Should Kids Dress to Impress?

We want our children to walk their own path. We tell them not to compare themselves to others. We want them to be proud of who they are—no matter what.

But I sometimes wonder... do the small things we say send a different message?

“Why Do I Have to Look Presentable?”

The other night, my son asked, “Why do you always ask me to clean my face? Why does it matter if I have food on my face or wear certain clothes?”

I started to answer reflexively, “Well... we’re judged on our appearance, so we need to make sure we look presentable.”

Even as I said it, I cringed inside.
Is that really the belief I want to pass on—that it’s okay for people to judge him on his appearance? That he needs to dress for others?

Where Do These Messages Come From?

It didn’t sit right. Why are we judged on appearance?

Do those who wear what they love, regardless of society’s expectations, actually radiate more confidence and authenticity?
Could it be that dressing for yourself—rather than others—is a gateway to self-expression and deeper connection?

The Nas Experiment

I’ve been following Nas, the creator of Nas Daily. In one of his recent videos (viewed over 4.7 million times), he shared that he’s worn the same t-shirt for over 600 days. He owns ten of them, so they’re clean—but always the same.

Why? Because he’s actively rebelling against being judged on appearance.
It simplifies his life. And it hasn't hurt his ratings—if anything, it seems to be part of what sets him apart.

Are We Curating or Containing Their Expression?

When we control what our kids wear—or pressure them to dress a certain way—are we curbing their uniqueness?

Are we unintentionally sending the message:
“You’ll be liked more if you fit in.”
“You’ll be taken seriously if you look a certain way.”
“You’ll belong if you blend in.”

A More Conscious Approach to Dress and Self-Worth

Yes, research tells us first impressions matter.
But maybe... just maybe... we start with self-worth first, and dress code second.

Let them know their value isn’t tied to what they wear. Let them explore style, comfort, identity.
Then, when they’re older, they’ll have the clarity and confidence to decide how they want to show up—and why.

Because when someone believes they’re enough, just as they are...
That’s what really impresses.

Want to raise a child who’s confident, expressive, and anchored in self-worth? Explore my Stressed to Best Parent method filled with mindset shifts, practical tools and heart-led parenting ideas.