Whether you love it or hate it, fashion is a major part of society, as well as each of our individual lives—unless you plan on walking around naked, you will always have to choose, buy, and wear clothing. This industry has become even more saturated because of the popularity of social media. It seems impossible to scroll through Instagram, TikTok, or any other platform without being bombarded with advertisements for the latest trends or up-and-coming brands.
For something that finds its way into our lives so easily, it can have a pretty big effect on our mental wellbeing—whether that be positive or negative. Though I am someone who absolutely loves everything fashion related, including super avant-garde runway looks, I have seen and experienced both sides of this spectrum.
As most of us know, the fashion industry can be quite damaging, but I also want to highlight some of the positive things that clothing can do for our mental health. In order to take it a step further, I’m also going to share some things that you can do to ensure that your mental health is boosted, rather than deflated, by fashion.
Negative Effects On Mental Health
Body Inclusivity
Let’s address the elephant in the room—the fashion industry isn’t known for being body inclusive. When you look through magazines or watch runway shows, one type of woman is usually depicted: a tall, thin, size-zero supermodel. While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with this body type, it only represents a small percentage of women. This can lead to feelings of exclusion, inadequacy, and unworthiness for those not being represented. Fashion’s lack of inclusivity doesn’t stop there— it can also cause women to feel discouraged while shopping, because the straight size selection is often much vaster than the plus size selection.
Pressure to “Fit In”
This is something that affects a lot of people, specifically kids and teenagers—I can certainly remember feeling a pressure to wear certain brands in order to be “cool.” Feeling the need to look a certain way can have unhealthy consequences— even if you don’t necessarily want to wear what everyone else is wearing, you still might feel a sense of ostracization. The pressure to fit in can have an even bigger impact if you can’t afford to buy popular name brands or stock your closet with the latest trends. Lowered self-esteem, shame, or embarrassment are often the results of this.
Distorted Body Image
One thing that I think nearly everyone has dealt with at one point is failing to remember that you’re not meant to fit clothing—clothes are meant to fit you. If you try something on and it doesn’t fit, doesn’t look “flattering,” or simply doesn’t go with your personal style, that’s okay—not everything is going to work on everyone. Unfortunately when this happens, we often feel like we need to lose or gain weight, or we end up resenting a specific part of our body. We act as though fitting into and looking “good” in an item is the basis of our self-worth. This mindset is clearly unhealthy, and it can lead to serious issues with body image.
Positive Effects On Mental Health
Look Good, Feel Good
We’ve all heard the saying “look good, feel good.” As cliche as it might seem, it’s absolutely true. When you’re filled with inner joy, people tend to notice that happiness on the outside, right? The opposite is also true—if you wear something that makes you happy, it’s possible for that feeling to be absorbed; therefore, making you feel genuine inner happiness. Some might say that feeling the need to put on a nice outfit or adorn yourself in jewelry is a sign of vanity, but in my opinion, manifesting happiness through clothing is far from vain. Also, keep in mind that the term “looking good” is subjective—your definition might differ from mine, but if YOU feel good about YOUR appearance, you’ll start to radiate happiness, and happiness looks good on everyone.
Color Psychology
People are generally influenced or affected by color—some colors make us feel happy and calm, while others make us feel anxious or depressed. Maybe the color yellow makes you think of spring, flowers, and sunshine, which all bring you joy. If you start incorporating more yellow into your wardrobe, it’s likely you’re going to feel that same sense of happiness when you wear it. This can be especially helpful on gloomy days—whether it’s the weather or how you’re feeling—and you need a little boost of serotonin. Whatever color brings you happiness, try incorporating more of it into your outfits. I bet you’ll start to notice your mood improving.
Finding Your Tribe
By wearing what you like and being true to your own personal style, it’s likely that you’ll end up finding and connecting with people who share similar interests. Think back to high school and all of the different cliques and groups—each group typically had their own style or way of dressing. It can be difficult to connect with people, so even though it may seem superficial, clothing and style can be a great way to initiate a conversation. Finding people you connect with can help you feel understood and give you a deeper sense of belonging.
How To Choose The Positive
Choose What You View
Anytime we log into social media, we’re exposed to a million different opinions, images, and things to buy—some of these have a positive impact on us, and some… do not. We do, however, have the ability to choose what we continue to expose ourselves to—and this includes anything fashion related. For example, if a lack of body inclusivity is something that affects your mental health, try following brands who are size inclusive, or influencers who promote body positivity and self-love at all sizes. Don’t be afraid to block, unfollow, or hide posts from brands, people, or images that you find problematic. Instead, focus on those that fall in line with your own personal beliefs, morals, and standards.
Remember That Sizing Is Imperfect
I don’t remember where I heard this information, but it had a pretty positive impact on me in regard to sizing. Have you ever been sure that you knew your correct size, but one day you try on a new pair of jeans from your tried-and-true brand, and they’re too small?! You start to wonder if you gained weight, because you know for sure you have the same size at home, and they seemed to fit fine last week. The issue isn’t necessarily you or your weight, but rather the fact that real, human bodies are still used as a size guide for clothing. If your body type is different from the model used as the reference for those jeans, the sizing is going to be off. If Model A was used as a reference for the the pair of jeans you have at home, and Model B was used for the new pair you’re trying on, the sizing is going to be off. So, the next time you’re beating yourself up over sizes, just remember that the inconsistencies have less to do with you, and more to do with the variation of models being used.
Individuality Is Your Super Power
Never wear something you don’t like simply because it’s trendy. I think it’s safe to say we’ve all been there. We see everyone wearing a style, brand, or color, and we decide to try it out too. For whatever reason, it doesn’t jive with us, but we feel a sense of pressure to make it work—’If it’s so popular with everyone else, and everyone else feels good in it, I should love it just as much.’ Even though we want to feel great in that item, it ends up making us feel worse. Trying too hard to fit in, instead of respecting our own personal tastes, ends up making us feel like we’re not capable of fitting in. Remember to embrace your own individual style— it’s the trendiest thing you can do.
Don’t Force Yourself Into A Box
In contrast to the previous point, remember that you’re not confined to one style. People have various interests, so you’re free to choose a different way to dress whenever you want. One day you want to wear a super feminine, floral dress? Great. The next day you want to wear an all black outfit with edgy, studded accessories? That’s awesome! Clothing is meant to do the obvious—clothe and protect us from the elements. It can, however, also be a creative outlet. It’s a way for us to express ourselves, and as human beings, our emotions, likes, and dislikes are forever changing. Just as we change, so can our style. If you’ve been wanting to play around with some new looks, check last out my post on the 2022 spring fashion trends for ideas and styling tips.
Clothing not only provides warmth, protection, and maintains public decency, but it’s also how we choose to present ourselves to the world. Clothing also tends to have a much greater psychological impact on us than we realize—it can be damaging or empowering, and it’s up to you to decide which one gets control. Remember that no matter what, you’re perfect the way you are—never change yourself for fashion, and never give it the power to make you feel less than amazing.