By Daniella Daniel-Kalio
Clothing isn’t just about style, contrary to what a lot of people believe. Research shows that it affects mood and confidence through a concept called Enclothed Cognition. Coined by researchers Hajo Adam and Adam D. Galinsky, the theory suggests that the clothes a person wears influence their thoughts, feelings and behaviours through both symbolic meaning and physical experience.
Dr. Carolyn Mair, a leading behavioral psychologist and author of The Psychology of Fashion, explains that our relationship with clothing is felt on a deeper level. “Every single thing we have on our bodies is now fashion,” Mair explains. “Given that it is so close to our bodies… it is our second skin.”
However, sometimes that “second skin” is dictated by the pressure and trends of social media rather than personal identity, causing the psychological benefits of fashion to vanish. Many fashion myths that people believe in, especially students, like needing a new outfit every day or following every trend on social media, may actually increase stress, lower confidence, or have a negative impact on one’s mental wellbeing.
Myth 1: “I need a new outfit for every event”
One of the most common myths on campus is that wearing the same outfit twice is a social failure. This “one-time use” mindset creates a constant cycle of financial stress, decision fatigue and panic-buying before every weekend or party. Every time you have to buy new clothes, you’re draining the mental energy you need for your classes.
- The Alternative: Embrace the “signature look.” Fashion psychologist Shakaila Forbes-Bell notes that repeating a trusted outfit provides a sense of stability and anchors your identity in a busy world.
Myth 2: “Style should be effortless”
We see influencers on social media do “Get Ready With Mes” that look easy, leading us to believe that if we struggle to find an outfit, we’re doing it wrong. When you have a “I have nothing to wear” meltdown, you feel like you’ve failed at adulthood. Dr. Carolyn Mair’s work shows that fashion and media influence how we perceive ourselves, which explains why “effortless” style portrayed online can create pressure.
- The Alternative: Accept that style is a creative labor. Some days the inspiration simply isn’t there, and that has zero reflection on your worth as a person.
Myth 3: The “save it for a special occasion”
Many people have that one outfit that just looks too good to wear on a regular day and so they tend to ‘save it’. However, this keeps your best self locked in a closet and it reinforces the idea that your everyday life isn’t worthy of your best energy.
- The Alternative: Wearing your favorite piece on a regular day triggers Enclothed Cognition—it literally tells your brain that today is important, which boosts productivity and mood.
Myth 4: The “seasonal reset” requirement
You must completely change your wardrobe every six months and buy an entirely new set of “Spring/Summer” or “Fall/Winter” outfits. The pressure to keep up with the calendar makes one feel like they’re behind before the season even starts. Research in sustainable fashion suggests that constant wardrobe change prevents us from forming emotional durability with our clothes.
- The Alternative: Try layering summer slips over winter knits or vice versa. It’s more sustainable for your brain and your bank account.
Myth 5: The “aesthetic loyalty” oath
Once you’ve branded yourself (e.g., “Minimalist” or “Streetwear”), you can’t change your aesthetic without losing your “fashion credibility.” If you wake up wanting to wear bright colours but you’re known for wearing dark colours , you experience a disconnect between your current mood and your external image.
- The Alternative: Research on flourishing fashion suggests that clothing can support wellbeing and self-expression, which allows personal style to shift with mood rather than remain fixed. Allow your clothes to change as your mood does.
Myth 6: “School isn’t a fashion show”
Many students believe that taking time to dress well for a 9:00 AM lecture is “extra” or a waste of time. However, studies from Western University suggest that students who dress in a way that makes them feel confident perform better on exams and engage more in class discussions.
- The Alternative: View your morning routine as an important part of your day. Spending 10-15 minutes on your outfit isn’t vanity; it’s a routine that builds confidence before you even hit campus.
Myth 7: The “trend-hopping” requirement
You must adopt every TikTok “Core” (e.g., Mob Wife, Eclectic Grandpa) to stay relevant. Constant aesthetic shifting causes Identity Fatigue. It makes it harder for your brain to maintain a stable sense of self, which can increase social anxiety.
- The Alternative: Practice a style that suits you and your personality. Only adopt 10% of a trend that actually feels like you.
Myth 8: “Dress up even if you’re having a bad day”
If you look “perfect” on the outside, you’ll automatically be protected from a bad mental health day. While the theory of Enclothed Cognition proves that clothes can boost our mood, using them to mask deep distress can actually backfire and make you feel obliged to act in a way that matches how you’re dressed.
- The Alternative:On days where you feel like you have low energy and can’t be bothered to come up with an outfit, give yourself permission to wear clothes that feel soft and familiar. It’s an act of self-love that acknowledges your current state rather than hiding it.
The intersection of fashion and psychology reminds us that our clothes are far more than just a collection of fabric; they are a direct extension of how we feel mentally. When we buy into the myths of “effortless” style or the need for a “new” outfit for every event, we let go of the power that clothing is meant to give us. Instead of a tool for flourishing, fashion becomes a source of anxiety and financial strain.
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