This week’s episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise celebrates style as an act of self-care. So, let’s explore the links between fashion and wellbeing after 45 and how holistic confidence can begin with what you wear.
Style matters because you matter
Style is about so much more than what’s in your wardrobe. It’s about the way you hold yourself, the energy you bring, the mood you’re in. Some days, we throw on an outfit just to get out the door. But on others, we’ll pause, choose a piece that reflects a part of us—a colour, a fabric, a sparkle—and feel something shift. Style, when done with care, isn’t about what’s on the surface. It’s about how you feel inside. It’s one small but mighty way of saying: I matter, today and every day.
The psychology of style
Research shows that what we wear can affect everything from confidence to posture to clarity of thought. So, taking a moment to consider it is a powerful investment in ourselves. Studies reveal that children wearing superhero costumes respond better to challenges, and adults who don doctor’s lab coats show enhanced cognitive function on related tasks. Clothes hold symbolic meaning, shaping how others see us and how we see ourselves—creating a subtle feedback loop that can even shift our sense of identity.
So, if you need a bit of boss energy, try a blazer. Want to feel more feminine? A flowing dress could do the trick. Choosing a brightly coloured piece or a playful accessory can instantly boost happiness. So much so, that fashion psychologists have dubbed this phenomenon dopamine dressing. At Blue Illusion, we simply call it expressing your joie de vivre. And our
customers have been doing our version of feel-good fashion for almost three decades.
Incorporate style into your self-care
What comes to mind when you think of self-care? Perhaps meditation, a massage, your evening skincare ritual, or a walk in nature… If it’s not already on your list, it’s time to add style as self-care. Here are some ideas for incorporating style into your self-care routine.
1. Dress daily with intention
Dressing is an action we take daily—so why not make it intentional? Treat yourself with a moment of reverence. Look in the mirror, hold space for yourself, and dress in a way that feels good for your body and spirit. Like a morning stretch can start the day right, intentional dressing can set the tone for greater wellbeing.
2. Create a capsule of joie pieces
They might not be an everyday item, but that pair of sparkly brogues belongs in your wardrobe—for the days you want to walk on sunshine! Mix in some fun pieces (scarves, jewellery, jackets) with your staples so you can inject personality and flair into any outfit. Because feeling fabulous at 50 and beyond should be a joie.
3. Take care of your wardrobe
Self-care is an act of self-respect. The same applies to your clothes. Wardrobe wellness means taking the time to steam, dry-clean, mend or make over items that need d’un peu d’amour, and will keep you (and your clothes) feeling confident and cared for.
4. Dress for how you feel (or want to feel)
Spring is here and if that makes you want to wear flowers, then wear flowers! Colours and patterns bring vibrancy while soft textures and neutral tones can nurture us when we need them most. So, tune into your feelings when you dress and make mindful fashion a
habit.
5. Make comfort a priority
Looking put together doesn’t have to feel uncomfortable. Find the fancy shoes that don’t pinch. Seek out the pants with the waist that doesn’t dig in (our Bengajeans® are a dream!). Choose fabrics and fits that support movement without compromising style.
Style self-care should be a joie not a chore, so celebrate the wins—something as small as a scarf or clutch counts. Build a habit into your regular routine that celebrates your essence and helps you feel seen. Because style is more than surface—it’s a pathway to caring for yourself, every single day.
Book a session with one of our stylists or discover more style tips for women over 45 in this week’s episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise—your invitation to enhance confidence through style.
As Seen On "Healthy, Wealthy & Wise"
