The autumn slump: Four in 10 women report feeling less confident as the seasons change
Almost four in 10 women (38%) say their confidence declines in autumn, according to a new survey by womenswear brand Klass. A third (30%) also report that the seasonal shift negatively affects their emotional wellbeing.
The study surveyed more than 3,000 women across the UK to explore how the transition to autumn influences their wellbeing, wardrobe choices, confidence and energy levels.
Klass also spoke to psychologist Lowri Walsh, who specialises in women’s wellbeing, about her expert insight as to why women feel the impact of the seasonal shift in their confidence and sense of self, and the ‘SPARK’ framework women can use across their relationships, self-expression and attitude to feel more like themselves as the season changes.
Lowri said, “A change in your energy is information, not a verdict on your worth or ability.”
Less daylight, less energy: the autumn wellbeing dip
Three in 10 women (30%) say autumn negatively affects their emotional wellbeing, while over a quarter (28%) struggle with the reduced daylight. The seasonal shift also brings changes to routines, with 30% prioritising exercise less and 27% spending more time at home.
For many women, the seasonal adjustment isn’t immediate: over half (57%) say they need time to adapt to the new season, and 1 in 10 never truly feels fully adjusted, regardless of the season.
Almost half of women struggle to dress for changing temperatures
The transition to autumn brings practical wardrobe challenges alongside changes in confidence. Almost half of women (48%) say dressing for temperature changes throughout the day is their biggest styling difficulty, while 43% struggle with layering for unpredictable weather.
Finding clothes that suit their body shape is another challenge women report as they update their wardrobes for autumn.
“Feeling tired doesn’t mean you’re failing”: psychologist shares five ways to support autumn confidence
Psychologist Lowri Walsh firmly believes women feel the change of the seasons not only in the weather, but through their bodies, routines and relationships.
“Autumn can bring a change in pace, and for women juggling several responsibilities, we may feel this change more intensely. Women may notice tiredness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep or appetite, or less interest in activities they normally enjoy.”
“The meaning we attach to a change in energy can affect our confidence. “I’m feeling tired” can become “I’m failing” or “I’m no longer myself”.
“Some women experience the pressure to ‘get back on track’ after summer, expecting themselves to become more productive, more disciplined and more available to everyone at once. That can turn a seasonal transition into another test that can feel overwhelming. However, you don’t need to treat summer’s pleasure or downtime as something to make up for,” she added.
Lowri uses the ‘SPARK’ framework to feel more like yourself as the season changes:
Self-expression: Ask, ‘What helps me feel like me?’ This might be writing, music, speaking honestly or wearing a colour or outfit that expresses your personality. Clothing can be a small opportunity for self-expression, without your appearance becoming another standard to meet.
Playfulness: Make space for something enjoyable that has no performance target.
Attitude: Notice the language you use towards yourself. Try replacing “I should be coping better” with “What would help me take the next manageable step?”
Relationships: You don’t have to feel sparkling before you deserve company.
Knowing: Check in with your needs and values. Ask, “What do I need more of this autumn, and what could I give myself permission to do less of?”
