Why We Wear What We Wear: The Psychology of Fashion
We’ve all seen that woman walking down a busy city sidewalk looking like she just stepped off a fashion shoot for Vogue. As she moves her way down the street, her confidence radiates to the point which could be construed as snobbish. Is it her clothing which gives her such poise? I know for myself, when I’m dressed in a suit rather than sweats, I feel better; but why? Why do clothes make us feel so good?
With a slumping economy, fashion sales are down, but not by much. Nordstrom reported preliminary sales of $750 million in a five-week period for March, only a 6.7% decrease from the previous year, while Dillard’s reported sales of $621,725.00 for the same period. It seems consumers won’t let these tough times affect their style.
Fashion has long been an important part of society; dating back as far as the 1600’s and we have looked to celebrities and world leaders for trends. According to a post on Fashion-era.com, Napoleon Bonaparte had an immense affect on fashion after being crowned Emperor in 1804 by stopping the import of English textiles and revived the Valenciennes lace industry. The result of this was the reemergence of the chemisette; a lacey, sleeveless, side-opened blouse which was worn under low neckline gowns.
There are many other factors which influence trends besides pop culture. In the 1930’s, fashion was influenced by the crash of the stock market. 1940’s fashion was a direct result of World War II while 1950’s fashion was influenced by the baby boom explosion and prosperity in a post-war world.
We all follow fads. Though not everyone will admit to being influenced by fashion trends, the way we dress is a direct result to fit in with a certain group. Three examples of this are as follows:
Goth rockers might think they are rebelling against the mainstream, but are guilty of being fashion victims as much as anyone. Most often, they dress in black with silver accessories because that is the accepted and expected attire for that circle.
Preppies tend to be more in step with the current trends, but generally shop J.Crew or Brooks Brothers for a classic look which is uniquely American; this style also says something about the class they fall into.
Yuppie’s or the Banana Republic crowd has a definite up-to-date look, which is hip but professional and speaks volumes about their income level.
Defined by Wikipedia as, shopping with the primary purpose of improving the buyer’s mood or disposition, retail therapy was the result of the over-indulgance of the 1980’s. According to a post on Wikipedia, “a study in 2001 by the European Union found that 33% of shoppers surveyed had high level of addiction to rash or unnecessary consumption.” The most common reason consumers unnessarly shop is out of sadness or depresion. ABC News reported in February that, people are willing to spend more on themelves when they are feeling down. Acording to the article, “a study of 33 volunteers, to be published in the June 2008 edition of Psychological Science, found that feeling sad leads to self-centered thinking and this, in turn, can lead to a greater likelihood of dropping extra cash on something to make you feel better.” Next time you’re feeling down, take a trip to your local department store and buy a scarf. It will do wonders for your mood.
Why Clothes Make Us Feel Good
There are many reasons why clothes make us feel good about ourselves according to Gregg Andrews, Fashion Director for Nordstrom. “When you look good, you feel good. It’s a boost to your confidence”, said Andrews. “Clothing can be your calling card and the way you dress can announce who you are or who you want to be - “I’m successful” or “I’m sexy” or “I’m sophisticated” or “I’m fun”. You can alter people’s perception of you just by the way you dress.” Clothing is much more than cover; it says who we are, defines our status and gives us an identity.
Making Fashion Work For You
If you don’t want to look like a page out of Elle, there are some simple strategies you can employ, “Fashion trends begin on the designer runway and then “trickle down” to more understated interpretations, said Andrews. “Often, designers will make very bold trend statements to express their creative vision and influence the direction of fashion. These runway trends are interpreted by manufacturers to express the essence of the trend while still being fashionable and wearable.” Who would actually wear some of that runway stuff anyway? Can you say, “Over the top”?
Fashion Victim
You’ve seen her; that woman who dresses exactly like Paris Hilton. While she thinks she look “hot”, in reality she looks rather ridiculous. Preventing becoming a fashion victim is easy according to Andrews. “Avoid too many trends in one outfit; the look can be overbearing and contrived. Every season different themes inspire the trends. Look for influences of the theme and avoid literal interpretations that can look like a costume. Be true to yourself - rely on your personal style to help you determine what works for your body and your life.”
Trendy vs. Fashionable
Trends come and go; what’s in one season may very well be out the next. And not every trend is for every person on earth; if you feel uncomfortable in the latest trend, for God sakes, don’t try and pull it off as your unease will show. “Make the trend work for you. Most people can find a version of a trend that will match their personal style,” explains Andrews. “A knowledgeable sales person can help you create an updated look without putting your personal style at risk. Accessories are an easy way to incorporate a trend into your wardrobe - try a handbag or belt in the season’s hottest color to keep your look current.”
Shoes, Shoes, Shoes
If you’re a woman over the age of 18, you probably have a closet full of shoes. Why? Why do you have the obsessive need to buy more shoes? The answer to this question which has plagued men who sit in the shoe department for hours while their wives or girlfriends try on endless pairs is simple. Shoes are significant because they draw more attention than any other part of her wardrobe. And if even one person says “cute shoes”, it makes her feel as if she won the lottery. “Shoes are a very important accessory and they can change the look of an outfit. Shoes are an easy way to inject your wardrobe with a small dose of a new trend”, said Andrews. “A hot new color, detail or heel shape can make an older outfit look totally up-to-date. A high heel can also change the look of a woman’s figure; the higher the heel, the taller, thus slimmer a woman will appear.”
Fashion is, and will always be, a vital part of our society which should not be taken lightly, for it gives us our own unique identity and says something about who we are. Furthermore, it gives us pleasure and forces us to evolve. How we choose to dress is an individual statement, and this is why it is important. But remember, as legendary Couture designer Yves Saint Laurent once said: “Fashions fade, style is eternal.”
>Written by d/visible contributor Tony Engelhart .
