You’ve likely heard the saying, “you are what you eat”. But, have you ever considered that what you wear might have something to do with how you feel, too? Whether you’ve been interested in fashion your whole life or it’s never been a priority, it’s important to know how your wardrobe can have an impact on your self-esteem, especially as you get older.
There’s a direct connection between fashion and mental wellness. What you wear allows you to show off your personality and creativity. It can make you feel good, boost your productivity, and depending on the style you go with, genuinely improve your mood. That’s especially important for seniors since studies have shown that self-esteem starts to decline between the ages of 60-70.
Let’s take a closer look at the connection between fashion and your self-esteem as you age, and how you can use your looks to boost your confidence and live your best life throughout your senior years. Whether you’re working, spending time with friends, or just want to look and feel your best every day, start with a trip to your closet.
Fashion As Self-Care
Self-care is important for everyone, but it’s a necessity during your senior years. Taking care of your physical and mental health is essential for longevity. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to involve anything lavish or extreme. It can simply include changing your daily habits to promote your overall wellness. Some of the easiest ways to make self-care a part of your daily routine include:
- Exercise;
- Eating healthy meals;
- Prioritizing sleep;
- Practicing mindfulness;
- Meditation;
- Journalism
Shopping for clothes can also be a great way to practice self-care, especially if you do it with friends or family members. Many people like to use “retail therapy” as a way to boost their mood, and there’s some truth to that. Buying a piece of clothing you genuinely like can improve your mood and your confidence as you think about how and when you’ll wear it.
However, retail therapy as a form of self-care should never replace real therapy, when necessary. Self-care is great, but not when you’re using it to overshadow serious mental or physical issues. It’s not uncommon for seniors to need support, as they’re often prone to issues like isolation and depression. Self-care can help you manage your symptoms, but seek out professional help if you’re really struggling.
The Use of Color Psychology
Color psychology is frequently used in marketing to influence the way people think, feel, and ultimately how they make decisions. Certain colors evoke different emotions and can have a lot of influence over how you feel and respond.
You can use that to your advantage when it comes to how you dress.
Deciding which colors to wear depends on the mood you want to evoke. For example, blue tends to create feelings of calm and can help reduce tension and stress. Yellow is great if you want to stimulate joy. While the color of your clothing might not completely change the way you feel, it can give you a boost of confidence and make it easier to shift your mood into something more positive.
If you’re not yet retired, choose shades that make you feel confident in the workplace, like black or green. It’s not uncommon for seniors to feel overlooked at work. The right colors can boost your esteem and help you focus on your job, rather than what others might be thinking about you.
Even small accents of certain colors can make a big difference, so don’t be afraid to accessorize with a pop or two of your favorite shades.
Reducing Depression With Creativity
Changing your wardrobe and being bold with your clothing choices gives you the chance to use your imagination and let your creativity come through. No one is immune to depression — no matter your age. You might start experiencing more loss, you might feel lonely, or wonder what your purpose is if you’re retired and your children are grown.
While fashion on its own likely isn’t going to cure those feelings of depression, it can be a healthy way to cope with your symptoms and allow you to express yourself – perhaps for the first time in years.
Fashion is a fantastic way to have fun and socialize with others. Get together with a group of friends once a week for dinner or drinks, and dress in bold colors and patterns that make you feel good about yourself. Don’t be afraid to take risks that you wouldn’t have tried in your younger years. Not only will you look and feel your best, but you’ll fight back against some of the potential causes of your depression, and you might even start to learn more about your true self.
There’s no reason you can’t be a “fashion icon” in your senior years – even if it’s only among your small circle of friends. One of the best things about fashion is that it’s so open to interpretation. Don’t be afraid to get creative as you age with grace, and boost your self-esteem with what you wear every day.
