You’re Not Sad, You Just Need A Style Update! Here’s How Fashion Can Boost Your Mood
02/28/25
Written by Fashion Columnist, Erin McCoy
Hey, lovebug! Let’s talk about something real today—We all have those days when we’re feeling a little off and not quite like ourselves. But what if I told you that updating your personal style could shift your mood, boost your confidence, and even help you battle feelings of self-doubt?
Fashion is more than fabric and trends—it’s armor. Now hear me out! Armor is a bold choice in wording, but have you ever felt like your day was a battle? Have you ever felt the need to shrink or, on the flip side, felt overly visible? For me, those feelings have often come from the fear of judgement. I’ve learned that fashion can be my armor and more specifically, adornment! It’s more about how WE see and feel about ourselves. We can use fashion as a tool to reflect who we are, how we want to feel, and how we show up in the world.
So, if you’re in need of a little confidence boost, a pick-me-up, or just a reminder of your own power, let’s dive into how fashion can be your secret weapon for lifting your mood and owning your presence.
DRESS THE WAY YOU WANT TO FEEL
Ever heard the phrase, “Look good, feel good”? It’s not just a saying—it’s ✨science✨. Fashion Psychology has proven to us that the way we dress can influence our mindset and emotions. These studies have shown that wearing certain clothes can trigger psychological changes, boosting confidence, self-esteem, and even productivity.
Think about it! When you slip into a blazer, don’t you instantly feel a little more in control? When you wear a dress that highlights your beauty, don’t you feel a little more unstoppable? That’s the magic of fashion!
If you’re feeling down, try reaching for mood-boosting colors and textures that bring you joy. Bright, bold colors can energize your mood.
Similar to colors, textures can affect your mood as well. Soft and cozy textures can bring comfort while a structured jacket or a pair of killer boots? Instant power move!
SHIFT YOUR MINDSET THROUGH STYLE
Life is unpredictable, and we all experience low-confidence days. But when you dress with intention, you send a message to yourself and the world: I am strong, I am here, and I am ready.
Here’s how you can use fashion as a confidence booster:
✨ Blazers & Structured Pieces → Instantly make you feel more powerful and in control. Perfect for when you need to step into your boss energy.
✨ Statement Accessories → Statement earrings, chunky rings, or a killer handbag can remind you that you’re that girl. HER!
✨ Edgy Footwear → A thigh-high boot? A sleek stiletto? Even a stylish sneaker? The right shoes can put a literal pep in your step.
✨ Layering for Comfort & Strength → Layering textures like denim, leather, or knits can make you feel protected and grounded.
Fashion is a mindset shift! The more you align your style with your energy, the more powerful you feel.
Our Favorite street style looks from February 2025 New York Fashion Week. Credit: WWD Magazine. Photographer: Jason Jean.
REMEMBER THAT YOU’RE WORTH IT
Personal style is self-care. Taking the time to dress in a way that makes you feel good is an act of self-love.—a tangible reminder that you are worth the effort and deserve to feel amazing every day. The process of curating an outfit can be a powerful way to set the tone for your day, boost your confidence, and align your outer appearance with your inner glow.
One simple way to make fashion an intentional part of your self-care routine is to plan your outfits in advance. Just like prepping your meals or setting out your gym gear, laying out your clothes the night before can make your mornings smoother and more mindful. When you give yourself time to thoughtfully choose pieces that make you feel empowered, you avoid the stress of last-minute decisions and start your day feeling prepared and polished.
Easy Fashion Self-Care Routine:
Plan your outfits in advance → Avoid morning stress and dress with intention. Set aside 10–15 minutes in the evening to plan your look for the next day. Consider what vibe you want to channel—whether it’s bold and powerful, soft and feminine, or relaxed and casual.
Declutter your wardrobe → Keep only the pieces that make you feel good and organize your closet to make mixing and matching easier.
Create a personal style mood board → You can use Pinterest to find outfit inspo and create collages! Start by searching for an item that you already own and then see how others have styled it for a fresh perspective.
Experiment with fashion trends → Play with color palettes, textures, silhouettes, or accessories to craft an outfit that excites you.
Updating your wardrobe essentials and dressing for confidence can be as transformative as a self-care routine.
TRUE CONFIDENCE STARTS WITHIN
I’m glad we’re doing the work to boost our confidence, but if you want the real deal, it’s not just going to come from dressing well—it comes from believing in yourself. Fashion can be the first step in that journey, but it’s your mindset that completes the transformation.
Try these self-confidence tips:
Next time you’re feeling low, wear your power outfit—the one that makes you feel unstoppable.
Play around with different styles and colors to see what makes you feel your best.
Speak words of affirmation over yourself that match the energy of your look! Here are some of my faves:
“I am strong and courageous!”: So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you. Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT
⭐️“I am beautiful!”⭐️: I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful… Psalm 139:14 NIV
“I am cared for!”: For I know the plans that I have for you. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
“I am safe!”: He will cover you with his feathers. He will shield you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Psalms 91:4 NLT
And every now and then, treat yourself to a fashion piece that makes you feel luxurious—because you deserve it, duh!
True transformation starts inside. When you nurture your heart, mind, and spirit, it naturally reflects on the outside. The confidence, peace, and joy you cultivate internally become visible, turning your inner growth into a tangible and visible truth. The goal isn’t just to look good, but to let how you feel on the inside radiate outward, turning that feeling to fact!
Here’s to using style as your superpower! What outfit makes you feel the most confident? Let’s chat in the comments! 💕
