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Dressing Boldly: Exploring Self-Expression through Fashion

In Style Advice by Melanie Shaw

There can be more than one impulse behind the desire to dress boldly. For some it is a way to show that they are extroverted personalities, while for others it can be a way of gaining much-needed confidence. When it comes to those who favor bright and bold fashion, the psychological role it performs for them varies depending on their natures. Studies have found that this type of clothing can help people in a number of ways. Expressing yourself through clothing colors is fun too and we will look at how to do it in this blog.

The Science behind Fashion Self-Expression

You might think that expressing your personality or mood through your clothing choices is just playful, but there is more to it than that. Research into the issue has uncovered a range of benefits to bold dressing. It has been shown to increase levels of confidence and optimism, as well as improving the focus and creativity of those who do it. The saying goes that ‘clothes maketh the man’ and that appears to be absolutely true. So how can you start to express yourself through fashion and unlock those benefits?

What to Wear and When

The type of bold clothing you use to express yourself should depend on where you will be going. Clothes for a social event will necessarily be different to those for work.

  • Social occasions

Customized items like tapestry jeans from Rockstar Original will be great choices for parties and other social events if you are young and confident. They are covered in multi-colored, textured patterns and will work well with plain black or white t-shirts and sneakers. 

On the other hand, if your personality type is calmer and quieter, simple black jeans may be a more comfortable party pick. You can always add some subtle coloring on your top to provide visual interest and variety.

  • Work occasions

Expressing your mood and personality in the workplace is a different matter. There are more likely to be restrictions on what you can wear, and your job will determine the parameters of acceptability. You can still engage in self-expression and gain an edge through clothes though. If you are in a management role, wearing a tailored suit in a bold, dark shade has been found to project an aura of authority and competence.  On the other hand, if your job involves working with children, you might favor bright colored clothes. These will give you confidence and make you seem friendly and approachable.

Understand Yourself

Self-expression of any sort is not really possible unless you know yourself well. That means knowing the kind of personality you have, what is important to you and what you feel comfortable wearing. It can mean trying out different styles in order to hit upon those that make you look and feel good. It can also involve creative matching of pieces that others with different personalities would never consider – do not be afraid to go with your gut instinct.

Sometimes the goal will be to express your positive feelings through your fashion choices and at those times your dress will be in tune with your mood. At other times, you may be looking to project emotions you do not really feel though and that is different. For this reason, fashion self-expression cannot always be about comfort. If you are feeling confident and positive, it is fine to pick clothes that showcase that, but what if you are not.

If you are feeling unsure of yourself or low and want to gain a morale boost through bright clothing, you will be dressing in a way that is contrary to your inner mood. That can feel awkward at first, but you should lean into it, because the positive impacts have been proven. There are many secrets to tapping into your true fashionable self and it takes trial and error to find it. 

Dressing to express yourself is both enjoyable and beneficial, so why not try it.

About Melanie Shaw

Melanie Shaw is a fashion and lifestyle writer who has worked in the fashion industry in PR and communications, helping brands launch their latest products and collections.

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Melanie Shaw

Melanie Shaw is a fashion and lifestyle writer who has worked in the fashion industry in PR and communications, helping brands launch their latest products and collections.