The Psychology of Your Fashion Choices

Written by Kahlicia Hurley

Style Meets Self-Care: The Psychology of Your Fashion Choices

Monday morning arrives again. Your alarm goes off. Fighting the urge to stay in the warmth of your bed, you jump in the shower and start getting ready for the day ahead. Do you ever find yourself throwing on any item of clothing and racing out the front door? Or, if you’re like me and work from home, do you ever battle the temptation to stay in your pyjamas all day?

Since the pandemic, things have become more relaxed, and I get it. I, too, enjoy the freedom of working in a onesie when I feel like it. Some might insist that what they wear to work "is not that deep." But we’re living in 2024, and mental health is more important than ever. Consider how your choices impact your well-being: the food you eat, the people you surround yourself with, the company you work for, where you live, and even what you watch. These are all things we consciously consume, so why should what we wear be any different?

Fashion: How do your choices impact your well-being?

Think about this: how did you feel on school non-uniform days when you could wear your favourite outfit? Or when you got to pick the perfect dress for prom? Even now, don’t you have that one dress or power suit that makes you feel like you can conquer the world?

Psychologists have delved into the impact of fashion on our emotional state. They have coined a term for the connection between clothing and our feelings: enclothed cognition. This is the idea that what you choose to wear influences how you feel about yourself, which in turn affects how others perceive and interact with you.

Although the fashion world often gets a bad reputation critics might call influencers, models, or fashion gurus superficial or phoney, paying attention to what you wear can be a powerful tool in the game of life. Ignoring this connection might mean missing a crucial opportunity for self-expression and confidence building.

Fashion and beauty have far too much depth and impact to be dismissed as purely aesthetic concepts. How you look and present yourself isn’t just about appearances; it’s about expressing who you are and building self-confidence in the process.

Beauty and Grooming: A Wellness Ritual

Let’s be honest, just the thought of a five-step skincare routine might make you sigh, even styling your hair every morning might feel like a chore. But these seemingly small acts of self-care hold immense power. A morning beauty regime is a bold act of rebellion in a world that often teaches us to put ourselves last. It’s also a tool for taking control. It may seem trivial, but these rituals can leave you feeling strong and capable.

When it comes to life changes, motivational speakers always emphasise the importance of routine, routine, routine. There’s so much power in retraining your brain through consistent habits. So why don’t we apply the same mindset to our self-care routines?

You don’t have to be obsessed with beauty regimes, skincare, or wellness products to feel their benefits. Even a simple 5–10-minute routine can positively impact your mental health. A morning skincare ritual or haircare session isn’t just about the result; it’s about giving to yourself first before you give to the rest of the world.

Beauty rituals are daily acts of care that ground us and provide a sense of control in a chaotic world. When your mental health takes a dip, you might be surprised at how small, consistent acts of self-care can shift how you feel.

The Takeaway: Invest in You

The choices you make and time you dedicate to self-care have a profound impact on your mental health and self-perception. Your mood, well-being, and overall sense of self starts with how you care for your internal world.

While mental health care is often seen as lengthy and costly, I challenge this notion. Small, intentional steps can lead to significant improvements. Sometimes, the little things truly make the biggest difference. Remember, changing your world always starts with you.

So, when a bad day arrives, or you face a challenging time in life, you may feel tempted to hide from the world. It’s easy to skip the skincare, dress down, or choose what’s comfortable (or slouchy). But instead of shrinking back, consider the power you hold to create change through your choices. Be intentional with your grooming and your outfit. Choose what has the potential to uplift your emotional landscape rather than weigh you down.

Your style and beauty choices are not just about appearances, they have the power to transform your internal world for the better.