We all know that an accumulation of stuff is certainly not the road to happiness. But did you know that you may, unwittingly, be dressing yourself into Depression? While causation may not be able to be proven, psychologists have uncovered a definite correlation between Depression and how you dress — as well as happiness!
Emotional Dressing
According to a recent study, our clothing choices both reflect and help determine our emotional states. While many Americans may argue for comfort over fashion, the truth is that when we wear jeans or a jumper with a sweatshirt or another baggy top, we’re more likely to be sad. Choosing instead to wear a cute dress with jewelry is more common among those who report feeling happy and upbeat. You may be wondering, “Does the clothing we choose result from our emotional state, or does it help determine it?” According to experts, the answer is both.
Dressing for Happiness
Not only are most of us less likely to put effort into our appearances when we feel down, allowing our appearance to match our mood, but when we don’t look good, our appearance will also further affect that mood. The reverse effect occurs when we feel up: we get dressed in something that makes us look good, resulting in higher self esteem and, quite possibly, resulting in compliments as well, further elevating our already positive outlook.
Karen Pine, a professor in the School of Psychology at University of Hertfordshire and coauthor of Flex: Do Something Different, offers a professional recommendation: “The strong link between clothing and mood state suggests we should put on clothes that we associate with happiness, even when feeling low.”
Rethinking Jeans
One of the most interesting findings of the study surrounds an iconic article of clothing: jeans. The average American woman has 8 pairs, but they may not be quite as liberating as we once thought they were. No one is telling women they can’t wear jeans anymore, but the sometimes ill-fitting, casual clothing staple may not be doing as much for us as we wish they would. Now, if you have a great pair of jeans that fits you perfectly and makes you feel great, by all means, rock those jeans! But if you know you actually don’t look good in them and tend to wear them when you don’t feel like putting in any effort, then you may want to rethink your choice.
Whether you prefer a more casual approach to fashion or like to be dressed up all the time, the key is to wear what makes you look and feel great! At the Penny Pincher Boutique, our fashion-conscious sales professionals can help you find pieces you love that will accomplish just that.
Penny Pincher Boutique
We’re Westchester’s luxury consignment shop offering women’s designer clothing, jewelry, shoes, handbags and much more. Visit our shop at 184 Harris Road in Bedford Hills, New York or visit us online at www.pennypincherboutique.com. You can also find a selection of our items on sale on eBay. We ship throughout the United States.
Images are from the Penny Pincher Boutique Instagram Page. Images may portray consigned items which have already been sold.
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