The Power of Enclothed Cognition: Dressing for Professional Success

How Your Wardrobe Impacts Confidence and Success

What if the secret to feeling more confident, overcoming imposter syndrome, and excelling in the corporate world was already hanging in your wardrobe? The concept of enclothed cognition suggests that the clothes we wear don’t just influence how others perceive us—they directly impact how we think, feel, and perform.

Understanding the psychology of dressing can be transformative for professional women. As noted in the original study introducing the term "enclothed cognition," researchers Hajo Adam and Adam D. Galinsky found that:

"We introduce the term 'enclothed cognition' to describe the systematic influence that clothes have on the wearer's psychological processes."

For professional women navigating the challenges of leadership, visibility, and self-assurance, understanding the psychology of dressing can be a game-changer. By making intentional choices about what we wear, whether it’s a structured blazer that sharpens our presence or a tailored dress that exudes authority, we can use fashion as a tool to step into our power.

What Is Enclothed Cognition?

The term enclothed cognition was coined by researchers Hajo Adam and Adam Galinsky, who discovered that wearing certain types of clothing can enhance cognitive function, increase confidence, and shift behaviour. Their study found that participants wearing a white lab coat associated with doctors performed better on attention-related tasks than those who did not. This suggests that clothing carries symbolic meaning, and when we wear items associated with competence and authority, we tend to embody those traits.

Now, apply this to the workplace. If clothing can shape mindset and performance, it’s worth considering how a thoughtfully curated professional wardrobe can help women step into their leadership roles with greater confidence.

How Imposter Syndrome Thrives—and How Clothing Can Combat It

Many professional women struggle with imposter syndrome—the persistent feeling that they are not as capable as others perceive them to be. It’s a challenge that affects even the most accomplished leaders, causing them to second-guess their abilities, hesitate in meetings, or downplay their achievements.

Imposter syndrome is a prevalent issue among professional women. A KPMG study highlighted that:

"75% of female executives across industries have experienced imposter syndrome in their careers."

This pervasive self-doubt can hinder career advancement and personal well-being. However, intentional wardrobe choices can serve as a powerful tool to counteract these feelings.

Clothing can act as an armour against these doubts. When you dress in a way that aligns with how you want to feel—strong, professional, capable, you send signals to your brain that reinforce that identity. Here’s how:

✔️ Wearing a blazer can instantly shift your posture, making you feel more powerful and authoritative.

✔️ Choosing structured and well-tailored pieces creates a sense of readiness and control.

✔️ Dressing in a style that aligns with leadership expectations can help bridge the gap between internal doubt and external presence.

Rather than waiting to feel confident before dressing the part, reversing the process by dressing for success first can accelerate confidence-building.

Building a Confidence-Boosting Wardrobe for Corporate Success

To fully harness enclothed cognition, professional women can curate their wardrobe with pieces that reinforce self-assurance and leadership presence. Here’s how:

1. Dress with Intention

Every piece in your wardrobe should be there for a reason. Instead of defaulting to what’s comfortable or convenient, ask: How do I want to feel today? Select pieces that help embody that feeling.

2. Establish Your Signature Style

Confidence grows when you consistently wear outfits that make you feel empowered. Whether it’s a fitted blazer, bold accessories, or a go-to colour palette, defining your signature style creates consistency and comfort in your professional image.

3. Use Colour Psychology to Your Advantage

Colours have a psychological impact, influencing both how you feel and how others perceive you:

• Navy & Black– Authority and professionalism
• Red– Power and confidence
• White– Clarity and decisiveness
• Blush & Neutral Tones– Approachability and warmth
• Green– Balance, growth, and stability, perfect for conveying a grounded and trustworthy presence
• Pink– Soft yet strong, communicating both approachability and confidence, making it ideal for networking and leadership roles
• Patterns– Stripes, florals, or geometric designs can add personality while maintaining professionalism

4. Invest in Well-Tailored Pieces

Fit is everything. Clothes that fit well make you feel put together and in control. A structured blazer, tailored trousers, and well-fitted dresses create a polished and refined look that supports leadership presence.

5. Elevate Your Presence with Accessories

The right accessories can add confidence and personality to a corporate wardrobe. A statement watch, structured handbag, or elegant jewellery can create an air of sophistication while reinforcing a strong, put-together presence.

6. Confidence Starts Before You Leave the House

Dressing with confidence isn’t just about what you wear, it’s about the ritual of getting dressed. Taking the time to select an outfit that aligns with your goals can set a powerful tone for the day. This isn’t about vanity; it’s about self-perception and preparation.

Blazers: The Ultimate Power Piece

Whether paired with a dress, trousers, or jeans for a business casual look, a blazer creates instant polish and presence.

The significance of attire in influencing performance is underscored by the concept of enclothed cognition. As highlighted in the MIT Sloan Management Review:

"New research suggests that clothing can have an effect on our behavior if that clothing has a symbolic meaning and if we have the physical experience of wearing the clothes."

This underscores the transformative power of wearing a blazer, which symbolizes authority and professionalism. Consider these points when building your corporate wardrobe.

✔️ Structured blazers command attention in meetings.

✔️ A well-fitted blazer creates the posture of confidence—even before you speak.

For women battling imposter syndrome or seeking to elevate their corporate image, investing in a high-quality, well-tailored blazer can be a simple but transformative step. The right blazer not only enhances your professional presence but also acts as a confidence-boosting armour, reinforcing your authority in any setting.

Dress for the Role You Deserve

The way you dress is more than just an aesthetic choice—it’s a psychological tool that can influence how you think, behave, and succeed in the corporate world. Enclothed cognition is a reminder that the right wardrobe isn’t about fashion trends; it’s about strategically using style to build confidence and overcome self-doubt.

If you’re ready to take control of your confidence and presence, start by reassessing your wardrobe. Curate a collection that empowers you, dress with intention, and step into the leader you were meant to be.

Want to refine your professional wardrobe? Download our Professional Wardrobe Checklist and learn how to align your style with success at https://peakwomen.com.au/pages/checklist