Dressing Your Mood

Research shows that women who feel happy are more likely to dress in “nicer” clothes. While this may be oversimplified, there’s definitely something to be said for dressing up. In Trulery Tips 5, I talked all about how formal clothing is associated with enhanced abstract processing, leading to higher-level reasoning and self-control. This explains why we tend to feel a little more composed when dressed up. I remember many years ago, feeling really anxious about giving a class presentation, and my college roommate told me if I put together a nice outfit, it can ease my nerves. So I did, and although I was still nervous, the outfit helped me feel more pulled together. Thankfully, I got an A, and I’d like to think my dress had something to do with it.  

FANCY—Dressing fancy can certainly enhance your mood.

Of course, dressing up isn’t necessarily indicative of happy mood. There are many people walking around with fancy outfits who feel awful. And at times, dressing down may be the cure for a restless mood. I find that dressing moody (e.g., jeans and a sweat-shirt) when you feel moody is as much of a pick-me-up as a bluesy jazz song. Jeans are familiar and can act as a cuddly teddy bear when life becomes difficult. So hooray for comfort clothes!

Comfort Clothes—Wearing comfortable clothing may actually feel like a warm hug when feeling down.

Having to do something you don’t want to can create a whole other mood. I know many people enjoy working out, but I’m definitely not one of them. I do it because I have to, and to see results. Each morning it’s a struggle to get myself together to exercise, but I find that when I put on my workout clothes, I’m 95% more likely to actually start. This is a good example of how clothes can be used as a motivator to accomplish our goals.

Athletic Gear- Putting on workout clothes may make you more likely to complete your workout.

 All in all, there are lots of factors that influence what we wear other than mood; and at times, we may need more than clothing to address complex issues. Nevertheless, clothing sends a message to ourselves and others, and can be a powerful tool to support our emotional functioning. Consider how you would dress your mood if it were a person—what clothing would enhance it or help it be better?