The Power of Clothing: Dressing for Success and Confidence

I explore whether the age-old saying ‘dressing for success‘ has any real merit. This phenomenon, also known as enclothed cognition, suggests that our clothing choices profoundly influence our psychological processes. By dressing for success, we alter our appearance; we transform our mindset, behaviours, and performance.

Have you ever noticed how slipping into the right outfit instantly boosts your mood and confidence?

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Understanding Enclothed Cognition

Enclothed cognition refers to the impact that clothes have on the wearer’s psychological state. In a pivotal 2012 study, researchers Hajo Adam and Adam D. Galinsky found that participants wearing a lab coat—a garment associated with attentiveness and intelligence—performed better on attention-related tasks than those who did not. This illustrates that dressing in attire linked to specific qualities can enhance our cognitive functions.

Fashion commentator Caryn Franklin aptly stated, “My professional wardrobe of clothes, styled with my hair and makeup, helps me look the part and think like a fashion commentator. Enclothed cognition indeed.”

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The Science Behind Dressing for Success

Research indicates that our clothing choices can significantly affect our performance and how others perceive us. A study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science found that individuals wearing formal business attire felt more powerful and exhibited enhanced abstract thinking, a key component of creativity and strategic decision-making. Additionally, the University of Hertfordshire discovered that people perceived individuals dressed in tailored suits as more confident and competent compared to those in casual clothing.

Power Dressing: A Personal Journey

Reflecting on my own experiences, I recall how transformative clothing can be. Early in my career, my petite stature and youthful appearance often led others to mistake me for a recent graduate, questioning my experience. To counter this, I embraced power dressing. Well-fitted dresses, blazers, and statement footwear became my staples. These choices helped me project authority and professionalism, but more importantly, they changed how I felt about myself. I stood taller, spoke with greater confidence, and approached professional challenges with renewed assurance. I embraced the dress-for-success method and saw amazing results.

My background in performance art also taught me how clothing, hair, and makeup can shift one’s state of being. Stepping into character through costume unlocked new energy and a sense of self, a lesson I’ve carried with me over the last 20+ years and into my styling work with clients.

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Aligning Outer Style with Inner Values

This harmony between our external appearance and internal identity is fundamental to true confidence. By curating a wardrobe that reflects your values and aspirations, you’re not just dressing to impress; you’re dressing to express your authentic self. Turning to your wardrobe as a tool for empowerment is not to be underestimated.

How we show up—and especially if we align what we believe with what’s on the outside—is pretty powerful stuff. Dressing for success is an interchangeable term—one day success might look and feel different to another—you have to understand HOW to unlock that inner confidence from what you wear, and that’s when working with a stylist can be beneficial.

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inspirational quotes to boost your style confidence

Practical Steps FOR DressING for Success

1. Embrace Colour Psychology
   Colours evoke emotions and states of mind. For example, red signifies energy and authority, while blue conveys calmness and reliability. Choose colours that align with your goals to create a supportive wardrobe.
   
2. Prioritise Fit and Comfort
   Well-fitting clothing enhances both appearance and confidence. A tailored blazer or perfectly fitting trousers can make a significant difference. Comfort is equally vital; when you feel at ease, your confidence naturally shines. Remember, what makes one person look and feel empowered might be different to someone else. It’s about tapping into what makes YOU show up as your best self.
   
3. Incorporate Your Values
   Select clothing that embodies the qualities you wish to project. A leather jacket might represent boldness, while a silk blouse could convey elegance. These items serve as visual affirmations of your inner strengths or personality traits you wish to share.
   
4. Invest in Accessories
   Statement accessories like a local handmade necklace or unique, high-quality artisan handbag can elevate an outfit but also serve as conversation starters that align your inner beliefs with your exterior. The choices you make can help you inject personality into your look and add a layer of interest related to your values. This takes the response from “Thanks, I got my necklace in the sale” to “Thank you—it’s by a brand that I deeply admire who is doing positive work empowering women and creating livelihoods for local communities in India.” – as an example, it’s a different conversation response that creates a different dialogue.
   
