Fashion is a form of self-expression that impacts how we feel and perceive ourselves, but little do we know just how much what we wear on the outside can affect how we feel on the inside.
Enclothed Cognition
When you feel good, you do good. Wearing an outfit you feel confident in, regardless of other’s opinions, brings a big boost in your mood. Designs that highlight your favorite features make you feel better, which reinforces you to make positive choices, simply because you feel more confident in your decisions. This is called the “enclothed cognition” phenomenon, where what you wear can influence your cognitive processes and behavior.
Authenticity
Expressing your ideas, creativity, personality, and beliefs are foundational when using fashion to show your authentic self. The alignment between your inner self and outward appearance contributes to a feeling of contentment and authenticity.
Color Schemes
It’s fascinating how colors can quietly shape how we feel. Ever notice how slipping into a sunny yellow or fiery red outfit can instantly lift your spirits and spark some energy? By simply choosing colors that mirror your inner emotions, you’re giving your mood a nudge in the right direction, all through your outfit selection.
Nostalgia
Nostalgia blends the feelings of comfort, security, and happiness. By wearing T-Shirts of your favorite childhood popstar or cartoon, or by wearing an old jacket passed down from your favorite grandparent, the feeling of nostalgia helps to evoke those connections of comfort, fun, and peace.
Comfort
When you’re comfortable in your outfit, you’re much more likely to be at ease and calmness throughout the day, rather than wearing clothing that doesn’t fit, requires lots of maintenance, or make you feel self-conscious. It’s important to prioritize comfort over anxiety.
Influence
Developing your own sense of style is one of the purest forms of authenticity: When you constantly follow trends without adding your own flair, you can begin to feel the need of constant validation. And sometimes, stepping out of your comfort zone and going completely against the norm can make you feel like an outsider, or excluded: Don’t fret, these feelings are completely normal. To feel confident in your own fashion journey, you’re likely going to have some moments of insecurity, unsureness, and the feeling of exclusion, because you’re following your own trends. But authenticity >>> temporary emotions.
This is your reminder to piece your outfits together with consideration this week, and dress yourself in what makes you feel best.
