Clothes as a Powerful Vehicle for Building Self-Esteem

By Guest Blogger Jacqueline Perlman of My Favorite Outfit

Did you know that girls’ body satisfaction hits rock bottom between the ages of 12 and 15, and once in high school the majority of girls report having low self-esteem? That’s not a world we want to live in, and we’re doing something about it!

The best way to help someone build their self-esteem is to allow them to prove their self-worth to themselves. That’s why every week MyFavorite Outfit works students in Chicago Public Schools to help girls discover what they’re really worth.

The nonprofit organization empowers disadvantaged girls in grades 3-12 through self-esteem building and high-quality clothing donations in their signature pop-up boutiques.

Students have to earn the opportunity to attend a pop-up by improving their grades, attendance, or behavior. Once a student accomplishes her goal, and is rewarded with a visit to the pop-up, she feels invincible! 

 

The best part of every pop-up boutique is hearing what the girls are proud of and this week we got to ask them a special question in honor of Self-Worth Awareness Day: What does self-worth mean to you? Here’s are a few of our favorite answers:

To me self-worth means…

….“not letting people stop you from being who you are and loving yourself.” – 9^th grader Nashae Smith

…“liking and loving yourself and the skin you are in.” – 12^th grader Tynaz Shorter

…“a standard that you set for yourself that you don't let anybody mess with.” – 10^th grader Tykaiya Robinson

We wish everyday were Self-Worth Awareness Day!