Fight Seasonal Depression with Fashion

So, I started thinking , especially in the middle of winter how seasonal depression is a quite common cold most people catch. I always forget about it until it comes creeping back, but one thing I found is to fight against the dark cold days with what’s going on in my wardrobe. Just stick with me for a second.

In winter, we tend to stay inside try to keep warm cozy up on the couch with a hot cup of tea or coffee, but something’s missing, what I put on my back directly can reflect my mood either elevate it or subtract from it, it’s no joke. God blessed us with our own individuality and expression and taste for clothing to help us express and feel our best and confident inside. I can go on an on about that but I have to say, I threw on my husbands beautiful green hoodie this morning before feeling a little tiny bit down with the weather and being inside with my beautiful boys. Once I put it on, literally like a 180 degree went from sad to bold and confident, and boosted my mood just a bit that I could relax and enjoy my Sunday Sabbath. I honestly fight my mood with FASHION. I take care of myself very well as we all should it’s our calling to take care of our bodies and an honor to put something on our backs that make us feel more like ourselves and feel alive , like fashion does for me.

How funny a simple but amazing Green Hoodie my husband bought could impact my life in a way that I could ACTUALLY enjoy the day. This isn’t conceited but when you wear something you love and FEEL GOOD when you wear it you can tell yourself you looked really nice not in a conceited way obviously but in a respectful I cherish myself “kind of way and appreciate yourself for making even the smallest effort to feel better about the winter blues.

I strongly encourage someone reading my blog post if their feeling similarly the way I was feeling earlier , a bit down, shoulders rolled down , try going in your closet find something your soul is longing for could be your coziest sweater or wearing your favorite color just go for it. Fight the depression and get on with your day and all God has for you.

You’re worth it!

Research in fact supports the idea that fashion and clothing choices can positively influence mood, including for those experiencing seasonal affective disorder (SAD), through mechanisms like enclothed cognition, sensory feedback from textures and colors, and self-concept enhancement, though direct studies on fashion for SAD are limited. (https://beyondhealingcounseling.com/how-seasonal-colors-affect-your-mood/)

Key Research Summaries

Clothing as a Mood Enhancer During Stress (Wenderski et al., 2024):

A survey of 574 emerging adults in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic found that greater fear correlated with increased fashion involvement and use of clothing to alter mood. Motivations included boosting self-concept, self-esteem, and comfort, positioning clothing as a coping tool for mental health challenges, though no direct link to overall mental health outcomes was established. (https://www.iastatedigitalpress.com/itaa/article/id/17340/)

Enclothed Cognition and Sensory Effects (2012 Study, cited in Mood Roc):

Wearing clothing associated with positive traits (e.g., a lab coat for focus) improved cognitive performance and mood via enclothed cognition. Soft fabrics like knits, cotton, or silk activate the parasympathetic nervous system for calm, while bold colors (red, yellow) boost energy and endorphins, and well-fitting clothes trigger limbic system responses for emotional uplift. (https://www.moodroc.com/post/dressed-to-feel-how-fashion-impacts-your-mood-endorphins-and-mental-health)

Color Psychology for Seasonal Mood (Beyond Healing Counseling):

Winter's muted tones can exacerbate SAD symptoms like fatigue and sadness due to reduced light and vibrancy. Incorporating bright colors (yellows, oranges, reds) in wardrobes mimics sunlight, counters dreariness, and aligns mood with seasonal energy; calming blues/greens reduce stress. (https://beyondhealingcounseling.com/how-seasonal-colors-affect-your-mood/)

Seasonal Colors and Wardrobe Experimentation:

Studies, including one from the University of Florida, indicate colors directly impact mood—energetic hues for confidence boosts during low-energy SAD periods. Pairing dark winter tones with jewel accents (emerald, sapphire) adds warmth and prevents

melancholy.

(https://beyondhealingcounseling.com/how-seasonal-colors-affect-your-mood/) (https://org.osu.edu/scarlettemagazine/2023/03/05/spring-has-sprung-how-to-use-fashion-to-combat-seasonal-depression/

So in essence, there IS scientific evidence backing this up and my experience validates that concept that fashion, particularly choosing vibrant colors or soft knit cozy type materials can seriously turn that season depression to overcoming persevering and actually having a good day.

You are more than a conquerer through Christ Jesus

Romans 8:37

As you all know I’m Christian and we can tie in Jesus with anything because well, HE IS EVERYTHING.

Jesus gave us fashion as artistic expression of one’s self and would love the idea of us using preferential select clothing to combat that seasonal depression with some prayer mixed into it. Trust me, I promise, try it! You’ve got nothing to lose.

Fight your seasonal blues ….

With FASHION!

Comment down below if you want to share some outcomes and encourage one another.

I’m excited to see some positive results!!

With Love,

Nicoletta