Can the Way that You Dress Change Your Mood?

In the same way that colorful fruits and veggies to your plate can improve your health, can colorful clothes improve your mood? That’s the idea behind ‘dopamine dressing’, the latest fashion trend that dips a toe into the world of health trends. But can a splash of brightness in your wardrobe really bring a smile? Retailers of maxi dresses, QUIZ, tell us more:

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Color psychology

There has been research conducted into the power of color psychology. Studies have shown that different colored objects and clothing can have different effects on individuals.

One example of a color study involved a group of students who were given a participant number in red, black, or green. Results showed that students who were given a red number scored a significant 20% lower than those who presented with a green or black number.

Have you ever considered that your choice of outfit color can impact perceptions of you?

  • White — a humble and optimistic vibe is gleaned from this color choice.
  • Black — suggests self-confidence, as well as intelligence.
  • Red — suggests power, strength, and status. It also makes the wearer appear confident. It can indicate good health and financial stability, too.

In sports, color can have an influence too. Researchers have discovered that red can lead people to act with greater speed and force. And, studies showed that sports teams dressed in mostly black kits were more likely to receive penalties.

It’s apparent that our moods and judgments are affected by a person’s choice of outfit. So, what about when it comes to dressing for your own happiness?

Can color change your happiness?

Some suggest that it’s all down to our personal connotations about colors.

Did you know that different cultures can have different views on a color too? Like the color red? In China, this hue is a symbolism of good luck, yet in Africa it’s associated with death. Interestingly, in the African nation of Nigeria, it has connections with aggression and vitality.

Perhaps yellow seems like a happy color to you, if it does, seeing that color will likely make you feel happy. This idea is supported by one experiment involving a coat. Here, participants were all handed the same white coat — the only difference was that some were told it was a painter’s coat, and others were told it was a doctor’s. When asked to complete tasks, results revealed that those who were told it was a doctor’s coat performed better. It’s likely that the connotations that they associated with a professional uniform were more positive and motivational than those associated with the painter’s coat.

Some people ‘power dress’ to change their mood too. Some women feel more confident in trouser suits or skirt and jacket combos when surrounded by men who are donning a similar outfit in the form of a three-piece suit.

Carefully consider which clothes you feel confident and comfortable in, then dress accordingly to make you feel that way.

Dress for your body shape

One important tip is to build your outfit around your shape — this helps keep you comfortable and plays to your best features, which will both help to improve your mood. Here are some tips for perfectly dressing your body shape:

  • Pear-shaped — carrying your weight on the lower areas of your body gives you a pear-shaped frame. You can elongate your legs with a straight or bootcut jean. Avoid high-waisted trousers though, as these can make you look shorter.
  • Apple-shaped — carrying your weight around the middle makes you apple-shaped. Bring focus to your legs with a straight-leg trouser and pair with heels.
  • Petite — some clothes can overpower a petite frame. High-waisted trousers and crop tops are good if you’re this size, as they can create the illusion that you’re taller and show off your small physique!
  • Tall — if you’re looking to play towards your long legs as a feature, you should go for a low-rise trouser with a skinny leg.

It’s very likely that our wardrobe picks can indeed influence our emotions. Putting colors and shapes aside, the most important thing is that you’re comfortable in the clothes that you wear. This will ensure your confidence shines through — a guaranteed mood booster!

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83 thoughts

  2. Personally I haven’t tried or recognized the differences in the way I feel based on the colors I wear. I do truly believe the way I dress impacts my confidence and behavior. I am a former Marine. That was the first time I really noticed this in my life. When I wore my camouflage uniforms, I had a much different demeanor than when I wore my dress blue uniform. I am now in the corporate world and see the same thing. The dress code is business casual. At the beginning of the year I started wearing sport coats with nice shirts and my level of professionalism in the office changed almost immediately. Great post! I am going to try some different colors and see what the impact is.

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  7. I choose colours to fit my skin colour, which is yellowish. It can be any colour, important to me is the tone of the colour. Snowwhite makes me look like a dead body for example, so that is a nono, but off white is fine. I feel happy in colours, but I also like black and grey. If I am down for one or the other reason, I do try to cheer me up with a nice coloured garment. That usually helps.

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    1. I’m very similar 🙂👍 and yes, matching colors we wear to our complexion is important as well 🙂🌺

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  8. Absolutely! It can make us feel sexy, or confident, cozy…etc. 😊..I also wanted to let you know I’ve migrated my artsychiccreations blog to TheSunshineArtist.com url and domain name 😊

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  10. Yes. Dress can change your mood. The responses to what we wear are all contributing factors as “What is that you’re wearing?” And, “Oh how beautiful you look”! Nice post.

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  13. As a Psych student I loved this and I definitely think it does impact it. I also know that my mood impacts how I dress. Char

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  15. I absolutely believe that how you dress can change your mood =D One of the reasons I dislike Winter is because I can’t wear all my pretty dresses.

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    1. 😁 I actually like winter a lot. You can still wear pretty dresses under the coat 😃🌷

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  18. Absolutely!! I think it makes me feel more confident and happy 🙂
    How have you been? It’s been long, I haven’t got much time lately to connect to my blogger friends. I see you relocated to Canada? Which part of Canada you’re currently in? I’m planning to visit next year 🙂

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  32. I think that feeling good depends on many things and all of them come to us through our senses, smell, sight, touch, taste and hearing. see the colors and designs of the clothes we wear, taste what we eat, listen to the music we like, etc. beautiful photos and happy sunday.

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  35. I’m also strong believer that clothes and colors may change our mood and even life! 😉 You’ve mentioned so many interesting facts! Great job!

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  36. Pingback: Can the Way that You Dress Change Your Mood? — simple Ula – elunarcom

  39. Love this post! Yes, clothes can change your mood and your life. An example – I recently discovered that wearing skirts can be extremely freeing and very comfortable. I am a man who up until recently had never worn a skirt but for some reason I tried it and let me say it was wonderful and yes it changed my life and my view of clothes. ☺

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