5. Dress for the Occasion
   Always consider the context. Whether you’re attending a corporate meeting, creative workshop, or casual brunch, align your outfit with the environment while staying true to your personal style. Try not to compare yourself to others and find YOUR place of comfort and empowerment in a style that aligns with YOU.
   

The Link Between Clothing and Confidence

The connection between clothing and confidence is well documented. A meta-analysis of enclothed cognition studies found that wearing specific types of clothing consistently boosts self-esteem and performance. Additionally, a survey by YouGov revealed that 62% of people feel more confident when wearing their favourite outfit. This statistic highlights the emotional connection we have with our clothes and their potential to empower us in our daily lives.

Looking for more ways to boost your confidence? Check out my blog on What Makes Women Confident for actionable tips and insights into building self-assurance through style. And if you’re interested in going on this journey with a group of women, with monthly group calls and access to me on a 1:1 basis, check out my next Styling Cohort.

Dressing to Impress IS A GOOD STRATEGY IF YOU WANT TO Succeed

The science of enclothed cognition proves that clothing is more than just a superficial concern—it’s a powerful tool for enhancing cognitive function, self-perception, and performance. By thoughtfully curating a wardrobe that reflects your values and goals, you can unlock new levels of confidence and success.

Ready to transform your wardrobe and elevate your confidence? Book a VIP Styling Session with me and discover how intentional style can change your life.

References

1. Enclothed Cognition (2012). Adam, H., & Galinsky, A. D. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 48(4), 918–925. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2012-06477-001
2. The Cognitive Consequences of Formal Clothing (2015). Slepian, M. L., Ferber, S. N., Gold, J. M., & Rutchick, A. M. Social Psychological and Personality Science, 6(6), 661–668. https://www.columbia.edu/~ms4992/Publications/2015_Slepian-Ferber-Gold-Rutchick_Clothing-Formality_SPPS.pdf
3. Dressing Up Posture: The Interactive Effects of Posture and Clothing on Competency Judgments (2016). Gurney, D. J., Howlett, N., Pine, K., Tracey, M., & Moggridge, R. British Journal of Psychology, 107(2), 435–451. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27381170/
4. Fashion Survey Results (2020). YouGov. https://docs.cdn.yougov.com/d74y5a141s/Fashion%20survey.pdf
5. The Role of Clothing in Self-Perception (2018). The Psychology of Fashion. https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/lsereviewofbooks/2019/08/29/book-review-the-psychology-of-fashion-by-carolyn-mair/
6. What You Wear Can Influence How You Perform (2012). MIT Sloan Management Review. https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/what-you-wear-can-influence-how-you-perform/
7. The Influence of Clothing on First Impressions: Rapid and Positive Responses to Minor Changes in Male Attire (2013). Howlett, N., Pine, K., Orakçıoğlu, İ., & Fletcher, B. Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management, 17(1), 38–48. https://uhra.herts.ac.uk/bitstream/handle/2299/12766/906722.pdf?sequence=2
8. What You Wear Can Change Your Brain (2014). University of Hertfordshire. https://news.cision.com/university-of-hertfordshire/r/what-you-wear-can-change-your-brain,c9593728
9. Proximity of Clothing to Self Scale (2004). Sontag, M., & Lee, J. Clothing and Textiles Research Journal, 22(4), 161–177. https://doi.org/10.1177/0887302X0402200403
10. Influence of Collective Self-Esteem on Fashion Clothing Involvement Among Indian Women (2012). Khare, A., & Rakesh, S. Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management, 16(1), 42–63. https://doi.org/10.1108/13612021211203016
11. Fashion and Positive Psychology: Interactions Between Clothing, Mood, Self-Concept, and Well-Being (2023). Scott, J. Toronto Metropolitan University. https://rshare.library.torontomu.ca/articles/thesis/Fashion_And_Positive_Psychology_Interactions_Between_Clothing_Mood_Self-Concept_And_Well_Being/14649540