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 three-piece kurta set
Dina Udupa, 40
Owner of her namesake fashion brand
London
“Clothes, for me, capture the relationship between imagination and storytelling in a gently graduated form. The Khejri kurta set is that piece of clothing for me; it narrates the story of the places I have been to, with memories woven along the way. It is a reflection of who I am, my values, cultural believes and ideologies.
“Wearing this Kurta set celebrates me as a modern global Indian embracing my spirit and heritage. It is a contemporary take on traditional Indian fashion yet stays true to the principles of such rich traditions and culture.”
In this photo, Dina is wearing one of her own creations: a Khejri Classic Kurta Set. It’s a three-piece design with a top, bottoms and scarf.
The bag – “my unbridled passion”
Martina Schiaffonati, 33
Lecturer in business economics and digital creator
Piacenza, Italy
“Ever since I was a little girl, I was never without my handbag. For me, a bag is an essential accessory for every look. The right bag makes me feel ready to face any day with the right amount of confidence. It’s not just an accessory or detail; it’s much more than that. It completes our look and is what makes us unique.
“My Louis Vuitton electric blue bag is perfect for adding a touch of style to the most simple look, as well as the most sophisticated look; she has her own history. I searched for it for a long time and I only found it thanks to the world of vintage and the online shop, The Vintage Bar, which is where I found this perfect bag.”
The black blazer
Amily Zola, 30
Fashion PR Manager and Content creator
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
“Black blazers are a staple fashion item every woman should own. I’m a huge blazer fan, and my simple black version can be partnered up with pretty much everything in my wardrobe. I love to incorporate androgynous pieces into an outfit, so there’s just something I find so much more stylish about an oversize fit. If I were to choose one piece I had to wear forever and with every outfit, a black oversized blazer would win every time.
“A simple yet stylish way to wear an oversized black blazer is with an all-black look. I always feel put-together when wearing all black, and it’s a lifesaver on those ‘don’t know what to wear’ days.”
The vintage checked blazer
Lena Farl, 25
Content creator
Paris
“The piece I feel the most confident and powerful in is my vintage Jean Paul Gaultier checked blazer. Why? Because it belongs to the woman who inspires me most in this world: My mother. She wore it when she was my age and gave it to me when I was old and tall enough to wear it. In this blazer, I feel strong, independent, confident. I often wear it when I have important meetings; it’s like my mother is accompanying me and encouraging me. It is a piece that I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
The perfect handbag
Je suis Lou, 24
Youtuber and content creator
Madrid
“The perfect handbag is my most empowering piece. A handbag, like my Hermès Birkin, brings me confidence; it completes my outfit and can change your mood during the day and at the same time hold anything you may need on a busy day. A handbag can transform a simple outfit into something special and different.”
The dress
Mariana Amaro, 23
Media Activation Executive
London
“While I am absolutely in love with all forms of fashion, feeling confident and comfortable in what I’m wearing is my top priority. This, however, hasn’t always been the case which in turn resulted in disposing of pieces I barely wore. This dress is one of my absolute favourites. It is elegant, versatile and shines bright in sunkissed skin complexion which is when I feel the best.”
www.linkedin.com/in/marianamamaro