The Impact of Fashion on Mental Health and Wellbeing

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By PAGE Editor

Mental illness is an increasing concern in the US, with almost 1 in 5 adults diagnosed with a mental health problem. Fortunately, our knowledge of these issues is also increasing. 

There is a wide range of well-known treatments now available, from cognitive behavioral therapy to medication, and the stigma around mental health is decreasing rapidly. 

One area of mental health that isn’t widely known or discussed, though, is its relationship with fashion. Could getting dressed in the morning really affect your psychological state for the rest of the day? Let’s take a look.

Does What You Wear Affect Your Mood?

With something as serious as mental health, it’s vital not to trivialize it. If you’re suffering from a mental illness, you need to seek out professional help, such as from a counselor, treatment center, or a general hospital. For serious problems, what you wear is unlikely to cure the more serious aspects of mental health.

However, it could help complement other treatment options. There are several studies that indicate what you wear can alter your mood and psychological state. One survey, for example, found that 96% of respondents felt their emotional state changed depending on what clothes they chose to wear. 

Another study conducted by Northwestern University came to the same conclusion; when you wear certain items of clothing, they can affect your mood. They theorized that what you wear can hold symbolic meaning, altering your mindset simply through the power of suggestion.

This idea was proved correct when the researchers discovered that wearing a lab coat actively improved the performance of tasks in those they studied. Because they associated the coat with success, they became more competent when they wore it. 

Wear What You Want to Be

In relation to mental illnesses, the studies above indicate that by donning different outfits, you may be able to relieve some of the symptoms you suffer from. For example, if you struggle with focus because of depression, you could try wearing a pair of fake glasses (if you don’t wear real ones, of course). This is an accessory people often associate with focus, intelligence, and perseverance, and it’s a little less obscure than a lab coat! But, the effect may be the same.

When you’re feeling off and want to lift your mood, consider what clothing items you associate with your desired state of mind. Maybe polka dots make you think of fun, or a pair of stilettos makes you think of confidence. By simply wearing a garment or accessory you associate with a certain feeling, you could end up embodying it.

Change Your Mood With Colours

Color psychology isn’t a new revelation, and it’s been used in marketing for decades to try and win over consumers. But, have you ever considered how the colors you choose to wear could affect your mood?

The “Red Effect” is a well-documented and proven theory. In studies, one athletic team is given red to wear, whilst the other opts for a more neutral color, like blue or grey. Time and again, the team wearing red performs better. The players are more confident, dominant, and aggressive than those on the other team and tend to win the game.

Red isn’t the only color you can use to affect your state of mind, and aggression isn’t the only effect you can feel. Some common colors that alter mood include black and deep purple, which often make people feel strong and powerful, orange and yellow, which make people happier and more playful, and grey, which tends to make people sadder. 

As we said, clothing isn’t a cure for mental illness. But, if popping on a bright yellow dress when you’re feeling low can lift your spirits even slightly, that’s a win in our books.

Your Fashion Choices Are Personal

Bear in mind that color theory is personal. Whilst red might make others more confident, it may flare up feelings of anger in you. Grey is known for being a sadder shade, but when you pop on your favorite grey sweater, you might experience a sense of calm.

This is true across fashion and mental health. When you’re feeling anxious, you might want to wear an outfit that you thought looked fierce and commanding, but when you put it on, you feel worse. Fashion is a unique and deeply personal concept, and how it affects your mood isn’t going to be generic. 

But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give it a go! You’ll simply need to understand how different colors and styles make you feel so that you can make your wardrobe work for you. Perhaps you have a pair of black boots that makes you feel like a boss, or lilac gives you a hit of dopamine. Take time working out the vibe of your outfits, working out what might lift you up and what could just as easily bring you down.

Final Words

Mental health is a serious topic and, as we said, if you’re suffering from a psychological illness, it’s vital you seek professional treatment. However, there’s nothing wrong with wearing the mood you want to be alongside treatment! This article should have given you some insight into how your wardrobe could alter your mental health and wellbeing; now it’s time for you to go out there and dress to impress yourself.. 

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