Dressed to Impress… Your Brain?
You’ve probably heard the phrase “dress for the job you want.” But what if I told you that what you wear doesn’t just change how others perceive you—it actually changes how you think, feel, and perform?
This isn’t fashion fluff. It’s backed by science.
Wait, what is enclothed cognition?
“Enclothed cognition” is a behavioral science concept that explains how our clothing influences our mental state. In one landmark study, participants performed better on attention-based tasks simply by wearing a lab coat described as a doctor’s coat. The catch? The improvement only happened when the coat was worn and carried the symbolic meaning of focus and intelligence.
In short: it’s not just the outfit—it’s the ritual and intention behind it.
Why getting dressed every morning matters
Whether you’re heading into a boardroom, managing a household, or just going to Trader Joe’s and the gym, the act of getting ready is more than just hygiene—it’s a mental warm-up.
Personally, I treat my morning routine like a sacred ritual. I make my coffee, press play on a podcast or YouTube video (usually something educational or inspiring), and take 15–20 minutes to get dressed, do light skincare, and mentally prepare for the day. It’s my moving meditation—and it works.
This ritual isn’t about impressing anyone. It’s about showing yourself that the day matters, that you matter.
The science: Ritual + habit stacking = mental momentum
James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, talks about the power of making habits attractive and using “stacking” to build consistency. By linking a positive habit (like drinking coffee or listening to a favorite podcast) to a behavior you want to reinforce (like getting ready with intention), you’re creating a cue-reward loop that builds identity: I’m someone who takes care of myself first.
So instead of rolling out of bed and jumping straight into the grind (or doomscrolling), try stacking these:
- Cue: Morning coffee
- Routine: Get dressed in clothes that make you feel focused, powerful, or simply put-together
- Reward: A favorite podcast, playlist, or moment of peace before the day begins
The energy you start with is the energy you carry.
Enclothed cognition is your mental reset button
We tend to think we need motivation to act, but most of the time, it’s the action that triggers motivation. Getting dressed—yes, even into clean activewear—can be that trigger.
It’s not about perfection. It’s not about designer clothes or looking “put together” in a magazine way. It’s about stepping into the version of you who shows up.
And when you consistently show up for yourself in the morning, everything else gets easier—because your brain has already gotten the message: I’m ready.
TL;DR: Get dressed like it matters—because it does
The clothes you wear can change your mindset. But more importantly, the ritual of getting ready each morning gives you space to reset, reflect, and reframe your day. It’s your meditation. Your moment. Your habit stack that fuels everything else.
So whether you’re logging on for meetings, walking your kids to school, or headed to a workout—get up, get dressed, and claim your day.
