Photo by Ankita Bhati
Ever put on a great outfit and feel an instant lift? That little boost of energy, that “zing” in your step—it’s not just a coincidence. It’s the power of dressing with intention, a simple trick that can totally change your mindset. It’s not about wearing expensive clothes or following the latest trends. It’s about how you use what you wear to help you feel your best. For working mothers especially, your clothes can be a tool to help you navigate a busy life and be the confident woman you are.
Dressing up with Intention is a commitment that we make to the act we are about to perform.
Think about it: when you put on your workout clothes, you’re mentally getting ready to hit the gym. James Clear talks about this in Atomic Habits with his “two-minute habit” rule. The idea is to stop aiming for perfection and start with consistency. So, put on the workout clothes. Now that you’re in the outfit, you’ll probably feel more motivated to get to the gym—or at least do a quick 10-minute routine at home.
Remember those early pandemic days? Most of us felt that lazy, grumpy feeling from staying in our PJs all day. But when we took the time to dress for work, even just at home, we were setting a boundary. We were telling ourselves, “It’s time to be my best self.” It wasn’t about others; it was about creating a physical and mental space to focus.
This applies to bedtime too. After a long day of juggling everything, changing into clean, cozy pajamas is a simple but powerful ritual. It tells your mind it’s time to slow down and rest. When we dump ourselves into bed in the same clothes we’ve worn all day, we’re not only taking the day’s literal dirt with us but all the stress and chaos, too.
A simple daily choice, that we make, has a huge impact on how next few hours would go. It sets up our mind to gear up for the task ahead.
Even the act of shopping can be a mood booster. While retail therapy can feel good, this isn’t about mindlessly spending money, but about committing to feeling your best. When you make that promise to yourself, you’ll eventually find pieces in your own closet that you love and feel amazing in.
It makes me wonder, though. Is this a universal truth, or is power dressing more important to women because of our childhoods playing dress-up? What are your thoughts?