Get Dressed Every Day: A Habit of Happiness
One of the Habits of Happiness is simple: get dressed every day. That’s it.
But is it really that simple?
The fashion industry is a billion-dollar business. The beauty industry is worth billions. The mental health industry? Also a billion-dollar sector. What do these industries have in common—besides their massive bottom lines? They all influence how we feel about ourselves. Collectively, they pour billions of dollars into shaping our perceptions because the truth is: how you look directly impacts how you feel.
Growing up, my mom often told me to make sure I looked good before leaving the house. She’d say, “If you look good, you’ll feel good, and if you feel good, you’ll do good.” She ingrained in me the connection between clothing and self-concept. As I got older, she added another layer of wisdom: “How you show up is all people know about you before you speak. So look your best.” This didn’t mean dressing up only for special occasions. It meant looking my best for anything: running errands, attending a show, going on a date, or even having dinner at home. She made me aware that how I presented myself mattered—not just to others but to me, too.
The Connection Between Getting Dressed and Happiness
When it comes to happiness, getting dressed every day is a habit I recommend to all my clients. Why? Because cultivating a positive self-concept can transform your life in powerful ways.
Here’s the thing: I can almost immediately gauge what someone thinks about themselves based on how they present themselves. Unfortunately, many of us didn’t grow up with someone teaching us how to dress or instilling self-esteem and confidence. That’s where this habit comes in. Getting dressed every day is like closet therapy. It’s a small, intentional act that can shift everything for you—one piece of clothing at a time.
The habits of happiness are simple, but they aren’t always easy to practice. Dressing every day asks you to be intentional about how you see yourself and how you want the world to see you. It invites you to curate a wardrobe that reflects care—care for your body and your life.
How to Start the Habit
If the idea of getting dressed every day feels overwhelming, here’s where to begin:
Audit Your Closet: Take a close look at what’s in your wardrobe. Do your clothes represent the person you are now or the person you want to be? If not, it’s time to make room for pieces that align with your goals.
Invest in Yourself: Tools like a Kibbe analysis can help you understand your body type and guide you toward styles that make you feel confident in your clothes. A seasonal color analysis can also help you choose colors that enhance your appearance.
Start Small: You don’t need an entirely new wardrobe to get started. Begin with what you have. Pick one outfit each day that makes you feel just a little more put together than yesterday. Lay your clothes out the day before so you can be prepared for the next day.
Be Consistent: The magic of this habit lies in its consistency. Over time, this simple act of self-care becomes a daily reminder of your worth and potential.
Why It Matters
Getting dressed isn’t just about looking good for others—it’s about how you see yourself. It’s a declaration of your value, a vote of confidence in your future, and a small but mighty step toward a happier, more intentional life.
So tomorrow morning, take an extra moment to choose something that makes you feel good. It doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive—it just has to reflect the care you deserve.
This habit, while seemingly small, can ripple into every area of your life: your career, your relationships, and your health.
Let me know what will you wear to show up for yourself today?
