Creating Rituals Around Dressing Up: Fashion as Self-Care
Most days, dressing yourself is just a chore we do because we have to – a quick, lazy fit, messy bun, and mascara will make an appearance if there’s a meeting at 9, so you’t look like you barely slept last night. Some things are meant to be in the past, and those extremely messy buns, paired with leggings and a white tee, should be left to the ’10s. But shouldn’t dressing up be more than that? It’s something we do every day, so why can’t it be … self-care? Even therapeutic?
Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not talking about red carpet effort every day; nobody’s got the time for that anyway. By effort, I mean being more intentional with your clothing pieces and even adding a few accessories. Recently, I’ve been putting in that little extra effort and noticed an instant mood lift – I feel more put together, more confident, and more me. And I realized it’s because I have created this ritual, a few minutes allocated just for me, that says ‘today, I’m worth the time’. And in my busy schedule, cutting out a slice just for myself is a pretty big deal.
Dressing Up as a Ritual, Not a Routine
Routine is brushing your teeth mindlessly just because you have to. But a ritual is not that. A ritual is not the same thing every day; it’s not mindless. A ritual is something like lighting a candle while journaling because it centers you. You know, it’s not necessary for the task, but does it help? Absolutely. Dressing up can be the same way.
We have all been in that instance where we throw on the first thing we see in the closet, grab the nearest footwear, and run outside. Instead, why don’t we try choosing a top that makes you smile, or a color that you get complimented on? Adding a statement piece of jewelry, like a necklace or earrings, can instantly uplift your fit. Now, some might say you don’t have the time to pull an elaborate outfit, which is totally valid. But I’m not asking you to do all of this at the first go. Start by creating small steps to your ritual. For starters, it could be, you always take an extra minute to think which accessory goes with your day’s fit, or your top is the one you spend time choosing. These can be the building blocks that help you create that self-care ritual, and before you know it, it’s not just ‘getting dressed’, it’s an act of care and self-expression.
The Psychology of Fashion (a.k.a. Why Clothes Really Do Change Your Mood)
You might know or not know this, but there’s actually a science behind how you feel about the way you’re dressed. Psychologists call it enclothed cognition, which is the idea that what you wear can influence your behaviors and feelings, and even the way you think. Think of putting on a sweater, doesn’t that make you instantly cozy and warm? Or a well-fitting blazer, doesn’t that just boost your confidence?
So dressing as self-care is not just being extra; it’s actually taking care of how you feel, think, and perform.
Building Your Dressing Ritual
Okay, now that we see why turning dressing into a ritual is important, how do we actually implement it? Most people think they need to go shopping, buy the trendiest pieces, and have a Pinterest-worthy haul. But what if I said you don’t have to do any of those (you can if you want to, though!).
Let’s break down this task step by step. Our goal is to be intentional, not performative. This is something you do for yourself, not for the sake of something else.
- Curate your “feel-good” pieces.
We have those clothing pieces that make you feel good about yourself, and those are exactly what you need! Maybe it’s a flowy Bayleee dress, a perfectly tailored pair of trousers, or even a soft, oversized shirt. It’s the good quality, feel-good clothing in your closet. These could be your go-to to elevate your basic lazy fit to make it more intentional.
(And if you’re looking for reliable pieces of clothing of quality, you know Bayleee is where you need to visit!)
- Set the mood.
Play your favorite song, light a scented candle, or let some sunlight in. This small change can instantly change your mood from ‘ugh, I need to get dressed’ to ‘oh, this is actually nice’. - Accessorize with intention.
Instead of grabbing any earring, stop for a minute and think of what goes with your outfit, and how you want to feel. Want to feel confident? Bold hoops. Grounded? Simple studs. Think of accessories as tiny affirmations that help you feel what you want to feel throughout the day. - End with a mirror moment.
Before you rush to your ride, take a second for yourself. Look at your reflection in the mirror – not to pick into your insecurities, but to feel. Notice how your accessories make a statement, and see how the color of your dress brings out your eyes. It’s not a routine, it’s a ritual.
When Fashion Meets Self-Care
The best part of this little change you introduce to your life can turn an ordinary, boring task into something special. Just like taking care of your skin is not only about glowing skin but also the relaxation that comes with it, dressing up is no different. Fashion rituals are not just about ‘looking nice’, these are about grounding yourself, reminding yourself that you can take up time, and worth the wait.
Got nowhere to go? Doesn’t matter! It’s not about others’ perception of you, but yours of yourself. So dress up for your Zoom meeting, a grocery run, or if you’re feeling extra, dress up to lounge at home. It’s your life, make sure you’re dressed for the part.
Why Brands Like Bayleee Make It Easier
This is also where the kind of fashion you choose comes in, and I’m not being biased when I say this – Lifestyle-occasion brands like Bayleee are perfect for this. These pieces aren’t waiting in your closet ‘waiting’ for the perfect day ,like a wedding or a grand event. Bayleee is a lifestyle choice you make, with pieces that are functional, trendy, and most importantly, intentional. It’s about making a statement on how you feel, which reflects you. And with Bayleee an ordinary Tuesday is a fashion moment.
If I had to sum up what Baylee does is: you don’t need an occasion to look and feel good. You are the occasion.
Final Thought
The fashion ritual is not about vanity, it’s about the value you show yourself. It’s a deep understanding of who you are, and granting permission to yourself to take up space and show what you’re worth. And the best part? Unlike what we chase for all in the modern day, which are end results, the fashion ritual is about enjoying the process and falling in love with it.
So tomorrow morning, instead of grabbing the same old t-shirt for the third time this week, pause. Think of how you want to feel throughout the day and pick an outfit that makes you feel it. Play your favorite song while you slip into it. Add a bracelet just because, and smile at the result. The best part? There are no wrong answers.
That’s not just getting dressed. That’s self-care in its chic-est form.