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Fashion Psychology: Our clothes have the remarkable ability not only to express our style, but also to influence our mood. Different colors and clothes can have a strong emotional impact and help us get the feeling we want. 

In this blog I explain how clothes and colors influence our mood and show how to consciously choose suitable outfits.

Immerse yourself in a colorful adventure that will not only make you shine, but also those around you!

Fashion Psychology: Clothing works from the inside out and from the outside in – in multiple ways!

From the inside out: personality and style

If you've been following me for a while, you've probably read that style comes from within. You have to "learn" it. Style is a matter of perception which, like any other vital muscle, needs some exercise.

Your eye can practice – in recognizing the gradation of colors, in perceiving fabrics and their matt, shiny or velvety surfaces. If you train your fashion muscle regularly, you will develop a feeling for proportions, silhouettes and surfaces.

Style comes from your personality, from your preferences and habits, because clothing is always an expression of our personality. Depending on what we wear, we create an effect on others. This is the prerequisite for your style. 

Fashion psychology: what we wear not only has an outward effect, but also an inward effect. 

There are a number of studies on this. Psychologist Abraham Rutchick and his colleagues at California State University wanted to know how clothing affects our thinking. They invited 90 students to take various association tests, with half dressed in everyday clothes during the tests and the rest dressed like they were going to a job interview. The formally dressed subjects were able to think more abstractly and holistically, their results better.

Fashion Psychology Chapter 1:

Colors that brighten your mood

The power of colors - mood enhancers for you and others

The colors you wear in your clothes can have an amazing impact on your mood and how others perceive you. This was tested at the 2004 Olympic Games: athletes with a red jersey won more often than those with a blue jersey. Even before the competitions, the reds had measurably more strength and a faster heartbeat than the blues.

Women know this particularly well from their appearance in a red dress: they are the eye-catcher and sometimes it takes a bit of courage because they simply make them very conspicuous and visible. Red is therefore not a good color for a job interview, but it is for salary negotiations; ).

Here are some colors and their effect:

1. Red - The fire of passion

A red piece of clothing can increase your energy and express passion. It signals self-confidence and draws the attention of others to you. Dare to wear red and see how your mood and the reactions of those around you change. Women can try this with a red blouse, dress or blazer, for men polos and sweaters are suitable.

2. Blue - The calm in the wave

Blue radiates calm and serenity. Not only can it calm your own mood, but it can also have a calming effect on others. You surely know the soothing view of the sea or the calming lake.

A blue pullover, a jacket, a blouse or blue trousers send out signals of relaxation and make you appear as a person who can be trusted. It is therefore also the classic business color in almost all countries. 

3. Yellow - The sun in your closet

Yellow is often considered the color of creativity and intellectual thinking. It stimulates the mind and promotes concentration. Yellow can also have a positive effect on self-confidence and convey a sense of aliveness and vitality. 

Yellow is a vibrant and sunny color that instantly puts you in a good mood. Wearing yellow clothes can lift your spirits and radiate positive energy. It draws attention to you and spreads a happy atmosphere.

4. Green – wear nature

Green is calming, refreshing and associated with nature and harmony. It conveys a feeling of calm and balance. Wearing clothes in shades of green can exude connectedness and confidence.

Green also symbolizes hope and renewal, which is why so many health insurance companies, alternative practitioners or doctors work with the color green in their logos. Overall, green has a positive effect on well-being and can create an inspiring and revitalizing atmosphere.

Fashion Psychology Chapter 2:

Garments that boost your mood

In addition to colors, certain items of clothing also play a role in influencing your mood. We all know that moment when we try on something new in the dressing room and say, "No, that's not me." They just don't make us feel good because they don't match our personality and feelings. Conversely, there are garments that, when we see the mirror, we immediately say: "WOW, yes, that's great, that's me".

Here are some tips on how choosing the right clothes can empower your feelings when you like them.

1. The power blazer - feel like a confident superwoman!

A well-tailored blazer gives you an instant boost of confidence and makes you feel like a power woman. Why? The shoulder pads and the fabric that forms around you provide support and contour. If that's just too stiff for you, choose a stretch jersey blazer as an alternative. Combine a blazer with your favorite t-shirt and jeans for a casually elegant look that makes you feel good.

2. The flowing maxi dress – gentle elegance for inner harmony

An airy maxi dress gives you a feeling of lightness and feminine elegance. Choose one with a soft pattern or a calm, more delicate color to create a relaxed and harmonious mood. When I let my customers try on such a dress while shopping, there is always this wonderful moment where they turn with the dress in front of the mirror and feel how the fabric nestles against their body, touches the skin and falls beautifully. So you can enjoy the dreamlike feeling of floating in the dress and feeling like a "goddess".

3. A black turtleneck - The creative distance

A black turtleneck conveys simple elegance, seriousness and creativity - suitable for professional environments, but of course also private. It can be combined in many ways, whether with a blazer, chic trousers, jeans or a skirt. In any case, it gives the wearer a sophisticated and stylish look. If you need some retreat and want to create distance or appear creative, wear a black turtleneck with black pants.

Fashion Psychology Chapter 3:

Influence your mood and that of others with targeted accessories

Accessories can be real mood enhancers and express your personality. Especially in summer, when our outfits are reduced and consist of fewer parts, accessories play a bigger role. 

Eye-catching sunglasses, colored shoes, an eye-catching belt, a pretty unusual bag or jewelery are not just eye-catchers - your own joy about them or the looks of others create an effect. They also give your outfits the necessary boost from boring to wow.

1. Statement jewelry - show your uniqueness and creativity

A fancy, eye-catching "statement ring" (which you always see) or a mix of great bracelets or a special watch can lift the spirits and underline your individuality. You will be surprised how many compliments you get for extraordinary pieces and how this can positively change your mood and that of the people around you.

2. A scarf - for the effective difference

A great unusual scarf gives every outfit a special touch. It can not only make you look great or match your outfit perfectly - it can also inspire admiration from others. Experiment with different colors and patterns and find out which scarf lifts your spirits best.

In winter, I often wear bright wool scarves in orange, pink or cobalt blue, to which people always react positively because they are happy about the splash of color in everyday life. And it also makes me happy because it lifts my spirits. 

3. Fancy shoes as an accessory

Shoes turn your whole outfit in a certain direction. So how about a pair of unusual models? Patterned sneakers, striped espadrilles, golden cowboy boots or an animal look?

Fashion Psychology Summary

Now you have some ideas for harnessing the connection between clothing, mood, and the effect it has on you and others. Let your clothes speak for you and enjoy the positive effects on yourself and the people around you - to boost your spirits and put a smile on others' faces.