Happy WEDNESDAY, everyone. And also happy last-day-of-February. March is ALMOST HERE, which is crazy crazy crazy. I feel like 2018 JUST started and here we are getting ready for month #3. To end February off strong, I decided we all need a motivator to get up, get dressed and kick butt. If 2018 isn’t going exactly the way you want it to go, this read it for you. You have SO much time to turn it around make this YOUR YEAR. I promise you. Let’s dive into this.
Clothing & Confidence: How Your Clothing Choices Uncover Your Self Image
Whether or not you want them to, the clothing you choose to wear reflect (AND affect) your mood, your confidence and your health. You guys know I’m a scientist at heart, so let me explain to you something called the “enclothed cognition”. In the Journal of Experiemental Social Psychology, two professors wrote that the enclothed cognition essentially
“involves the co-occurence of two independent factors – the symbolic meaning of the clothes vs the physical experience of wearing them”
The researchers in the lab had people perform certain tasks while wearing different types of clothing to see if it actually affected what they were doing or feeling. Those that dressed like a doctor carried themselves more professional while those that dressed less professionally acted more casual, etc. Professor Karen Pine wrote a book about this phenomenon called: “Mind What You Wear: The Psychology of Fashion” and she states:
“When we put on a piece of clothing we cannot help but adopt some of the characteristics associated with it, even if we are unaware of it”
So this phenomenon is going to happen whether we want it to or not. It’s completely in our subconscious. I am positive you’ve felt this in your regular life, as well. For example, when I was in college, I made a point to always dress up for class as opposed to wearing my pjs to my first class of the day. I did this on purpose because when I wore jeans and a nice top vs leggings and a sweatshirt, I did better in school. I sat up straighter, I paid attention more closely, I felt more comfortable introducing myself to my teachers and staying after class when I needed to. I also felt like I was ready to take on the day. I firmly believe that we need to get up, get dressed and be ready to take on each day.
[ctt template=”2″ link=”n4z3f” via=”yes” ]Get up, get dressed, and get ready to take on the day.[/ctt]
Being someone who works from home – it isn’t easy to make this a priority. It was SO much easier when I actually had to be somewhere at 9:30 am. Now, I make my own schedule and I don’t have to even talk to another human being before noon if I’m not feeling it. However, I do notice that if I actually get ready when I get up in the morning, I am more motivated, more productive and I get a heck of a lot more done. Plus I can actually get my shoots done in a timely manner because I don’t have to wait for myself to get showered and ready at 3pm.
I think it’s amazing and empowering that the right clothes can make such a difference in our every day lives. The beautiful thing about this is that YOU define what clothes you feel confident in – not society.
[ctt template=”2″ link=”av4G3″ via=”yes” ]Only YOU can define what clothes you feel confident in – not society.[/ctt]
However – regardless of what we like to think about society – if you live and operate in corporate America, how you dress DOES make a difference. Dress codes in the work place need to be taken into consideration. If you are climbing that corporate ladder, you need to dress the part. Not only will it affect your confidence levels in the work place (leading to more leadership positions and greater respect in the office), it will also significantly influence what those who work above and below you think of your workmanship.
PIN THIS FOR LATER:
I firmly believe that what you wear is your statement to the world. WHO are you? WHAT is your purpose? and WHAT kind of clothing is going to help you take the steps to get there?
Do you have a power outfit you like to wear when you need an extra confidence boost? Let me know what yours is in the comments below!
I wrote about this topic on one of my last blog posts, I love how you added scientific evidence and broke it all down! Great post!
Thanks so much Taylor!!!
Such a great post and loved learning about the scientific evidence! So interesting. I definitely agree with everything you said, thanks so much for sharing this!
xo, Lydia
I’m so glad you liked it!!
That makes so much sense that it’s challenging to do this when you are WFH! I love forcing myself to get out of the house even when I’m WFH. I do have a 9-5, so I TOTALLY feel you 🙂 I think that anything that makes you feel beautiful can be your “power outfit” you know!? – Becky // http://www.roseandbrose.com
YES! I totally agree!!! <3 I love that!
