Fashion is a pervasive market worth billions that affects every person who wears clothes, works in the industry, or works in relation to the industry. If we can understand the relationship between humans and the clothes we wear, we gain insight into the behavior of everyone who wears them, including ourselves.
Why First Impressions Matter
When we meet someone new, we construct our first impression of them in under one second based on how they look
- If we like the way someone looks, we imbue them with characteristics like “successful,” “pleasant” and “intelligent,” without knowing anything about them other than what they look like
- From there, we tend to seek traits that back up our initial judgment
- The Halo Effect is called the Halo Effect and once generated, it is hard to change
Try a Mindful Mirror-Gazing Practice
“Our desire to be seen and reflected is basic and innate,” says motivational psychologist Tara Well.
A 5-Step Mirror Meditation from Tara Well
Set the space and intention: Sit on a meditation cushion or a chair with both feet on the ground and have no goals other than to sit with yourself for the allotted time.
- Tune into your breathing: Notice any areas of tension in your body, especially your face and shoulders, then imagine sending your breath to relax those areas and letting tension melt away
- Gaze into your eyes: Notice the quality of your gaze: Is it harsh or soft? Try to soften your gaze as much as you can
- Observe your critic: How does that part of you feel about receiving critiques?
- Notice your attention: Notice where your attention goes and associated feelings.
Clothing and Cognitive Function
We develop these associations between clothing and certain human traits, professions, or ideas over the course of our lives
- In 2012, psychologists at Northwestern University ran a study where they predetermined that lab coats are associated with attention and care
- They had some participants wear lab coats while others didn’t and when they all did attention tests, those wearing the lab coats out-performed those who were not
- Another example of enclothed cognition is when we repeatedly receive compliments on a certain item of clothing
Love yourself more
We spend a lot of our time and energy wishing our lives were different or “better,” but loving-kindness helps us accept ourselves exactly as we are.
- Your brain isn’t built for thinking-it’s made to predict your reality, and you have more power over that perception than you think.
Clothing and Self-Esteem
Clothing can help us feel empowered, authentic, and send a message, but it can’t inherently provide mental wellness
- Your self-esteem is a measure against the norms of society
- In the fashion industry, the messaging has been skewed to cater to a mainly young, white, eurocentric, and thin audience
- This can make people who aren’t represented feel like the product and high-end fashion culture of luxury, money, and parties aren’t for them
