Why fashion makes us happy: the proven mental health benefits of a joy-bringing wardrobe

On Blue Monday- so-called because it is apparently the most depressing day of the year- I do think it’s worth flagging the fact that a little bit of fun fashion is a proven pick-me-up. Why not wear something that you enjoy and that makes you feel good about yourself?

“In the darker months of winter, our bodies can become deprived of light and some people suffer from seasonal affective disorder, which is a type of depression,” says Jules Standish, colour counsellor and author of How Not to Wear Black. “Many years of research has proven the effects of light and dark on our well-being. Our reaction to seeing inspiring, bright, harmonious things is mood-lifting, which in turn has a physical effect, improving blood pressure and strengthening the nervous system.”

Standish says that seeing ourselves wearing more stimulating colours and prints will trigger a neurological response, transforming both our appearance, our personality and the impact we have on those around us.

“Think about how our spirits are lifted at the first signs of bright green shoots signalling the beginning of spring, and the joy of seeing the bright yellow of the daffodils. In winter, the landscape is “black and white”, bleak and fairly colourless, hence our need to wear lots of colours to keep our immune systems strong and our moods positive to counteract the dark days and lack of sunlight.”

Of course, I’m not going to tell you that wearing zingy green will solve all of your problems, or that a flouncy polka dot skirt could cure a serious case of anxiety and depression.

‘When someone has clinical depression, they’re not usually interested in their appearance at all,’ agrees Professor Carolyn Mair, cognitive psychologist and author of The Psychology of Fashion. ‘But grief, or feeling down, old, fat, or disinterested  in ourselves – those are feelings that can be linked to what’s in our wardrobes. What we wear is a big part of our identities, so objects of clothing can become symbols of hope, or despair.”

One of the most remarkable examples I think I’ve ever seen of how fashion can lift the spirits is Celine Dion. In 2017, the singer hired a new stylist, Law Roach, following the deaths of both her husband and brother from cancer, and found a new lease of life as well as a new wardrobe.

“Partnering up when we did and having that amazing time was meant to be,” Roach told me of encouraging Dion to experiment with vivid prints and bold silhouettes. “She was going through a lot of tragedy and – these are her words – the dresses and the bags and these lighter moments have helped with her recovery.”

You don’t have to buy something new. Take stock of what you already own in your wardrobe, acknowledge afresh what the pieces are that make your heart sing. And if that means wearing a sequin t-shirt or a scarlet jumper with your navy suit for work tomorrow, so be it.

Does a splash of bright colour or print in your outfit bring you joy? Which items in your wardrobe do you count on to lift your spirits?

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