Did you know you can communicate through your clothing? Exactly, me neither.
Fashion is more than just clothes; it is one of the profound ways of self- expression and showcasing personality to the world. While sticking to your personal style makes dressing easier and quicker, exploring varied styles allows you to grow, and hold a positive impact on your mental health.
The American Psychological Association (APA) has defined psychology as the scientific study of understanding behavior, and mind. It enhances communication, and well-being; strengthening the relationships we form with ourselves and others around us. Connecting the two terms, Fashion & Psychology, creates a whole new world of Fashion Psychology, a unique subject focusing on how clothing choices affect an individual’s mood, emotions, behavior, social interactions.
‘The world of fashion is like the ocean, the more you discover, the deeper you get’
The Psychology Behind ‘What We Wear’
The brain is a powerful force of understanding the mode and mood you create based on your attire. For example, if you work from home, and are struggling to focus on your tasks, simply changing into a more formal outfit will noticeably shift your energy and improve your concentration enhancing task efficiency.
This phenomenon is called Enclothed Cognition. When the brain associates your clothing with a specific role, it shifts your energy and aligns with it. In 2012 an experiment called ‘White Lab Coats’ was conducted by Hajo Adam and Adam D. Galinsky, establishing the term ‘Enclothed Cognition’. The study aimed at understanding how clothing, specifically the white coats influenced the psychological behavior of the wearer.
The experiment focused on two aspects: the physical experience, and the symbolic meaning of wearing the clothes.
- Symbolic Interpretation: The symbolic value of clothing holds a vital role in Enclothed Cognition. In the experiment, the group of individuals wearing white lab coats reported a sense of responsibility, and attentiveness. They exhibited behaviors of precision, intelligence and authority as to the subconscious association of White Lab Coats to scientists.
- Physical Interpretation: Seemingly, when the group wore the coats they performed better on the tasks compared to the group who were told the coats belonged to the scientists.
In essence, Enclothed Cognition highlights that what we wear holds a larger significance in reflecting how we think, feel, and behave.
How Fashion Affects Our Mood and Behavior
Fashion is one of the unique forms of non-verbal communication. You speak louder from your style, than what you actually express.
1. Clothes are a reflection of personality
‘Clothes mean nothing unless someone lives in them- Marc Jacobs’.
Our clothes play a large role in showing our personality to the world. They directly impact our way of exhibiting emotions, feelings, and influencing our surroundings. It shapes our first impressions to the perceiver and provides a sense of identity, reflecting social stature.
The way we dress speaks louder than words about our culture, gender, and the societal roles and expectations which we intend to fulfil. When we wear or style a particular outfit, it reflects on who we are and what we are about to do. For instance, when you go on a date, your brain automatically sends you a signal to choose an outfit that enhances your personality, making you feel and appear confident, and comfortable.
Over the years fashion has evolved from culture, to societal expectations and now to personal style and statement. People have started identifying their style based on their personality, to stand out from the crowd while keeping up with the trends.
2. Influence of clothing on mood, comfort and energy
Other than influencing the world, what we choose to wear also impacts our mood and confidence. Leveraging the tool of fashion psychology, we can feel empowered, cultivate positive body image, and uplift our overall well-being.
What we choose to wear also affects both our mental and physical comfort. Feeling cool and comfortable is one of the top priorities for a wearer during summer. Accordingly, wearing a woolen sweater during summer is prone to make you feel uncomfortable and affect you mentally. It will cause you discomfort due to the heat, distracting your mind repeatedly.
I have often noticed a shift in my energy based on the fabric I choose to wear. In the scorching heat of my city, Ahmedabad, polyester is a suffocating choice. The material absorbs heat and sticks to your body, making you feel uncomfortable throughout the day. It also retains odors which also is one of the drawbacks as a fabric to be cautious of during summers.
3. Impact of Color Psychology
Similarly, wearing the right color also affects our energies and the message we send across. For example, in Indian culture Red is an auspicious color for the bride, and white is a color worn during funerals. However, in the western culture, white is the color for the bride, depicting purity, and black is the color for funerals. As we dig deeper into the idea of how clothes affect our mindset, there is an equal part played by the colors that we choose to wear.
There have been various occurrences where individuals have experienced a shift in energy based on the colors they select. Studies show that bright colors evoke a sense of happiness, uplift the mood, and offer positive energy. While the darker colors create a sense of mystery, seriousness, and some are denoted as the color of luxury, displaying power, and authority with a negative energy.
The Psychology of Personal Style
In modern times, following trends does not define personal expression. It’s about identifying the essence of your personality, defining ‘yourself’. As humans we naturally seek to stand out from the crowd, and crave recognition that boosts our self-worth and confidence. In an interview with Harper Bazaar, Shakaila Forbes-bell highlights how a signature look or an individual sense of style makes you recognizable in the crowd. It also reflects the amount of emotional stability one holds in being able to identify their uniqueness.
There are varied kinds of dressing styles based on psychology and intention in Fashion Psychology:
- Dopamine Dressing
- Power Dressing
- Comfort Dressing
- Minimalist Dressing
- Nostalgic Dressing
- Mood- based Dressing
- Statement Dressing
- Uniform Dressing
Believe it or not, our dressing styles are based on our emotional intentions. Everyday we dress based on our emotions and actions planned for the day. The act of dressing also caters from our mood, and the comfort we seek throughout the day. Ever noticed how you reach out for a hoodie on a low-energy day while wearing a confidence boosting outfit for a day filled with motivation and positivity. Exactly! Being self-aware allows you to curate an outfit that feels aligned with your vibe and energy.
As we begin to understand the deeper layers of clothing, I have a question for you, ‘Have you ever reflected on your current, or past style through the psychological lens’? If yes, then did you feel aligned to the energy of your clothes, or felt disassociated from a particular style, or color.
Ready to dive deeper into the world of intentional living? Find your next style inspiration on The Lush Lifestyle.
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