When you read blogs about the latest fashion trends or what you can add to spice up your outfit, somewhere in that article there is a statement that the clothes you wear show off your personality. Because of that, it is a common belief that fashion is a reflection of who we are as a person. It often represents what we do for a living or in some cases, even how we feel. For example, if we see a man wearing gym clothes, we may immediately think that he is very athletic and that he is either a gym instructor or some kind of an athlete. On one hand, this may be considered a stereotype, which is often true. On the other hand, there are times when we put on something which we think won’t represent anything, but in reality, it shows a particular emotion or a reflection of our inner self. In this post, you will read about the different ways clothes impact your lifestyle and what that says about you as a person.
Boosts your mood and self-esteem
If your job requires a strict business attire or a uniform, the decision about what to wear to work every day has already been made for you. A presentable top, neatly ironed pants, go for loafers and finish your look with the best leather briefcase you have and you’re good to go. But, if you work in an environment that is more flexible with the dress code, then you get to choose the outfit for the day. And whatever you decide to wear to work is dictated by how you feel when you wake up in the morning. Sometimes we may not realize that our behavior and attitude have a significant impact on our choices even when it comes to dressing. For example, clothes have a positive impact on your life in a way that they can help you boost your confidence. When you are well-dressed, you are more likely to be successful in doing your job and may even get you compliments. You can also close deals much more successfully with the positive impression your business wear can make. As a result of that, you will feel happier and more powerful, especially in situations where you will be in control. Even on your day off or at a casual work environment, a piece of clothing with cool writing like an I can do all things through Christ t-shirt can really help you lift your mood and get you through the day with ease. Keep in mind that even a cool t-shirt like that can positively impact your emotional state and your self-esteem.
Affecting your mental wellbeing
In 2012, the term “enclothed cognition” was coined to indicate that people’s clothes affect their behavior and attitude. Through an experiment done by Hajo Adam and Adam D. Galinsky, it was concluded that not only do they determine our feelings and attitudes, but also what we associate with them. Certain clothes we wear may bring positive or negative emotions. When we wear something we feel comfortable in, we feel good, and we are more likely to perform any task with higher attention levels and more confidence. Therefore, the way we feel affects our mental state and influences the decisions we make on how to dress. If you wake up in the morning feeling down, then you may choose to wear something to indicate that emotion, but in these situations, it is recommended that you put on something with brighter colors to cheer you up. Motivation is essential when it comes to boosting your morale. For example, if you want to go to the gym and you put on the right clothes, it can motivate you to perform better. The moment you choose the perfect outfits for any activity, it will make you more focused on completing the activity correctly, and you become more conscious of your identity.
Empowering your career
As mentioned at the beginning of this post, dressing well invokes a sense of power and boosts your professionalism. Even though your job may not require a particular dress code, being well-dressed leaves a positive impact on others by expressing your credibility and can even get you a promotion, however, keep in mind that dressing up doesn’t necessarily mean that you must wear a business suit and heels, but don’t go too casual either. Many companies don’t mind a relaxed dress code but try not to go overboard with it. You can stick to a business-casual attire with office pants and a nice blouse and add some accessories such as a purse or a briefcase to show off your professionalism. On the other hand, a study conducted by Harvard Business School shows that even if you don’t follow the company’s policy code, your own personal style can boost your career and make you seem more competent. The results showed that clothes influence how you want people to see you, signifying higher levels of autonomy and control over your performance. At the end of the day, many company managers are more concerned with finishing the job on time, rather than how you dress, but looking dashing can really take your career a step further.
Final thoughts
You are what you wear. Whether you believe it or not, your clothes and your overall appearance reflect your personality. It doesn’t matter whether you care about the newest fashion trends, what you are telling people, deliberately or unconsciously, is how you feel and what your attitude is through your appearance. It also impacts your thinking skills and attention levels. Through many experiments, it was concluded that when you are dressed according to the task or the job, your attention levels will be much higher than usual, plus it will boost your self-esteem. So, make sure you choose your personal presentation with care. This includes your clothes, the accessories you have on, your body language, the tone of voice, and the energy you release. When it comes to winter fashion, one of the most “winter” brand is the one that offers warmth and comfort, but also creates a stylish look.