6 Are Clothes More Than Just Something to Wear?

About the Author

Natalie Burgoyne was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. Growing up, she spent most of her time doing gymnastics or running cross country and track. She is a freshman studying Psychology and will soon be going to the Philippines as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She enjoys art, fashion, and music.

This essay was composed in April 2022 and uses MLA documentation.

WHILE I WAS GROWING UP, I would never start a new school year without at least a month’s worth of new outfits planned for me to wear. While I was not necessarily excited to go back to school for the classes or homework, I always found myself overly excited that starting school again meant I could go back-to-school shopping. I would use any excuse I could to get myself a new wardrobe. My mom would take me to the mall, where I could look at all possible options for my new staples. Now, I get this may sound a little obsessive, but it was the way I grew up. Even as a baby, all you would ever see me in was a patterned dress and a small bow in my hair. I guess my mom’s enthusiasm for clothing rubbed off on me somewhere along the way.

As my interest in fashion and clothing continues to grow, I realize how much influence it has on my life and daily decisions. In a research-based opinion paper, Emma Feria states, “Getting dressed and spending ridiculous amounts of time trying on outfits has become a grounding ritual of sorts and something that I look forward to each day” (Feria). As Feria says, I spend so much time and energy determining the best outfit for each day or event and what new item I should buy next. While some may see this attention to clothing as a waste of time, energy, or money, I cannot deny all the good that has come from my interest in fashion. There is so much more to clothing than just being something to wear. One of the most vital functions of an outfit, especially for college students, is its ability to boost mood and increase confidence.

College students can benefit significantly from focusing a little more on fashion. This period is very stressful because there are more changes and important decisions to be made than in any other time of life. This stress causes people to be overwhelmed, and sometimes feelings of despair arise. While trying to manage these feelings, college students face vital scenarios such as job interviews, going on dates, passing exams, and making decisions for the future. In some sense, “Getting dressed in the morning is often an overlooked aspect of self-care but can help combat depressive tendencies and in turn become a mindful practice” (Feria). Feria also says, “Getting dressed became a means of grounding myself and preserving my sanity in the midst of confusing and overwhelming circumstances” (Feria). It can take away some of the stress of these situations by helping students grasp one aspect of their lives. It is a reminder to take care of themselves amid chaos. What someone leaves the house wearing can be a game-changer for college students.

As a whole, clothing and getting ready can change the trajectory for the entire day. Feria continues to show how clothes help her by saying,

When I’m feeling low, a good outfit can help me reclaim control over my own body on a physical and emotional level and give me confidence to go about my day. It allows me to reshape and redefine various facets of my identity as I continuously evolve as a person. (Feria)

There are times when all people feel down or have a negative perception of themselves. Jon Shanfelder, a University of Pennsylvania graduate, mentions the following about dressing nicely: “We are all people with volatile self-esteems that can constantly increase and decrease. Would it be so much of a risk to try this method if you are lacking in self-confidence?” (Shanfelder). The benefits of one changing their clothing may seem minor or insignificant. This can make it easier to choose comfort over everything when a person is not feeling well. However, one study explains,

Appearing poorly dressed, having messy hair, and having poorly done make-up were all shown to have negative effects on a person’s self-esteem, while appearing well dressed, having a good haircut, and having well-done make-up resulted in higher self-esteems. (Shanfelder)

On the days a person feels down, sometimes the best thing they can do is to put a little extra effort into their appearance. Like anyone, when I give in to the temptation of staying in pajamas all day, I tend to feel worse about myself and be significantly less productive that day. Like Shanfelder reasons, this is a low-stake method to boost mood or self-image.

