Mixed 'n matched EMOTIONS

There's much more to your favourite clothing than meets the eye

- CHARNDRÉ EMMA KIPPIE

As fashion designer Marc Jacobs once said, “Clothes mean nothing until someone lives in them.”

Fashion is no longer just about ‘looks’ or what's trending. It's about tuning in. For Millennials and Gen Z, it's about actually feeling something. And science backs this up. The phenomenon is called 'enclothed cognition' - a term coined by psychologists to explain the concept that what you wear can significantly influence your emotional state, cognitive abilities and overall behaviour.

Studies have shown that engaging in a consistent 'dressing ritual' - choosing clothes with intention - can help soothe symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety. Think of it like mental armour. When you grab that T-shirt which holds sentimental value, and get dressed with purpose (especially on days when you're feeling low), you create a feedback loop in your brain: you feel in control and 'safe' inside your favourite threads. This helps you feel better, which makes you want to keep dressing intentionally - or at least in a particular item of clothing. And just like that, the mood cycle can shift.

We break down the emotional connection we have with these four wardrobe staples.

PERSONAL SAFE SPACE: HOODIES

Slipping into a hoodie is like getting a full-body hug. They're oversized, warm and smell like home. Hoodies provide a sense of protection and anonymity. They symbolise retreat and comfort - a wearable version of a weighted blanket (something therapists often recommend to patients dealing with anxiety). Being enveloped in a hoodie also prevents sensory overload, while giving you a touch of street cred.