-Isms

It's definitely Monday.

Five pairs of leggings, three shirts and two sweaters lay on top of the bed. Since 6 a.m., I've been trying variations of each outfit, with no luck. In the back of my mind, black jeans, a purple print top and coordinating cardigan felt like Monday.

Except it didn't. Feel like Monday, that is.

Monday ended up feeling like a black leggings, mustard tunic, herringbone vest and blue scarf kind of day.

Perhaps it's texture or the type of material that makes the difference. It's possible that my idea of contemporary fashion crumbles into shattered pieces once I take a look in the mirror.

Or, maybe I have a weird relationship with clothing. Most of the time, I plan the next day's choice the night before. That way, there isn't indecision in the dawn's early light, no struggle while standing in front of the closet, scanning the clothes rack, selecting a piece of clothing I can't decide if I like, let alone, want to wear.

Actually, I believe color affects mood and choices and offers soothing power. Egyptians and Chinese cultures used color or chromotherapy as a means of healing. For example, red stimulates the brain and increases circulation. Yellow is associated with stimulating nerves and purifying the body. Orange is thought to boost energy levels. Light blue is viewed as soothing and calming, while dark blue lessens skin blemishes.

Looks like I needed a little purification Monday.

If clothing is an extension of our personality, it makes sense our daily choice is a reflection of demeanor, how it influences mood and attitude throughout the day.

Clothing portrays an image and that look good, feel good mantra definitely affects how we feel.

Researchers call it unclothed cognition, the effect clothing choices have on psychological processes, including emotions, self-evaluation, attitude and interpersonal relationships.

What we wear also affects productivity and creativity according to a study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science.

In "Mind What You Wear: The Psychology of Fashion," author Karen Pine shares several clothing-related observations: people who dress like the boss are more likely to be promoted quicker, nine out of 10 women own at least one item of clothing they have never worn, women are twice as likely to wear jeans when depressed than when happy and men check themselves in a mirror or reflection twice as often as women.

Clothing doesn't define you. It makes you feel like you.

That's especially true when clothing piles up because nothing feels right.

What makes Tuesday feel right? That's yet to be determined, but I have a suspicion it will include fall colors, a chunky sweater and boots.

Of course, that could all change in the morning.