By Arabella Peterson Wellness 28.03.2025

The Benefits of Comfort Dressing, According to Fashion Psychologists

Experts explain the connection between how we feel and how we look.

How much time do you spend thinking about what you wear?

It might be more than you’re willing to admit. But this isn’t out of the ordinary – in fact, it’s part of how we navigate the world. Clothing is often the first language we speak each day, offering signals – conscious or not – about our identity, mood, and lifestyle.

Things like dopamine dressing and quiet luxury aren’t just trendy buzzwords; they’re grounded in colour psychology and cognitive science, and the same goes for our choice of silhouettes, fabrics, and even the weight of what we wear. From power suits to soft knits, our wardrobes are rich with emotional cues.

Despite this, fashion is often not taken seriously outside of glossy magazines and catwalks. Perhaps it’s because clothes are so ubiquitous, or maybe it’s because the fashion world often gets a bad rap as vapid and trivial, that the field of fashion psychology is only now emerging into the mainstream.

But the evidence is there: what we wear can shape not only how others see us, but how we see ourselves.

To better understand the connection between how we dress and how we feel, we spoke with two leading fashion psychologists: Dr Dion Terrelonge and Shakaila Forbes-Bell, M.A.

According to Dr Terrelonge, fashion psychology can mean different things to different people, depending on who's practicing it. “Broadly, it's the application of psychological thinking to fashion and the fashion industry. The way I practice it, I focus on how what we wear affects our everyday well-being. I explore the link between clothing and how we feel – how it can be used as a positive tool for mental health. It’s less about trends or being fashionable and more about our personal relationship with clothes and identity.”

Dr Terrelonge’s specialisation in fashion psychology first emerged while working with people experiencing gender dysphoria and transition. She recognised the significance of how one's style reflects their identity, and how important that is for a sense of belonging and psychological safety.

She explains, “First, there’s the social and psychological side – how others perceive us. Whether we like it or not, people make assumptions based on how we dress. It helps them make sense of us. We naturally want to fit in. We’re group animals, and dressing similarly to our peers gives us a sense of belonging. Offices, neighbourhoods, even cities – East London versus West London, for example – have their own fashion codes.”

“When we dress in ways that don’t feel like ‘us’, it can create discomfort. People talk about suits feeling restrictive – not just physically, but emotionally. Clothing also helps us conceal or highlight parts of ourselves. It’s a form of self-expression, and when that doesn’t align with how we feel inside, it creates tension.”

What we wear sends signals to other people about us, but also impacts how we feel about ourselves. “Studies show that what we wear can affect our confidence,” says Dr Terrelonge. “For example, flight attendants rated themselves more competent and authoritative in uniform than in their own clothes, even though the job was the same. Clothing helps us embody traits – confidence, competence, belonging.”

If suits symbolise structure and authority, comfort clothing is on the other end of the spectrum, embodying safety, softness and emotional ease. “As well as when they want to be relaxed and restful, people also dress for physical comfort during emotional times – after a breakup, during illness, or in grief,” says Dr Terrelonge. “Things like oversized jumpers or joggers act like a kind of hug, offering psychological comfort by calming the nervous system. Clothes can offer connection, nostalgia, and grounding.”

But it’s not as simple as uniforms, formality and rigid outfits symbolising work, and softer, looser clothing representing leisure. Time spent in lockdown blurred the lines between public and private, work and rest. At the beginning of the pandemic, clothing became even more of a ritual: ‘I’m wearing gym gear, so I’m working out’, or ‘I’m in a suit, so I’m in work mode.’ Then there was a shift. People realised they could do their jobs just as well without dressing up. It broke the habit cycle. Once people saw that competence didn’t depend on a suit or makeup, it changed how we viewed professionalism. Now, many are blending comfort with functionality. They don’t want to give up comfort, but they also want to feel put together.

Shakaila Forbes-Bell’s focus is also at the intersection of fashion and human behaviour, and she brings that to her work as the founder and editor-in-chief of Fashion Is Psychology, an online platform dedicated to making academic research on fashion psychology accessible to the public. She emphasises that what we wear is deeply connected to our emotions, confidence, and even our cognitive performance.

“This is due to a psychological phenomenon known as enclothed cognition, which suggests that the clothes we wear don’t just shape how others perceive us but also how we perceive ourselves,” she says. “When we put on an outfit that aligns with how we want to feel – whether it’s powerful, creative, or relaxed – it can genuinely influence our mood and behaviour.”

