Fashion & Mental Health: How The Power of Clothing Shapes our Well-Being

Fashion is often seen as a silly pursuit. We see it as a momentary and shallow interest, with trends that come and go. But in reality, our clothing choices can hold a deeper significance. Recent studies have shown that the clothes we wear can have a direct impact on our mood, confidence, and self-expression. When we dress in a way that reflects our personality, it can increase our self-esteem and boost our confidence levels. For example, dressing up can be a way to boost our mood and feel good about ourselves, even when we're not feeling our best. However, wearing comfortable and cozy clothes can help us relax and feel more comfortable in our skin. 

Fashion is not just about looking good. It's a reflection of who we are and how we feel about ourselves. It's a way for us to express our unique style and personality to the world. The clothes we wear can have a significant impact on our mood and mindset. Wearing something that makes us feel confident and comfortable can give us the extra boost we need to tackle the day ahead with more confidence. Unfortunately, we often overlook the power of fashion in shaping our mindset because we are not presented with enough information on the subject.  

The media and culture play a significant role in shaping our perceptions of fashion and what is considered stylish — constantly flooded with images of celebrities, models, and influencers who set the standard for what is fashionable. This can lead to insecurity and the belief that we need to constantly update our wardrobes to keep up with the latest trends. It can be both a source of joy and frustration for many people.

But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be stylish! Simply, we must understand how different colors and styles make us feel. And though we want to be trendy and think we’re unable to fit the norms it shouldn’t stop us from feeling comfortable. By taking a few moments to work out the vibe of an outfit to wear for a night out with friends or going to work.

Furthermore, the way we dress can change our productivity and performance, known as the concept of "enclosed cognition." The clothes we wear can affect our cognitive processes and influence our behavior, attitudes, and emotions. According to a study from Northwestern University, wearing a certain outfit can maintain productivity and performance. For example, if someone wears a lab coat or blazer to work, they will embody the abstract meaning of the clothing – it can be good or bad.

And if we wear clothing that we associate with power, like a suit or dress, we tend to feel more confident and assertive. This boost in confidence can translate into improved performance and productivity in our work or other areas of our lives. Or perhaps when wearing sweatpants or pajamas all day, feeling the need to be lazy. When we’re feeling down, we often wear a good outfit to help reclaim control over our body on a physical and emotional level – allowing us to reshape and evolve as a person. It also serves as a powerful tool for self-expression – we can tap into our creativity and showcase our unique style without words.

We should also break free from societal norms and express our true selves because fashion isn’t just an exterior pursuit. It is a powerful form of creativity that can transform our mental well-being into something more positive – improving our confidence and increasing our mood. Fashion plays a significant role in shaping our overall self. We shouldn't be concerned about what will happen the next time we choose an outfit. 

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Works Cited:

Editor, Page. “The Impact of Fashion on Mental Health and Wellbeing.” PAGE Magazine, 10 Oct. 2022, www.reveriepage.com/blog/the-impact-of-fashion-on-mental-health-and-wellbeing#:~:text=Anot

her%20study%20conducted%20by%20Northwestern,through%20the%20power%20of%20sugge stion.

Textile Industry. “Understanding Relationship between Clothing and Mental Health.” Textile Industry, 19 Aug. 2023, www.textileindustry.net/relationship-between-clothing-and-mental-health/.

Gaffney, Adrienne. “Report: What Brands Need to Know about Mental Health and Marketing to Gen Z.” Vogue Business, 13 Mar. 2020, www.voguebusiness.com/companies/report-data-brands-mental-health-and-marketing-to-gen-z.