I definitely believe in the power of clothes. I’m a blogger and I work from home, too but I still make myself get up and get dressed for the day. This week has been a horrible example of that because i’ve been sick so i’m in sweat pants and tee shirts all day. every day. but I still get up, shower and somewhat fix my hair and make up. On days when i’m feeling 100% I go all the way. Is it a waste of make up, hair products or cute clothes? Not at all to me because i’d rather get up and show up for myself than to be like a bum. Plus, if a friend or my mom calls and wants to run to lunch, if I have time, i’m already ready to run out the door!
YES! I’ve been trying to get up and get ready in the morning because too often someone wants to get lunch or stop by my house for something and I am never ready!!! So one of my goals is to actually get ready first. LOL
I’m off all summer so I work on my blog full time, and I definitely agree that getting up and ready for the day makes you feel so much more motivated.
It SO does!!
I’ve actually started this week to up my game with my work clothes.
That is AWESOME!
Such an amazing post on an important topic! I have always believed Tha\T’ you should dress to feel and bring out your best self. I always dressed up for class in high school and college, and now I find myself dressing up even more in my professional sphere as well. Great post girl!
YES absolutely! Thank you so much.
Sucha great read! So interesting learning all about how our confidence can improve with our clothes. I definitely always feel better when I feel like I look better. Thank you for the interesting read!
Thanks for reading Courtney!
This is so interesting! I completely agree, as much as we might think it’s superficial, the way you dress has a huge effect on the way you feel and the way others see you. I struggle with working from home as well, I’m a freelance writer and blogger and it’s so easy to just hang out in sweats all day. I noticed if I take the time to get myself dressed and ready regardless I feel much more motivated and productive. Thanks for sharing!
Yes me too Kristin!!
It’s so funny you wrote about this! I wore a pair of heels to work yesterday (I work in a pretty relaxed environment) but yesterday I wore heels and I felt SO confident! At first I called them my sassy boots but when I was in a meeting and finally felt really comfortable standing up for myself and my team, I renamed them my POWER heels!
YES! POWER HELLS!
Love this post, and those pants are the best!
Thanks so much Natalie!!
This is a great post! I totally agree with you. Also I LOVE these pants.
Thank you girl!
You look so pretty and gorgeous here girl! I love your style and i love how you out them all together!
Thank you Helen!
This was such an interest post girl! I would totally have to agree that what we wear can affect us. Love your outfit!
Kileen
cute & little
Thanks Kileen!
Agree with this 100%- I totally think certain choices of clothes can boost self-confidence. Love your look here– that lipstick is poppin’ and is a beautiful color on you!
Thank you Amanda!!!
This is 100% true – this is why I like to wear sequins! You can’t ever be in a bad mood while wearing sequins. LOL
RIGHT? I agree completely.
great post darling! love your outfit and your style definitely is inspiring me 🙂 loving that statement necklace especially!
Thanks Sharon!
Love this post!!! It’s so true how it’s all interconnected. Hugs, Kait
http://www.baskinginburgundy.com
I’m SO glad you liked it!
This look is super clean and cute! I love casual comfy outfits like these. You’re blouse is adorable and I love the ruffles.
xx
Iliana | http://www.sophisticatedfashionista.com
I really appreciate it.
You look fabulous and i love this post!! Great read!
Thanks, Nataly!
I work from home too and the struggle is REAL when it comes to getting ready in the morning. But you’re so right that it has a big impact on my motivation and productivity!
Yes. It truly does!
yes! people always ask me why i get dressed up and it has so much to do with attitude and your approach to the day! love this!
Britt+Whit
This is so true! I dress for myself and yes it does bring be a little boost!
Yes yes yes! I always dress up for these reasons! I feel a LOT better and more confident when I’m wearing my favorite clothes and just looking my best.
Speaking of best, I LOVE your scalloped sandals@ So cute!
I really loved this post, especially since it took me so long to find clothing that really made me feel good. I think it is such a mood boost when clothing really makes you feel good and gives you that extra boost. I think what you are wearing really defines your personality as well!
Denise | Fashion Love Letters
YES! It absolutely does. I am SO glad you resonated with this post.
The power of clothes is everything girl. If I’m wearing the right outfit, I’m comfortable and confident. You look amazing in yours.
These pieces are amazing, and I totally agree that you can be modest yet trendy! You pull it off perfectly
I’m so glad you liked it!