When Your Outfit Throws Off Your Whole Day: Dressing for Mood, Style & Function

There was one day last week it rained. Not a gentle mist, but a heavy, unrelenting downpour that made leaving the house feel like a mission. I had a busy day ahead and was in the mood for a sleek and comfortable outfit. But that had to change and function became a priority.

The outfit I had in mind was one I have worn many times. Preloved Zara black paperbag waist jeans, a fitted H&M vest layered with a lightweight black knit from Zara. I softened the black with leopard-print loafers from Clarks and, of course, a swipe of Lisa Eldridge red lipstick finished the look. Proportions are key with this outfit. The movement of the knit tucked into the high waist, the ankle-skimming hemline of the pants showing a little skin, and the loafers keep the leg line flowing. Sleek and comfortable.

I checked the weather forecast. The promise of rain all day led to a quick costume change. Out went the loafers and in came my wine coloured Dr Martens Chelsea boots. Let’s not forget my rainproof checked coat from H&M. The individual pieces worked. They usually do, but something was not quite right. The boots threw off my proportions entirely, shortening my silhouette and my top suddenly looked oversized and not in a good way. You know that feeling, right? When your outfit doesn’t quite land, and instead of feeling great, comfortable, or even blissfully invisible (which honestly is a gift some days), you feel frumpy. That feeling can weigh you down, and not just for a few minutes but all day.

What I realised, walking through puddles and wiping away rain from my much loved pieces was that I’d dressed entirely for function. While that’s important, especially when you’re pregnant, postpartum, or simply navigating a changing body, it’s not always enough. Style matters. Not in a glossy, curated, Instagram kind of way but in a personal way.

There was nothing wrong with my outfit. Or my body for that matter. On days like that, it’s easy to let those creeping negative thoughts take over. That’s when I pause and ask myself: Is it my body, or is it just the clothes? Most of the time, neither are the problem. On a different day, in a different mood, the exact same outfit might have made me feel incredible.

That’s why I love curating preloved pieces. Not just for Mother Dragon’s collection, but also through the personal styling service I offer. The work I do is cemented in education and self-expression. Personal style is a superpower. When you understand what works for your body, your life, and your mood, getting dressed becomes easy and fun, much more than a challenge or a chore.

So, next time your outfit doesn’t feel right, don’t spiral. Check the mirror, sure, but also check in with yourself. Your mood, your needs, your changing body. And if you want a personal cheer squad, become a Mother Dragon member and I will do the work for you!

Jo @motherdragon

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