Your favourite fragrance can reveal your personality
Perfumes are a real addiction, an essential resource we could not imagine ourselves without; they are something of vital importance that gives a touch of completeness to the wearer – if you think about it, an outfit is not a proper one without a spritz of perfume at the end!
But by what is determined this visceral bond between human beings and fragrances? And how do they relate to people’s personalities?
It is common knowledge that fragrances are used to modulate body odour, but there is much more behind this scientific aspect. In fact, it has been proven how odours are highly potent in affecting various domains of human psychological functioning, ranging from perception and mood to cognitive process and behaviours.
Recent studies suggest that odours could be effective even at concentrations below conscious levels. For example, subthreshold ambient ‘sweet’ odours increase pain tolerance, while a common detergent perfume changes spontaneous cleaning behaviour. Furthermore, results of recent studies show how odours can be involved in various social judgments and human interactions, carrying important biological messages. For instance, new-borns can find their mothers’ nipple by smell, while adults’ judgments and decisions are influenced by the body odour of others who have experienced specific affective states (fear, panic, stress, tension, etc..).
However, it is thought that the principal context in which body odour influences social interactions is within romantic relationships and mate choice, in particular.
It has been proposed that using perfumes serves to indicate cleanliness, social status, and personality. In addition to this, fragrances are frequently considered to enhance sexual attractiveness, and it has been found that they effectively modulate sexual arousal and mood response of women.
Moreover, perfume usage may also have an indirect impact on social perception through changes in the perfume wearer’s self-perception and self-consciousness.
It has been scientifically demonstrated that the use of fragrances can lead to changes in nonverbal behaviours, increasing people’s confidence. It is not a case that several experiments were conducted on both women wearing commercial deodorants and women wearing placebo ones, with the consequence of considering the first category more attractive than the second one.
But let’s now explore the deepest psychological aspect of perfume’s magical world.
As stated by Paul Jellinek, author of Promises to Mary and of The Psychological Basis of Perfumery, people’s mood can be altered by specific fragrances, based on his research on the ancient philosophy of the four elements, which prompting him to publish the study on mood and fragrances.
But how are the four elements linked to the most common fragrances and people’s personalities?
If you are a fan of green, herbal, coniferous, citrusand fresh perfume, you might be falling under the AIR element category. These fresh ingredients support mental activity and instigate the creative cognitive process.
Photo by Alesia Kozik from Pexels
By contrast, if your personality is more into the spicy, fruity, warm and rich ingredients, you belong to the FIRE element. It is believed that these perfume uplifts and reinvigorates its wearers.
Photo by Rovenimagescom from Pexels
The rosy, floral, delicate, soft fragrances, instead, represent the WATER element. Jellinek believed that these perfumes had the ability to reduce anxiety and stress by promoting mental balance.
And to round off, caramel, earthy, sensual and sweet ingredients, represent the EARTH element. These perfume comforts and nurtures the wearer.
Whatever your favourite fragrance is, you will still unconsciously pick the one that better reflects your personality traits, revealing a lot about you.
Perfumes are like mirrors; they are the expression of our own identity and our feelings. And what a great way to communicate with the rest of the world through the sweetest and aromatic notes of the fragrance of your life?
Now, wear the perfume that suits you best, and spread that confidence that you have been hiding for so long!
It is not more about what men want from us, now it is time to focus on what we want, instead.
The ‘sexy perfect supermodels’ dominating the catwalks are a bit dated nowadays. In an era of inclusivity, a new type of woman becomes the protagonist of the future fashion scene: the empowered woman.
Goodbye Fallen Angels, this is a rebirth for Victoria’s Secret, which represents the new company updated marketing strategy, the VS Collective, a massive change in the lingerie world.
Do you remember those beautiful creatures walking the runaway, so perfect not to seem real? You will no longer see them, as they have now been replaced by a new concept of woman, much classier and more authentic.
We need reality, not plastic dolls. We are not bodies without a substance. We are intelligent, smart, we are multitalented. We have a soul and an essence that make us unique and special. And we should leave a mark and be remembered for our personalities, no more for our shapes or for what we wear.
This is the message that the greatest designers have been launching since 2017, when France was the first country revolutionizing the whole world of fashion by banning the use of unhealthily thin models from the runaways. Since then, society continued to evolve, and women’s power and success together with it.
This is how, in an ever-changing time, VS decided to surprise us with a well-thought choice, altering its narrative around sensuality and becoming ‘an advocate for all women’, by proposing real ambassadors like Megan Rapinoe, an American athlete and gender equality campaigner, Eileen Gu, a 17-year-old Chinese American freestyle skier, the actress and entrepreneur Priyanka Chopra Jonas and the transgender model Valentina Sampaio.
There is no more space for the ‘Barbie Avatar’, as dubbed by The New York Times. The new generations need to be motivated by strong and ambitious women, by inspirational figures who can lead the way and prove that we, as women, have much more to offer than a pair of beautiful legs.
But this is not all! When it comes to inclusiveness, VS must make an important step also regarding its sizing choice: everyone should be able to access to its collection, and this has not been possible so far due to the brand’s limited sizing options.
Regardless, VS has reassured its regular buyers that this change will be happening soon, in addition to an introduction of a nursing bra and a maternity lingerie to the popular brand.
Will it be a success? Surely it will be a significant step on women’s fashion, completely changing the female stereotype of ‘hot mindless bodies’ and replacing it with a more considerable one.
This is a very controversial topic for the Women Empowerment Movement as it is extremely frustrating having to face criticism, still now in 2021, when it is relating to our physical appearance and our own choices.
If we dress to draw the eye, we are either too provocative or too little intelligent, and we should not be complaining about men being flirty with us, as we are the first ones giving a wrong impression of ourselves (this is what we have been hearing for ages, even in the worst cases when there are victims of domestic abuses and rapes)
When, instead, we overdress we lack personality, or we are considered too serious for most men’s tastes.
