Picking out what to wear, your clothing at the start of your day and getting dressed is quite the process. And believe it or not, there are several psychological factors at play while you complete this mundane task. Quite simply, your mood determines what you choose to spend the day in. And the opposite is true as well.
According to several studies, our minds categorise pieces of clothing that sit in our wardrobes as happy clothes and sad clothes. Happy clothes are ones that you naturally reach for when you are feeling perky and fresh – anything that fits well, is in your favourite colour, accentuates your body type and makes you feel good about yourself. Sad clothes are those you reach for when you are in need of comfort; maybe a pair of jeans that are forgiving, or loose clothing, in dark, dull colours that do nothing to lift your spirits.
It has been proven time and time again that wearing clothes that you love and feel like you can best express yourself in have remarkable psychological benefits. Here are some ways how dressing for the occasion could change your mood and improve productivity…
Perfectly fitted clothes can bring confidence
Often times, when one buys loose, droopy t-shirts and trousers, it’s because they feel a certain discomfort in showing off their selves. This body-image issue is aided strongly by the toxic notions promoted by the global fashion industry. Remedying the problem completely may take a while, but just small steps like picking out tops and shirts that sit perfectly on your shoulders and cinching in a loose dress with a belt at your waist can make you feel instantly confident.
Suit up to feel powerful
When one looks at people helming large organisations and those in government positions, it’s impossible to not associate certain clothing with power. The power suit is one such piece. Studies have revealed that wearing a neatly tailored suit, or one that accentuates everything you love about your body, will automatically make you feel more powerful and in control of a situation. For example, giving a speech in front of an audience requires the speaker to command their attention. Standing tall in a crisp suit will exude an aura of respectability, while bringing the speaker poise as he navigates through his speech.
Fit-wear for fitness
Did you know there is a higher likelihood of you going through with a workout session if you are dressed in appropriate gym apparel? While being form-fitted and quite simply staying out of the way to facilitate better workouts, gym clothing offers comfort and support, and is a reminder to make healthy choices, while also helping put one in a mindset of dedication and commitment towards the activity on hand.
Go easy while socialising
Just like suiting up makes one feel powerful and in control, smart casuals help make one feel more at ease, comfortable and relaxed. This has a significant effect on your mood when you socialise, as you seem more approachable. Casual clothing jazzed up with quirky accessories will make you feel playful, lively and open to meeting new people and experiencing new things.
Uniforms help us assume roles
You have probably heard the saying, ‘Before you judge a man, walk a mile in his shoes’. This rings true for the concept of uniforms. Certain roles have universal uniforms which help professionals assume their positions and carry out their duties with complete focus while wearing them. On one hand, slipping into a uniform we wouldn’t otherwise wear, say that of a nurse, may give us a glimpse of what a day in a nurse’s life looks like, on the other, a study which asked a portion of their target group to wear lab coats while conducting experiments, found that those wearing them were generally more productive and completed the task at hand in a timely manner. Hence, uniforms can create the required mental attitude that is necessary to perform a role.
Wear exactly what you want
Apart from wearing a uniform that is prescribed for work and following laws that determine the acceptability of different styles of clothing, you should simply wear what you want. There are a number of unspoken rules that float through society with regards to clothing, and so many standards set by the fashion industry that don’t make it acceptable for a certain body type to dress a certain way. We recommend you do you! Avoid succumbing to pressure and make experimental choices with aesthetics and every style of garment you wish to. Choose what makes you feel confident and strut your stuff. We can guarantee that wearing what your want and what makes you feel comfortable in your skin will have a lasting effect on your mood and mental health!