Sometimes, moods just happen, but sometimes you can influence your moods and sway yourself in the direction that you desire. A way that I often do this is by dressing for the mood that I want. Let me explain.
Wearing something that you love each day can make you feel good. I know this because I do it all the time. I have certain items that always perk me up whenever I wear them. One is a colourful t-shirt that says “Love is Love”. Another is a bright pink pair of spotty socks. So, when I wake up feeling less-than-great, I put on something fun. It’s not always possible, as I have to wear a uniform for my casual job, but I do it when I can. Although it does sometimes result in my dress sense being called “quirky” (ugh), it can actually have a positive effect on my mood.
Some say that clothing helps to boost self esteem. Some liken donning your favourite clothes to putting on a costume. Some equate wearing clothes that you love to getting a new hair cut; it can make you feel confident (if it’s a good haircut). I certainly feel good when I leave the hairdresser, or spend time on my make-up. When I feel like I look good, I’m more ready to take on whatever the day may throw at me, but I usually can’t be bothered to do my makeup properly or style my hair in the mornings. Despite newly becoming a morning person, I’m still not that committed to looking good that I’m going to spend time on my makeup when I could spend it with a good book or a nice breakfast.
When it comes to clothes, I always put some thought / time in. I know a few people who have one or two special items that, when they wear them, they feel happy. I’ve tried my best to fill my wardrobe with these items. If it doesn’t spark joy, I don’t wear it (except, of course, for things like underwear. Although I do love my Wonder Woman underwear!). Why not wear my favourite jeans every day? I don’t need to save them for a special occasion. Yes, I can wear my favourite party dress to uni with a t-shirt underneath it. If these things make me feel good, I don’t see why I shouldn’t wear them whenever I like (within reason).
Dressing for the mood that you want doesn’t mean wearing head-to-toe yellow to try and boost happiness. Although, I do own a 100% yellow top-and-skirt set and it absolutely does boost my happiness. It makes me feel like a fresh-faced banana girl, ready to take on the world. Anyway, my point is that dressing for the mood that you want just means wearing clothes that make you feel good, whenever possible. Some people don’t care much for clothes and fashion, but if you do get dressed quite consciously, perhaps try wearing your favourite pieces a little more often. See if it improves your moods, because it totally helps me out.
You are what you wear, so wear what makes you happy. I use the philosophy of Japanese de-cluttering guru Marie Kondo but apply it to my wardrobe. You might have heard of her ideas to get rid of anything that doesn’t “spark joy”. If you’re reorganising your wardrobe, give it a try! Otherwise, just try to wear those joy-sparking items more often. People might call you and your pink spotty socks “quirky”, but if it brings you joy, why not rock the socks? You do you.
*Libby has now graduated from her degree and ventured off into the wild blue yonder, but she left us with a few last posts that we’ll be publishing over the next few months.