It is time to change this concept by starting to promote a different image of us. We, as women, want to be sexy and seductive not only for the way we present ourselves, but also for our mind, opinion, and education. We are tired to be classified as dolls because we are truly authentic.
We want to be respected and to be loved for who we really are, not for how we look. We want to be engaged in deep conversations, and we want our man to ask for our opinion when needed.
We want to feel supportive and important for someone, no more the ‘entertainer who occasionally fills your spare time’.
Therefore, VS has decided to open its doors to all women, rather than been focusing on one female model only, thus being more diverse and inclusive.
With a new ideal of a woman, we have now the freedom to express our personalities, giving ourselves the right value that we deserve.
The message that the fashion industry is trying to convey is that we, as women, are powerful in every single aspect who better represents us, and everyone should start seeing this by welcoming a new product which empathizes a veil of reality and authenticity.
One of the most current topics is the global pollution and the innumerable consequences it is having on our planet. Believe it or not, fashion is one of the factors having a major impact on Earth.
I was surprised myself when discovering how harmful and toxic are microplastics contained in synthetic textiles; it has been demonstrated that around 500,000 tons of microfibers end up in our oceans each year, polluting the water and destroying marine life; not to mention the 10% of carbon emission created by the fashion industry – a percentage even higher than the international and maritime aviation together! This is disturbing news considering that nearly 300,000 tonnes of clothing go to landfill each year and that just 15% of garments that we no longer need are recycled.
It is extremely worrying and frustrating at the same time, thinking that we are in 2021 and there are still many people who need more education and awareness in the field.
Thus, what is sustainability and what can we do to change this grave situation?
Sustainable fashion is a movement and a process of fostering changes to fashion products and the whole fashion system towards greater ecological integrity and social justice.
As many sustainability experts say, the key issue related to this worldwide problem is due to an excessive production. In fact, collections keep changing so rapidly that we may not even realize it, driven by an insatiable appetite for consumerism. This generates an incredibly fast cycle of passing trends that end up thrown in the trash after a very short amount of time, polluting the environment in a jiffy.
Photo by Stijn Dijkstra from Pexels
So, how can we contribute towards a greener planet?
There are several things that we could try to do to prevent this, starting from small simple actions. Firstly, we should expand our knowledge in this phenomenon which has been spreading significantly in the last few years. We could do that by taking advices on what kind of fabrics we should or should not buy and where we could eventually find the more sustainable garments, developing a sense of responsibility when doing shopping. We could avoid purchasing the excess, and consequently be more considerate wearing a limited number of fabrics with a better quality.
Is this really possible? Indeed, it is. Therefore, before going, I will leave you with some useful tips on how to shop more sustainably.
The first advice I would like to give you is:
Educate yourself, getting to know the fabrics and where they are manufactured
Photo by Wallace Chuck from Pexels
In this way you will have a better understanding of what you are going to buy, and you will certainly know what to avoid in the future. Brands who operate sustainably will state their environmental ethos on their websites, therefore you will be on the safe side.
Alternatively, I would suggest you try downloading the ‘Good On You’ app for sustainable fashion. It is a great way to easily check the impact of your favourite fashion brand on the planet and it has plenty of positive reviews.
Buy 4-5 main garments that you can use to create different outfits
Photo by Anastasia Shuraeva from Pexels
What matters is not how many clothes you have in your wardrobe, but their quality and if you know how to pair them correctly.
I have a few dresses and shirts that I wear on special occasions, but also on a night out with my friends. If you learn how to play with your accessories, you will see that it is not indispensable spending a huge amount of money in clothes. What you really need is having an eye and good taste for fashion.
Buying less you will give a significant contribute to the environment, decreasing the level of pollution due to thousands of tonnes that end up at landfills, causing an incredible damage to our oceans and marine life.
Donate what you no longer want, it is simple
Photo by Suzy Hazelwood and Burst from Pexels
I have always hated accumulating stuff, and I think that there is nothing better than avoiding this by giving a small social contribution. London offers a wide range of charity shops that you can look at if you decide of doing a bit of decluttering from time to time. It does not take long, and at the end of the day it makes you feel happier within yourself for having done something good in support of those in needs. Think about it. A little action can have an undisputed impact on someone else.
Learn how to look after your clothes
Photo by Liza Summer from Pexels
It does seem easy to say, but it is not so obvious as you may think. Many people do not pay too much attention and care to their clothes, or they throw stuff away at the first damage or missing buttons. It would be much better if we were more cautious with our fabrics or if we knew how to do simple repairs. Not only we would not waste our energy in unnecessary shopping, but we would also increase our monthly savings and reserve them for a future investment or the holiday that we always wanted.
Look for organic cotton, instead
Photo by Cottonbro from Pexels
‘Avoid fabric that use microfibres, if possible; they are the worst in polluting our oceans because of the numerous particle that they release for each wash. Alternatively, choose an organic or GOTS certified cotton. GOTS certified cottons are checked from the point of growth and monitor the fair trade of the farmers and the consumption of water. Regulate pesticides used and keep an eye on the full supply chain. Make sure you always do your research before buying but look for fabrics which are taken from a source that can be replenished, and always recycle and recycle!’ – this is what Nia Jones, co-founder of Good News says.
And now that we have reached the end of today’s topic, I hope that you enjoyed my article of the week and that you will be more considerate next time you will go for shopping, before purchasing the first garment in the window that will end up in the most hidden corner of your wardrobe.
Like every garment, even handbags have their own story behind them. They are not just a simple accessory to be paired with our outfit of the day, bags are a psychological need, something essential we could not live without, an extension of our life!
