Wellness Through Wardrobe Cultivation
Fashion is often seen as a tool for external expression. It can be hailed as a way to show the world who you are through the clothes you choose to wear. But what if fashion could be more than just a reflection of personal style? What if it could be a pathway to wellness or a balanced mindset? By understanding the connection between how we dress and how we feel, we can start to use fashion as a tool for inner development, changing ourselves for the better.
The idea of wellness through fashion begins with the mindset that what we wear affects more than just how others see us—it also shapes how we view ourselves. I think of this as personal display, and we are talking deeper than just personal style here. Much like when an animal is sick and no longer cleans itself because of the sickness, humans do something similar. However, our version of "not cleaning our fur" is a little different for everyone. On the days I do not have to leave my house, for example, I lovingly enter what I call potato mode, named because of couch potatoes. I jokingly tell my husband sometimes that it is time for me to get spudly.
In this example, my choosing to be in sweatpants and a tee is really a way of taking care of myself, so it’s not an example of a negative personal display. If you have ever been depressed and struggled to get out of bed and take that shower because life seems overwhelming, so instead, you just stew in your own juices, that would be a negative personal display. However, when we dress in a way that reflects how we want to feel, rather than simply how we think we should look, we’re tapping into the deeper emotional power of clothing. Choosing colors, fabrics, and styles that make us feel good can instantly shift our mood, helping us approach the day with confidence and a sense of control. Whether it’s the soft texture of a favorite sweater or the boldness of a vibrant dress, our clothes can be a source of comfort and empowerment.
This connection between fashion and mental wellness is rooted in the concept of intentional dressing or the cultivation of a wardrobe, skincare routine, and understanding what style you like. When we make conscious choices about what we wear, we’re setting the tone for the day. For example, on days when stress levels are high, reaching for comfortable, soothing fabrics can create a sense of calm and stability. Similarly, if we need a boost of energy or motivation, wearing something bold and structured can help shift our mindset. The clothes we wear act as cues to the brain; our clothing is an outer display of our inner workings. If you find this topic interesting, here is a TED Talk by Manou Messmann you may enjoy.
