Wardrobe therapy is something that goes beyond styling outfits or uncovering new trends. It’s about exploring how clothing can be used to support emotional wellbeing.
Dressing according to your mood can be a powerful way to express yourself and how you’re feeling. For instance, If you’re feeling bold or happy, you may reach for bright colours or playful patterns.
However, what you wear can also influence your mood. This is called “enclothed cognition” — and it has many benefits.
Benefits of Wardrobe Therapy and Dressing to Boost Mood
Enclothed cognition is the concept that clothing can impact how you feel, behave and perceive the world around you.
A good example is dressing in your favourite outfit when you’re feeling low. It can help lift your spirits and make you feel more confident.
In fact, wearing a feel-good outfit whatever your mood can enhance your self-esteem and sense of empowerment.
There is also research to suggest that what you wear can help you perform better in your everyday life, whether it’s improving productivity or having more positive social interactions.
Ultimately, dressing according to how you feel or want to feel allows you to check in with yourself emotionally, encouraging both mindfulness and self-awareness.
3 Types of Outfits to Influence 3 Different Moods
Here are 3 of my favourite types of outfits you can wear to influence three positive moods based on your day ahead.
Mood 1: Confident and Ready to Take on the Day
It’s a well-known fact that if you look put-together, you feel put-together. To instil this mood, you need to channel boss energy and a productive mindset. Think city chic, with a sharp focus on classic tailoring, wardrobe staples and neutral colours like white, black, beige, navy and grey.
Team straight-leg dark blue denim jeans with a staple white buttoned shirt, pointed black flats and a slouchy shoulder bag for an effortlessly elegant look.
Just because summer is around the corner doesn’t mean a jacket isn’t needed in the unpredictable British weather. A lightweight cropped trench is ideal for throwing on in a hurry while polishing off the outfit to perfection. Very have versatile coats and jackets to suit every mood, including this one.
Outfit details (all available on Very):
- Jacket – Mango*
- Shirt – V by Very*
- Jeans – V by Very*
- Flats – Long Tall Sally*
- Sunglasses – River Island*
- Bag – Katie Loxton*
Mood 2: Low-Energy Yet Put-Together
Sometimes the week takes its toll and leaves you with little mental energy to put together an elevated look. You want to chill and prioritise comfort but still channel off-duty cool.
In this case, opt for wide-leg black joggers with a cream oversized sweatshirt, on-trend trainers and a black cap, which successfully conceals a bad hair day in the most fashionable way. For good measure, add a roomy parka jacket for maximum cosiness and to remedy any rain or chilly temperatures.
Whether you’re popping to the shop, running errands or meeting a loved one for coffee, this effortlessly stylish ensemble is always a winner for helping you to relax and enjoy your downtime.
Outfit details:
- Jacket – V by Very*
- Joggers – New Look* (available on Very)
- Sweatshirt – Next
- Cap – Everyday* (available on Very)
- Bag – Uniqlo
- Trainers – Adidas
Mood 3: Playful, Creative and Expressive
The best kinds of mornings are the ones where you wake up refreshed and full of creative energy. You know the type — you’re feeling optimistic about life, your brain is overflowing with ideas for self-improvement and you can’t wait to get out of bed and smash the day ahead.
This isn’t necessarily a workday either — it’s just a day where you feel like being bold and playful (even if you’re only going for brunch or doing hobbies at home) and the energy is infectious.
Match this mood, or try and adopt it, through feel-good dopamine dressing. Loud prints and bright colours may dominate your look so that you stand out in style. This can be done in the form of a primary-hued cardigan (tomato red is huge for Spring/Summer 2025).
Very have lots of stunning top options. Pair your favourite with wide-leg leopard-print jeans (again, so SS25-coded) and coordinating trainers to help you channel your inner maximalist. If you need an extra layer, add a classic black or neutral faux leather jacket to let your vivid colours and/or prints take centre stage.
Compliments pending!
Outfit details:
- Jacket – New Look* (available on Very)
- Cardigan – New Look* (available on Very)
- Jeans – New Look* (available on Very)
- Sunglasses – River Island* (available on Very)
- Bag – Katie Loxton* (available on Very)
- Trainers – Adidas
Final Thoughts on Wardrobe Therapy
Outfits can do more than reflect how we feel – they can actively shape our emotional state. Whether you’re aiming for confidence, comfort or creativity, choosing the right clothes can act as a powerful tool for emotional regulation and self-care.
Fashion in this context becomes a form of (wardrobe) therapy, which is an empowering way to check in with yourself, feel grounded and take on the day with purpose.
Lmk in the comments how you use wardrobe therapy to reflect or inspire your moods!
Pin this article and save for later:
Leave a Reply