Expressing ourselves through what we wear is one of the most vibrant ways to communicate who we are inside. As we step into an era of greater self-acceptance, many women are realizing that clothes aren’t just a superficial layer of fabric, but an integral component of our personal journey. What we wear impacts our self-perception and mood.
As a fashion designer, Donna Leah, founder of Donna Leah Designs, feels that wearing clothing with shine and sophistication makes her happy. No matter the time of day, she’s wearing what makes her feel great. “I realized that when I wear what I love, it puts me in a positive mood and I feel more creative and energized!”
This outlook is the foundation of her brand, Donna Leah Designs, which caters to women seeking one of a kind gowns and accessories. Her designs are meant for women of all ages who embrace their individuality with confidence. A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), the designer chose to base her brand in Miami where the dynamic energy of the city sparks her concepts. Collections for ready-to-wear and eveningwear are inspired by the colors and textures found in nature like ocean blues and golden sunsets. Every piece in the collection is designed to help women feel their best.
Affirming Our Mood
‘Enclothed cognition’ refers to the psychological influence our clothing can have on us. Our outfits do not merely act as a sartorial billboard for the world but also whisper into our ears, affirming our sense of self, our mood, and our confidence. It is a way to develop a signature style. This unique style isn’t defined by fashion trends but by our emotional states and our unique identity.
Be Sure to Experiment
An exhilarating aspect of embracing personal style is the freedom to experiment. Trying on a new color, playing with textures, or adding bold designs to your outfit can be a small adventure, a celebration of individuality. If a splash of color or an eclectic pattern makes your heart sing, then, by all means, include it in your style!
Try New Color Combos
Colors play a vital role in the symphony of our moods. Each color comes with its own psychological influence. Dressing in white, for example, can evoke a sense of purity and focus. Yellow often radiates happiness, while red exudes excitement and sensuality. However, overuse of any color might signal deeper emotional states, such as seeking external validation in case of red or depressive moods with excessive dark blue. Understanding these subtleties empowers us to choose our outfits more consciously, aligning them with how we wish to feel.
Positively Shape Your Personal Outlook
What we wear can be both a reflection of our emotional landscape and a tool to positively shape it. The relationship between what we wear, and our emotions is reciprocal; we wear yellow when we’re happy and wearing yellow can make us happy. We might choose black to express power or to bolster a flagging spirit. We are the artists of our own moods, with fashion as our palette.
Your style is your personal narrative woven in colors, fabrics, and patterns. It’s an external affirmation of your uniqueness and a means to cultivate self-love.
Flexibility is Essential
When it comes to personal style, it’s important to remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all. Just as there’s no ‘one color for all’ mood. Every shade has a unique influence, and your mood might lean toward different colors on different days. That’s the beauty of it – there’s always room for exploration and growth.
Embracing personal style is an ongoing, evolutionary process. It’s a beautiful journey where we get to discover, express, and evolve ourselves. In this journey, remember to dress not only for the world but for yourself. Because you deserve to feel the vibrancy, the energy, and the sheer joy that comes from it.
Featured image – Bee My Sting from DonnaLeahDesigns.com
