The Feel-Good Factor: why style makes you happy

October 13, 2023 5 min read

The Feel-Good Factor: why style makes you happy

“Create your own visual style. Let it be unique for yourself, and yet identifiable for others.” - Orson Wells


In a world where we are constantly striving to find happiness in various aspects of our lives, have you ever wondered about the role that personal style plays in our overall well-being? 


From the moment we select our outfits for the day, style has the power to transform our mood, boost our confidence, and even evoke a sense of joy within us. The connection between style and happiness is fascinating in how it goes beyond superficial appearances and delves into self-expression and personal empowerment.


Before we go further, let’s clarify an important distinction – style v. fashion:


In the words of fashion icon Yves Saint Laurent,"Fashion is what you buy. Style is what you do with it." At Solena, we believe that true style extends far beyond fashion. It is the art of curating and expressing your unique self through what you wear. While fashion trends come and go, style is timeless and deeply personal. It is up to you how you infuse your personality, creativity, and individuality into every outfit, to create an authentic and unique visual representation of yourself.


In this blog post, we’ll explore the fascinating psychology behind why style influences our happiness. By the end of this post, we want you to have a deeper understanding of how style can positively impact your happiness, and you'll be equipped with practical tips and insights to harness the feel-good factor of fashion.



The psychology of style and happiness


The way we dress has a profound impact on our mood and how we perceive ourselves. When we put on an outfit that resonates with our personal style, it can uplift our spirits and boost our confidence. The colors, textures, and styles we choose evoke emotions and influence our mindset throughout the day. By understanding how our personal style affects our mood, we can intentionally select clothing that makes us feel empowered, joyful, and ready to slay the day.


Clothing choices directly correlate with our emotional well-being. Have you ever noticed how slipping into a favorite dress or wearing a well-tailored suit can make you feel like you can face any challenge that comes your way? Our clothing can act as a form of self-care, allowing us to prioritise our own well-being and embrace a positive mindset. Whether it's the comfort of cozy loungewear to encourage relaxation or the confidence that comes from donning a power suit, our clothing choices impact our emotional state, helping us navigate the daily grind with greater happiness and fulfilment.


Numerous studies have explored the connection between style and happiness, revealing fascinating insights into the psychological effects of clothing choices. Research has shown that wearing clothing that reflects our personal style can enhance our self-esteem, improve our mood, and influence how others perceive us. Experimenting with different styles and expressing our individuality through clothing can boost our creativity and positively impact our mental well-being. 


The joy of experimentation and creativity


Fashion and style serve as powerful avenues for self-expression and creativity. Trying new styles, trends, and accessories can spark excitement and adventure in our lives. It allows us to have fun with fashion. The act of exploring new looks and stepping out of our comfort zones ignites a sense of joy and self-discovery –and presents opportunities for personal growth, as we learn more about ourselves, our preferences, and what truly resonates with how we want to show up in the world. 


To ignite happiness through style, we invite you to step out of your comfort zone and embrace the joy of experimentation. Free yourself from the constraints of societal norms and preconceived notions about fashion. Discover the thrill of trying new styles, combining unexpected elements, and adding unique accessories to your outfits. Give yourself the freedom to evolve your personal style so that it fuels your inner confidence and happiness.


How to find a personal style that sparks happiness


Finding a personal style that makes you happy is an ongoing journey of self-discovery. Begin by exploring your passions, interests, and inspirations. Look for sources of inspiration in art, nature, culture, or even in your favorite fashion icons. Pay attention to the clothing pieces and styles that make you feel the most authentic and confident. Experiment with different looks and take note of what resonates with your true self. Reflect on your values and how you want to present yourself to the world. Consider creating a mood board or collecting images that capture your desired aesthetic. Through this process of exploration and self-reflection, you can begin to define and refine your personal style.


Understanding your body shape is crucial in curating a wardrobe that brings out your best features and boosts your confidence. Take the time to assess your proportions, noting areas you may want to emphasize or balance. Research different body shapes and learn about the clothing styles that tend to flatter each shape. Experiment with various cuts, silhouettes, and proportions to find what works best for your unique figure. Embrace clothing that accentuates your shape,  and remember, it's not about conforming to what society says, but about finding what makes you feel comfortable and confident in your own skin.


Building a wardrobe that brings joy and boosts happiness is about curating a collection of clothing that truly resonates with your personal style. Surround yourself with pieces that make you feel confident, comfortable, and authentically yourself. Choose quality over quantity, investing in timeless staples that can be mixed and matched effortlessly. Let go of items that no longer serve you or align with your style, and make room for new pieces that truly resonate with your authentic self and make you feel happy every time you wear them.


A note on colour


Whether we opt for vibrant and eye-catching hues or prefer a more subdued and minimalist palette, color has the power to transform our mood. The strategic use of color can create visual interest, highlight our best features, and evoke the desired impression. By understanding the psychology of colors and their impact on our personal style, we can curate outfits that compliment our mood.  From sophisticated monochromatic ensembles to playful and eclectic combinations, the colors we incorporate into our style palette become an integral part of how we present ourselves to the world.


When choosing colors to complement your skin tone, it's important to consider both the undertones of your complexion and your personal preferences. Warm skin tones tend to harmonize with earthy tones like warm browns, olive greens, and rich oranges. Cool shades can enhance cool skin tones –  such as jewel tones, icy blues, and soft pinks. However, it's important to note that individual variations within skin tones can also influence color compatibility, so experimentation and personal preference are key to finding the perfect color palette for you. Ultimately, embracing colors that flatter your skin tone can elevate your confidence and allow you to showcase your unique beauty with every outfit.


For a more personalised and in-depth understanding of your unique color profile, we highly recommend a color consultation with a professional color expert. A trained professional will provide tailored insights and guidance to help you unlock the full potential of colors that best enhance your natural beauty and bring out your best features.



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