Can changing your clothes actually change the way you think?
We often treat professional attire as a mere social mask, but science suggests it might be a cognitive tool. Beyond the 1980s shoulder pads, wearing formal clothing may fundamentally alter your mental processing, shifting your perspective from the granular details to a broader, more abstract view of the world.
The concept of 'power dressing' gained significant momentum in the 1970s, largely driven by author John Molloy. In his 'dressing for success' series, Molloy proposed rigid sartorial rules designed to project authority. For men, the prescription was conservative: high-quality, well-fitting dark suits paired with modest white shirts and ties. For women, the strategy was more complex and focused on managing perception. To emulate the authority of figures like Margaret Thatcher, Molloy advised women to avoid looking like secretaries or appearing overly sexualized.
Molloy’s specific tactics for women involved a careful use of distraction. He suggested avoiding waistcoats or contoured jackets that might draw attention to the bust, recommending instead soft blouses with bows or scarves to redirect focus toward the face. He also discouraged feminine elements like floral prints or salmon pink, yet cautioned against trousers to avoid looking too masculine. By the 1980s, this uniform became a way for women entering the corporate workforce to navigate professional spaces by limiting the perceived sexuality of their bodies.
While the era of extreme shoulder pads and wide lapels has passed, the psychological impact of formal attire remains a subject of scientific interest. A 2015 study re-examined these principles, testing students who transitioned from sweatpants into interview-appropriate clothing. The researchers found that this shift in attire led to cognitive processing that was more holistic, broader, and abstract. Crucially, the study suggested that the frequency of wearing such clothing is less important than the symbolic power the uniform itself holds, regardless of when it is donned.
Source: Does 'Power Dressing' Actually Work?
