drag

5 easy ways to create mood-boosting outfits

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SPORTSGIRL

WORDS BY RUBY STALEY

Add a little bit of spice.

Thanks to the ongoing presence of the pandemique, it’s totally understandable that many of us are feeling under the weather mentally. While we collectively find our feet in the aftershock of the last two years, looking after ourselves, our health and our happiness should be the number one priority. But what does this have to do with getting dressed? 

As it turns out, experts in the fashion psychology field have suggested that dressing in bright colours and bold patterns actually has the potential to positively impact our mood. This concept, coined ‘enclothed cognition’, is said to affect not only our emotions, but also the way we behave and view the world.


Looking for more fashion news and features? Head to our Fashion section.


And now seems like a better time than ever to forego basic monochrome outfits and give ‘mood’ dressing a go. For frequenters of the infamous Melbourne uniform – I’m talking black from head to toe – injecting colour into your regular rotation may seem like a scary prospect. But don’t totally disregard the positive effects of colour heavy styling. 

Boosting not only our overall temperament, including colour in your daily outfits is said to possibly enhance your motivation and energy levels too – so, if anything, it’s worth a try. 

With help from our pals at Sportsgirl and the brand’s colour-happy new collection, here’s our guide to incorporating a bit of colour into your every day. 

Just a touch

When it comes to giving face, take a page out of beauty genius Rowi Singh’s playbook by not shying away from colour. A super easy way to introduce a new shade into even the most neutral of makeup bases is a swipe of coloured liner. Add one, two or an entire rainbow of colours to your upper or lower lid with Sportsgirl’s Line Up Coloured Body and Eye Liners

Enhancing your claws with a pair of Stick on Nails in a sweet check and flower print, or embellishing with some bright Stick Together Nail Stickers can be another cheekily subtle way to trick yourself into incorporating colour and boosting that mood.

Clip on

Thanks to the resurgence of everything Y2K, claw clips and hair accessories have made their way back onto trending pages internet-wide. The beauty of the hair accessory trend is that although clips and headbands are functional and cute, they’re also a great way to add a pop of colour into an otherwise low-key outfit. 

Whether you’re starting with an easy monochrome ensemble, or something a little more bold, Sportsgirl’s array of claw clips from the trendy Green Check Open Rectangle Claw, to the sweet Blue Stripe Square Hair Claw will help keep your hair out of your face while you start experimenting with colour coordinating. 

Carry and go

Adding a bright bag is another way to make colour feel a little less intimidating. For those of us mere mortals who can’t afford the latest iterations of the iconic Jacquemus Le Chiquito, Sportsgirl’s got us covered. Eye catching, cute and functional all at once, the Blue Zebra Vacay ’90s Bag and the Mia Fuchsia Croc ’90s Bag are an easy way to add a fun, retro burst of colour. 

The single piece

Stepping up and out from accessories, it goes without saying that the best way to incorporate colour into your outfits is to actually wear it. As our summer starts to cool down, throwing a classic oversized shirt over a dress or tee and skirt combo is the perfect opportunity to add a layer of colour. 

Available in a huge range of shades, try one of Sportsgirl’s cotton shirts in either a fun spliced stripe design, hot pink or bright orange tone. For an extra element of warmth, the Charlie Longline Shacket is a great boyfriend style outer piece. If shirts aren’t your go-to, try out the Tara Ombre Knit Vest over a simple tee to brighten your mood via its trio of pretty tones. 

Solid looks

For the bravest of the bunch, the best chance you have of enhancing your mood through clothing is to deck yourself head to toe in bright shades. If you’re afraid of doing too much, take notes from the style queen herself, Australian influencer Maxine Wylde, who rarely ever sets foot out of her house without wearing an entire rainbow. For an easy to style co-ord look, start with the relaxed Plisse Pleated Pants and matching shirt set. 

Taking things up a notch, the bubble-gum pink Annie Textured Blazer and Bella Textured Full Length Pants matching set is a colour lover’s dream. For a cute little park picnic situation, the Peta Square Neck Tie Midi Dress makes building a bright outfit a cinch. For those who fear colour, pare things back with neutral accessories, or break up a bold outfit with clashing colours and textures.

For more ways to spice up your wardrobe, head here.

Lazy Loading