Each person is unique in having a specific way they like to dress or certain clothes they feel most comfortable in. I am most fond of dresses. It is an item of clothing that I feel good and confident in. However, some people despise dresses and would rather stick with a pair of jeans or a nice sweatshirt. The idea of using clothing to boost confidence is not so all people conform to one style. Fashion is personal and can be used as a way of self-expression. Confidence is defined as being sure of something or being able to rely on something fully. So applying this concept to individuals is to be sure of oneself. Feeling comfortable in your skin is necessary. This is why fashion is more about a person embracing their individual style rather than trying to fit in with what others may deem appropriate or trendy. A clothing study from India “found that wearing prestigious fashion brands increased the self-esteem and perceived social status of the women in the sample” (Shanfelder). This is because prestigious fashion brands give off the perception of wealth and status. While I am in no place to stop someone if buying articles from major fashion brands is something they enjoy, it is vital to recognize where our desires come from. Do we genuinely enjoy what we wear, or are we just using it to increase in popularity?

It can take a significant toll on a person when they attempt to look at themselves through the lens of what another individual sees. Feria explains that due to her fear of what she thought others would think of her, she used to dress in baggy and modest clothes in middle school and high school. She elaborates,

I didn’t want to be noticed and despised being the center of attention—two classic symptoms of social anxiety. I was afraid of being judged and felt that wearing ‘boring’ clothes and blending into the sleep-deprived crowd was the only way to make my existence less awkward, and in turn more tolerable. (Feria)

Just as Emma Feria’s experience justifies, “When someone wears something that they don’t like, they often become much more self-conscious and worry about what others will think of them” (Eastman). Feria did not feel like herself in the clothing she wore when she was younger, leading her to believe that everyone would judge her. Hayley Eastman, lifestyle reporter and journalism major at Brigham Young University, explains this idea as the spotlight effect. When someone lacks confidence or assuredness in themself, they also lack control over their thoughts and actions. This leads them to believe that everyone they are surrounded by is looking at them with full judgment. “However, it’s likely no one will actually notice unless that person shows that they are self-conscious about their appearance” (Eastman). If people are not as outwardly focused as it may seem, then “Why is it that we connect the way we dress with our social status and self-esteem?” (Shanfelder). It could be because we have unrealistic expectations and realities in society. As social media exposure and celebrity dominance grow, it worsens. So often, one’s self-image is based on what others think of them. This is not necessarily a bad thing all the time, as long as the focus is kept on what makes one feel comfortable or more confident on an individual basis. When someone is self-assured, it will radiate to others and urge them to have respect for the individual without any doubts or judgments.

Rather than being divisive, clothing can bring people together. Although the cliche is that opposites attract, humans typically get along best with those similar to them. Author and journalist Martin J. Smith states, “Both science and intuition suggest that we choose our friends and romantic partners because we share things in common, such as age, educational level, race, religion, attitudes, and general intelligence” (Smith). People feel comfortable with those similar to them because there is less risk for contention or disagreements. We tend to find people similar to us through fashion styles. Feria states,

As pretentious as that might sound, fashion is undoubtedly an important part of our lives. It affects how we are perceived and how we carry ourselves. It’s a means of reclaiming our identity. (Feria)

What one wears can say a lot about their personality. As humans who make many quick judgments and decisions every day, we are naturally drawn to those whose styles reflect aspects of our personalities. Ju-Young M. Kang, who is involved with apparel product design, states, “For women with similar beliefs, clothing is viewed as a method to meet social and emotional demands” (Kang). It allows people to attach to others emotionally. As Emma Feria says, “Clothes can also aid our sense of belonging, signifying what social or aesthetic subgroups we belong to” (Feria). Through clothes, connections between people with similar interests can be made. This can be helpful in platonic friendships and romantic relationships as individuals need to find people they feel comfortable with and want to spend with. So whether a person is going on a date with someone new or possibly moving to a new area, one way they can seek those they would get along with is through fashion.