But how was this incredible invention of vital importance born?
Believe it or not, handbags were not created as a women’s accessory. The origin of the term dates to 1900, when men used to carry pouches in the Ancient Egypt – as depicted in many hieroglyphics of that time.
The mysterious handbag in the Ancient Egypt
The oldest purse was found in Germany in 2020, and dated from 2,500 to 2,200 B.C.; it was studded with dog teeth, while the oldest handbag, instead, is a 700-year-old-clutch discovered in Northern Iraq; it is a unique piece, decorated with gold and silver court scenes – what an incredible treasure!
And did you know about the meaning held by such a unique accessory?
In the Middle Ages, purses had a great symbolic weight representing marriage and betrothal, thus usually conveying a romantic note.
Symbol of power, status and beauty, handbag has always had a very practical use as well.
That is why this indispensable element is so necessary for each woman, especially when spending the whole day out and having to deal with another hectic schedule.
But let’s have a deeper look at the evolution of the handbag from the Elizabethan Era to this day…
In the 1950s, while trends were proposing a new concept of fashion, with tea length swing dresses, pencil and circle skirts and tailored suites, the small girdle purses that women used to carry began to increase in size (we can notice this by seeing the humblest people of that time already wearing large satchel-type bags across their body).
Women In Fashion – Back To 1950’s
It was the introduction of pockets to men’s clothing in 1670, when men fully discarded bags, so that they began to be known purely as the domain of women’s fashion.
On top of that, handbags played an important role in the women’s equality movement, giving women a specific place where to keep their own money and possessions, thus stopping relying forever upon their husbands; this has also contributed to guarantee more privacy and control of women personal belongings, empowering them even more.
But, as you might imagine – while you are getting to know a little bit about myself, I am not fully satisfied if I do not add a hint of psychology to my blog articles, thus I would like you to focus your attention on the psychological aspect that is intrinsic in women’s handbags, not only as a fashion accessory, but as a pure reflection of our personality and lifestyle.
Because, whether you know it or not, you can learn a lot about people by simply observing the way they carry their bags and how they organise their own items in it.
The body expert, Patti Woods, has studied the meaning of women’s bag habits, and she talks about it in a Reader’s Digestfeature.
Let’s have a look at the different ways to carry handbags and what they show about our personality:
Holding a bag securely between arm and body
If you do that, then you tend to be cautious and practical, occasionally too much that you might need some time before opening up to people around you and giving your trust. You are also very attentive and selective, which is a good thing as it makes you the smartest person in the room. It can generate a wrong impression about yourself though, as you overthink before taking action and this can result to be a bit slow and looking insecure in people’s eyes.
Carrying a cross-body bag at the front
You are the busiest business woman! You like things to be easy and practical. You have no time to pair your accessories to the right outfit, wearing something fashion that is too uncomfortable for your standards. You need something that would make you feel secure, by giving you enough space to keep your belonging necessary for a long day full of meetings at work, without bothering you too much.
Wearing a small sling bag that hangs freely from one shoulder
BVLGARI
This tells a lot about you and your personality. You are a free spirit and your genuineness and spontaneity are what really make you stand out from the crowd. You like living your life to the fullest, bursting positive energy from every pore. You do not need too much; you are only carrying with you what is a real necessity (this explains the small size of your bag). Although you do not pay attention to brands, you like to have good quality stuff. Be careful to your personal items when you are outside though. Sometimes your chilled attitude could lead you to be a bit scatterbrain.
Holding a satchel from the crook of the elbow
Class and elegance make you a charismatic, charming woman that men look at with curiosity and desire. Prestige is your thing. Sometimes people that do not know you may think that you are a bit arrogant or that you have an attitude of superiority at first impression, but you simply know what you want and how to get it.
A recent study on women with dementiafound that they responded well with having handbags with them in their care homes, suggesting that after a time, we even begin to treat handbags as an extension of ourselves.
In fact, if you think about it, bags are not only a mirror of our personality. They contain part of our life; they make us feel safe and secure day and night, even at the very thought of wearing them.
It is like bringing your inner essence with you, your personal effects, the extra lipstick that will rejuvenate you on a last-minute meeting with the CEO of the company, the spare toothbrush that will save you before going on a random date.
And obviously, even how you organise your stuff into your purse will reveal a lot about you. You may be that free spirit that does not need a lot with her, as long as you have the essential needs for your daily schedule, or like myself, you may be that kind of woman who will bring along with her the entire flat (I know this may sound exaggerate, but sometimes I really do this).
Who knows better than you what feature represents you?
Your bag will speak for yourself. Now that you know that, make sure you will wear the right one on the most special occasion of your life!
Summer is upon us, and finally, after so long, you can sense a feeling of optimism in the air.
Restrictions have been eased, people are meeting up again and the weather is delighting us with amazing sunny days.
But how does this “going back to normal” translate to clothes?
As you can imagine, last year has been pretty challenging for the fashion industry – as for every other environment – with many changes and innovations, not only from a stylistic point of view, but also from a marketing perspective. The digital world has taken over, revolutionising entirely the international Fashion Weeks.
With the new ‘Work From Home’ routine, the loungewear has become the unexpected biggest trend of fashion 2020, together with a new proposal of fantastical fashion. Frothy dresses, mood-boosting prints and bright and soothing colours that take inspiration from natural elements have been selected with the aim of giving people a sense of hope and positivity.
“When the grey clouds disperse, we see the sunshine” says Pantone’s executive director, Leatrice Eiseman. And this is how the transformation from the Ultimate Grey evolves to a radiant yellow hue, Illuminating, protagonist of a new life after a tumultuous year. These two shades are usually paired together to convey a message of stability and unity.
