Dressing With Intent

How Your Clothes Can Shift Your Mood, Boost Motivation, and Make You Feel FAB

Choosing clothes with intent isn’t just about looking great, it can totally shift your mood, boost your motivation, and impact your wellbeing. I’ve been talking about looking and feeling fab for years but the whole concept goes back forever. There are historical references that highlight the longstanding belief in the importance of clothing in shaping your identity and social standing.

The phrase "clothes make the man" has been used in English since the 15th century, but similar ideas can be found much earlier.?The proverb "clothes make the man" has roots tracing back to ancient Greek times and the idea was later echoed in Latin by Erasmus where he included the saying "vestis virum facit," meaning "clothes make the man."?

Let’s dig into the idea that "clothes make the person," because there’s so much more to it than just an old saying, there’s science behind it too!

Clothes can make you feel like you, and even better, the best version of you, with a Goldilocks outfit that’s just right. The right clothes can bring out confidence, comfort, and even creativity. They become tools for expressing who we are – or who we want to be that day. For instance, throwing on a structured jacket or smart shirt might give you that extra oomph of authority when you need to step up in a meeting, while a bright, bold colour might lift your spirits when you’re feeling a bit “meh.” On the flip side, the wrong outfit can feel like a dampener on our mood, making us feel out of place, a bit ‘meh’ or even invisible (which is what you might want sometimes.)

Think of it this way, the way we dress is like a non-verbal introduction – we’re saying something about ourselves before we even open our mouths. When we dress with intent, we can communicate different aspects of ourselves depending on the situation – our professionalism, our creativity, or even our playfulness. This concept isn’t just limited to work or big social events.

Think about putting on your favourite, most comfy jumper or a pair of jeans that fit just right – those small, intentional choices are all about letting our clothes serve us, setting the tone for how we feel about ourselves, and ultimately, how we get on with our day.

Dressing with intention means showing up as the best version of ourselves. It’s a daily choice that allows us to be seen for who we truly are – or who we’re in the mood to be that day – which is why “clothes make the person” rings true. It’s about feeling aligned, empowered, and ready to take on the day.

Dressing with purpose could be a secret superpower for lifting your mood, giving you that extra spring in your step, or even reducing stress, bringing out *your* fab factor every single day.

1. Dressing for Your Day: How Clothes Influence Your Mood and Behaviour

You know that feeling when you put on an outfit that just makes you feel a million dollars?

Well, there’s actual psychology behind it. Researchers call it “enclothed cognition” – the idea that what we wear can make us embody certain traits, like confidence or creativity. Maybe it’s something that makes you feel sexy or glamorous or pop on that smart blazer, or a particular dress and you might feel sharper, more focused, ready to take on whatever the day throws at you.

Then of course, there’s colour. A pop of your favourite bright colour can give you an energy boost, while darker hues like navy or grey can keep you grounded. And let’s not forget the type of fabric – soft knits are calming and make you feel cosy, while a structured jacket can make you feel invincible. Obviously knowing your style personality type fits in here too. EG a structured jacket would make me feel all trussed up and uncomfortable rather than invincible – there’s no one size fits all here.

Next time you’re reaching for an outfit, ask yourself: how do I want to feel today? Because what you wear can set the mood for the whole day – why not make it fabulous?

2. Self-Expression Through Style: Boosting Motivation and Owning Your Identity

Self-expression isn’t just for teenagers and bohemian artist types. This is an area I’m really passionate about. Dressing in a way that feels true to who you are can be a huge motivator and boost your self-esteem. When we wear clothes that reflect our inner selves, it’s like giving our confidence a megaphone. It just *feels right* – and when we feel authentic, we tend to feel more driven.

Studies show that when people dress in a way that feels “them,” their motivation skyrockets, especially in social and professional settings.

And always remember, personal style is a tool. It’s not about following trends; it’s about letting your clothes echo who you are. When you dress to reflect your identity, you’ll notice it makes you more motivated to show up, stand out, and be unapologetically *you*.

3. Dressing with Intent: Boosting Physical Well-being, One Outfit at a Time

What you wear can even influence how you feel physically. That outfit that makes you feel like a million dollars, giving you comfydence (or even a stylegasm)? It’s probably giving you a boost of dopamine – the brain’s feel-good hormone. And if your clothes help you feel good, your stress hormone levels (looking at you, cortisol) can actually decrease, leaving you calmer and more at ease.

Now, I’m not saying your wardrobe alone can take away all your stress but getting it right can be as good as a spa day, it can definitely make a difference. Those clothes that feel good, fit right, and don’t pinch or irritate are not just comfy – they’re actively working with your body, not against it.

4. Dressing for Connection: How Intentional Style Changes the Way Others See You

It’s true, I know you don’t like facing up to it, but we *do* judge a book by its cover. ?Dressing with intent can help people see you the way *you* want to be seen. Our clothes are communicating all the time. When you dress in a way that’s authentic to who you are, it creates a sense of trust and will even attract likeminded people who “get” you. You’ve heard the saying ‘birds of a feather flock together’.

Research shows people are more drawn to individuals who dress in ways that feel authentic to their personalities. So if you want to connect with others in a real way, let your clothes do some of the talking. Whether you’re at a social event or in a business setting, dressing intentionally can help you make more meaningful connections and leave lasting impressions.

5. Practical Tips for Dressing with Intent (and Joy!)

Here’s how you can bring a bit more intention – and joy – to what you wear each day:

·???????? Define Your Style: This is where your style personality comes in. Have you done my quiz yet? Take a moment to think about what feels like “you” and start with that. A pop of colour? A love of prints? Add accessories eg a bold necklace or a scarf, can add a little extra personal touch and elevate an outfit making it uniquely yours. It’s all about experimenting and finding what sparks joy.

·???????? Think About Colour: Learn what colours suit you best and then combine them in a way that gives you a little buzz of excitement. Take it one step further and think about the psychology of colourto set the tone.

·???????? Comfort is Queen: Understanding what works best for your body shapeenables your make informed choices when you are shopping for clothes. Think about your party and quiet zones then prioritise clothes that feel fab on your body – you’re far more likely to feel confident when you’re comfortable too.

·???????? Dress for the Mood You Want: Power meeting? Go your version of confident and structured. Feeling creative? Grab something fun. By aligning your outfit with your intentions, you’re setting yourself up for a great day.

Dressing with purpose doesn’t need to be complicated – it’s about making little choices that add up to a big impact. You can read more about all of the practical tips inmy book which guides you through my 4-step framework.

So, dressing with intent isn’t just about looking nice – it’s about feeling empowered, showing up authentically, and putting a little bit of joy into your day. When you take a moment to choose clothes that align with your goals and your mood, you’re tapping into a simple way of improving your well-being.

Next time you’re in front of the wardrobe, wondering what to wear, think about what’s going to make you feel fabulous and confident. After all, you deserve to feel incredible every single day. So, ditch the doubts, embrace intentional dressing, and let your wardrobe work *with* you to create your most fab-u-lous self!