How Clothes Affect Mood: The Psychology of Dressing for Mental Wellbeing
2
53
0
Navigation
The Psychology of Clothing: Do Clothes Affect Your Mood?
How Fashion Affects Our Daily Lives
The Psychological Benefits of Fashion and Appearance Rituals
Understanding the Impact of Colour Psychology in Fashion
Using Fitness Clothing With Purpose
The Role of Self-Care in Personal Presentation
The Intersection of Mental Health and Dressing Well
Building Confidence Through Clothing Choices
Honouring the Importance of Dressing Appropriately to Express Personality
Final Thoughts: Style as a Path to Mental and Emotional Wellbeing
In episode five of The Style for Life podcast, Stephanie Rumble — a seasoned fashion stylist, accountability coach, and health educator based in Christchurch, New Zealand — opens up about how dressing with intention can be a powerful tool for navigating life’s emotional challenges. In this heartfelt and personal episode, Stephanie reflects on her experience supporting her terminally ill father and explores how getting dressed each day became an anchor for emotional stability.
This episode explores the tangible connection between what we wear and how we feel. It covers the psychological benefits of fashion, the purpose of fitness clothing, and how our appearance supports mental health, emotional wellbeing, and a sense of self-care. Stephanie reminds us that clothing isn't about vanity. It's about personal empowerment.
The Psychology of Clothing: Do Clothes Affect Your Mood?
Stephanie begins by addressing the central question: do clothes affect your mood? The answer, supported by both lived experience and psychological research, is a clear yes. When we choose what to wear, we're not just getting dressed — we're setting the tone for our day.
The way we dress can:
Enhance or influence our emotional state
Affect how others perceive and respond to us
Communicate confidence, readiness, and self-respect
Clothing becomes especially important during emotionally challenging times. In Stephanie's case, showing up for her father at hospice each day wasn’t just about support. It was also about staying grounded. She explains how a quick shower, fresh clothes, and even a touch of makeup created a sense of calm and resilience.
The act of dressing with care reminds us that we are still present, functioning, and deserving of love and attention.
How Fashion Affects Our Daily Lives
We often think of fashion as surface-level or self-indulgent. But Stephanie argues that how fashion affects our daily lives goes far beyond appearance. What we wear impacts how we view ourselves, how we engage with others, and how we navigate different roles throughout the day.
"I close one part of my life and open another sometimes with an appearance." ~ Stephanie Rumble
Fashion influences us by:
Creating internal motivation: the "look good, feel good" effect
Providing structure: defining roles for work, fitness, and leisure
Supporting identity: expressing our values, personality, and culture
Even subtle distinctions — like separating fitness clothing from casual wear — can improve mental clarity and intention. Wearing activewear signals readiness for movement. Wearing casual clothing signals rest. Stephanie encourages listeners to create these boundaries intentionally to support personal goals and routines.
If you're unsure where to begin, working with a professional through a tailored personal and commercial styling consultation can help align your wardrobe with your lifestyle and goals.
The Psychological Benefits of Fashion and Appearance Rituals
One of the most compelling themes in the episode is the role of daily appearance rituals in stabilising emotional and mental health. There is real comfort in routine, and the simple act of getting ready each day can create grounding and momentum.
"Use clothes to help pick up your mood. It does actually work..." ~ Stephanie Rumble
Stephanie highlights several psychological benefits of fashion:
Providing a sense of control during stressful moments
Reinforcing identity when other roles feel uncertain
Boosting mood through texture, colour, and fit
These practices become intentional acts of self-care, not superficial indulgences. Whether it's mascara, a favourite outfit, or a lipstick that flatters, small gestures signal to the brain: "I'm showing up. I matter."
Understanding the Impact of Colour Psychology in Fashion
Another key topic Stephanie explores is the impact of colour psychology in fashion. She explains that colour affects how we feel, and understanding your colour palette can significantly improve confidence and presence.
Stephanie explores how:
Some individuals feel better in bold colours, others prefer neutrals
Colour can uplift or calm, depending on your emotional state
The right tones enhance skin tone, hair colour, and eye colour
Stephanie also discusses colour analysis and how understanding your undertones and intensity preferences can help you make better style choices. Often, feeling "off" in an outfit is about colour. Revisiting colour consults periodically can offer long-term benefits.
Using Fitness Clothing With Purpose
A practical takeaway from the episode is Stephanie’s approach to fitness clothing. She draws a clear line between wearing activewear intentionally and defaulting to it as casualwear. Her philosophy? If you're wearing leggings, it's because you're planning to move your body.
"I'm all one for using what you've got, all one for making, um, do with what you have, pulling it together, making it work." ~ Stephanie Rumble
The distinction supports daily discipline. Stephanie recommends:
Reserving fitness clothing for workouts only
Avoiding blurring the lines between function and comfort
Treating fitness wear as a motivational tool
This small boundary helps your brain recognise what's next: movement, not relaxation. It also encourages variety in daily wardrobe choices, which can lift your mood and sense of identity.
Stephanie's accountability coaching for health and wellness offers deeper guidance for those looking to reconnect with their bodies and build new habits with compassion and purpose. Her coaching can help make these small daily choices stick in meaningful ways.
The Role of Self-Care in Personal Presentation
Throughout the episode, Stephanie reinforces that personal presentation is a form of self-care. This extends beyond clothing into skincare, haircare, and light makeup.