Balmain & Versace
But what about the hot Pink Cosmos, which is one of the most popular colour trends of spring 2021, capturing the attention of everyone for the vitality that transmits? We have seen it literally everywhere, from the Grammy Awards red carpet to the Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards. This colour has certainly stood out from the rest for his vibrant, uplifting and flirtatious touch.
Valentino – Dolce & Gabbana
Together with the brightest tones, designers have decided to readapt the use of Cherry Red – one of the major colour trends of Winter 2019 – to give a bit of romance to the upcoming season, combined with a dominant and fiery character, the ideal choice after the current uncertainty.
Many people have lost not only their main occupation during lockdown, but also their confidence and personal balance. Thus, the powerful presence of vivid colours this year, to communicate strength and courage to the wearer, combined with the use of Burnt Orange and Buttery Cream tones.
Ermanno Scervino & Lanvin
But, as every spring and summer season has its pastel shades, 2021 runways could not be more fresh and sparkling thanks to the careful search for relaxing nuances after the neon colours we saw earlier. This is why the fashion trends of the year end with a wide selection of green and blue, such as Mint, Aquamarine, Avocado, Pistachio, Seafoam, etc.
Ulla Johnson & Boss
Once again, the most prestigious designers like Versace, Alberta Ferretti, Armani, Boss, Ferragamo, Miu Miu, etc surprise us with their unique and refined creations, proposing on the catwalk something that reflects reality and contemporary society.
Style is not pure coincidence. As I mentioned in my previous articles, fashion is a mirror, it is a voice, the expression of modernity. You have to know how to interpret it to understand the message that trends release. And 2021 surely will be a memorable historic moment for all of us, not only because of a virus that has left a mark on our everyday lives, but also for the feelings and the energy that are conveyed to us by the entire world of fashion.
Do you dress to be noticed? You like to be in the spotlight when everybody stares at you with that typical expression of envy or perhaps of genuine admiration on their face. It makes you feel unique, strong, powerful.
Or, by contrast, do you dress in a certain way to avoid people’s judgment and any sort of negative comment? Gossip puts pressure on you, making you nervous and uncomfortable.
Either way, your style reveals a lot about your personality, combined with your posture and body language. However, sometimes the clothes you wear become a proper shield that protects you from external factors, hiding your real identity or making it more acceptable by society or even by yourself.
When I was younger, I went through a huge variety of different styles, hair colours and haircuts, all concomitantly with my emotional state of that moment.
There was a part of me constantly seeking validation, and another one that could not tolerate any form of criticism and assumptionsat all.
This has made me suffer a lot, with my two personalities always contradictory between each other, not knowing who I had to listen to and which belief I should have gotten rid of.
In both cases, I was not being myself. I was just living my life, making my own choices based on other people’s opinionsand stereotypes.
Have you ever heard of Compulsive Approval-Seeking? A compulsive approval-seeking behaviour is generated by a low self-esteem. This sense of inferiority arises from many factors. Some relate to your personality, while others stem from external influences such as your upbringing, cultural experiences, education, and work life.
In my 13, when I was at Secondary School, I knew that to be popular and to be accepted by my school mates I had to wear make-up, a new pair of Adidas Gazzelle and the latest fashion trends, to not forget the unmissable leather jacket that everyone used to have.
The concept of ‘dress to be appreciated’, with the passing of time, became unconsciously a real belief in my mind, influencing my persona, my behaviours and my whole life.
As wrong as it could be, I have always thought that I had to look nice for others first, rather than for myself, and that I had to keep up with the role models proposed by TV, magazines and by mass media in order to be fully integrated into the social system, an altogether nonsensical concept!
It took me more than 15 years before realising that I did not even know who I was, what I like and who I wanted to be. Imagine the massive impact that society has on people’s lifestyle and mental health!
But I am not here to talk about myself.
I am here to talk about you, instead, as I would like to help you, through my own experience, to find your own identity, in order to increase your level of confidence and self-esteem. Thus, you will have a better understanding of what you are passionate about, what is that makes you feel good, and what does your dream life look like.
While reading this article, I would like you to take some time to fully focus on the clothes you are currently wearing.
Does your outfit reflect your personality? Or is it based on the influence of someone else’s preferences, social media, and more generically, of the social environment?
Be honest with yourself, though.
I want you to look at that mirror, wondering if you really think you know that woman in front of you. Is she familiar to you? Or is she a perfect stranger?
Most people see fashion as something trivial that does not determine someone’s personality, but today I want to dispel a myth, as it is the exact opposite.
Sometimes the most extravagant minds dress flashy to get attention as seeking constant validations. They are not confident enough within themselves, so they need approval from others.
Occasionally, if you are shy, you would prefer to be reserved, not showing a lot about yourself, keeping a more neutral style that could make you feel comfortable and less under pressure.
But, let me tell you something. In both cases, you would not be happy as you would not be real. You would suffer inwardly as you won’t be free to express who you are as too scared and affected by people’s judgments.
Therefore, the moral of this story is still the same: get to know your nature and learn how to give yourself the right values that you deserve. No one else will do it for you.
If you do not love yourself first, you will keep waiting for someone to compliment you with the usual ‘useless flatteries’ that you have been hearing for ages.
Nice words are only a rebound from a sense of emptiness that depends nothing but on yourself.
Many of you may be wondering if it is possible to create a unique, first-class style with a low budget. My answer to your question is simple: anything you want is possible!
In the last few days, I have been reading many articles about similar topics, just to be aware of different points of view and to indulge my curiosity with this common issue, which is a proper dilemma to me: I want to be classy, but my budget does not allow me to.
First of all, clear your mind of any negative language that you might subconsciously use within yourself. It is vital that, from now on, you are going to believe that you can do anything you want, as you have an incredible power: you are responsible for your own choices and for your life, and you are in control of it.
