There’s a moment many of us know well: standing in front of the mirror, already tired, maybe even sad, and feeling like whatever we throw on our body won’t help us feel any better. If anything, it might make things worse.
Donna asked a powerful question recently:
“What are some tips to look stylish on days when I’m lacking energy, but I don’t want to feel more depressed when I look in the mirror?”
Let’s be honest. It’s not just a style question; it’s a self-preservation question. It’s about caring for yourself in a moment where your usual motivation and confidence feel far away.
And I’ve been there. I’ve navigated periods of depression, fatigue, illness, and just plain “meh” days. Those are the days when even brushing your hair feels like a feat. But here’s what I’ve learned—both personally and from the research:
How We Dress Affects How We Feel
There’s compelling science behind something called enclothed cognition—a fancy term for the way clothing influences our psychology. What you wear doesn’t just change how others see you; it changes how you see yourself.
And unfortunately, when we’re feeling low, we often reach for the pieces that reflect how we feel: stretched-out joggers, an old hoodie, mismatched socks. Comfort becomes the only priority, and I get it. But here’s the catch—those comfort clothes don’t always comfort us. Sometimes, they reinforce the heaviness.
So how do we honour how we feel without spiralling further?
The Secret Is Preparation, Not Perfection
The key is to prepare when you feel good—so you don’t have to decide when you don’t.
I call these Go-To Outfits: pre-styled, no-brainer combinations that feel like you on your best day—but take almost no energy to put on.
You know they fit.
You know they flatter.
And most importantly: you know how they make you feel.
Here’s how to create them:
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Start on a good day—or even an okay one. Pick an outfit you love, something you’ve worn and thought, “Yes, this is me.”
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Take a photo—full length, in a mirror or have someone snap it for you.
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Save it in a special album on your phone labelled “Low Energy Looks.”
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Repeat 3-5 times with other combinations: different weather, levels of dressiness, mood boosters.
This is not about impressing others. It’s about creating a lifeline for yourself, visual proof that feeling stylish can be effortless, even when nothing else is.
For example, adding a scarf can add an immediate polish – and when you use two patterns like I’ve done here (with colours in common) it really makes it look like you’ve made and effort.
Build a Wardrobe That Works With Your Energy Levels
Let’s ditch the idea that you need “perfect” clothes to be stylish. What you really need are:
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Clothes that feel good on your skin (fabric matters).
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Outfits with built-in polish (like a soft knit blazer with stretch—you’d be amazed how that elevates even jeans and a tee). A pattern can add instant interest without requiring any thought.
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Footwear that’s stylish and wearable (you’re not sacrificing comfort for style; you’re integrating them).
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Accessories that spark a tiny bit of joy (a bold earring, a silk scarf, a statement necklace). They take 5 seconds to put on and instantly change your reflection.
- Colour sparks joy, so avoid the neutrals (particularly black and other really dark neutrals) when you’re feeling down. Instead, opt for colours that have the kind of energy you need – red for stimulation, orange for fun, and green for grounding or blue for compassion. Want to know more about how you can utilise the energy of different colours in your life and wardrobe? Check out my new Energy of Colour Masterclass.
This soft stretchy denim jacket is both comfortable and adds some fun and enlivening colour to my outfit.
And let’s talk about grooming. Not the kind that takes 90 minutes and three products. I mean the kind that’s realistic when you’re barely upright.
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A wash-and-wear haircut—talk to your hairdresser about something that looks decent even when air-dried.
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If you wear makeup, consider a one-step uplift: maybe it’s lipstick, maybe it’s tinted moisturiser or mineral powder. Something fast. Something doable.
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If you don’t wear makeup, lean on colour near your face. A flattering neckline or scarf can do so much for brightening your features.
This Isn’t About Pretending
Let me be clear: This isn’t about slapping on a blazer and pretending everything’s fine. It’s about reclaiming one small piece of power when so much else feels out of your hands.
Looking stylish isn’t shallow. It’s one of the many ways we see ourselves again—especially in times when our sense of self feels blurry or disconnected.
And sometimes, the tiniest shift in how we dress can spark a much bigger shift in how we treat ourselves.
So the next time you feel that low-energy fog rolling in, I want you to have something ready. Not just a pair of pants, but a kind of armour of care—a message from your past self that says:
“I’ve got you. You don’t have to think. Just wear this. You’re still you.”
And you are.
Start on the Right Path
If you find yourself staring at your wardrobe and feeling overwhelmed—especially on the days when energy is low—7 Steps to Style is the roadmap you didn’t know you needed. It’s not just about clothes; it’s about understanding why things work for you, so getting dressed becomes effortless, not exhausting. With a comprehensive education in colour, style, body shape, personality, and values, you’ll build a wardrobe that supports you—even on the hard days. When your style is sorted, it frees up mental energy for everything else that matters.
