Can What You Wear Affect Your Mood?

There’s no doubt that clothing can make a statement; but, what if we told you it was powerful enough to mentally improve your day? You know the feeling you get when you wear that amazing new sweater or put on a cozy pair of soft sweatpants—turns out, there’s actual science behind that emotional response.  Fashion psychology (yes, it’s a real thing!) is the study and treatment of how color, image, style, beauty, and shape affects human behavior while addressing cultural norms and cultural sensitivities.  Oftentimes, we’re on autopilot…throwing on clothes without thinking of anything but perhaps the weather.  But, there is a deeper, underlying relationship with our clothing according to Dr. Dawnn Karen, a fashion psychologist whose clients range from international politicians to new parents. “Clothes are something we place on our bodies every day, but we aren’t cognizant of our own relationship with them,” Karen tells Nutritious Life. “How you look and how you are perceived is a very real thing. Just as sports psychology, military psychology, and forensic psychology exist, there is a true need for this.” This crucial connection is something ingrained in us as children as we begin developing favorite colors; however, very few people recognize its power. “Personally, clothes have helped me deal with trauma and overcome my struggles.”  In her 2017 TEDx Talk, “Styling From the Inside Out,” Karen reveals how fashion helped to rebuild her self-esteem and career after surviving rape and battery. Now, she is trying to help her clients cope with pandemic-induced emotions.  “Due to the quarantine, we aren’t entering new environments. People are no longer dressing for someone else…they’re wearing what makes them feel good,” says Karen. “As for me, I’ve been really honing in on the mood enhancement stress theory…dress to optimize my mood. Prints and silk make me feel good, so I’ve been wearing kimonos. I can wear them around the house for comfort, but also close in on camera, and they look classic and regal.” The practice even applies to essential workers in uniform. “I have a client who is a physician and is overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients. She was suffering from depression, so I wrote her a simple, yet effective prescription to wear the color, yellow.  She was shocked when the small change improved her mood tremendously.” Clothing can also help us break bad habits that have heightened amidst COVID-19, like shopping for comfort. “Retail therapy is about overconsumption, excessive spending, and maximalism. It doesn’t get to the root of why you’re shopping, and it’s just a temporary coverup for feelings,” says Karen. Fashion Psychology, on the other hand,  is about “getting to the root of why we wear what we wear”, and utilizing what we already have. So, how can we make the most of our wardrobe selection to feel our best? Karen offers some of her science-backed, go-to tips to get us started.  TRY IT FOR YOURSELF FOCUS ON COLORS Colors are scientifically proven to boost mood because they denote different meanings: To feel happy, wear brighter colors like yellow.  To feel safe, wearing blue can develop a sense of trust.  To feel sexy, wear red.  To feel a sense of control, wear black.  MIX FABRICS Fabrics can transform your attitude and approach to the everyday.  Cotton and wool can help you develop a carefree and laissez-faire attitude. Soothing fabrics that feel good against the skin, like smooth charmeuse silk, can serve as a mood enhancement.  ADD SOME SPARKLE Prints and embellishments can catapult you out of a monotonous state.  Embellishments such as sequins can help you feel a sense of enthusiasm.  Animal prints such as zebra and leopard can help you feel zany and whimsical, which can take your mind off of the chaos and depression surrounding the pandemic.  REMEMBER INSTAGRAM ISN’T REALITY Not all clothing will look the same on every body type.  “I had a client who was upset when her Instagram-induced purchases didn’t look the same on her body as they did on the influencers she followed,” Karen explained. “She was stuck in a cycle of buying more and more to try to look like the influencers she idolized.” Follow influencers that resemble your own body for fashion inspiration. Find a look that reflects your own instead of making purchasing decisions based on others’ posts. Intrigued about fashion psychology? Check out Karen’s new book, Dress Your Best Life. (photo credit: Shutterstock)

Athleisure 101: 5 Fitness Model Tips to Find Your Workout Style

Athleisure is all about wearing clothing designed for workouts and other athletic activities in less traditional settings—such as at work, school, or at other casual and social occasions. And like any other form of fashion, you can express yourself in a multitude of ways and still be comfortable, stylish, and true to the healthy living goddess you are. I live my life in spandex because my job requires me to sweat, but my athleisure style has also translated into business casual, travel, and upscale chic. The next time you go to a group fitness class, take a look around for inspiration. There are usually various categories of fit-fashion style. From the Lululemon loyalists to the femme fatales rocking cut-outs and sheer paneling, to the graphic-tee inspiration junkies. Gone are the days of the oversized T-shirt; every room is filled with colors, patterns, and textures. Start with these simple tips to find your personal athleisure style, and then with a few accessories and a layer or two, you’ll be off and running. 5 Tips to Find Your Athleisure Style 1. Find the perfect sports bra. Your breast size should determine the type of bra you wear on the regular. There is nothing worse than constantly adjusting yourself during the only hour you have to sweat in your day. If you have a larger chest or need lift, I suggest the Enlite bra. If you are part of the itty-bitty committee like me, then I suggest this seamless bra from Alala or the Reebok Cage Bra that is also great for layering and makes a bold statement. 2. Find the perfect pair of tights. These days, tights come in so many colors, fabrics, and cuts, it can make your head spin. I own travel tights, workout tights, and trendy tights (I wish I was kidding). Each work for different occasions, but you cannot go wrong with a solid black pair in a cut and fabric that works for you. This is one of my favorite options. You can wear it almost anywhere. 3. Pair sneakers with everything. If Kendall and Gigi can do it, so can you. Pairing fashion-forward sneakers with skirts or dresses gives you a cool girl vibe that says you go with the flow, but you’re still a #bossbabe. 4. Pay attention to cut. Mainstream fashion rules do apply. Make sure you try on all items. These days, fitness clothes are not cheap. They are investment pieces that can stand up to your sweat. Black is slimming, halters show off upper body muscle tone, and a high waist keeps lower bellies in check. Have fun with color and prints and find ways to style from the studio to the street. 5. Layer up. Find a chic vest or jacket and bag to help you transition to brunch or the boardroom. In the end, your style can range from preppy to edgy. The most important rule is to simply have F-U-N and stay true to who you are. About Taylor: Taylor is Nutritious Life Certified and is a certified personal trainer, fitness model, and content curator of health, fitness, and lifestyle blog TaylorWalkerFit.com. Taylor tries her best to “walk the walk and talk the talk” as an ambassador for healthy living. She blogs about fitness trends, healthy cooking, and athleisure style to inspire her readers to live the healthiest, balanced, and most fashion-forward lifestyles possible. Her goal is to empower women to be their best selves in the most real way possible. Drink the wine, eat the burger, do the sit-ups, celebrate you, and live the happy-healthy life you love and deserve. That is Taylor Walker Fit. Follow her on Instagram at @taylorwalkerfit!