Now, let’s move on to our list of useful tips!
The first suggestion I am going to share with you, which is the most important to me is:
Have an objective and a role model, someone you are fascinated by
Photo by cottonbro from Pexels
What is your goal? You want luxury and a wealthy lifestyle but you work in a hotel and all you can do is just dream when you are assisting your guests at the check-in. Buls**t!
If you have a clear target and a picture of who you want to be, find a role model who you can be inspired by, and you will have that image stuck in your head that will help you to gain more confidence along your path.
I have always been fascinated by women in business with character and strong personalities, wearing their monochromatic and minimal suits that I find incredibly sexy and charming. I honestly do not focus on only one model, as there are so many examples of great women in history and contemporary figures, that I have at least one mentor in each environment.
Regardless, to avoid dwelling too much on the details, this is just for you to understand the importance of setting goals, having a vision and be surrounded by inspiring people, not only in this specific circumstance but also in every part of everyday life.
Once you know what you want to achieve and you keep the end goal in mind, the rest will just kind of fall into place in a natural way.
Now, what you should do before venturing into the beauty of fashion is:
2. Embark on a deep digital journey into the top trends and the latest designs
Photo by Dziana Hasanbekava from Pexels
You must always be on top of the trends, being fully aware of what is in the market and what are the new proposals, colours of the upcoming season, fabrics etc.
I would suggest you to spend some time reading fashion magazines or simply having a deeper look at their websites. For instance, I am a great fan of Vogue and Conde Nast (it is no coincidence that two of the strongest women in business of which I am inspired by are Franca Sozzaniand Anna Wintour. Both journalists and editor-in-chief of Vogue).
Educate yourself, so that you will become familiar with the world of fashion and its incredible history. This will also help you to increase your ideas and creativity.
Once you know what to look for, you are going to focus on the financial aspect of the whole shopping adventure.
To do this:
3. Set up a separate Saving Pot in your current Bank Account
Photo by Kristina Paukshtite
You have absolutely no intention of spending more than how much you set out to previously, so ease up on your self-judgement and do as you promised yourself!
I know it is not always easy to resist the temptation of buying that stunning dress in the window that you are already dreaming of wearing on your next date, but this is also a great opportunity to prove yourself that you know how to control your impulses!
Thus, make a financial plan, set a budget and stick to it! It is not difficult to do it, and I am sure most of you have an online mobile banking app within your Bank Account. I have multiple pots that I use on several occasions. It takes literally a few seconds to create a new savings pot, so that you will be always aware of your expenses.
4. Buy clearance clothing or second hands accessories
Photo by collis from Pexels
I believe most of you may be thinking right now: how can I be on top of the latest trends if I purchase the inventories of the previous season? Well, you can if you follow my previous advice, but first of all, you must have good taste in fashion, and I am sure you do!
In my 28 years, I do not remember even once where I purchased an item belonging to the new arrivals. Or if I did, it was very rare.
I have always been limited on budget and I could not afford the luxury brands, therefore my only chance was to wait for the sales to start!
In my opinion, it is much better to buy good quality fabrics from the clearance clothing sections, rather than spending less in cheaper brands like Primark, Boohoo, Missguided, etc.
You could also have a look at TK Maxx (you can find plenty of good deals there), or explore websites like Wardow and Zalando (I have purchased some trendy handbags there too, and I was quite happy with their service) or buy second-hand garments (be careful though before trusting a seller, it is important that you will go through their history and reviews first, paying full attention to every single detail of each item).
I personally do not like online shopping when it is relating to clothes that I have not tried yet, as my body shape is uncommon (and I am sure most of you, like me, might have different sizes from your waist to your bust), therefore I prefer to try each garment in the shop first, and then completing the whole shopping process though the official websites or, occasionally, on e-Bay for a cheaper price.
It is the same when it is relating shoes, as patterns might not always fit properly.
But as for the rest, you can give free rein to your creativity with the accessories, buying what you like the most online.
Another very important bit of advice that I would like you to consider is:
5. Make a list of 4 – 6 outfits that you are planning to create
Photo by Lum3n from Pexels
This will also include a basic idea of the main colours of your clothes. Put as much detail as possible; it will help you to avoid wasting time with a vague destination or vision of what you are going to wear and who you are going to be on that particular scenario.
Fashion is an incredible world, as it gives you the freedom to be yourself, expressing your personality in a thousand different ways.
And if you have a proper plan, setting a list will help you a lot with developing organisational skills that you did not even think you could have, which you will find extremely useful on many different occasions in the future.
You will become faster in making decisions, very selective, and I would say, extraordinarily exclusive, which are also a few essential qualities that you should have when it is relating to fashion.
Once you have a proper scheme, you will be ready for the following step:
6. Start by shopping for the main items of clothing first, then the accessories
Photo by Gustavo Fring from Pexels
Focus on your first outfit by selecting the main garments first. The rest will come later on.
Let’s just say that you are going to purchase an egyptian blue dress. You may want to combine an ivory or a cream jacket with it, and then a gold Swarovski belt, same as your gold pouch and your glamour 10cm court heels that will leave everyone breathless.
You will realise how naturally the whole process of styling will come to you, accessory by accessory, detail by detail.
By contrast, if you will start buying the jewellery, then the bag, then the hat, you will end up in a sea of confusion, losing your direction completely.
7. Maintain a natural taste when selecting the fabrics
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko from Pexels
Monochromatic colours are always the best way to start creating a unique outfit, because of their single base hue with their elegant shades and tones, achieved by the use of a white tint.
Not only they are very easy to be combined with different fabrics and colours, but they also offer you the chance to play with only a few quality garments, exchanging them multiple times, without having to invest a huge amount of money on clothing.
This is what really defines you as a creative and brilliant stylist, making you stand out from your competitors.
