Stepping back into the office after the holidays can feel like an emotional hurdle. The festive break is over, routines restart, and for many, the simple act of getting dressed feels heavier than it should.
But according to style experts, what you wear might be doing more than just covering you up. It could be quietly working against your mental state.
“People underestimate how much their clothing affects their psychological wellbeing,” explains Leanna Spektor, Co-Founder and Style Expert at Brand House Direct, a leading Australian online retailer specialising in footwear, apparel, and accessories.
With over 20 years of experience in the footwear and fashion industry, Leanna has seen firsthand how wardrobe decisions influence confidence and comfort.
Below, she reveals how your post-holiday wardrobe might be intensifying the back-to-work blues, and what you can do about it.
How Colour Affects Workplace Mood
The shades you choose each morning have a bigger psychological impact than most people realise. Leanna explains how colour can either lift your spirits or drag them down during those difficult first days back.
“Muted, grey, or dark colour palettes might feel like safe, professional choices, but they can actually suppress your mood,” says Leanna. “After the vibrancy of the holiday period, returning to a wardrobe dominated by blacks, greys, and browns can reinforce feelings of dullness and fatigue.”
This effect is amplified during winter, when natural light is already limited. Wearing the same neutral tones day after day can contribute to a sense of flatness that mirrors seasonal fatigue. On the other hand, incorporating small pops of colour, even through accessories or inner layers, can provide a psychological lift without compromising professionalism.
“You don’t need to overhaul your entire wardrobe,” Leanna advises. “A burgundy scarf, cobalt blue blouse, or even colourful shoes can shift your mindset. These small additions signal energy and intention, which helps counteract the post-holiday slump.”
The Stress of Restrictive Clothing
Physical discomfort from clothing can heighten your body’s stress response. Leanna highlights how restrictive garments can worsen anxiety during an already tense transition period.
“Tight waistbands, stiff fabrics, and poor breathability put your body under constant low-level strain,” explains Leanna. “When you’re already feeling anxious about being back at work, that physical discomfort gets magnified. Your body interprets it as another stressor, which can increase cortisol levels and leave you feeling more on edge.”
Restrictive clothing also creates self-consciousness. Constantly adjusting a too-tight collar or struggling with trousers that dig in pulls your attention away from tasks and amplifies feelings of unease. The mental load of managing physical discomfort, however minor, adds to cognitive strain during a period when you’re already trying to readjust to work routines.
“Clothing should support you, not work against you,” says Leanna. “If you’re spending the day tugging at your waistband or feeling constricted, that’s energy you could be directing elsewhere. Comfort involves choosing fits and fabrics that allow you to move and breathe freely.”
Layering, Temperature, and Cognitive Load
Getting your layers right directly affects your ability to concentrate. Leanna shares insights on how thermal regulation impacts mental performance.
“Over-layering or under-layering both create problems,” Leanna notes. “If you’re too hot, you feel sluggish and irritable. If you’re too cold, you’re distracted and tense. Either way, your brain is working harder to regulate discomfort instead of focusing on the task at hand.”
Office temperatures can be unpredictable, especially during seasonal transitions. Wearing too many heavy layers can leave you overheated and mentally foggy, while insufficient layering forces your body to expend energy on staying warm. Both scenarios reduce productivity and increase frustration.
The solution, according to Leanna, is strategic layering with breathable, adaptable pieces. Lightweight knits, cardigans, and scarves allow you to adjust throughout the day without compromising your appearance. Natural fibres like cotton, merino wool, and linen blends help regulate body temperature more effectively than synthetic materials.
“Think about building a wardrobe that adapts with you,” suggests Leanna. “A breathable base layer, mid-weight top, and removable outer layer give you control over your comfort, thereby reducing anxiety.”
How to Dress to Ease the Transition Back to Work
Making the return to work less jarring doesn’t require a complete wardrobe overhaul. Leanna recommends small, intentional upgrades that prioritise psychological comfort alongside professional presentation.
- Comfort-First Tailoring
Choose structured pieces with a relaxed fit. Tailored doesn’t have to mean tight. Look for trousers with elastic waistbands, blazers with stretch panels, and shirts cut with enough room to move. Well-fitted clothing that doesn’t restrict allows you to feel polished without physical strain.
- Texture and Fabric Choices
Soft, breathable fabrics reduce sensory stress. Leanna recommends avoiding stiff materials that feel abrasive or overly rigid. Instead, opt for jersey knits, brushed cotton, and ponte fabrics that provide structure without sacrificing comfort.
“Texture matters more than people think,” says Leanna. “A soft fabric against your skin creates a sense of ease, while scratchy or stiff materials keep you on edge. It’s a subtle difference, but it affects how you carry yourself throughout the day.”
- Small Psychological Upgrades
Fit, softness, and colour accents all contribute to how you feel. A well-fitting pair of shoes, a cashmere-blend jumper, or a jewel-toned accessory can shift your mood without drawing attention. These thoughtful choices make getting dressed feel less like a chore and more like an act of self-care.
“Your wardrobe is supposed to make your life easier,” Leanna concludes. “Especially during emotionally challenging times like returning to work after a break, what you wear can either support your wellbeing or add to your stress. Choose wisely.”