The Inevitable Relationship Between Your Mood And Dressing Style
Psychologists claim that subconsciously we tend to dress up according to our mood, this statement is true for most of us. While a person cannot be defined by their clothes, it is certainly a form of self-expression. We can tell a lot about a person’s mood and personality by the way they dress up. Studies suggest that introverts prefer cool and subtle colors like green and blue, or dark colors like black and grey; whereas extroverts prefer warm and bright colors like yellow and red.
Rihanna, a world-famous singer, actress, fashion designer and businesswoman was quoted saying “The way I dress depends on how I feel. I never have to psych myself up. Usually it just feels like it works.”
Different moods lead to having a variety of clothing in our closet. Here is how your mood of the day affects your outfit of the day.
TIRED/LAZY
On some days, something as simple as choosing an outfit seems like a big deal on our to-do list. The mere thought of dressing up makes people want to curl up in bed. Comfort-wear is the answer to slow-moving evenings. Cool and comfortable Co-Ord sets have become a fashion statement. It can be worn, from making a grocery run to the store, to enjoying a cup of coffee with friends, uplifting the mood with ease. Knitwear is another perfect alternative when dressing up does not seem to be on the cards. A simple turtleneck cardigan, elevates any look with its comfort and class.
Loungewear comes into picture when one wishes to look chic with minimal efforts. In the early days, wearing loungewear outside was not considered to be a great choice, but with changing fashion trends, it has made a comeback for good. Acing the comfort look with a twist of grooviness, can be achieved through streetwear style too. Oversized hoodies and baggy pants/chinos have taken a toll when it comes to evolving fashion. It is said that the clothing we wear is only as good as how we feel in it.
HAPPY/ENERGETIC
When we notice someone humming while performing daily chores or having a certain rhythm in their step, it is safe to say that they woke up with a big smile on their face, feeling like it is going to be a good day! Such a joyous and energetic mood, makes one dress up in bold and vibrant clothing. On high-spirited days, people often wear colors like yellow, pink, orange and blue, because such colors reflect happiness. It is on such days, one tends to experiment with their choice of clothing for a unique and refreshing look. Someone rightly said, “the path to happiness does indeed pass through our closet.”
CONFIDENT
According to Prof. Carolyn Mair- PhD, a behavioral psychologist and author of The Psychology of Fashion, “ What we wear is how we show ourselves to those we interact with- we are influenced by their reaction to it. If we are well received, it boosts our confidence and can ultimately affect our wellbeing.”
When one wears clothing that suits their body type, they tend to feel more confident. Pleasing fits and well-tailored clothes add to the power and zeal they are already feeling. Clothing that allows one to showcase their individuality, makes them feel confident in their own skin.
Studies show that women dressed up in masculine clothes for an interview are more likely to get the job than those who aren’t. This is because people start seeing you in the light that you want to be noticed in. Wearing formal clothes makes us think more broadly and opens us to new ideas and challenges. For some it might be, adorning a fierce blue pantsuit, while it might be a well-fitted, A-line skirt paired with a shirt and high heels for others. Dark colors like black, are said to improve confidence as it gives a more authoritative look and feel. A good fit is the key to feeling confident on all our important calendar dates. Confidence not only improves performance but boosts up the mood and keeps it uplifted.
Hence, our clothes do speak about us to other people. In psychology, this is referred to as ‘enclothed cognition’.