Keeping a neutral style will also give a positive image of you as a classy and elegant woman, who does not need to show off to be attractive, falling into vulgarity.
8. Dress for your body shape, be aware of your proportions
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Let’s now have a deeper look at the morphological aspect.
We all know we have a unique body shape and proportions. We can only dream of wearing a pair of flared jeans like the perfect Charlie’s Angels if, in real life, we are short and tiny like Kylie Minogue. Let’s be honest!
However, this is not the end of the world as, luckily, we always keep a varied quantity of high heels in our walk-in closet.
The only detail that makes the difference is how you wear what you love, and obviously, your posture.
Do not go for a long trench coat if it reaches your ankles and you are only 5’2 (I made this mistakes several times, as I was not perfectly aware of how proportions work; I thought I was looking cool, when instead I was far from it!).
You should look at yourself as cut into thirds from your shoulders to your feet. You want either one third on top and two thirds on the bottom (let’s suppose you are wearing a shirt and a trouser) or two thirds on top and one third on bottom. Dividing yourself in half would be just wrong!
And in regards to fitting, never wear a garment which is too big or too small! That would not make you look more stylish. The more volume your clothes have, the skinnier you will appear if you are underweight. And the tighter you will dress, the more you will show your extra pounds, looking like a sausage that is going to explode!
9. Do not mix many different designs and prints or silver with gold
Your goalis to look as neutral as possible. You are a professional,you cannot afford to give a wrong impression of yourself, turning into trash.
More than two fabrics or textures in an outfit would just be too much, not to mention the offensive habit of combining different designs together – do not mix a floral shirt with striped trousers…It would just be like a poke in the eyes! All you want is to be unique by creating an authentic style that will represent your personality with class and elegance…and gold with silver would simply destroy this concept!
Although accessories are the final touch to make you look perfect and impeccable, this does not mean they are the least important, and you want to make sure they are paired correctly.
Remember, little details can make a huge difference; it is very easy to ruin your reputation because of an insignificant mistake.
And now that we are coming to the end of this long, but hopefully helpful article, I would like to dedicate the final session to women’s unconditional love for shoes and heels: the higher they are, the less comfortable they will be!
10: Hence, forget about high heels if you cannot walk naturally with them
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Confident women show their ease in every occasion, especially when walking.
You want to be comfortable and sexy, thus make sure not to be a wader in trouble while trying to keep the balance!
It is much better to wear a shorter heel, rather than looking ridiculous or clumsy.
In my opinion, the ideal height should be 6 cm, maximum 10, without a plateau.
Leave your ballerina pumps and loafers on the back burner, lock it and throw the key away! Flat shoes are not as beneficial as you think. They are likely to cause back pain and vertebral column problems.
You should always be loyal to your 2 cm walking shoes, if you want to carry them with you while on public transports or after a long night out dancing.
Remember: fashion is an art but your health should always come first, no matter what.
Before you leave…
Do not wear something because it is trendy. Never run with the crowd trying to be like anybody else. Seek inspiration by identifying your role models, educate yourself through continuous research of fashion, but do not let it own you!
I assume you already know who you are and what you want to achieve in the future. And if you are still not sure about it, just the fact that you are here right now, reading this article, looking for support and advice is the proof that you have already made an important choice in your life: you want to stand out from the pack!
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You are a great woman, you are ambitious, you have character.
Bring that grit out with class and determination, dress chic but authentically.
Now, wear that confidence and get ready to take on the world!
The power of human brain is boundless. It is like a vast machine, the most complicated one, perpetually in motion, that never fails to surprise us with its continuous discoveries and new incredible shades we did not even glimpsed a hint of before.
And it is right in this scenario that psychology makes its own appearance, becoming a real protagonist of our lives; it is everywhere, in any context and circumstance, behind the meaning of every action, feeling and human behaviour.
Talking about fashion – because this is why you came across my blog today, I would like to introduce you to a deeper nuance that, most likely, you have not considered before, while wearing your favourite dress or suit, that I personally find truly fascinating: the psychology of colours.
I know it may seem bizarre, but colours are clearly part of us; they are our companions of adventures.
Every day, they take us on a new journey, from our 8 hours shift at work to our night out with our friends or partner; and then they leave us in the comfort of our living room where, while watching our favourite movie, we enjoy our glass of wine before going to sleep.
As you can imagine, each colour has its own history, its origin and its why.
Colours have a spirit, a soul which embodies unmistakable emotions.
Most of the times, when we wear a garment of a specific colour, we assume it is the right one for us, because of the harmonic combination with our skin tone, eyes and hair shape, but we do not actually wonder what is that really makes that colour so special and unique, what message it is trying to communicate, and what is the best occasion for which that colour is suitable.
In my 28, I have worn black too often to start getting sickened by it, since not a long time ago, during my studies of fashion and styling, I have discovered the incredible relations with psychology and people personalities that it contains.
Let’s now start to make a more accurate analysis of this thematic!
I promise, I will reveal you all the secrets I know behind each colour (well, not all of them as there are countless tones generated by the mix between primary, secondary and tertiary colours* – we will embrace the most important ones or, at least the colours we tend to use the most every season), making this journey into fashion even more tempting and exciting.
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*Primary Colours: blue, red and yellow.
Secondary Colours are those created by the combination of the Primary ones. Tertiary Colours, instead, are the result of the mix between the Primary and the Secondary ones.
Because I have just mentioned my obsession with black, I will begin with it:
Black
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For those who have never thought about it, besides its reducing effects (very useful if you are overweight), black has got a mysterious and enigmatic characteristic.
It represents the absence of light, and therefore it is associated with the night and anything that is hidden.
Dressing in black may indicate that the wearer is feeling lonely and isolated; perhaps someone who is suffering of depression, thus unable to communicate with people or having a social life.
