Can Fashion Make You Feel Good?
"The secret of great style is to feel good in what you wear."
Ines de la Fressange
Clothes are a requirement in the life of human beings around the world. We wear them for the purpose of covering ourselves as well as an armor in our daily life and against the elements. Clothing are a visual representation of who you are and your personality. Your style mirrors your feelings, whether they be good or bad. Clothing affects our mood, confidence, and attitude. If you show up to a formal event in leggings and a t-shirt you will probably feel pretty uncomfortable and want to make yourself small to be seen less. On the other hand if you show up dressed for the occasion in something that fits your style and personality you can feel confident and let your true self shine.
Like it or not clothing effects how others perceive you as well. Before you can even speak your image creates a first impression of you. The saying dress for the job you want, not the job you have, is true for a number of reasons. We instinctively have more confidence in someone who is well dressed and put together. You send a signal by what you wear of how much respect you have for the work environment and yourself. If you dress for the job you aspire to rather than the one you are in you show others you belong in that group.
Clothing has a significant effect on our self esteem and confidence. When we feel good in what we wear this increases our self esteem and in turn boosts our confidence. It can elevate your mood when you are feeling low. Getting dressed in something that feels good to you can ease some of those feelings and boost your confidence.
Clothing has the ability to induce nostalgia. For example your wedding dress or something you wore to a significant event in your life can bring back all the emotions you felt while wearing it. The same goes for something worn with an ex or an old job, it can serve as a physical scapegoat rather than feeling bad about yourself. Many people destroy outfits associated with these memories as a symbol of breaking the connection.
Fabric and color play a huge role in your feelings about fashion also. Fabrics should make your senses happy. No matter how good the dress looks if it feels awful on your skin you will not be comfortable. Colors can trigger significant emotional responses. Red and back are known to be "power" colors. Every person is going to have colors they gravitate towards naturally and widely depends on individuality.
Going green is a concept that has gained a lot of attention in the recent years as we become more aware of the impact the fashion industry has on the environment and the workers producing our clothing. You can gain a lot of personal satisfaction in knowing that you are wearing sustainable clothing. Some examples of sustainable fashion are buying resale and donating or consigning your clothing you are finished with rather than throwing it out.
A few of my feel good fashion picks.
In conclusion yes fashion can make you feel good. Make your wardrobe a feel good zone for you with a mixture of formal and casual attire that you feel confident in. When is a time in your life fashion has made you feel good?