Another way boundaries are put on fashion is through the meaning that is given to certain articles or styles of clothes. Feria explains, “This concept is known as ‘enclothed cognition,’ which refers to the symbolic meaning of fashion and its influence on our mental state” (Feria). The lab coat study by Adam Galinsky and Hajo Adam at Northwestern University is the most well-known example of enclothed cognition. Two groups were assigned a set of intelligence problems and tasks to perform. Then, each group was given a lab coat, where researchers told one group that it was a painter’s coat, and the other group was told it was a doctor’s coat. The results showed that those who had the “doctor’s coats” performed the tasks better and with more precision than those told they had “painter’s coats” (Stockum, Jr., and DeCaro). These results come from “the symbolic meaning and physical experience of wearing the coat” (Stockum, Jr., and DeCaro 1). Charles A. Van Stockum, Jr., and Marci S. DeCaro state,

Specifically, the theory of enclothed cognition posits that the clothes people wear influence their psychological processes by leading the wearer to behave in ways that are consistent with the clothes’ popular symbolic meaning. (Stockum, Jr., and DeCaro 3)

Depending on if the situation or meaning is socially perceived as good or bad, the impact of enclothed cognition can be either positive or negative.

Thinking about the idea that confidence comes from self-expression through fashion can alter any of these situations significantly. A job interview or meeting new people allows for honesty on both sides. “Indeed, it has been documented that individuals reinforce their mood and express their feelings through their clothing” (Kang). A first impression can allow the individual and the interviewer to decide whether the relationship would suit both parties. Like Feria says, “In the broadest sense, fashion is empowering and can help us reclaim some control over our first impressions” (Feria). It allows people to demonstrate who they are to others without speaking. This is why people are told to dress one step above the position they are applying for at an interview while also dressing for the mood of the office or job. Carefully choosing clothing shows the authority figure that the interviewee is respectable and values the chance to apply for the job. In the words of Hayley Eastman, “The outcome of a job interview could also be largely determined by attire” (Eastman). If someone shows up to an interview after getting out of bed, they most likely will not land the job. The interviewer wants to ensure they are making the best investment for their company, and one aspect that helps them make that decision is the clothes a person wears.

One way I understood the significance of fashion further is through the pandemic. Being a person that enjoys dressing up every day, I was impacted significantly by being at home and having to quarantine. I hardly had a reason to get ready during the day, putting me in a slump. Feria related this to the idea of the meaning of clothing by saying, “This might explain why staying in sweatpants or pajamas all day during the pandemic affected some people’s productivity due to its association with laziness or leisure” (Feria). Sweats and comfortable clothes promote unproductivity which caused a lot of people to get stuck in a rut during the pandemic. Once I could finally go out again, I got ready for the day more consistently, and with such, my productivity increased dramatically. Robert Ridge explains, “There definitely can be a connection between how people dress and how they feel. The more you like your appearance, the more confident you can be” (qtd. in Eastman). My experience showed me how much my clothes influence my mood, confidence, and productivity.

Different colors can also change one’s mood. Bright and happy colors usually boost one’s mood, while darker colors relax and calm a person down. For example, a color like “Yellow tends to elicit feelings of happiness while blue is associated with peacefulness. Any sort of print is also known to have a similar mood boosting effect” (Feria). This effect is due to the psychological response our brains have to specific colors and the meaning given to colors. Knowing this, on days one feels overwhelmed and anxious, they can intentionally choose to change their mood through what they wear. For instance, they could wear something like blue or purple to calm themselves down, or they could go in the opposite direction with something like bright pink or yellow to boost their mood and make them happier. It can also allow for expression: “Clothing can contribute to one’s mood because of the notion that colours, materials, textures, patterns, shapes, and artwork inspire individuals” (Kang).

Another example of this is the color red. It is often seen as a statement color because it is bold and catches the attention of those around it. Research has shown that people are naturally drawn to the color red, which is why it tends to be popular at formal events. Black also demands attention, but instead of being flashy, it is seen as sophisticated or classy (fig. 1). Colors can help college students with daily activities as they can change a mood and help with things like presentations or situations that demand authority.