In intimate clothing, black represents a lack of confidence in ability to relate to others, keeping feelings hidden or secretly wanting to be like someone else.
Isn’t it absurd?
Thinking about my adolescence and my time in High School, I may have been very frustrated to be dressing like a punk with my inimitable outfit – all black – and my half-shaved head (I still remember that hairstyle and my mother’s reaction when she first saw me coming back home like that!).
All kidding aside and no offence to Punks (I will always have a thing for Punk style), I still have a huge variety of black garments in my wardrobe, but I do not really define myself as an antisocial.
Grey
Although grey is an inconspicuous colour, it can also symbolise success, stability, inspiration and creativity. It is a real expression of class, elegance and respect, but it can also represent grief in the past or old age.
Photo by Daria Shevtsova from Pexels
White
Open to the surrounding energy, white has always communicated a feeling of purity and cleanliness. Bear in mind that it has an enlarging effect, therefore many people try to avoid it as it can expand figures.It can build trust and approachability.
In underwear, white is a conventional colour as it portrays innocence.
Red
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Red is a high-energy colour, especially if worn in darker tones.It gives a feeling of strength and personal power.
Dressing in red on the upper body conveys a sense of being daring, bold, willing to be adventurous. Be careful though! A livelier red might indicate that the wearer is unpredictable and impulsive, without much forethought when it relates to what she wants!
In lingerie, red expresses pleasure and a free and passionate sexuality without any form of inhibitions or limitations.
Orange
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Orange is the ideal colour to be worn on vacation, and therefore, less indicate in business environments, where serious responsibilities are required.
However, it is a very optimistic colour that surely gives confidence to the wearer, representing transition, exchange of ideas and desire for renewal.
Because of its carefree disposition, in lingerie it tends to show a release of sexual tensions, preparing the wearer to enjoy a balanced, healthy and fun sex life.
It is definitely recommended in pyjamas or in bed sheets to women who have difficulties becoming pregnant and are more anxious or under pressure.
Yellow
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Talking about positive colours, yellow truly is one of those.
It communicates that the wearer is currently experiencing something new, an exceptional event in life or psychological freedom.
It resonates with the mental plane and it can be very helpful when dealing with a new project or goal.
A woman who dresses in yellow underwear may be going through a phase in personal relationships, either emotional or sexual, guided primarily by her thoughts and clearly able to choose what she wants and what suits her better.
Violet
Photo by Anni Roenkae from Pexels
Violet is a mystic and religious colour, especially in deeper and purple tones. It also represents asexuality, as it is preferred by the elderly, children, pregnant women and the ones who practice chastity.
It is the colour of the disconnection with the material, therefore it is not advisable if you are suffering of depression, as it can cause feelings of isolation and overactive imagination.
This can also be reflected in lingerie, representing the wearer as someone who idealises images of people and fantasies not met in reality.
Pink
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As you can imagine, pink is a soft, delicate and extremely feminine colour, thus preferably used in clothing from women. It communicates innocence and emotional immaturity if worn in an older age, representing a romantic and dreamy personality.
Dressing pink means that the wearer is looking for a long-term relationship or, ideally, for something more lasting than the usual one night stand.
Because of its delicate tones, pink also attracts men with an innate sense of protection and caring.
In lingerie, it is the ideal colour for women who prefer more affectionate and innocent sexual relationships, looking for a softer approach.
Earth colours
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Earth colours are coffee, browns and nude tones. Usually worn when expressing the necessity of a deeper connection with ourselves, therefore those who favourite these tones are self-focused and not willing to attract attention from others.
It signifies a need to balance the energy of the physical body, a desire of connection with the earth, the more material and tangible.
A woman wearing coffee tones is usually focused on her career progression, possibly going through economic difficulties or in material need.
In lingerie, it represents a sense of disharmony between the emotional and the sexual body, therefore it is not recommended.
Green
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Dark green defines a person of refined tastes, quiet and reserved.
In the 1800s, it was the colour used to label people who were considered insane.
However, as most of you may already know, it was re-evaluated and identified as Mental Health awareness’ symbol of excellence (the green ribbon).
This is also why a brighter or lighter green on the upper body reflects that the wearer is going through a healing process, when there is need for rest and time out, especially after a recent relationship break up. In this case, it can also signify that the wearer is not ready to start a new one.
Green underwear also indicates healing, either emotional, physical or sexual.
Turquoise
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It is a summer colour and the ideal one to be worn in sunny environments.
Thinking about turquoise, I am pretty sure most of you, like myself, may already sense a feeling of freshness and relaxation.
In underwear, it represents freedom and tranquillity. It is also a youthful colour.
Blue
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Blue conveys security, strength, and sometimes dominance. It is the colour or royalty and ideal for exercising authority. In general, a woman who dresses in blue clearly wants to be respected by others, as it is a colour of distinction, honour and justice.
It is the ideal one to be worn on special occasions, when an important announcement needs to be done and you want to be heard from people around you.
In underwear, it can communicate a feeling of peacefulness.
It is incredible thinking about the numerous unique facets hiding behind every single colour, so many that it would be impossible to go through each one of them.
It is really interesting though, trying to understand the meaning of things, the psychological aspect which is in every environment and in our everyday lives.
It is also funny how much fashion and colour can tell about ourselves, reflecting our personalities, our strengths and insecurities, as if we were an open book.
Have you ever thought about it?
I personally have not. However, when I came across this topic, I found it extremely fascinating, as it has completely changed my vision and concept about colours.
I hope after this article you won’t rush into a de-cluttering process, renewing your wardrobe because of all the notions you have just absorbed.
I would like just to remind you that the information provided in these paragraphs are completely generic and that it is not my intent to make any sort of assumption about your style, your taste of fashion and your favourite colours.
