I recently started Zepbound, one of the several GLP-1 weight loss/diabetes medications on the market, like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, that help regulate blood sugar, digestion, and appetite.  While I certainly have some weight to lose, my endocrinologist also suggested it because studies have shown that GLP-1 medications may reduce inflammation, which plays a huge part in autoimmune diseases.  While my rheumatologist has me on medication specifically for psoriatic arthritis, my endocrinologist felt there was no harm adding another inflammation-reducing medication to my treatment team.

If you’ve taken any of these GLP-1 medications then you know for some people they can be a little rough on the gastrointestinal system as your body adjusts.  I was one of those “some people.”  My first week wasn’t easy as I suffered from volcanic-level acid reflux and nausea.  In my attempt to find relief, I found myself on a Zepbound subreddit looking for answers.  It became a treasure trove of information that helped me resolve my symptoms and learn a lot of new and interesting information.  

It was also a place to learn from others who generously shared their weight loss stories, with one that really stood out.  A woman who lost a great deal of weight shared that she suddenly felt, as she described it, girly.  She noticed that for the first time, she was taking more interest in her appearance, practicing more self-care, and buying new clothes.  She asked if anyone else had gone through something similar.  

Normally I fly under the radar about what I do, but, my expertise seemed relevant, so I chimed in. I suggested that her transformation was perhaps due to becoming more comfortable in her body and okay not just being seen by others but by herself. I also told her I thought her transformation wasn’t just about becoming girly but about self-care and self-love.  This exchange inspired today’s post.

THE CONFIDENCE TO BE SEEN: WHAT YOU’RE WEARING IS TRYING TO TELL YOU

You don’t have to be on a weight loss journey to know the experience of wanting to hide in plain sight, which is particularly hard to do when you’re visible in the world at all times.  It’s not like thoughts and feelings that you can hide away, or private desires and quirks that you can keep secret or do in the privacy of your own home.  You always need to be in the world, which can be scary, especially when you’re not comfortable with yourself.  

Sure, clothing can just be a surface thing, but I wouldn’t be doing my job for all these years if that is what I thought clothing was all about.  It can be many different things.   It can be a defensive mechanism, armor, a power move, a form of self-sabotage, a cloak of invisibility, a beautiful form of expression, the most powerful way we can communicate, and then some.  Sometimes we’re aware of what our clothes communicate and other times we’re not. What we’re all very aware of, however, is being human is a vulnerable business.  This is why clothing isn’t just clothing.  It’s what we use to support us in the world. 

WHEN IT’S INTENTIONAL VS. WHEN IT’S A SIGNAL

You’ve likely had the experience of putting on that outfit that makes you feel powerful and confident, or how your body language has changed when you know you looked good.  Conversely, you probably know what happens when the opposite happens. When you’re caught off guard wearing something you don’t feel good or confident in while in a public situation and you want to disappear into the wall.  This is the power of clothing and how it can work for or against us.

There was a study done in 2012 study from Northwestern University, conducted by Hajo Adam and Adam D. Galinsky, that proved the power that clothing has.   The study focused on how the symbolic meaning of clothing, combined with the physical act of wearing it, can influence cognitive processes and behavior.  The study introduced the concept of enclothed cognition, which describes how clothing influences psychological processes and behaviors. It revealed that what we wear can affect not only how others perceive us but also how we think, feel, and perform tasks.  The study demonstrated that the clothes we wear can influence our cognitive processes and behaviors.  You can read more about the study here.

While this study proved a lot, I don’t think it’s anything we didn’t already know, and, something I have been saying this since I started my career. We all know how differently we respond when we do or don’t like the way we look and how we engage as a result.

IS YOUR WARDROBE TRYING TO TELL YOU SOMETHING?

On the other hand, even when it’s not intentional, clothing tells on you. It is always communicating regardless of whether you are aware. Take, for example, the woman I mentioned earlier who made changes after feeling more comfortable in her body.  She probably wasn’t even aware of just how much she was hiding herself before that.  Clothing can be used to express who you are, but it can also be used to hide, be less vulnerable, avoid confrontation, blend, or avoid being fully seen, which is what this woman was likely doing.  It’s the equivalent of being able to hide in a cave or hiding under a blanket while still being public.

