The Power of Clothing: How Our Wardrobe Choices Affect Us

During my travels last year to Japan I was hiking the Kumano Kodo trail in my usual outdoors outfit—a t-shirt, hiking pants, a hat, and I also had my Isy B. scarf wrapped around me for warmth, and a bit of colour.

As I was hiking, a lovely lady stopped and said, “I really love your outfit. You make traveling look so elegant.” Those words put a huge grin on my face. Talk about an immediate mood boost.

They reminded me how important clothing can be in shaping how we feel about ourselves and how others perceive us. I’ve always loved to dress up and feel good in what I’m wearing, so I was so happy to see that someone else appreciated it, even deep in the forest!

It also made me realise that some people never give more thought to their clothes beyond being a means of coverage and protection, physically and emotionally. And that’s totally ok. 

However, many people don’t realise that their relationship with clothing has been rife with tension and stress because of our unconscious associations of something so unassuming as a piece of cloth.

What’s missing is that sometimes we may approach clothing from a defensive position. In trying to blend in, follow trends, or not giving too much thought about what we wear at all, we ignore the superpower hanging in our closets and all its inherent possibilities. We forget that clothing can be a way of positively shifting our own emotions and behaviors, as well as those around us.

Shallow as it may seem, the truth is that what you wear matters.

Clothing has a language of its own and acts as a signal both to us, and the world about how we feel about ourselves. What you choose to wear on any given day could change how you see yourself and influence your choices. And I think that learning to work with the subtle language of your clothes could lead to profound changes in your life.

I’ve realised that sometimes even a seemingly small change; adding a touch of color or accessorizing our outfit differently, can transform our overall mood, self-esteem, and behavior. Call it magic, call it science, just know that it works.

The role of priming and the power of self suggestion

“First, what’s priming and why does it alter our behavior?” Priming refers to the process by which exposure to certain stimuli can unconsciously influence our subsequent thoughts and actions. 

Think about the times when you wore formal clothing. You felt more confident and authoritative, right? And what about when you put on that cute workout outfit? Sometimes we have to do that to feel more energetic, active and make ourselves start the workout routine we always leave for the next day. Our human brains are wired to make instant judgements based on what you see. 

The impact of color and texture

Color and texture are also important factors in the power clothing has on our emotions. For example, warm colors like red and orange are associated with increased energy and excitement, while cool colors like blue and green make us calmer and more serene. Prints could also be a great way to raise your vibrations and boost your confidence. So basically, you can use colors to alter your presence depending on the occasion, which I think is pretty cool. Don’t you? 

Texture is important too! Rough textures may lead to more unpleasant emotions of anger and annoyance, while smooth textures make us calmer and more relaxed. That’s why I always opt for lightweight fibers and textures that are flowy and nice to the touch in designing my resortwear collections.

How can you use clothing to boost your mood and confidence? 

Select outfits that prime you for the mindset you want to be in! 

Interestingly, you can also give off any other vibe and presence you want, depending on the clothing you choose. 

• To become the more confident version of ourselves: Wear what you love. Really it’s that simple. If you love it, you’ll feel great in it.

• To calm your emotions: Choose clothing items that are comfortable and made out materials that are soft to the touch.

• To spark creativity: Opt in for clothing that has bold colors, playful patterns, or unique details. These are some of the most fun ways to showcase your creative mind and artistic nature. 

• To feel grounded: Try wearing something made of natural fabrics and earthy tones that connect you with balance and stability.

How to choose outfits that reflect your personality and values

The power of clothing goes beyond affecting our emotions and behaviors. Clothes are a powerful tool for self-expression and authenticity. 

1. Choose colors that speak to you - The colors we wear send powerful signals so when choosing a piece of clothing think about the shades that feel most “you.” 

2. Wear what value - I’m sure you can find at least one piece of clothing or jewelry that feels representative of something you support and love. The little details allow you to carry something that brings you joy, while hinting others of what truly matters to you.

3. Support what you believe in - Our clothes tell a story not only about us, but also about the world we want to live in. Choosing brands that align with your values turns every outfit into a statement. 

4. Just wear the clothes you love! - At the end of the day, it’s all about you! Just wear the clothes you love and that makes you happy. You never know how the joy of wearing them will impact you and the people around you, so don’t be afraid to wear your favorite pair of trousers, dress, or honestly, anything you’ve been keeping for “another day.”

The power of clothing is undeniable and as we already talked about, it can have a significant impact on our emotions and behaviors. After learning how to direct this power, we can feel more confident, empowered, and find our true selves.