We are all different and unique in our freedom of expression of ourselves and our essence.
Have you ever thought about the impact that psychology has on people’s behaviours, habits, vision and values, and how it then reverberates completely throughout our everyday life?
And have you ever seen fashion as a sort of mirror that reflects our personalities, our past experiences and who we are today?
You have come across my blog right now probably because you like to go deeper and deeper, constantly looking for what is beneath the mainstream surface, a reason that could possibly explain why things are a certain way.
And that is why, through this article, I am inviting you to disconnect from the idea you have always had about fashion and style as ‘simple clothing and nothing else’, introducing you to a more complex concept of it: we are what we wear!
Believe it or not, the entire world of fashion is connected to psychology and people’s mental health more than you could have ever imagined.
Fashion is not only an art. It is the freedom of soul, a real expression of ourselves and our emotions.
How many times did you feel unique, powerful, desired and in the spotlight while proudly sporting the dress of your dreams, the one you always wanted to wear? Did you not experience excitement, good vibes, and a particular sense of power?
And how often did you hear people or magazines talking about the common and effective retail therapy? Which, as incorrect as it may be (in the medical and psychotherapeutic field it is not an actual therapy, and in addition to it, spending money and busy shops can be stressful at times), it has statistically proven to have a positive impact on our brain and personal well-being, as long as it does not lead to a compulsive buying disorder and you do not exceed on shopping.
But, what does exactly happen in our mind when we do something for ourselves simply to feel better within our consciousness? When we generate positive thoughts, our brain starts producing serotonin, creating a feeling of happiness, peace and calm. *
*For those who have never come across this before, Serotonin is a neurotransmitter and it is commonly known as a ‘happy hormone’, together with Dopamine (important part of the brain’s reward system), Oxytocin, the ‘love hormone’, and Endorphins (our body’s natural pain reliever).
By contrast, in the experience of anxiety and depression, we tend to dedicate less time looking after our wellness and our image, ending up not caring enough about our person, our body, and in the worst-case scenario, about our whole life.
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Have you ever awakened in the morning in the most absolute negativity? It’s a new day but you are impassive, and you feel completely apathetic, responding with inertia. And you get on with it, just because this is what you should do. But the truth is that deep down you know that the only thing you want is to be left in peace and to hibernate from the rest world.
Did it happen to you? Well, I guess so, at least once in your life.
And did you dress up on that occasion? Did you wear make-up? Did you tie up your hair, as usual?
I remember, when I was going through a breakdown a few years ago, I did not even take off my pyjamas, as I was so sick and depressed. Do you feel it is a justifiable reaction that we use to cope with that specific emotional state? And would you act in a similar manner under these circumstances?
I know some people have the ability to take life lightly, facing each challenge with an astonishing amount of courage and an enviable tenacity, like if it was another great opportunity to prove how brave and determined they are.
A striking example of this is one of my mother’s historical friends, an incredibly strong woman that has always wanted to get noticed for her eccentric and extravagant style, led by an extremely strong personality. She has been fighting against cancer for her whole life, travelling all over the world, looking for the right treatment and medication that could at least relieve the pain that she has been carrying on with her for all those years. Many times, she was told she would not make it or that she would have had just a couple of months left. However, I have not seen her even once without her long blond wig, her showy rings and accessories, complemented by her inevitable heavy make-up.
She is a real example and a role model to me, a great woman full of life that would fight against all odds to win each battle that might show up.
Following the theory of ‘looking good to feel good’ is advisable, not only when going through a tough time. It should be kept as a permanent state of mind instead, as a law that cannot be broken, no matter what. *
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*In the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health professionals have been encouraging those working from home to make sure that they would have followed the same morning routines as usual (having a shower, getting dressed, wearing make-up, etc..) as to get ready for the day. It feels you with a sense of purpose with a natural state of preparedness and determination. This advice was not so people could look good for others, but an effective way to naturally feel good about themselves.
I would also recommend having a couple of strategic outfits in your wardrobe that can make you feel unique and powerful. You should save them for special occasions for when external factors are negatively affecting you, as if life was sending you messages that what you are doing at the moment is not quite right and you should acknowledge it. These strategic outfits will aid you in taking extra care of yourself, by empowering your emotional well-being and promoting your mental confidence.
But let’s now have a deeper look at how psychology reflects on human behaviours, posture and body language, and people’s style.
Have you ever noticed that more introverted people tend not to show much about themselves by keeping a basic and neutral style, generally hunching their shoulders inward, both when sitting and standing?
By contrast, confident personalities dress for success, looking impeccable most of the times through a unique attention to details. These people make eye contact when engaging a conversation with a pitch and distinct tone of voice, having a great posture and steady head.
As you can see, fashion plays a significant role in who we are and in our lifestyle.
You can tell many things by the way people dress, the way they act, by their unconscious attitudes, approaches and habits, even by the way they walk.
A brisk walking pace speaks volumes about our level of self-confidence. It shows determination and a high self-esteem, attracting those around us and spreading positive energy to the whole surrounding environment.
Thus, psychology holds immense power on our everyday lives, affecting who we are, our choices and our mental health.
A bit of simple advice I would like to give you today, is to avoid taking life too seriously.
Try to picture it as if it was a wardrobe. I am sure most of you might do a bit of de-cluttering from time to time, preparing for the season change or even just for emotional needs, organising clothes by getting rid of things you no longer need and replacing them with the latest trends. Why not trying to do the same with your own limiting beliefs, cleaning your mind from each negative thought that is preventing you from making your dreams come true and from becoming who you want to be?
If it is not your intention to live for the day, to not be overtaken by external events and circumstances, make sure you do the same with fashion: simplify, select your garments, be unique and dress every day to impress!
