Written by: Aaron Ignacio | King & Bay
There's more to being well dressed than just looking good – it can have a positive impact on your state of mind, as well. Here's how the psychology behind dressing well plays into your day-to-day life.
Our Master Clothiers are often asked, "Why should I take care of my appearance?"
There is a constant struggle in many men when it comes to taking care of themselves, as it feels like a chore, something seemingly unnecessary in the grander scheme of things, and with all of the other responsibilities of life.
Phrases like, "I would love to dress fashionably, if I could pull it off" or "If I had more time in a day, I would take better care of my appearance. I have too many commitments," are a common refrain in many men's minds.
In spite of these apparent obstacles, there has still been something of a renaissance in men's clothing in recent years – especially custom clothing. Why is this?
The truth is, dressing well can make a significant difference in daily life in ways you wouldn't expect. In this article, we explore 3 key ways that dressing well can affect your life in a positive way.
How You Dress Definitely Affects Your Mood
One significant way that dressing well can positively affect your life is by changing your mood. Studies show that there is a direct link to dressing well and your mood as it stabilizes and improves quality of happiness, drastically reducing the risk of depression.
While it may seem like a chore for men, we suggest to try upgrading your style. You will subconsciously start to feel a sense of pride and fulfillment in the smallest ways. Life can throw many things your way and there is a constant need to stay on top of things. It can get rather overwhelming to think about all of your priorities.
However, by staying on top of a simple task like dressing better, you will start to feel a difference right away. It's the same concept as cleaning a messy room. You prolong the chore as it isn't a big priority, but when you finally clean it, it feels fulfilling.
However, dressing well is a daily task that will yield much more reward than a simple feeling of fulfillment. This leads us to our next point.
You are What Others See
Many have heard the phrase 'Dress For Success', but what is the meaning behind it? It's simple.
The way you dress offers a clear visual representation of who you are. It can positively represent you as someone who is confident, sophisticated and smart, or it can negatively represent you as someone careless, indifferent or worse: a failure.
The most tangible benefit of dressing well is that it helps you identify yourself to others without saying a single word.
This is especially important in the workforce. At work, your image is everything. If you carry yourself with poise and confidence, wearing the right suit, it makes a drastic difference in both productivity and probability of promotion. People respect someone who looks put together much more than someone who dresses carelessly.
Your Individuality & Self Esteem are on Display
Adding to the previous point that your image represents you, it also differentiates you from others. Everybody is different, with their own unique sense of style. Truly defining or discovering your sense of style is a part of your individuality.
Furthermore, it helps develop your confidence and self esteem. Being well put together, you will experience a daily reassuring feeling that you look good, which is a step towards truly being happy and comfortable with yourself.
The best way to start upgrading your style is to start closet cleaning. Purge what you don't need and keep what you can salvage. From there, find a clothier that fits your personal style. The best route to rebuild your wardrobe is custom as it has no limits in both style or fit. -Aaron Ignacio, Clothing Specialist
The truth is, dressing well not only provides an avenue for creativity and individuality, it also creates an avenue to feel your best. This is why many men today are rediscovering the feeling it brings to take care of their appearance and are forging their own personal styles.
Especially in the work place, men are starting to realize they should dress for the position they want to be in, rather than dressing for the position they are currently in. In life, dress to be the man you should be: the best possible version of yourself. Always remember that your image is a visual representation of you so put your best foot forward.
As a seasoned clothing specialist with a deep understanding of the psychology behind dressing well, I can affirmatively assert that the impact of one's attire extends far beyond mere aesthetics—it directly influences one's state of mind and daily experiences. This is not mere speculation; ample research and firsthand observations substantiate the transformative power of dressing well.
The article written by Aaron Ignacio for King & Bay succinctly captures the essence of why taking care of one's appearance is not just a superficial concern. Ignacio delves into the common struggle men face in prioritizing self-care amid life's myriad responsibilities. His insights are not based on conjecture but rather on a keen understanding of the evolving landscape of men's clothing, particularly the resurgence in custom clothing.
Let's dissect the key concepts explored in the article:
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Mood Enhancement through Dressing Well: Ignacio asserts that studies support a direct link between dressing well and mood enhancement. The article posits that upgrading one's style, despite initial resistance, leads to a subconscious sense of pride and fulfillment. The analogy of cleaning a messy room is apt—similarly, dressing well becomes a daily task with substantial emotional rewards.
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Visual Representation and the "Dress for Success" Adage: The article emphasizes the importance of visual representation through clothing choices. The phrase "Dress for Success" is explained as a clear visual representation of one's identity. Ignacio contends that the way you dress can positively or negatively represent qualities such as confidence, sophistication, and intelligence. In professional settings, the article argues, a well-put-together image significantly influences productivity and career advancement.
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Individuality, Self-Esteem, and Style Development: Ignacio highlights the role of individuality in dressing well. The article suggests that personal style is a manifestation of one's uniqueness and contributes to the development of confidence and self-esteem. Practical advice is offered, such as starting with closet cleaning to define one's style. The promotion of custom clothing is advocated as a means to rebuild a wardrobe without constraints.
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Creativity, Individuality, and Feeling Your Best: The article contends that dressing well goes beyond a superficial pursuit—it is a channel for creativity and individuality. Men are encouraged to rediscover the positive feelings associated with caring for their appearance. The workplace is specifically mentioned as a context where dressing for the desired position, rather than the current one, is advised.
In conclusion, the article by Aaron Ignacio is not a mere fashion commentary but a holistic exploration of the psychological, emotional, and professional dimensions of dressing well. As someone deeply immersed in the world of clothing and style, I concur with the article's assertions and applaud its nuanced perspective on the transformative power of personal presentation.
