culturedevicedanceproject.com

These last few weeks have been incredibly stressful for me due to a heavy workload and multiple deadlines. I’m sure many of you have been feeling the same, especially judging by the number of people I’ve seen at Billy B in the early mornings. Looking back on this gloomy January — which felt like it dragged on forever — I realized that what I wore had a big impact on my mood. My oversized navy sweater, my well-worn favorite jeans (definitely due for a wash), and a pair of long green earrings became my go-to study outfit. This combination kept me both focused and comfortable during those long, late-night sessions at the library.

I’ve always found comfort in clothing and have enjoyed experimenting with my wardrobe. At one point in the past, I even assigned a specific color to each of my A-Level subjects and would only wear that color to those particular classes. It might sound a bit eccentric, but it really helped boost my mood and motivation. While it might just seem quirky, it’s a small example of how fashion can directly influence our emotions and mindset.

Fashion is closely linked to identity and self-esteem. In her book Mind What You Wear, Professor Karen Pine argues that clothing can significantly impact mental processes. Her research found that students wearing Superman T-shirts reported feeling more confident and even physically stronger. This shows that our clothing choices can influence not just how we see ourselves, but how we perform.

Further research supports this connection between clothing and emotional states. In one study, 96% of women interviewed said that their confidence was directly affected by what they wore. This reinforces the idea that clothing is deeply tied to mood and self-perception. Our outfits often form the basis of first impressions, acting as a form of self-expression shaped by many personal and cultural factors.

A great example of this relationship is dopamine dressing, a trend focused on wearing favorite pieces to boost happiness and wellbeing. Many people mistakenly believe that dopamine dressing just means wearing bright, bold colors. However, psychologists emphasize that personal perception matters more than color theory. While certain colors tend to have common associations — like blue for calmness or yellow for joy and optimism — these meanings vary between individuals. For example, I personally dislike yellow, so wearing it wouldn’t lift my mood. But last week, I wore an all-red outfit (my favorite color) and felt energized and cheerful all day. This proves that mindfully choosing clothes that you love can have a powerful positive effect on how you feel.

Ultimately, we are what we wear. Our clothing choices don’t just influence how others perceive us — they shape our mood, confidence, and behavior. While the fashion industry can sometimes negatively affect mental health, especially in relation to body image, clothes can also be a source of empowerment and comfort. By paying attention to which pieces genuinely bring us joy and making an intentional effort to wear them, we can improve our emotional wellbeing. During stressful times — especially when exam season hits — your wardrobe might just be an unexpected tool to help you get through it.

And who knows? Maybe attending a fashion summer school at a place like Istituto Marangoni Miami could be the perfect way to turn a passion for style into a meaningful career while exploring how fashion connects to psychology and self-expression.

Through the years, I created a personal style made up of pieces I genuinely love, regardless of what others were wearing.

But I’ve learned that personal style is always evolving. My taste changes constantly, and when I feel stuck or notice my closet becoming chaotic, I turn to a few strategies that help me reset.

Whether you’re just starting to define your style or looking for a refresh, here are seven tips to help you create a wardrobe that works for you.

1. Reevaluate Trends

Because of my job, I track trends every single day, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t tempted to buy into all of them.

I remember almost buying a pair of carrot-leg jeans, but I paused to ask myself: Did I really love them, or did I just want them because I kept seeing them everywhere?

In the end, I realized they didn’t bring me as much joy as my go-to mom jeans, so I passed. This taught me that there’s a big difference between appreciating a trend and forcing it into your wardrobe just because it’s popular.

I also stopped putting myself in boxes. For example, I never thought of myself as a “Dr. Martens person” because I associated them with a rocker aesthetic. But eventually, I bought a pair of white platform Chelsea boots, and they became my favorite shoes to wear with almost everything.

The takeaway? You don’t need to fit a stereotype to wear something you love. If there’s a piece you keep thinking about, try it on — it might be the key to unlocking a new side of your style. You can also try online styling services or clothing subscription boxes to explore new looks.

2. Identify Your Go-To Pieces

Another game-changer for me was figuring out which items bring me joy no matter what’s trending. At one point, it was bandanas.

Later, I gravitated toward puff sleeves, ruffles, and polka dots. At work, people even jokingly called me “Fashion Clown” because I was known for wearing those details all the time.

Think about the items you naturally reach for again and again. If you love Birkenstocks, don’t just save them for casual outfits — pair them with dresses, jeans, or even style them with socks.

Over time, these pieces will become your signature staples — the things people instantly associate with you in a positive way.

3. Reinvent the Clothes You Already Have

Do you own something you adore but never wear because you don’t know how to style it?

Sometimes, all it takes is seeing it with fresh eyes. During the pandemic, stylist and TV personality Stacy London shared how she spent time “playing” with her wardrobe.

She experimented with bold, unexpected combinations and ended up creating incredible new looks. This practice can help you breathe new life into your closet without spending a dime — and it’s a fun way to boost your creativity.

4. Shop Less Fast Fashion, More Timeless Pieces

One strategy that’s helped me is shopping at vintage stores or secondhand platforms like Etsy, The Real Real, or Depop. Exploring clothing from different decades allows me to find unique, one-of-a-kind pieces, free from the pressure of current trends.

This approach helps me create a wardrobe that feels authentic and personal, instead of filled with impulse buys that don’t last. The key is to choose a few standout items that truly represent you, rather than filling your closet with dozens of forgettable pieces.

5. Expensive Doesn’t Always Mean Better

Part of discovering my personal style was realizing that price doesn’t equal value. Some of my favorite pieces are inexpensive, like $13 Gildan sweatshirts or $40 classic Vans. With thoughtful styling, even the most affordable clothes can look amazing.

6. Less Is More

Stacy London believes finding your style comes down to asking yourself the right questions:

Does my wardrobe bring me joy? Do I actually wear most of my clothes, or just 20% of them on repeat?

Are my outfits versatile enough for different areas of my life?

The ultimate goal is to have a cohesive, functional wardrobe where every piece has a purpose — and makes you feel great every time you wear it.