Most of us can relate to the phrase "dress for success" in various aspects of our lives, from getting a job to hitting the gym. The clothing we wear influences our own behavior and the way we think and act, a concept known as "enclothed cognition." We undergo mental changes when we wear certain clothes, especially when it comes to our motivation to work out.

"The act of putting on workout gear for those new to exercise is the physical side of the mental shift to start living better," Clint Fuqua, a trainer at Clint Fuqua in Dallax, Texas, told Medical Daily.

Previous research has found this mental shift is due to the symbolic meaning we give a particular item of clothing. For example, in 2012, researchers found when volunteers were given a lab coat or nothing special to wear and then performed attention-related tasks, those wearing lab coats were significantly more successful than their counterparts. In an interview with The Atlantic, researcher Hajo Adam believes the study's results could also be applied to many more fields, including activewear and fitness.

“I think it would make sense that when you wear athletic clothing, you become more active and more likely to go to the gym and work out," said Adam.

Fuqua believes color hue could also influence our workout. There are several reasons why colors are able to influence the way we feel. The color red is known to increase our heart rate, because it's such a stimulating hue. Meanwhile, the color blue lowers blood pressure, because it conveys tranquility.

Bright and vibrant colors can be more energizing, but the more serious the workout the darker the colors go.

"You will notice more bright colors in a group fitness and aerobics setting and more dark colors in a powerlifting setting with a blend when it comes to hybrid programs like Crossfit," said Fuqua.

Wearing flattering and fun clothes can increase our confidence, and in turn, our overall performance, helping us get the most out of our workout. Simply put, a trendy athletic wardrobe can work as a motivator to get us to the gym, even when we're not feeling our best.

"Looking the part is at times the most important piece of living the fit life," according to Fuqua.