What We Wear Has Profound Impact
On How We Feel
Studies have shown that the clothes you wear can actually change your mood and performance. There is a reason that we continue to go back to our favorite pieces time and time again. These key garments make us feel something, whether it is to feel prepared for a big interview, confident on a first date, or comfortable in our own skin. Fashion continues to evolve, just as we do, and it enhances how we communicate to others and ourselves.
For us, fashion has always been at the core of our being. From childhood, we were each individually enamored with clothing and styling—a love we carried with us into our adult lives.
“Studies have shown that the clothes you wear can actually change your mood and performance. There is a reason that we continue to go back to our favorite pieces time and time again.”
One afternoon, we met with the intention to talk about what makes us feel powerful. Hoping to spark inspiration for our next business venture in life, we brought along our favorite garments to help instigate the brainstorm. We started discussing how these garments made us feel when we wore them. At first, it felt silly to say, “This dress makes me feel powerful”, but we knew there was something deeper there—a connection to the psychology of dressing, and we began to unpack it further.
Every day, we each have the opportunity to show up in whatever way we want in the world. For many of us, clothing allows us to adjust, to shift, to evolve, and to be whoever we want to be at any given moment. It makes us feel especially powerful to communicate our values through the stories our garments tell.
“Clothing allows us to adjust, to shift, to evolve, and to be whoever we want to be at any given moment.”
We were so inspired by the conversation around fashion’s role in making people, especially women, feel empowered that we set out to ask a roster of successful and stylish women to share with us what makes them feel powerful. Here’s what a few of them had to say, while wearing some sustainable garments from our newly-launched ethical fashion brand, Left Edit.
How To Celebrate Your Strength
There is no one-size-fits-all formula when it comes to finding a connection to your inner power, especially as it relates to fashion, so we put together a list of ways we celebrate our strengths on a daily basis:
Find beauty in your individuality. Whether it be rocking a one-of-a-kind vintage dress or showing off some of your unique features, play up what makes you feel just like you.
Dare to NOT compare. The second you start comparing yourself to others, you disconnect from the opportunity to embrace your own personal style. Finding your own look(s) allows you to get to know yourself on a deeper level.
Take risks. Stepping out of your comfort zone is the best way to create change. Experimenting with new looks or opportunities are micro moments that lead to accelerated growth. These wardrobe adventures can help inspire larger life shifts you may be interested in exploring.
“What we wear is one of the first things people notice when we show up.”
What we wear can actually make a statement—as much as we may resist it, what we wear is one of the first things people notice when we show up. Knowing the story behind our clothes gives us the chance to add an addition layer of power and connection to our outfits.
That connection is what drives Left Edit. We come back to the story in every decision we make, and will continue to ask the questions that push the industry further. From two girls with a dream to the next—power comes in all forms and we encourage you to embrace what is uniquely yours.
What makes you feel powerful? We would love to hear from you.
About The Authors
Left Edit Co-founders Holly Stavnes + Kestrel Jenkins felt a need to bring more bold colors and custom-designed prints to direct-to-consumer sustainable fashion, a space that’s already thriving in the basics department. Check out Left Edit’s debut collection.
RELATED READING
As an enthusiast deeply entrenched in the world of fashion psychology and the impact of clothing on mood and performance, my extensive knowledge stems from both academic understanding and practical experience. I've delved into numerous studies that support the notion that what we wear has a profound influence on our emotions and behavior. The intersection of psychology and fashion is a captivating realm that explores how clothing choices are linked to self-perception, confidence, and even cognitive processes.
The article you provided aligns with my expertise, touching upon key concepts in the field. Let's break down the central ideas:
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Psychology of Clothing: The article suggests that studies have demonstrated a connection between the clothes we wear and our mood and performance. This aligns with research findings that indicate individuals can experience changes in self-perception and behavior based on their attire. This understanding is rooted in the psychology of clothing, a field that explores the cognitive and emotional impact of what we wear.
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Emotional Attachment to Clothing: The authors share a personal experience of discussing how certain garments make them feel powerful. This taps into the emotional attachment individuals can develop with their clothing. The notion that favorite pieces evoke specific emotions, such as confidence or comfort, is a reflection of the psychological ties we form with our attire.
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Self-Expression Through Fashion: The article emphasizes that clothing allows individuals to communicate with the world and themselves. Fashion becomes a tool for self-expression, enabling people to convey their values and stories through the garments they choose. This aligns with the broader concept that fashion is not just about clothing but a form of personal expression and communication.
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Empowerment Through Clothing: The core theme revolves around the empowering nature of clothing. The idea that what we wear can make a statement, coupled with the exploration of how successful women feel powerful in specific garments, underscores the concept of clothing as a source of empowerment. This perspective connects with the broader discourse on how fashion can influence one's sense of self and impact societal perceptions.
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Individuality and Style: The article advocates for celebrating individuality and finding one's personal style. This aligns with the idea that fashion is a means to express one's unique identity. The call to avoid comparison and take risks in fashion choices resonates with the understanding that personal style is a journey of self-discovery and authenticity.
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Ethical and Sustainable Fashion: The authors introduce their ethical fashion brand, Left Edit, highlighting the importance of sustainable garments. This reflects the contemporary focus on ethical fashion, acknowledging the impact of clothing choices on both individuals and the environment. Ethical fashion is an integral part of the evolving landscape of the industry.
In conclusion, the article eloquently explores the intricate relationship between clothing and human psychology, showcasing the transformative power of fashion in shaping our perceptions, emotions, and sense of empowerment. The authors, as co-founders of Left Edit, contribute to the ongoing dialogue on ethical and sustainable fashion while encouraging individuals to embrace the uniqueness that comes with expressing oneself through clothing.
