By Ruhi Datar
We’ve all been there — a gloomy Ithaca Monday morning, dread for your next class and a long week ahead. All you want to do is throw on your most comfortable pair of sweatpants and rush out the door with a messy bun. Sure, some might say that comfort is key, but I’d argue that there is something else that can actually make a bigger difference: the intentionality of dressing up and having a slow morning routine.
For me, the best days always start with a little ritual — my roommate and I listening to “Charm” by Clairo, sipping on our coffee and getting ready at the same time. We pick out cute outfits, do our makeup and put our best foot forward. It’s peaceful, it’s calming and, honestly, it sets the tone for the whole day.
I’ve noticed such a huge difference between days when I take my time in the morning, versus the days I’m scrambling out of bed before my 8:40 am class, still half-asleep. The days when I wake up earlier and allow myself that hour to get ready feel so much more productive and optimistic. The act of dressing up and taking time in the morning isn’t just about looking good — it helps improve several other aspects of my day:
A sense of control. Taking the time to get ready in the morning, instead of rushing out the door, gives me a sense of control over my day. Especially at a school like Cornell, where it’s so easy to feel overwhelmed by everything that needs to get done in your day; but slowing down – intentionally choosing an outfit I feel good in, doing my makeup, sipping on my cold brew – gives me a moment to breathe before the my classes and whatever else I have planned. It’s a simple act of self-care that helps me mentally prepare for whatever ensues during the day. I’ve found that the calmness usually lingers, and I find myself feeling more centered, even when the schedule gets busy. There are many small acts people incorporate into their morning routines that help them feel more in control. For example, Kate Sahin ’28 explains that “making my bed in the morning gives me a sense of order to start my day,” while Estelle Emmons ’28 says “I take my vitamin supplements every morning to feel more put together.”
Boost of confidence. There’s also something about putting on a well-thought-out outfit that makes you feel more put-together — like you have your life in order, even if you really don’t. Studies have shown that dressing well can actually boost confidence and even improve performance. While a good outfit can make you feel more put together and confident, it’s also about how it affects your mindset. Psychologists refer to this as enclothed cognition — the idea that what we wear can influence our mindset, behavior and even how we perceive ourselves; it’s all about embodying confidence.
Improves your overall mood. Wearing an outfit you love also brings a small but meaningful boost to your day. Fashion is a form of self-expression, and the clothes we choose can shape how we feel about ourselves. When you put on something that makes you feel happy – whether it's your favorite sweater, a bold pair of sunglasses, or your best fitting pair of jeans – it can shift your entire mindset. Sanika Saraf ’28 states, “Whenever I wear my jean jacket I feel good. I love a Canadian tuxedo.” Even on tough or gloomy days, dressing up can act as an uplifting force. Mikayla Thomas ’28 illustrates this perfectly: “I always wear my favorite Free People tank top to boost my mood because the shirt feels like summer, which makes me feel happy.”
In the end, dressing up and taking time for a slow morning routine is about so much more than just looking good — it’s setting yourself up for the best possible day. Whether it’s the sense of control that comes from allowing yourself the time to take a breather, the confidence boost that comes from wearing the perfectly fitting top or the sheer joy that comes from self-expression that fashion brings, it all adds up. These small moments of intentionality can make a huge difference, especially at a place like Cornell, where it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. So, next time you’re tempted to skip the extra time for yourself and rush out the door, remember that a little intention in the morning can change your entire day for the better.
Ruhi Datar is a first-year in the College of Arts and Sciences. She can be reached at rrd56@cornell.edu.