Forbes-Bell describes this approach as Wearapy – the idea that fashion can be used as a tool for emotional well-being. “Just as we engage in self-care through exercise or meditation, we can also dress in ways that support our mental state. Whether it's wearing bright, bold pieces to lift your mood on a gloomy day or opting for soft, cosy textures for a sense of comfort and security, our clothing choices can be a powerful form of therapy.”

Forbes-Bell describes clothing as a multi-sensory experience, with every element – fabric, fit, and texture – playing a role in how we feel. “Soft, breathable fabrics can be calming, while structured, tailored clothing can make us feel more put together and in control. Texture also taps into our sense of touch, which is directly linked to emotional regulation – hence, we gravitate toward cosy knitwear in stressful times. A well-fitting outfit enhances body confidence, whereas restrictive clothing can increase feelings of discomfort and self-doubt. The key is to choose pieces that feel as good as they look.”

She expands on this, linking our choices in outfits to mental states like productivity and creativity, noting that clothing can act as a cognitive cue, signalling to our brain what mode we should be in. “Wearing structured, polished pieces – even at home – can create a mental shift that boosts productivity and focus,” she says. “On the other hand, vibrant colours, bold patterns, and experimental silhouettes can stimulate creativity, making them great choices for brainstorming or artistic work. Confidence is also deeply tied to what we wear – research shows that dressing in a way that aligns with our personal identity can enhance self-esteem and assertiveness, whether we’re in a meeting, a social setting, or simply working from home.”

The pandemic reshaped our relationship with fashion, bringing a greater emphasis on comfort, versatility, and authenticity. People are now more intentional about dressing in ways that make them feel good – not just look good. There’s been a rise in hybrid dressing, where relaxed silhouettes meet polished details, allowing people to feel both comfortable and confident. We’re also seeing a shift toward sustainable fashion as people prioritise quality over quantity and invest in pieces that truly resonate with their lifestyle. Essentially, fashion has become more personal, functional, and reflective of how we want to live rather than just how we want to be perceived.

Forbes-Bell suggests that the best wardrobe choices are those that align with your personal values, comfort preferences, and emotional needs. When shopping or styling your outfits, consider elements like fabric, fit and colour. “Opt for breathable, soft materials that feel pleasant against your skin. Choose silhouettes that complement your body shape and allow ease of movement."

“Colours influence mood in fascinating ways. Long-wavelength colours like red, orange, and yellow are known to be stimulating, increasing energy levels, excitement, and even heart rate. On the other hand, short-wavelength colours like blue and purple have a calming effect, promoting feelings of tranquility, trust, and relaxation. The right colour choice can help you feel either more energised or at ease, depending on the situation. Essentially, the best clothes are those that make you feel like the best version of yourself.”

According to Forbes-Bell, maintaining a sense of style while prioritising comfort (and without feeling underdressed) is all about elevated comfort. “The key is to blend relaxed, cosy elements with intentional styling,” she explains. “Here’s how: Opt for structured loungewear – think knit co-ord sets, belted cardigans, or relaxed blazers over comfy basics; play with accessories – a polished handbag, sleek sneakers, or statement earrings can elevate any casual outfit; choose luxe fabrics – soft tailoring in wool, cashmere, or silk blends the best of comfort and sophistication. Incorporate monochrome or tonal dressing – sticking to one colour palette makes even relaxed outfits look chic and put together. Style and comfort don’t have to be mutually exclusive—the secret is choosing pieces that allow you to move freely while still making you feel stylish and confident.”

If you’re struggling to find your personal style, feel comfortable in your clothes or express yourself through fashion, Dr Terrelonge recommends starting with why exactly you feel uncomfortable. “Is it physical discomfort? Low self-esteem? Body image?” she asks. "Reflect on a time you did feel comfortable—what were you wearing? Where were you living? How did you feel? What has changed since then? Then, look through your wardrobe. Pull out things you do feel good in and figure out the common thread—soft fabrics, flowing shapes, favourite colours.”

“Right now, with micro-trends and the speed of fashion, people don’t get a chance to sit with and discover their style,” she explains. “Social media tells us what we should be wearing constantly. And if you’re not wearing that, it can make you feel out of place. So, step back from that noise. Focus on what makes you feel good. Write down a few elements—favourite colours, fabrics, silhouettes—and use those as your guiding compass."

“When people feel uncomfortable in what they wear, it’s often because they’re not dressing for themselves. They’re dressing for an idea of who they think they should be—rather than who they are.”