Suggestions include:
Keeping a consistent skincare routine with quality, nourishing products
Staying hydrated to support skin and body health
Choosing a hairstyle that suits your face, lifestyle, and upkeep preferences
Using light makeup to create a fresh, composed look
These habits aren't about looking perfect. They're about showing yourself care and compassion. When we invest in our appearance, we affirm that we are worth showing up for.
The Intersection of Mental Health and Dressing Well
Mental health is a central theme throughout this podcast episode. Stephanie doesn't shy away from sharing the emotional weight of her personal situation. Instead, she uses it as a lens to discuss how personal appearance can be a lifeline.
Dressing well supports:
Emotional resilience in the face of adversity
A sense of normalcy during periods of stress
Clear boundaries between life roles and responsibilities
Clothing can be a powerful way to move through the world with intention, rather than reacting to the environment. In this way, fashion and mental health are intricately connected.
Building Confidence Through Clothing Choices
Many people experience clothing anxiety when their body changes, especially during times of stress, ageing, or hormonal shifts. Stephanie assures listeners that confidence through clothing is achievable for anyone, regardless of shape or stage of life.
"Loving yourself regardless of age, size or anything else is super important." ~ Stephenie Rumble
She advises:
Choose clothes that are comfortable without being shapeless
Prioritise soft, non-irritating fabrics that feel good on the skin
Invest in staple wardrobe items that allow for creative layering
This advice is particularly helpful for women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond, who may be facing changes in body image. The right clothing reinforces self-worth and body confidence.
Honouring the Importance of Dressing Appropriately to Express Personality
Stephanie highlights the importance of dressing appropriately to express personality. There’s no single "right" way to dress. There is, however, a way that aligns with who you are and where you're going.
Dressing with intention helps:
Express your individuality confidently
Respect the setting (workplace, events, fitness, etc.)
Evolve your style to match your life stage and values
Stephanie encourages listeners not to chase trends, but to refine their style in a way that feels true. Appropriateness doesn’t limit personality — it enhances it.
Final Thoughts: Style as a Path to Mental and Emotional Wellbeing
Ultimately, this episode is a reminder that style can be a powerful tool for navigating life's most difficult moments. For Stephanie, and for many others, how we show up on the outside can support how we feel on the inside.
Your wardrobe isn’t just fabric. It’s a support system. It reflects your identity, your resilience, and your belief in your own worth. If you're looking to improve mental health, or simply reclaim a sense of personal agency, start with what you wear. Put on a jacket. Change your top. Add some lip colour. You're not being superficial. You're honouring yourself.
For business leaders interested in building confidence and resilience in their teams, Bright Red also offers workplace workshops and training sessions that explore topics like self-care, presentation, and wellbeing in a corporate setting.
From New Zealand ladies fashion to skincare and from mindset to motivation, Stephanie Rumble’s message is clear: style is self-care, not self-indulgence. And it’s always worth the effort.
If your organisation is looking to build confidence and professional presence among team members, Stephanie also delivers education workshops tailored to workplace development.
Listen on Spotify
Frequently Asked Questions
How do clothes affect your mood?
Clothes influence how you feel both physically and emotionally. Wearing colours and styles that suit you can lift your energy and confidence, while ill-fitting or drab clothing can pull your mood down. Small changes like putting on a favourite outfit or applying light makeup can make a big difference in how you face the day.
What is colour psychology in fashion?
Colour psychology in fashion refers to how different colours affect our emotions and how we are perceived. Some colours energise, while others calm. Knowing which colours suit your skin tone, personality, and mood can help you dress in a way that enhances your wellbeing and self-confidence.
Why should fitness clothing be worn with intention?
Wearing fitness clothing with the purpose of exercising can help set a mental cue for movement and healthy routines. If worn casually, it can blur the line between activity and rest, reducing motivation. Stephanie encourages separating workout gear from daily wear to support clearer lifestyle habits.
Can clothing really improve mental health?
Yes, it can play a supportive role. Clothing that fits well, feels good, and reflects your personality can contribute to emotional stability and personal agency—especially during times of stress. It’s not a solution in itself, but it's part of a broader self-care routine.
How can I build confidence through clothing?
Start by understanding your body shape, colour palette, and personal style. Choosing clothes that fit well and suit your lifestyle can help you feel more grounded and self-assured. A style consultation can be a great way to discover what works best for you.
What’s the benefit of separating casual and fitness clothes?
Keeping casual clothes and fitness wear distinct helps create psychological boundaries in your day. This strategy can reduce decision fatigue, reinforce structure, and support consistent routines—especially if you’re trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle or rebuild habits.
How does personal presentation relate to self-care?
Personal presentation is a powerful form of self-care. It’s about showing up for yourself each day, even in small ways. Simple rituals like getting dressed, styling your hair, or putting on moisturiser send signals to your brain that you matter and are worth the effort.
What can I do if I’ve lost interest in my style?
If you're feeling disconnected from your wardrobe, it might be time to reassess your current stage of life and personal needs. A wardrobe audit or style consultation can help you get back in touch with clothing that works for who you are now. Services like those offered by Stephanie Rumble can guide you through this process.
Is it shallow to care about how I look when I’m stressed?
Not at all. In fact, maintaining basic self-care and personal presentation during tough times can be an important coping strategy. It’s not about vanity—it’s about staying connected to yourself and finding small ways to feel stable.
How can employers support confidence in appearance?
Companies can offer practical, engaging workshops on topics like personal presentation and professional presence. These sessions help staff feel more confident and aligned with their roles. Bright Red provides workplace training designed to support these outcomes in a positive and empowering way.
