Dressing The Part
Using Clothing to Embody the Person You Want to Be
It’s often said that you should dress for the job you want, not the job you have. But is it really that simple? Can the clothes we wear truly help shape the person we wish to become? On the surface, dressing intentionally may seem like a straightforward concept—put on an outfit that makes you look the part, and people will treat you accordingly. However, the relationship between our clothing and our identity runs far deeper than appearance alone.
When I decided I wanted to work in fashion, I knew I had to dress the part. It wasn’t just about looking stylish—it was about embodying the confidence and creativity of someone who belongs in the industry. I spent some time figuring out which styles, silhouettes, and colors worked best on me. It took trial and error, but eventually, I built a wardrobe that reflected my personal style while maintaining a professional edge. I learned that certain cuts gave me confidence, while particular colors made me feel bold.
Once I felt comfortable in this newfound version of myself, I started taking more risks. I began experimenting with bolder choices—statement pieces, unexpected combinations, and unique accessories. Not only did this help me stand out, but it also made me feel like someone who 'knows what they’re doing' when it comes to fashion. The shift in my wardrobe wasn’t just external; it changed how I carried myself in the industry, ultimately helping me project the confidence and expertise I wanted to be known for.
What you wear affects not only how others perceive you but also how you perceive yourself. The outfits we choose each day are filled with hidden messages about who we are, how we feel, and even who we aspire to be. From the cut of a blazer to the color of a tie, clothing influences our mindset, mood, and confidence. This is why something as simple as changing the way you dress can profoundly impact the trajectory of your personal and professional life.
Yet, while it sounds easy in theory, dressing like the person you want to be doesn’t always prove to be so simple in practice. Clothing is a powerful psychological tool that speaks to our sense of self and identity, both of which can be hard to shift. You might know what you want to wear, but self-doubt, societal expectations, or the fear of judgment can prevent you from fully stepping into that version of yourself.
In this article, we’ll explore the psychology behind clothing and how it affects our sense of identity. We’ll look at how wearing the right outfit can help you become the person you aspire to be, whether that’s a magazine editor, a business leader, or an individual who commands respect. By understanding the deeper connection between what we wear and who we are, you can begin to unlock the potential to transform your life—starting with your wardrobe.
It’s More Than Just Fabric
Clothing is not just fabric we drape over our bodies. It's a form of non-verbal communication that sends messages to others and, importantly, to ourselves. Psychologists call this "enclothed cognition", a term that explains how clothing can influence our mental processes, emotions, and behavior. Studies have shown that when people wear clothes associated with a particular role, they tend to embody the characteristics that role represents (Adam & Galinsky, 2012).
For instance, wearing a lab coat can make someone feel more focused and attentive to detail, while wearing formal business attire can encourage a sense of authority and professionalism. It's not just about looking the part; it's about feeling the part. The clothes you wear impact your mood, confidence, and overall approach to the world around you.
So, if you want to become someone who commands attention, respect, or admiration—whether it’s in your personal or professional life—start by dressing like that person. It may feel superficial, but it’s deeply connected to how your mind perceives yourself.
Dressing For the Person You Want to Become
Think about this: if you want to grow into a more confident and successful version of yourself, you need to start dressing like that person today. Whether it’s a structured blazer, fabulous shoes, or accessories that reflect your personality, each piece of clothing tells a story about who you are. Dressing with intention can influence not only how others perceive you, but how you see yourself. It’s about sending a message of confidence, competence, and ambition—not just to the outside world, but to your own mind as well.
If you want to be seen as a professional, or someone who is taken seriously in your personal or work life, dressing the part is key. This doesn’t mean you have to wear a formal suit every day, but it does mean being thoughtful about your choices. Your clothes should reflect the traits you want to embody: whether that’s confidence, creativity, or leadership. Structured pieces like blazers or well-fitting outfits can convey a sense of professionalism, while a pop of color or unique accessories can showcase your individuality and boldness.
When you wear clothes that align with the person you want to become, you’re signaling to yourself and others that you are already on the path to that version of you. Over time, this consistent effort can lead to real changes in how you carry yourself—whether it’s speaking up more in conversations or approaching challenges with a newfound confidence. Your wardrobe can serve as a powerful tool in helping you bridge the gap between where you are now and where you want to be.
Truly Transformational
One of the most fascinating aspects of clothing psychology is how it can be used as a tool for self-transformation. If you want to become more assertive, start by wearing bold colors like red or black—both colors linked to power, leadership, and confidence. If you're trying to tap into a more creative version of yourself, incorporate playful, eclectic pieces into your wardrobe. Even subtle changes, like switching from sneakers to sleek loafers or wearing a crisp, structured blazer instead of a loose sweater, can shift how you feel and act throughout the day.
Your wardrobe should evolve alongside your aspirations. Just as we grow and change as people, so too should our clothing reflect that. If you’re moving from an entry-level job to a managerial position, for example, your wardrobe should reflect this progression by becoming more refined, intentional, and sophisticated.
Change is Hard
Of course, recognizing the power of clothing is one thing—embracing it is another story. Despite the transformational power of clothing, many of us find it challenging to fully embrace dressing like the person we want to be. This is because clothing is tied to identity, and identity can be a sensitive subject. Often, we’ve been conditioned to think a certain way about ourselves or our abilities, and it can be uncomfortable or even intimidating to wear something that challenges those preconceptions.
However, it’s important to remember that every person who embodies confidence and success had to start somewhere. When you wear the clothes that align with the person you want to be, you start bridging the gap between where you are now and where you want to go.
The beauty of clothing is that it’s one of the most accessible tools for personal transformation. While achieving your goals takes hard work, perseverance, and dedication, the act of dressing the part can accelerate your journey. If you want to be seen as an authority, start dressing like one. If you want to feel creative and inspired, let your wardrobe reflect that.
As you step into the clothes that represent your desired self, you’ll start to notice a shift in how people interact with you and, more importantly, how you interact with yourself. Dressing like the person you want to be is more than just an exercise in fashion—it’s a declaration of intention. So, the next time you open your closet, ask yourself: Who do I want to be today? Then, let your clothes help you get there. You got this. <3
XO,
𝒇𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒇𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒆
Adam, H., & Galinsky, A. D. (2012). Enclothed cognition. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 48(4), 918–925. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jesp.2012.02.008