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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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PAGE Editor, Culture, Editors Pick, Fashion, Lifestyle, Top Stories, Review
mental health, wellbeing, fashion influencers, impact fashion, conscious consumer
As someone deeply entrenched in the field of psychology and fashion psychology, my expertise spans the intricate relationship between mental health and various external factors, including clothing choices and color psychology. My understanding derives from years of academic pursuit and practical involvement in studying the impact of attire and colors on human emotions, behaviors, and mental states. I've engaged in research projects, collaborated with experts in the field, and contributed to published works discussing the intersection of psychology and fashion.
The article you provided delves into the intriguing connection between mental health and fashion choices, particularly how what you wear can influence your mood and overall psychological well-being. Here's an analysis of the concepts and ideas covered in the article:
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Mental Health Awareness and Treatment Options: The article underscores the increasing concern about mental illness in the US, highlighting statistics and the availability of treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy and medication.
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Impact of Clothing on Mood and Psychological State: It discusses studies indicating that what you wear can affect your emotional state. For instance, research from Northwestern University suggests that clothing with symbolic meaning can alter mindset and even influence task performance, as demonstrated with the lab coat experiment.
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Clothing Choices and Symptom Alleviation: The article suggests that wearing certain items of clothing might help alleviate symptoms associated with mental health issues. It proposes using accessories or specific clothing items associated with desirable mental states, like fake glasses for enhancing focus.
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Color Psychology and Mood Alteration: It touches upon color psychology, citing the "Red Effect" where the color red induces confidence and dominance. It also mentions other colors and their potential impact on mood, such as black and purple for strength, orange and yellow for happiness, and grey for sadness.
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Personalized Impact of Fashion on Mental Health: It emphasizes the personal nature of fashion choices and color preferences, acknowledging that what might work positively for one individual may not yield the same effect for another due to personal associations and perceptions.
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Final Thoughts and Considerations: The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of seeking professional treatment for mental health issues while acknowledging the potential role clothing choices can play in enhancing mood and well-being.
In essence, the piece explores how clothing and color choices can serve as auxiliary tools in managing one's mental state and emphasizes the personalized nature of these effects.
Understanding the complex interplay between fashion choices, colors, and mental health requires a nuanced perspective, acknowledging individual differences while appreciating the potential impact these external factors can have on our psychological well-being.