This is why it’s important to talk about this because it’s not always immediately apparent when something is wrong and it is clothing that can be the subtle yet powerful indicator of where your emotional state may be.  For example, people feeling down may gravitate toward neutral or muted colors (like grays, blacks, or browns) and baggy, oversized clothing, which could reflect a desire to retreat, hide, or feel less visible.  Depression or self-esteem struggles might show in neglecting personal grooming, repeating the same outfits, or wearing ill-fitting clothing, signaling low energy or a diminished sense of self-worth, and someone might avoid vibrant colors or patterns if they’re feeling emotionally “flat” or don’t want to draw attention.

Certainly, it would be irresponsible to say that anyone who dresses these ways alone indicates depression or self-esteem issues. I love neutrals and have repeated outfits. Clothing clues are clearly part of a larger picture that needs to be considered.  However, in terms of that bigger picture, clothing can be a visual indicator that something might be off.   While I would never suggest not seeking proper help for any mental health issue, clothing can also be a catalyst in helping turn things around.   If what you’ve been wearing has been indicating things are not okay, here are some things you can do in partnership with other self-care work:

Look for Patterns

  • Are you gravitating toward oversized or shapeless pieces?  This might reflect a desire to hide.
  • Are you stuck in an all-neutral or monochrome wardrobe?  This could signal a need for stability but also a fear of self-expression.
  • Are you repeating outfits or relying on “default” items? (e.g., the same hoodie every day)  This might hint at emotional fatigue or a lack of interest in self-care.

Questions to Ask Yourself to Help Uncover Emotional Roadblocks

  • What do you feel when you wear this piece?
  • Do you find yourself reaching for the same colors or styles lately? Why do you think that is?
  • What’s missing from your wardrobe that you wish you had?

Tips to Help Shift Your Wardrobe (and Mood)

Start Small and Gentle

  • Add a Pop of Color: Introduce a scarf, bag, or shoes in a color they enjoy but feel unsure about wearing. For example, mustard yellow for warmth or soft pink for calmness. Colors can subtly influence mood without overwhelming them.
  • Choose Flattering Neutrals: Replace black with navy, charcoal, or warm beige, which can soften their look while still offering comfort and neutrality.
  • Prioritize Comfort and Texture: Introduce soft fabrics (cashmere, modal, or brushed cotton) for their tactile soothing properties.
  • Consider structured but stretchy clothing that hugs the body lightly to balance comfort and confidence.

Personal Symbolism

Pick one piece that makes you feel powerful—a tailored blazer, a bold necklace, or even a pair of polished shoes. Wear them to wear it during moments when you need a boost.

Gently Declutter

Let go of items tied to negative emotions (e.g., clothes from a job they hated or items that no longer fit). This can be a therapeutic step toward self-renewal.

Wardrobe as a Tool for Self-Care

  • Create “Feel-Good” Outfits: Identify a few go-to outfits that make you feel comfortable, stylish, and confident. Keep these ready for low-energy days.
  • Introduce Routine: Create a simple style ritual—such as choosing tomorrow’s outfit the night before or adding one playful accessory every day—to create a sense of control and joy.

Empowering Through Style

  • Use a Vision Board: Create a style vision board, pulling inspiration from looks you admire. This can help shift your mindset toward aspirational, positive goals.
  • Experiment: Try a new piece—Try something you’ve always admired but never dared to wear. This can be a small risk that builds their confidence.
  • Reflect Your Personality: Rediscover what you love about yourself and reflect that in your clothing. For example, if you’re creative, introduce bold patterns; if you value simplicity, suggest minimalist chic.

Reframing Mindset Around Clothing

  • See Clothing as a Tool, Not a Burden: Shift the focus from “getting dressed” as an obligation to an opportunity for self-expression and self-care.
  • Focus on Self-Discovery: Frame styling as an exciting way to explore who you are and how you want to be seen. It’s less about the “rules” and more about self-love.

Clothing is so much more than fabric—it’s a reflection of our inner world, a tool for self-expression, and a gateway to self-discovery. By intentionally curating a wardrobe that aligns with how we want to feel and who we want to be, we can use style as a form of self-care and empowerment. Remember, your wardrobe doesn’t just tell the story of where you’ve been—it can also pave the way for where you’re going. Embrace the power of clothing, and let it help you step into your best, most confident self.