“Enclothed Cognition”: How style sparks confidence
Make It Stand Out.
I used to think clothes were just… clothes. Something you throw on to get through the day. But somewhere along my 170-pound weight-loss journey, I realized something pretty life-changing: what we wear can radically shift how we feel about ourselves.
I’m not talking about runway fashion or looking “put together” for other people. I’m talking about that feeling you get when you put on something that just feels right—like it’s an outer expression of who you are inside. That’s the power of personal style. And there’s actually science to back it up.
Let’s talk about it.
What Is Enclothed Cognition (and Why Should You Care)?
There’s this amazing concept from psychology called enclothed cognition. In plain English? It’s how the clothes we wear influence our thoughts, feelings, and behavior.
Studies have shown that wearing something that holds symbolic meaning—like a doctor’s coat or even workout gear—can actually change the way we think and perform.
Now think about that in the context of your daily life. What would happen if you dressed in a way that made you feel strong, capable, vibrant? Spoiler alert: you’d start acting like it too.
What You Wear Shapes How You See Yourself
If you’ve recently lost weight (or are in the process), you’ve probably stood in front of the mirror and thought, “Wait… is this really me?” Our inner self-image often lags behind our physical transformation. That’s where style comes in.
When you dress your new body with intention—choosing clothes that fit now, reflect your personality, and feel good—you send a powerful signal to your brain: This is who I am becoming.
And that shift in self-perception? It changes everything. You walk differently. You speak more confidently. You show up for yourself.
Color and Confidence (Yes, Really)
Let’s have a little fun with color psychology for a sec. Ever notice how you feel different in a red blouse versus a gray hoodie? That’s no accident. Red can signal power and energy. Blue evokes calm and trust. Yellow? Happiness and optimism.
Now, I’m not saying you need to walk around looking like a highlighter, but experimenting with color can genuinely boost your mood. Try adding a bold accessory or wearing a color you’ve always loved but were maybe nervous to try. Sometimes the right pop of color is all it takes to brighten your day and your confidence.