The Psychology of Fashion: How Clothing Affects Our Mood and Behavior

My Two Cents #6

Hi Followers, I am using this weekly series to share my opinion, which is obviously formed by actively following multiple sources of information, to form a picture of how I really look at certain tricks, trends, techniques, topics and theories around fashion... Also sometimes, they'll be just my thoughts.

“Look Good, Feel Better ”

It is as simple as it sounds. This principle has served as a compass for both my professional and personal design vocabulary, highlighting the power of clothes to mould my sense of identity and overall health.?

Our choices in life tend to have an impact on our lives, that includes our clothes too. As I continue to explore the fascinating relationship between fashion and psychology, I am adamant that our clothing is not just pieces of fabric that are draped over our bodies; it's a lively symphony that controls our feelings and actions.

“Clothes are the closest thing to our bodies , they're our second skin,” expresses Dr. Carolyn Mair , a cognitive psychologist who established the Psychology of Fashion department at the London College of Fashion at the University of Arts London . Things we wear on a daily basis convey a narrative about our identity to the outside world and can significantly influence our state of mind. Come with me on this exciting journey as I discover the joyful secrets that are woven into the very fabric of our lives. Fashion is more than just a choice; it affects our happiness, our mood, and who we are.?

In my thrilling journey into the enchanting worlds of psychology and fashion, reading about Akanksha Tyagi ’s research paper on “Fashion Psychology: Analyzing the Emotional Impact of Clothing Design ” sparked curiosity in me. In her research, she explores the psychological impact that fashion choices have on individuals and society. It inspired me to do my own research and I am able to bring more snippets of information to you from scholarly articles, news articles and events after meticulously going through a plethora of such information sources.?

1. The Empowering Perception: Crafting a Mood-Enhancing Wardrobe

As I dig deeper into this fascinating topic, I can't help but feel joy at discovering that the clothes I choose are not just a matter of style; they have the power to change how I feel. The interesting event "VIC or The Psychology of Fashion: Looking Good to Feel Good " conducted on Tuesday 8 March 2022 in Melbourne, Australia was a lot of fun, and there was discussion on how the pandemic has shifted the focus from physical to mental comfort when it comes to clothing.

According to studies, when we dress comfortably and feel at ease in our own skin, our ability to acquire knowledge and understanding improves . Wearing certain garments enables us to conceptualize and embody our aspirations, both present and future, as well as our fears regarding our own potential.?

While exploring this topic, I came across a blog on the same subject, published by the Current Boutique . In the blog, I learnt about an interesting term. "Enclothed cognition " is the name given to a phenomena by scientists. This is just the scientific way of saying that what we wear affects our mental processes . Wearing certain clothes (or seeing certain clothes on other people) can influence our thoughts, according to this theory.

Moreover, A study in Social Psychological and Personality Science found that those who wear formal business attire feel more powerful and in control of a situation , especially when going through a cognitive processing experiment.

1. Fashion as My Mood Maestro: Deciphering the Personal Language of Attire

As I dug deeper into this interesting journey, I came across an interesting story in The Times of India that made me think: it said that my clothes are a silent language that tells the world about my mood and personality. It makes me happy to know that what I wear can communicate my thoughts and personality without me having to say a word. For instance, someone who frequently wears bold and vibrant colors may be seen as confident and outgoing . On the other hand, someone who prefers neutral tones and minimalistic designs may be perceived as more reserved and introspective .?

What we wear has an effect on more than just our own feelings and thoughts; it paints a picture of how other people see us and how they engage with us. I am overjoyed to have come to this realization, which encourages me to see my clothing as a living, breathing medium for genuine self-expression. It makes me excited to know that what I wear has the power to express many emotions, including confidence, creativity, rebellion, and professionalism . In addition to serving as a means of nonverbal communication, they reveal important aspects of our personalities.

1. Beyond Style: Reveling in the Subtle Science of Dressing

While reading an illuminating academic article on "Psychology of Fashion and its influence on Indian Consumers " by Dr. G P Dinesh and Dr. Divyabharathi. I am enthralled by the complexities of clothing from a scientific perspective. The study goes into detail about the mental processes that happen when I wear certain clothes, showing how deeply what I wear affects how I see myself. Clothing is more than just an outer layer; it affects how I think about myself and how I feel about myself. They concluded that fashion can be used as a tool for self-expression and social signaling, and can have a significant impact on our psychology and behavior.

According to the blog by Current Boutique , clothes can impact our thoughts and mood in the following manner,

• Wearing "power clothing" makes you feel more empowered and in charge.
• Putting on casual clothes can help you be more creative, friendly, and outgoing.
• Dressing for the gym can actually inspire you to work out and make healthy choices.
• When you put on a suit, you are immediately in that frame of mind. To give you an example, putting on a lab coat makes you more likely to pay attention and concentrate.
• A more "high-class" mood can be created by wearing designer clothes. It has been shown that wearing expensive clothes makes you more likely to make smart financial choices but less likely to help other people.
• Bright colors can give you more energy and make you feel better, while darker colors can help you relax and feel less stressed. You can quickly feel better if you put on your brightest color when you're having a bad day!
• Wearing nice undergarments or lingerie under your clothes "just for yourself" can make you feel and look stronger, more confident, and sexier. Always wear what makes you feel good!

1. The Urban-Indian Tapestry: A Joyful Fusion of Tradition and Trend

Taking into account the rich cultural tapestry of urban India, the clothes I choose are a joyful mix of custom and fashion. Our clothing choices can also reflect our cultural background, personal interests, and aspirations . My wardrobe reflects the rich tapestry of my life experiences, from vivid traditional dress during festivals to embracing global styles in my daily life. This lovely mix shows the deep psychological story I tell through my clothes, showing how tradition and modernity can live together happily.

1. Navigating the Fashion-Psychology Nexus: My Takeaways

Upon joyful reflection of these deep thoughts, I have come to realize that fashion is a powerful force with a scope beyond just aesthetics. It has multiple uses: as a language, a means of influencing one's mood, and an aid to cognitive performance. My wardrobe selections serve as a cheerful canvas, allowing me to express, influence, and joyfully navigate the intricate landscapes of my emotions and behaviors.

I am driven by an insatiable passion to delve further into the psychology of fashion. Along the way, what wonderful things have you found, and how has your choice of attire affected your mood or behavior? Come on, spill the beans! Together, we can decipher the enchanted language of style!??

#FashionPsychology #JoyfulJourney #WardrobeWisdom