We often hear the phrase, “Dress for success.” But what if dressing well went beyond looking good—and actually influenced how we think, behave, and lead?
In today’s fast-paced world of decision-making, public visibility, and hybrid work models, how we show up visually can be more strategic than superficial. The link between personal style and self-leadership has never been clearer. New research from the fields of psychology, fashion, and cognitive science reveals this simple truth: what we wear doesn’t just reflect our confidence—it helps shape it.
The Psychology Behind Dressing Up
Most people associate clothing with first impressions—and rightly so. Numerous studies confirm that within milliseconds, people form perceptions about others based on attire. But a lesser-known truth is that our clothing choices also influence how we perceive ourselves.
This is the central thesis of Mind What You Wear: The Psychology of Fashion, a book by Professor Karen Pine from the University of Hertfordshire. Pine’s research uncovers how clothing choices affect not only emotions but also cognitive performance and personal identity.
In one experiment, Pine asked a group of university students to wear Superman t-shirts. Surprisingly, those who wore the shirts not only felt more confident, but also rated themselves as physically stronger than those in neutral clothing.
“When we put on a piece of clothing, we cannot help but adopt some of the characteristics associated with it—even if we’re unaware of it,” Pine explains.
Enclothed Cognition: The Science of What We Wear
The psychological term for this phenomenon is enclothed cognition, introduced by researchers Adam Hajo and Adam D. Galinsky from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.
Their landmark study, published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, outlines how clothing can influence attention, confidence, and behavior. In their experiment, participants who wore white lab coats—believing they belonged to doctors—demonstrated improved focus and accuracy on cognitive tasks compared to those who wore street clothes or believed the coats belonged to artists.
Their conclusion? Clothing impacts performance only when it carries symbolic meaning and when the wearer internalizes that meaning. This interaction between perception and intention is a powerful lever for personal and professional transformation.
Power Dressing, Reimagined
In a world that celebrates authenticity and leadership presence, “power dressing” is no longer about stiff suits or rigid dress codes. It’s about strategic alignment—choosing pieces that reinforce how you want to feel and who you aim to be.
Fashion’s influence on performance isn’t limited to the lab. In a Vogue survey, several high-performing women shared what garments gave them confidence in high-stakes situations. Gabriela Palmieri, a senior executive at Sotheby’s, said her “power outfit” begins with a great pair of heels. Julia Frakes, a model and psychology student, wore Marni for cognitive testing, claiming it boosted her sense of focus and clarity.
Even Lisa Stariha, a body empowerment coach working from home, notes the shift in energy when she changes out of her yoga pants:
“To feel more beautiful, confident, and strong, you must change out of the yoga pants and put on clothes that give you power—just as Wonder Woman went from her Diana Prince uniform to her armor.”
How to Dress with Intention: Practical Tips for Women Leaders
- Dress for how you want to feel
Ask yourself: Do I need to feel confident, creative, grounded, or calm today? Align your clothing choices with that emotion. - Build your symbolic wardrobe
Identify go-to outfits that make you feel capable and collected. This could be a tailored blazer, a favorite dress, or a pair of heels that lift your posture and energy. - Avoid the default uniform trap
While comfort is important, wearing the same casual clothes day in and day out can dull your energy. Refresh your look regularly, especially for critical meetings, presentations, or virtual appearances. - Respect the ritual
The act of getting dressed—mindfully choosing what to wear—can be a centering ritual before stepping into your leadership role for the day. - Don’t underestimate texture and color
Soft fabrics can soothe; bold colors can energize. Neutrals project stability. Use this to your advantage depending on the context of your day.
Your Clothing Is a Leadership Tool
What you wear is not just self-expression—it’s self-regulation. It’s a signal to your brain and the people around you. For women leaders navigating high expectations and complexity, this subtle but powerful tool can help you step into the mindset required for any situation—from boardroom negotiations to high-pressure decision-making.
You don’t have to dress for the world’s approval. Dress to embody your vision, your energy, and your leadership.
Because ultimately, we are not just what we wear—we become who we wear.
