By Syndi Victor
Did you know that wearing white shoes can start a succession of psychological responses that can alter your emotions, attitudes, and mental function? Most of us categorize clothing into functional sectors, such as casual attire, formal apparel, and Saturday night fun gear. That’s right. The psychology of dress is intricate and draws on various facets of the human experience. It includes neurobiology, sexuality, society, and iconography. Fashion and attire have different behavioral effects, including how we see ourselves in the mirror, how people view us, and how confident and self-assured we feel. The adage that “clothes make the man (woman)” is still relevant to a certain extent.
Our clothes can convey emotions depending on style, construction, color, and form. Ten years ago, “enclothed cognition” emerged to describe how clothing affects numerous psychological functions like emotions, self-evaluation, behavior, and interpersonal relationships. The type of clothing that a person wears will influence their psychological disposition. These adjustments are equally attributable to the symbolic significance of several clothing items.
For example, we feel brighter if we dress in attire representing expertise and proficiency. We feel more in control if we power dress. Even when we meet someone for the first time, we may judge them based on appearance, circumstances, and how they make us feel. Conversely, we also choose our clothes relevant to our intended tasks and pursuits at any given time. This behavior indicates that dressing a particular way subtly but meaningfully influences our attitudes and behavior. There’s a reason wearing a fitted jacket tends to signify that one is “suited for success.”
Typically, wearing clothing associated with a profession and formal office attire puts individuals in the proper mindset to do business. A study titled “The Cognitive Consequences of Formal Clothing” by Michael L. Slepian in March 2015 showed that “Suiting yourself for the workplace could encourage you to dream large and think long-term because wearing formal attire led to an improvement in the ability to think imaginatively.”
Although a well-tailored suit improves our effectiveness in the boardroom, wearing formal attire when we want to mingle is not functional. According to several studies, people who dress formally at leisure or fun activities tend to be more closed up and have difficulty unwinding. Conversely, a more liberal dress code at the office encourages camaraderie and creativity. These observations support the notion of business casual attire on Fridays, as this is the day of the week when coworkers are most inclined to interact and let their guard down. Of course, this way of thinking is rapidly changing as a younger generation of workers, especially creatives, place less importance on formal office wear and instead don a more casual, laid-back approach to workwear.
We are likelier to work out if dressed for the gym or in sportswear. This effect could result from the tangible reminder that our training clothes motivate us to choose healthy foods. The right clothes can lead to the adoption of a positive attitude. Positivity has many advantages associated with physical and mental wellness. Positive people typically live longer with a higher quality of health.
So, what precisely does this way of thinking add to an individual’s life? Physically, it improves your immune system, hastens the healing process after illness, and lowers your risk of having a heart condition. Mentally, having a cheerful outlook makes you more attentive, reduces stress, and lowers your risk of developing melancholy and other psychological health issues. Everything that lowers your chance of developing physical and mental diseases enhances one’s quality of life and well-being.
Positive people prioritize self-care while continuing to participate in a variety of activities. Simply put, they have a purpose. Variety and a sense of purpose are essential to a high standard of living, while an optimistic outlook increases the propensity for healthier living. Higher energy levels allow for more productivity – direct it toward your career, connections, or interests to experience noteworthy improvements. You become more enthusiastic and improve your powers of concentration because positivity is the most effective energy enhancer.
In Conclusion, among the most crucial life skills a person can master is an optimistic outlook. Increased energy, improved health, increased likelihood of success, and overall joyful existence flow from a positive mindset. Taking the time to dress appropriately for the task or occasion in which one is participating indicates complete immersion in every experience and a commitment to be present and mindful in the moments. Such attitude and conduct inevitably lead to a rewarding experience that also impacts how one sees themselves and how others see and respond to them.
