We all know the surge of confidence putting on the right outfit can give you. It’s the killer blazer you pull on before that important interview or the floral wrap dress that makes you first-date-ready in seconds flat. Clothes can make us feel courageous, successful and even improve our self-worth--not to mention help us feel more relaxed (hello, sweatpants!). But did you know there’s an actual scientific reason to explain this phenomenon? It’s called Enclothed Cognition and while this may be the first time you’ve heard of it, you probably experience it daily.
Dr. Adam D. Galinsky, a professor at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University who conducted a study on Enclothed Cognition, explained to The New York Times that “clothing affects how other people perceive us, as well as how we think about ourselves.” The concept of Enclothed Cognition purports that clothing actually impacts the cognitive process. It’s not just in your head: the clothes you choose reflect and affect your mood, health and overall confidence. This means that choosing the right outfit is a major component of success, whether you’re getting dressed for work or for a day of fun. Therefore, it makes sense to dress for how you want to feel and what you want to achieve.
In this case, a little bit of aspirational dressing can go a long way. The book Mind What You Wear: The Psychology of Fashion by Professor Karen J. Pine explains that those who dress like they occupy a leadership role at their company are more likely to get promoted. Pine also writes that selecting the right clothes can make a person less anxious and less depressed. And since, according to Dove’s 2016 Global Beauty and Confidence Report, 85 percent of women admit to having low confidence and a KPMG Women’s Leadership study says 67 percent of women need more support in building the confidence they need to become leaders, an easy fix can be found right in your closet.
Here at dressCODE, we deeply believe that clothing has the ability to shift your mindset and help you build the life and career of your dreams. So, whether you’re looking for a confidence boost to help you land that promotion, a little wardrobe makeover to improve your self-worth, or a professional stylist to help you find the courage to set out on your own path, we can help.
Your dreams are just an outfit away!
