I finally hit on a good way of describing at least part of the feeling I get when dressed.

It’s like the make-over show “What Not to Wear” in episodes where the fashion victim is someone who looks schlumpy and drab and generally like they’ve just given up on their appearence. Afterwards, aside from looking stylish, they generally look much happier and self-confident. A number actually comment on the fact that something seemingly as superficial as a make-over really did result in a major attitude change.

For me it’s a similar feeling—and probably especially so for those who unfortunately are really drab en drab. It was especially dramatic when I had my first professional make-over—I literally had a hard time thinking the person in the mirror was me. The best way I can describe my feelings at that moment are the lyrics from West Side Story’s “I Feel Pretty.” I did feel pretty and witty and bright.