By Sabrina Bonnell
“The way I dress depends on how I feel. I never have to psych myself up. Usually, it just feels like it works” famously said, Rihanna. Her quote does hold true, but did you know you can change how you feel by what you wear?
This is coined enclothed cognition and knowing clothing relationships with mood can be a helpful advantage to improving your mood and self-care. Starting at the very beginning of your day to the very end of your day, clothing choices you make can drastically change emotional outcomes. It is important to be aware of specific colors and professional attire and how that impacts you.
Red/Violet– Research shows these colors cause an adrenaline boost which equates to higher energy levels. For example, Olympic athletes who won notably more when they wore red rather than the opposing color blue. Wearing this color could be strategically used when feeling more tired than usual or having something physically intense coming up.
Green/Yellow– Studies show these colors cause people to feel happier. Maybe it’s because these colors are associated with yellow smiley faces and green traffic lights but either way, it is an easy way to brighten your day. If you are feeling down try adding green or yellow to your outfit.
Blue– One study showed that participants who felt anxious would express calming down after glimpsing something blue. Wear this color when you have an exam coming up or an interview you’re nervous about.
Dress For The Occasion
Wearing on the theme can also be another good way to boost your mood. Yes, it’s important to dress appropriately for an event, but it’s also a good way to boost confidence and mood. To understand, one study was done that showed that participants who wore lab coats scored higher than participants who did not on an exam. Researchers discovered that when wearing them the coats have apparent effects in boosting mental prowess. So next time you go to a meeting, occupation, or even out to study dressing the part can improve your performance which in turn would presumably put you in a better mood.
Shed Negativity
Have a bad interview or date? Wonder why that feeling of disappointment is still with you? It may be because you haven’t changed clothes or haven’t gotten rid of them. Researcher Dr. Alastair Tombs explained, “Often people transfer negative emotions onto their clothing”. Getting rid of clothes that hold bad memories helps to decrease that memory and alleviate further stress. Changing into clothes that oppose the environment you were in is suggested as a way that will make you feel better by experts.
It is important to note that mood is not impacted by style or fashion choices that differ from person to person, but rather by the color and environment the clothing past tense and future tense was worn in. Clothing that reflects your personality and style and that you feel most comfortable in is going to improve your mood the best. Clinical psychologist Michelle Pal sums up this technique perfectly: “Don’t let a down or stressed mood dictate your clothing choices and have you choose something that won’t help you shine, whatever your tasks are for the day, try to dress intentionally.”
Image #1: The Every Girl, https://theeverygirl.com/rihanna-confidence-tips/
Image #2: Indian Express, https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/why-your-doctors-white-coat-can-be-a-threat-to-your-health-5703270/
UMatter Chico State 