Cristal Delgado Is Reclaiming Her Confidence with One Red Dress at a Time

Written by Cristal Delgado and Latina Bohemian

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been the “gordita” of my family and friend circle; though growing up, it never disheartened me. Being an outspoken, sociable, and bold individual, I would notice how my confidence level made others uncomfortable. They tried to bully me for my size, but I’ve always appreciated how that younger version of myself didn’t let it get me down.

In the present time, I practice these two things: acceptance and affirmation. From ages 17 to 21, I thought I had reached a certain peak, since I had shed baby weight and finally looked “more appealing” by societal standards. When I moved back home after college, I found myself constantly scrolling through old pictures, comparing my past body to who I used to be, and punishing myself for gaining weight. I was seeing a lack of discipline.

For years, I told myself I’d invest in clothes for my new image once I lost pounds. I created Pinterest boards full of dream outfits attached to a “dream body.” I didn’t want to waste money on clothes for a present self I planned to improve. I settled for pieces I wasn’t fond of, colors that weren’t unapologetic, and pieces that hid me.

Learning I wasn’t alone changed everything.

I began sharing my journey online: what it was like to be a plus-size woman who is trying to figure it all out. I posted tips for a curvy audience on a budget to assist them with affordable ways they can find versatile pieces. Even if someone isn’t struggling with their appearance, everyone has something about themselves they’re learning to love. On social media, we’re constantly fed with edited versions of perfection. I wanted to be an unfiltered person you could relate to.

In early 2025, it’s where I made a liberating decision: I set the intention to launch a new era of myself. With the help of fashion TikTok, Pinterest boards, and a little ChatGPT styling advice, I curated a wardrobe that matched me, not a version of me I hadn’t met yet. I tried on two bold-colored dresses at Marshalls, ones I normally avoided. The moment I put them on, for once, I didn’t feel like crying out of frustration in the dressing room. I didn’t settle. I felt beautiful.

It wasn’t just the dresses. It was the way I was speaking to myself: affirming my beauty and believing I deserve to feel good in this skin. I had to unlearn the lie that happiness only lives in a thinner body. For so long I thought, once I lose weight, I’ll have the career, the relationship, the confidence, the content, and the brand deals. None of it was true. Things only began falling into place when I realized the things that make me amazing have nothing to do with my size. You know what I’ve learned? People who love you don’t care what you look like. The right ones care about your heart, your mind, and your energy.

I’m stepping into a new chapter as a woman with grace, self-acceptance, and confidence inside and out. I have been overwhelmed with the love of receiving heartwarming compliments like “You’re glowing” and “You light up the room.” If you’re reading this, stop waiting for a version of you that doesn’t even exist yet. Buy that outfit. Wear that color. Post that content.

Fall in love with the body you have now and nurture it.

This year, I returned to the Bread & Roses gala I’ve attended for the third consecutive year. The first year I attended, I wore a black turtleneck and pants, hiding in plain sight. In 2025, red was a powerful color. When I looked in the mirror and saw myself wearing a red asymmetrical dress, for the first time in a long while, I felt genuinely proud. Something healed within me.

Photo Credits:
Destiny Medina Photography
https://www.destinymedinaphotography.com
Grainy Daze Studios
https://www.grainydazestudios.com