With a real commitment to team ‘wellness’, I recently delivered a session to a Yorkshire-based business during which I explored the way that clothing can positively influence our well-being. The topic certainly resonated with my audience as I shared my insights on the way our clothes have the power to influence the way we feel.
The clothes we wear are an expression of our own unique and individual identity and have the power to support us, elevate us, enhance our personal brand, differentiate us and fill us with joy. Every clothing decision we make therefore can support our mental-health. The best thing is that we don't even need to wait for a special occasion to do so.
Fashion and the clothes we wear are a way to express ourselves. Our clothes boost our creativity and offers others a glimpse of our personality. That has to be good, right?
Imagine selecting your clothes from a wardrobe that is vibrant and joyful vs facing a dull selection of clothes that do nothing but make you sigh with frustration. Now imagine how that would impact your day.
Our clothing choices can positively influence our well-being. there, I've said it again. If you have ever worn ill-fitting clothes, arrived to an event feeling over or underdressed you may remember having felt ill at ease, self-conscious causing you discomfort and unable to participate or engage. Similarly, clothes that fit well and align with your sense of style will have the opposite effect and improve your levels of confidence.
Read on for my 5 Top insights about how clothing can positively influence our well-being.
Look good Feel good
We’ve all heard this expression but never underestimate it’s effect. Making the effort (very true of so many aspects in our lives) gives us a purpose and who knows what might occur as a result! Dressing up could mean the difference between lounging around and getting nothing done or accomplishing something. Dressing for a day at the office for example mentally prepares us for business and in doing so you may find yourself feeling more confidence and better prepared to meet others. The effect can contribute to all sort of other positives.
Dopamine Dressing
Essentially, Dopamine Dressing involves us dressing in clothes that bring us joy. After the loss of control we experienced during the Pandemic years the clothes we chose to wear now can positively influence our well-being.
What brings us dressing joy will differ between us all. It’s all about personal preference. The key here is to identify certain aspects that make you feel good. For me it is the drama of a ruffle or some kind of animal print.
You could always write a clothing journal that records which clothes make you feel most comfortable. Of course I can also help with that during my Personal Styling experience.
Choose colour to influence our well-being
Colour is a visual phenomenon and a natural way to energise us. Colour creates a whole host of emotional responses. Consider it to be energy with massive therapeutic benefits. Each colour is associated with a different psychological connection.
For example, wearing red promotes feelings of power, action and of danger. Blue for example the colour we associate with peace, trust and dependability and Green, the colour that fills us with new beginnings and relaxation.
Bright and colourful clothes are usually associated with energy, happiness and bright sunshine-ey days. Regardless of the weather, reach for something cheerful. Choosing a scarf is a good way to test the theory.
Wearing colours that flatter your own characteristics takes this to a whole new level having the power to elevate complexions and amplify eye colour in a natural way. Take a peek at my Colour Analysis service here.
Step out of our comfort zones
Research shows that the majority of us wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time so adding a different accessory, or selecting something out of your comfort zone can also help to break the monotony and trigger a dopamine release. Really get to know what you have in your wardrobe and pair some of your pieces differently. Get creative and mix and match things differently to maximise what you have to express yourself in a different way. It could even elevate your thinking process.
Clothing creates positive associations
Remember the last time you wore something that made you feel great? A figure hugging dress, a pair of killer heels (it will be different for all of us) and during the wearing of it, you received a compliment. How good did that feel? The confidence-boost to our own well-being and self-esteem is palpable. We should seek to replicate that.
Perhaps seeing ourselves in a way that creates a positive emotion can override any negative thinking.
At the end of the day, our clothes should make us feel good. That’s it! Wear what brings us joy and boosts our mood. Clothing doesn’t need to be an additional stressor. There are plenty of those around.
Leave a comment, I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Jackie Crawford
- Cover image credit Olivia Brabbs
- Other images Yorkshire based David Lindsley of Lindsley Weddings
Jackie Crawford is a transformational image consultant dedicated to helping women of all life-stages dress with confidence and enhance their personal brand.
Born out of her own dressing frustrations during a corporate career, Jackie uses her own experiences to skilfully guide her clients through a process of positive change with their appearance. The benefits can lead to life-changing situations.
To have a chat about how you could work with Jackie, you may reach her on 07494 644788 or email image@jackiecrawford.co.uk or visit her website at www.jackiecrawford.co.uk