Ever looked in the mirror and thought, ‘Wow, I look exactly as how I’m feeling?’ Well, it’s not just you. There’s an intimate relationship between our mood and our clothes -a fascinating waltz between emotions and fashion, if you will.
“We do not see things as they are, we see things as we are.” – Anais Nin
This quote by writer Anais Nin encapsulates this relationship perfectly. We perceive ourselves and construct our image not just based on what’s in our wardrobe, but significantly, what’s in our minds and hearts.
For professionals, understanding this connection is crucial. Can the way we dress truly influence how we feel? Does our emotional state dictate our sartorial choices? Cue intrigue and curiosity!
Dress to impress… yourself: how self-care and personal style are connected
We often hear the phrase “dress to impress”. But have you ever stopped to ponder, who exactly are you trying to impress? With a simple change of perspective and you will realise, the person you should be impressing the most… is yourself.
Understanding self-care and personal style
Self-care is an essential aspect of our overall wellbeing. It goes beyond face masks and spa days. It’s about looking after yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Personal style, on the other hand, is a unique expression of who you are. It’s a form of self-care that often gets overlooked.
The connection between dressing and mood
There’s a powerful connection between what we wear and how we feel. Psychologists have coined the term “enclothed cognition”¹ to describe the systematic influence that clothes have on the wearer’s psychological processes. In simple terms, what we wear can change how we feel and act.
Dressing well and self-esteem
Dressing well is not about vanity. It’s about self-respect and self-esteem. When you put effort into your appearance, you send a message to yourself that you matter. This, in turn, can boost your self-confidence and positivity.
Using dress to elevate your mood
On days when you feel low, try wearing an outfit that makes you feel good about yourself. It doesn’t have to be a fancy dress or a sharp suit. It could be your favourite shirt, a comfortable pair of jeans, or a piece of jewellery that holds sentimental value. Watch how your mood changes as you change your clothes.
Conclusion: embrace your personal style
Embrace your personal style as a form of self-care. Dress to impress yourself. Celebrate your individuality and use your wardrobe as a tool to enhance your mood. Remember, you are your most important audience.
¹Adam, H., & Galinsky, A. D. (2012) Enclothed cognition. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 48(4), 918-925. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jesp.2012.02.008