Being the center of attention can cause a lot of anxiety, which is why some individuals stress when a professor announces a new class presentation. Anxiety is also seen in major events like showcases or exams. In these instances, I rely on my clothes to give me the confidence I need. Since middle school, I have lived by the motto, “dress well, test well.” It started as a joke, but as I continued to live by it, I began to believe and rely on it. Eastman states, “How people dress could also affect their performance level, whether it be at school or at work” (Eastman). Whenever I have a test or presentation, I dress nicely. Stockum, Jr. and DeCaro explain, “Enclothed cognition represents a specific case of embodied cognition, which recognizes that individuals’ psychological processes are influenced by their physical experiences” (Stockum, Jr., and DeCaro 3). Dressing up helps me to boost my confidence and feel more productive rather than if I wear clothes like sweats or leggings. I use fashion to influence my physical experiences and demonstrate that I have credibility and know what I am being tested on or presenting. I tend to rely on colors to help me feel bold and confident, especially in presentations. I find common ground with Shanfelder when he says, “I do this because I think ‘dressing nice’ is respectable and it also helps boost my self-esteem” (Shanfelder). It helps me to feel good about myself and keep my audience’s attention when I present. It resonates with me when Kang says, “Individuals who feel a close connection between clothing and self may use clothing to shape their mood” (Kang). Especially in high-stress situations, clothing and fashion can be used for one’s benefit.

Socially, fashion use may seem more directed at women than men. Women are typically more interested in fashion trends and clothing than men are. In one study, “Young women were recruited to participate because they are more likely to be sensitive to their moods than men and thus, more likely to use clothing relative to their mood” (Kang). This notion may be because in society as a whole, “Women have also been shown to place a greater emphasis on their clothing and appearance than men” (Kang). This perception of fashion relates to the media and what people are constantly surrounded by. Some men enjoy clothing, but this hobby and interest in fashion are more often pushed on to girls and women. However, this is still something that all college students can benefit from. Not all people need to or should be invested in fashion like myself or others might be, but it can create a sense of self and make small daily improvements for all individuals if they let it influence them.

Now, this is not a topic that will fix a peace crisis or prevent wars from going on across the world. It will not solve major political and social issues that nations face. It can, however, make a difference in the lives of individuals. It can help college students ace a test or presentation they are stressed about. People who work to make small and seemingly insignificant changes to their wardrobe will live a happier and more confident life. As Kang says, “As soon as clothes are put on the body, they can influence one’s mood” (Kang). So what mood will you let yourself have? If you wake up having a bad day, will you let it continue to bring you down, or will you rise above it and put in small efforts to improve your day? I would encourage you to move towards the latter option. You have control. Do not let the influences of others or even yourself bring you down. You have an option. So why not choose clothes?

Works Cited

Eastman, Hayley. “How Your Clothes Affect Your Emotions.” The Daily Universe, The Daily Universe, 28 May 2013, universe.byu.edu/2013/05/28/1how-your-clothes-affect-your-emotions/.

Feria, Emma. “Opinion: The Psychological Benefits of Fashion.” The Official Student Newspaper of Gordon College, The Tartan, 21 Feb. 2022, tartan.gordon.edu/the-psychological-benefits-of-fashion/.

Kang, Ju-Young M. “Clothing Functions and Use of Clothing to Alter Mood.” Taylor & Francis, 2013, www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17543266.2012.762428?scroll=top&needAccess= true.

Shanfelder, Jon. “SIOWFA16: Science in Our World: Certainty and Controversy.” SiOWfa16 Science in Our World Certainty and Controversy, 15 Oct. 2016, sites.psu.edu.

Smith, Martin J. “Turns Out That Opposites Don’t Attract After All.” Stanford Graduate School of Business, Stanford Business, 17 Jan. 2017, www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/turns-out-opposites-dont-attract-after-all.

Van Stockum, Charles A., Jr., and Marci S. DeCaro. “Enclothed Cognition and Controlled Attention during Insight Problem-Solving.” Journal of Problem Solving, vol. 7, no. 1, Jan. 2014. EBSCOhost, https://search-ebscohost-com.dist.lib.usu.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eric&AN=EJ10 60031&site=ehost-live.