Fashion psychology
Clothing can instil positivity in people for effective performance. We hear from six women who reveal the wardrobe piece that makes them feel the most confident and empowered.
The blazer – “the lynchpin of my wardrobe”
Alicia Kate Hill, 28
Founder of The Simple Pieces
Surrey
As Ru Paul said, “We are all born naked, the rest is just drag.” The pieces we select are chosen for many reasons: to boost confidence and empower us in our endeavours, to enhance our mood and to act as an armour – a uniform [even]. [That’s] the impact of the blazer for me. The blazer works hard in my wardrobe – from workwear to weekends and everything in between. It’s more often than not only a moments reach away, if not on my back.
The blazer comes in many guises and features in wardrobes that span decades, cultures and many lifestyles in some way, shape or form. In my wardrobe, it is specifically the black blazer that gets the most airtime. Classic, tailored, structured, it completes almost every look, and whether buttoned-up or slung over shoulders, gives me the empowerment and confidence to feel truly ‘ready’.
Simply put, the impact of a blazer, in my opinion, is one never to be underestimated – it’s a fundamental part of the workwear wardrobe and far beyond. I’m particularly a stalwart for a strong lapel and shoulder, for the proportions they give, and I often select a double-breasted style. Sharp lines and structure combine with beautiful details and fabrics for a piece that provides just the right amount of understated, timeless elegance and structure to feel put together.
The neutral suit
Dina Bahgat, 34
Owner of @whatsinmacloset
“A Canadian-Egyptian currently in Cairo”
“Being a mom, I’m always on the run so I have to always be in something comfortable and chic. A relaxed, oversized fit always makes me feel happy and confident. I love neutral coloured suits as they easily transition from day to night. You can always dress a suit up or down, depending on the accessories, shoes and handbag you choose. However, being simple and minimal is what I feel most positive, self-assured and powerful in.”
The menswear leather jacket
Millie Whitehead, 21
Bespoke hand embroidery designer
London
“The first piece in my wardrobe I reach for when I feel like I need a boost is, without a doubt, my Leather Jacket. Putting it on gives me an immediate sense of confidence, attitude and style. What makes this piece so great is how versatile it can be. Whether I’m wearing vintage indigo jeans, Dr Martens and a white T-shirt to the pub, or a black silk skirt and heels with a red lip, this jacket takes an outfit from zero to 100 in an instant.”
In this photo, Millie is wearing an AllSaints menswear leather jacket
The oversized white blazer
Gemma Louise Deeks, 29
Fashion Editor and Stylist
London
“This white blazer from one of my clients – Bouguessa – is so versatile and always makes me feel confident, thanks to its perfect tailoring and super chic colour. I can wear it with jeans and sneakers whilst running errands or thrown over a slip dress for dinner. It completes any outfit that’s lacking some je ne sais quoi and makes me feel pulled together and ready for anything. I can see this being a wardrobe staple for many years to come.”
Stripes
Noa Tabarani, 23
Fashion & Lifestyle Blogger
London
“Stripes are a girl’s best friend. [Striped tops] are the most worn pieces in my wardrobe, that always makes me feel confident, feminine and chic. When in doubt, I put on a striped shirt and head out the door. The Parisian chic vibe and the confidence I get with a good striped top is priceless. Stripes have the power to fit with everything and every occasion. I usually style mine with smart trousers or jeans. The effortless style it [conveys] will always remain timeless.”
Slingback pumps
Izadora Gonçalves Gomes, 22
Fashion Design graduate, Women@Dior mentee and people and management volunteer coordinator at Instituto Step Up
Belo Horizonte, Brazil
“Shoes are my favourite, and I love these slingback [pumps] because they are classic, versatile, elegant and practical. They’re not that high, so I feel comfortable and safe walking in them. I [love that I] can wear them for a party or to work. But the thing that I love most about this [pair] is the way they make me feel: empowered and pretty, an independent business woman ready for everything.”
www.linkedin.com/in/izadoragoncalvesgomes