast with your wardrobe. I’ve always hated the idea of having to sport menopausal-esque clothing just cause you’re bloated.

Of course, it’s smart to avoid tight-fitting dresses and bodycon fits — for both aesthetic reasons and physical comfort — there are oodles of outfits to choose from that are simply made for when you’re on your period. 

So ditch those frumpy fits, and let’s get shopping for some *actually stylish* period-friendly looks.

Oversized Sweatshirts are a must-have

I’m gonna admit it. I just bought nine new oversized sweatshirts from Hollister that I absolutely cannot afford. But in my quest to shapeshift my disaster of a closet into a sleek Capsule Wardrobe — packed to the brim exclusively with the chicest essentials — I knew that I needed these “staple” pieces for several reasons:

Premium oversized sweatshirts are some of my favorites, because they’re comfy, practical, and easy to style. For something more casual, you can pair an oversized sweatshirt with dark leggings or skinny jeans. 

Go ahead, wear that oversized sweatshirt as a dress, completing the look with a pair of knee-high boots. Celebrities like Ariana Grande are famous for rocking this slouchy look, so don’t let your period stop you from stepping out looking like an international pop star. 

P.S. Another posh option is to wear an oversized sweatshirt with knee-high socks. So friggin fab!

The oversized sweater look is incredibly comfy, and the fact that it’s two sizes larger than your usual fit can hide any extra water weight you might not feel as comfortable with.

While many stores such as Hollister offer a ton of sweet “oversized” sweatshirt options, you can also turn any sweatshirt into an oversized look by getting it two sizes larger than you’d typically go for. 

Can’t go wrong with statement Graphic Tees

Whether it’s a graphic tee print of Invader Zim, pineapples, or a thoughtful message, graphic tees are a fantastic way to amplify your wardrobe with personality and zest. Graphic t-shirts are fun for your time of the month, because they’re quite breathable and super fun to look at. Pair them up with a pleated tennis skirt for a trendy Tumblr-esque look, or opt for your best period-approved pants.

There are so-so many graphic tees to choose from, so go with something that most speaks to your personality and overall aesthetic. Or, if you want to try something a bit different, go for a graphic tee that’s totally ironic. For instance, I have a jersey that says “Sports” even though I genuinely couldn’t tell you the difference between a home run and a touchdown. (What is sports?) 

Sometimes, adding a touch of absurdity to your outfit can be refreshing — whimsical even — and graphic tees are a terrific way to do just that. 

Don’t shy away from accessories 

You may be thinking that you’d rather not add all those bells and whistles to your period-friendly fit, since all you wanna do right now is blend in. But I cannot stress enough how your time of the month should be treated just like any other day — so why not be as fashion-forward as usual? 

Don’t shy away from adding some adorable accessories to your stripped-back look, be it a cute bucket hat or some meaningful jewelry. Why not have some fun with it?

Mini-Hipster Overall Dress

Keep it offbeat by adding a Mini-Hipster Overall Dress to your closet. These are wonderful for your period cause they’re loose fitting. And because these dresses are just so gosh-darn cute, you’re bound to get a big-old self-esteem boost.

Funky Sweaters can add zest to your look

Nothing like having a high-quality statement sweater on your sweater shelf. I love loud, funky sweaters because you don’t have to go overboard accessorizing and with your makeup — the offbeat design will do all the talking for you. 

Oversized Menswear

Okay, maybe it’s just me, but I friggin adore oversized men’s shirts on women. Paradoxically, it seems to heighten a woman’s femininity due to the stark contrast.

Plus, *It’s giving Winona Ryder in the ‘90s.* Back in the day, the Stranger Things star used to show up to premieres and strut along red carpets clad in menswear, only emphasizing her delicate fem features. Love!

A-line Skirts & Dresses are a lovely timeless option 

A-line dresses and skirts will never go out of style. They simply scream timeless elegance, while slenderizing your silhouette — even during that time of the month. A-line hems are called such because they create an “A” like appearance down to the hem.

While we all bloat and store fat differently, the majority of women — myself included — tend to store water retention in the midsection and the thighs. A-line dresses are great for covering this up if that’s something you’re self-conscious about. 

Shift Mini Dresses are practical yet chic during your period

I absolutely love the shift mini dress, because it’s so vintage and mod-tastic at the same time and sooooo practical. There’s no tightness going on here, so it’s super breathable. You’ll never have to worry about showing too much bloat, because the shift mini dress will take care of it. 

See? There are so many adorable options to choose from. So please, go ahead and trash all those frumpy old period clothes. Now’s your time to get creative with your look, and have some fun!