One of my favourite (and honestly most effective) ways to beat winter seasonal affective disorder is deceptively simple: put on a great outfit.
When it’s freezing, grey, slushy, and generally rude outside, it’s tempting to disappear into head-to-toe black and call it a day. I’ve learned that winter gets so much easier when I treat getting dressed as a mood-boosting ritual rather than a survival task. Bright colours, bold textures, playful layers, these things matter more in January than July!
There’s a psychology behind this madness! What you wear can directly affect how you feel, a concept often called “enclothed cognition.” When you put on something that feels expressive, intentional, or fun, your brain gets the message that you’re showing up for yourself. You’re not just bracing against the cold, you’re styling your way through it.
I love a vintage fur coat moment, a full snowsuit, a pop-of-colour hat, fun gloves, or boots that make a statement. Anything that breaks up the endless grey and makes me feel like I AM the scenery instead of battling it. Winter is long, why not give it a little excitement?
I truly believe there’s no bad weather if you have a good outfit. When I’m bundled up in something cozy and cute, I walk differently. I feel more confident, playful, and more like myself. Even running errands feels lighter when you’re wearing something that sparks joy (yes, Marie Kondo would approve).
This isn’t about dressing for anyone else or chasing trends. It’s about choosing clothes that lift your mood and remind you that winter doesn’t get to dull your shine. Looking good helps you feel good, and sometimes that’s enough to turn a bleak day into a better one. 🤗
So if winter’s getting you down, try this: tomorrow, wear the fun coat, the bright hat, the boots you save for “special occasions.”
Winter is the occasion.
