Glow Up INSTANTLY With These Fashion Psychology Tips

Clothing is one of the most powerful forms of self-expression, communicating who we are before we even speak. Whether it’s a tailored suit that exudes professionalism or a vibrant dress that sparks confidence and joy, clothing choices tell a story about the wearer’s personality, mood, and aspirations. What we wear influences both how others perceive us and how we see ourselves.

In this article, we’ll delve into how your fashion choices can glow up your life. Whether you’re dressing for a job interview, a date, or a casual day out, understanding the psychology behind your clothing choices can help you harness your wardrobe’s full potential, helping make your life even more beautiful and exciting.

The social psychology of clothing

Clothing serves practical purposes, like keeping us warm and protected, but it also holds deep symbolic meaning. Even in ancient times, clothing signified status and identity. For example, certain colors and fabrics, like purple and silk, were once reserved for royalty and the elite. It wasn’t uncommon for lower-class workers to save up for a purple outfit to try to elevate their social standing.

This still holds true today. First impressions are often formed within seconds, heavily influenced by appearance. Clothing acts as a visual cue, shaping perceptions and judgments. For instance, luxury handbags are a signal of wealth, while running sneakers suggest friendliness and approachability. A work blazer conveys professionalism and polish, while ripped jeans suggest a casual, sociable vibe.

This “snap judgment” isn’t superficial or mean; it’s rooted in psychological principles that govern human behavior and society. One study found that a leader’s attire impacts how followers perceive their leadership, charisma, and approval. Formal attire made the leaders appear trustworthy and prototypical, while violating traditional dress codes made them seem more charismatic and approachable.

This principle applies to various aspects of life, from work to dating. The clothes we wear send subtle signals about our personality, capabilities, and lifestyle. 

The power of “enclothed cognition”

Clothing’s influence extends beyond how others perceive us. “Enclothed cognition” is a theory that describes how our clothes affect our thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. This concept suggests that clothing is more than a superficial aspect of our lives; it profoundly influences our cognitive functions and attitudes. Research has shown that the right clothes can enhance focus, boost mood, build confidence, and improve work and social performance. 

Enclothed cognition suggests that dressing in certain ways can alter our mental state. For example, wearing gym clothes can motivate you to exercise and make healthy diet choices, and professional attire increases focus, productivity, and power.

A study by Adam and Galinsky demonstrated that enclothed cognition involves both the physical act of wearing clothes and their symbolic meaning. In the study, all participants wore identical white coats while completing attention- and detail-related tasks. Half of the participants were told they were wearing doctor’s coats, while the other half were told it was a painter’s smock. Those who believed they were wearing a doctor’s coat outperformed the “painters” on the tasks. Researchers attributed this result to the symbolic power of clothing: doctors are thought of as attentive and detail-oriented, so the participants wearing the “doctor’s coat” unconsciously adopted those traits as well. This started to prove enclothed cognition true: that what you wear has a direct impact on how you act – even subconsciously.

Dress for the job you want

You’ve likely heard the adage, “dress for the job you want,” and it turns out… that really works! It’s more than just manifestation. Social psychology and enclothed cognition have proven that how you dress influences how others see you and how you see yourself.  

Dressing for the job you want encourages your coworkers and peers to view you as more competent. To them, from the outside, it seems like you already “fit” into that role. And if people start seeing you in that position, it could boost your chances of getting a promotion.

You’ll start to see yourself that way, too. The right clothes can help you embody those aspirations, tricking your brain into seeing your future as your present. Who you want to be will already be who you are, thanks to your clothing.

The psychology of clothing colors

Why do you choose to wear one color over another, on any given day? We typically pick colors for one of two reasons:

1. We look good in that color.
2. The color makes us feel a certain way.

Color has a significant impact on psychology. That’s why corporations use color to communicate with consumers. For example, McDonald’s logo is red and yellow to stimulate appetite, Starbucks uses green to reflect its eco-friendly mission, and tech companies like Facebook use blue to symbolize trust and communication.

The same principles can apply to the clothing we wear. You can hack how you want to feel – and how others perceive you – based on the colors you choose.

Each color has a range of emotional responses, but, according to Science of People, some common color associations include:

• Blue = competence and tranquility
• Red = passion and confidence
• Yellow = optimism and cheerfulness
• Green = connection to earth and success
• Black = professionalism and power
• Purple = luxury and conviction
• Orange = energy and vibrancy
• Pink = softness and femininity

Understanding color psychology can help you choose outfits that align with your mood and the image you want to project. For instance, wearing red to a business meeting will make you feel confident and powerful. You’ll command the room, so your coworkers are more likely to take you seriously.

There’s no wrong choice when choosing colors. Rather, it’s about figuring out who you are and who you want to be, then filling your wardrobe with colors that help you embody that version of yourself!

Tips for dressing the part

Your clothing choices influence how you feel and how others perceive you. Here are some ways to use fashion to your advantage:

1. Rock the power suit.

Wearing well-tailored workwear like suits, blazers, and pencil skirts will make you feel more confident and authoritative, enhancing your performance in professional settings.

2. Enjoy casual Fridays.

Casual clothes encourage friendliness, sociability, and creativity. That means “casual Fridays” are the perfect time to innovate, brainstorm, and bond with teammates.

3. Want to work out? Put on the clothes first.

Activewear can motivate you to exercise and make healthier lifestyle choices. Wearing your workout gear can actually change the way you think, motivating you to make healthier lifestyle choices. For example, workout wear might encourage you to take the stairs instead of the elevator or choose a smoothie over a muffin.

4. Leverage color psychology.

Wear bright, cheerful colors when you need a boost of energy, or darker colors when you need poise and focus. Having a bad day? Throw on your favorite color to instantly improve your mood and emotions!

5. Wear designer clothes to level up.

Wearing luxury brands is linked to confidence and a “high-class” attitude. Designer goods are seen as status symbols, so they can help you make a statement in social and professional situations. If you want to seem more successful than you are, quiet luxury is the way to dress.  

Current Boutique offers preloved designer clothes at a fraction of their original price. That means you can fill your wardrobe with your favorite designers without breaking the bank! Start shopping some of our popular designers here.

Wear what makes you happy

Clothes are so much more than their practical uses. They’re our second skin. They’re a gorgeous medium for self-expression. Clothing influences our thoughts, actions, and moods, acting as a kind of language that tells the world who you are and who you want to be. While your clothes don’t define you, understanding the psychology of clothing can help you make conscious wardrobe choices that will positively and radically impact your life.

How do your clothes make you feel?

At Current Boutique, we celebrate the transformative power of fashion. Browse our “just in” collection to find clothes and accessories that will make you feel confident, empowered, and beautiful.