There’s a shift in the air, isn’t there?  The crisp snap of September mornings, the scent of woodsmoke carried on the breeze, the trees just starting to flirt with autumn color.  It’s that time of year when we dig out sweaters from the back of the closet and lean into the softer side of dressing.  Cue the Saturday Night Live “Sweater Weather” sketch — because yes, we’ve entered that season where putting on a cozy knit feels like both a fashion statement and a love letter to ourselves.

Here’s something you may not have thought about: the fibers we choose actually have vibrations, and those vibrations can affect us emotionally and physically.  I don’t mean to go too “hardcore” here, but think about it — slipping into linen or cotton just feels different than polyester or synthetics.  There’s an ease, a breathability, almost a gentle hum of connection with nature.  

Personally, I adore linen — it feels like wearing a sigh of relief.  Cotton and denim bring me grounding and familiarity, like the steady beat of a favorite song.  When I’m feeling creative, I love the flow of fabrics that move with me rather than restrict me.  But it's more than that.  Here's a little science to give this some context.

Natural fibers like cotton,hemp, linen and denim (which is woven from cotton) are made of cellulose, a plant-based material whose molecular structure holds and moves moisture and air differently from synthetics.  These breathable fibers carry a natural negative ion charge, which some researchers associate with subtle mood-lifting effects similar to the “fresh air after a storm” feeling and how we feel when we sit by a stream, ocean or waterfall.  Linen, spun from flax, is also known for its thermoregulating properties, helping the body stay cool or warm as needed, which can reduce physical stress and support calmness.  Even the small electrical exchanges that happen when plant fibers touch our skin—called triboelectric effects—influence how we perceive comfort, temperature, and even alertness.  While the science is still emerging, it’s clear that natural fabrics interact with our bodies in ways that go beyond style, creating a kind of quiet energy balance that many people can literally feel.

Fashion sometimes has a way of pushing us toward restriction: tight waistbands, shoes that pinch, fabrics that don’t breathe. I’ve played the “high heel game” — and while I still appreciate a beautiful pair, the truth is, they don’t love me back.  So yes, I’m saying it out loud: I like comfortable shoes too!  And why shouldn’t I?  Why shouldn’t any of us wear clothes that bring us joy, that match our mood, our activity, our energy?

One day that might be a flowy linen dress that feels like freedom itself.  Another, it might be soft denim and a cardigan that says, “I’m grounded and ready.”  The point is: our clothes don’t just cover us, they can align with how we want to move through the world.

The changing seasons invite us to tune into ourselves.  Summer asks for lightness, breezy cottons, open sandals.  Autumn invites warmth and layers — sweaters, scarves, boots that crunch on fallen leaves.  Winter brings structure, insulation, maybe a little velvet for magic.  Spring bursts forth with freshness, floral prints and colors that mirror the blooming world around us.

Dressing for the seasons is more than practical — it’s a ritual of harmony. We’re matching the outer world with our inner selves.

So, here’s my thought: wear what feels good.  Wear what supports your creativity, your comfort, your joy.  Let your wardrobe be an extension of your spirit, not a cage.

If you’re curious about my current favorites (aka, the pieces that make me feel most like myself these days), I’ve linked them on my Favorites Page.

After all, life is too short for uncomfortable shoes or clothes that don’t make your heart say yes.