There’s no doubt that our choice of clothing affects our mood. Whether it’s a good or bad day, we might subconsciously select our wardrobe based on the way we feel in that moment. If we’re not quite at our best we might opt for something comfortable and oversized, so that we feel less restricted by our clothing, and it may help us feel a little more hidden.
In contrast if you are feeling optimistic you may opt for bright colors to reflect your mood, or one of your favorite urban hoodies featuring a bold design. What we wear truly reflect how we feel and can help promote positivity and the self confidence boost that we need.
It’s also a fact that fashion can alter our moods and it’s one that deserves more attention. The right combination can boost our self-confidence and even make the individual feel more empowered as they approach the day.
A Change of a Dress
There is a science behind dressing to boost our moods and the phenomenon is known as enclothed cognition. This is the process behind which clothing affects our psychology. Essentially, our minds react to the clothes we are wearing at that specific moment.
Tests on the subject have returned some interesting results. Specific work clothes such as lab coats have been shown to boost attentiveness. Those items aren’t exactly practical in an everyday setting, but the response simply underlines the power of fashion.
In our regular lives, we may dress to reflect our moods, but enclothed cognition proves we can alter our feelings through our wardrobe.
Old Favorites
Everyone has their favorite outfit; something that we look forward to wearing. It may be a dress to keep for special occasions, or it could be a casual T-shirt and jeans combo that we feel comfortable in around the house.
Whatever that personal favorite might be, we have a connection to it. We know that the ensemble offers that comfort, and it can also boost our self-esteem. The exact combination is down to the individual, but it is possible to look outside of our comfort zone and regular wardrobe.
Show it Off
All of us have favorite parts of our bodies even if we may not be completely happy about each working part. Maybe you have long slender legs, and, in this case, it makes sense to show them off.
Tight-fitting jeans will enhance your figure, and this works for both men and women. Others may like the way their arms look, and they will seek our sleeveless tops as a result.
If you are a fan of a particular part of your body, there are two options to consider. You can either leave it unclothed, or you can choose an item that clings. Either way, you are enhancing that area and showing it off to others. If you are confident in your legs, shoulders or arms, it’s natural that your fashion choices here will boost your mood and lift your confidence.
Dressing for the Occasion
At a basic level, we should keep in mind the setting when choosing our style. Business meetings used to revolve around power suits but, in the modern day, it seems that a more casual look is acceptable.
Your colleagues may be comfortable with jeans and a baggy top, but it doesn’t mean you have to blend in. A smarter pair of unisex trousers can elevate your look and give you more confidence in this type of casual setting.
If you want to make a statement with your clothing, try a printed T shirt, shirt or dress that portrays a well-known piece of modern art. Dressing for work is tricky, especially on those dress-down days that many employees dread.
Feeling confident in the workplace is an important and frequently overlooked part of enclothed cognition.
With the science in place to back it up, more people will likely seek a psychological boost from their clothing. It’s common knowledge that we dress to suit our moods, but now we are aware how much fashion can influence our feelings.
If you want to feel empowered while grabbing a confidence boost, follow these tips to get moving.
