Let’s face it. In college, you’re bound to have days when you feel like you’re never going to see bedtime. These days just keep dragging on and you have to keep pushing through. However, even though most of these times something bad happened to put you in this mood, there are occasions when you just feel down in the dumps for no reason. And that’s okay! However, you don’t have to just shuffle through these days. There may be a solution, and that solution is just one simple phrase.

“If you look good, you feel good.”

Now I’m not saying to go rent a tuxedo or a ball gown. Sometimes dressing up a little is all you need to start feeling better about yourself and your day. Whether it’s putting on a nice suit or even just putting on some nice shoes, getting out of those sweatpants and hoodie may be all you need to get out of your funk.

You don’t even need an occasion to dress up a little. Who says you can’t wear a suit or a tie to the library! Dressing up a little to go read a textbook or write a paper could make it a lot more fun and enjoyable (Plus you’ll definitely get some nods of approval on your attire from your classmates).

They say dress for the job you want. Well college is all about preparing for the job you want, so why not just start off now? College is all about making connections to the real world, so maybe one day you’ll run into a future employer on campus and can show them just how professional you are inside and out!

Plus, research has proven that dressing up helps with motivation and focus, which probably explains why so many people dressed up to take the SATs in high school. So if you’re ever nervous about an upcoming exam or test, try sprucing yourself up a little as a confidence booster to get through that couple of hours. It doesn’t guarantee an A, but it may help you feel a little better about yourself or the grade that follows.

Who knows, you may even inspire someone! Someday someone else who is down in the dumps may see you all dressed up and happy, and be inspired to put on a dress or a blazer to bring their spirits up. You could start on the path to inspire a better dressed, better spirited community or campus.

So whether it’s a bad day or you just can’t seem to focus on the tasks at hand, get up, shine your shoes, fix your hair, and get out there and embrace the day!