Dressing Like You Care Might Actually Make You Feel Better

In what can only be described as the least surprising scientific discovery since “sleep helps humans function,” researchers have confirmed that moms who put a little effort into getting dressed actually feel better about themselves. Groundbreaking, truly.

A study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that what you wear can influence not just how others perceive you — but how you perceive yourself. The term they used? “Enclothed cognition,” which sounds fancier than “put on pants, feel like less of a gremlin.” The researchers discovered that people who wore clothing associated with confidence, professionalism, or competence actually performed better on attention-related tasks and felt more powerful.

Let’s apply that to motherhood:

Moms who take a few minutes to pull together an outfit (read: not just sweatpants with yesterday’s yogurt on them) are often perceived as “trying too hard.” But when they do it anyway? They report better moods, higher self-esteem, and more energy. A 2022 survey by Stitch Fix found that 75% of moms felt more confident when they liked their outfit, and nearly half said wearing something nice improved their productivity — even if they never left the house.

To be clear, no one’s suggesting a floor-length gown for school drop-off. But putting on real clothes? It’s not vanity. It’s basic mental maintenance.

Because motherhood often feels like a full-time unpaid internship with a boss who throws fruit snacks at your head, the least you can do is dress like someone in charge. And maybe — just maybe — remind yourself you’re still a whole person.

Not a walking napkin.

Not a human backpack.

An actual adult woman with a closet full of identity that’s been on hiatus since her second trimester.

And no, it doesn’t have to be fashion. It just has to be you. You’d be amazed how far a pair of structured jeans and a decent shirt can take your mood.

So the next time someone asks why you’re not in “comfy clothes,” feel free to reply:

“Because I don’t need to match my energy to my exhaustion.”

Sources, for the skeptics:

• Journal of Experimental Social Psychology (2012). “Enclothed Cognition” by Adam & Galinsky. Link

• Stitch Fix, “Mom Style Report” (2022). Link

• British Journal of Psychology (2020). “Dress and mental health: How clothing affects wellbeing.” Link

Fashion and function are not mutually exclusive. Especially when the function is “feeling like a real person again.”