Fashion as a Form of Self-Care: Why We Romanticize Getting Dressed

Cover Image via Pinterest.

All weekdays start out the same to me. Wake up, shower, brush my teeth, and pack my bag for class. The cycle can start feeling mundane as we approach the midway point of the semester. Classes are getting boring, and it feels like everyone's energy is plummeting. My personal favorite way to add a little excitement to every day is to put on an outfit that makes me feel good. I get excited when looking through my closet and picking up something I know I'll feel good and confident in, and that is a true reflection of my personal style.

Don't get me wrong, I'm no stranger to a creative rut. We've all gone through phases where all we want to wear are sweats, and we can't be bothered spending time on our appearance. Some days it feels like there's simply no time for the extra effort. Contrary to popular belief, a 5-minute time commitment to getting out of your sweatpants can actually improve your entire day, if not your whole week. When I put on something I feel good in, I am suddenly more productive in class, more motivated to go for a walk outside, and more social with friends I pass on the street. That small commitment I made in the morning makes all the difference. It also often inspires me to put the effort in the next day. You can't tell me that when you work out in that cute new workout set, you don't have a better workout class. What you wear reflects how you want to feel, not just how you look.

Feeling put-together can really change your mindset. The extra confidence boost in the morning when checking out your outfit and knowing you are doing something a little extra for yourself can have a really long-term impact. Demonstrating to yourself that self-care and self-love can make a huge difference in your life. Dressing up for yourself is a way to connect with your inner child. Remember those plastic sparkly high heels you used to be obsessed with? And the pearls from your mom that you would steal to play dress-up? Apply that same mindset to your college life. Throw on a cute pair of boots just to go to class, or that passed-down statement necklace you have really had the opportunity to wear. Romanticizing how you dress doesn't have to be performative because it's personal. Embracing a playful approach to fashion allows us to nurture our self-expression and our overall well-being.

Getting dressed for the day is a love letter to yourself and to the day ahead of you. It's a commitment to showing up as your best self and putting in the effort. By intentionally choosing what we wear, we not only express our individuality but also cultivate a sense of purpose and joy in our daily lives. It's about celebrating the small personal joys and the impact that our clothing choices can have on our mindset, fostering a deeper appreciation for ourselves and the day ahead.