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 Camel coat
Gabriella Zacche, 31
Content creator and entrepreneur
New York
“I got this camel coat (my favourite) from Korean brand Blancore a few years ago, and every time the temperatures drop a little bit, I get all excited to wear it. It’s such a cool statement piece, and it somehow always makes me look cool regardless of what I’m wearing underneath. It’s that piece that always allows me to not think too much about my outfit, because I’ll look cool either way. The fact that it’s oversized also makes me feel safe and comforted – I’m not sure why.”
The oversized shirt – and blazer
Vanessa Werkelin, 24
Stylist
Sweden
“I love my shirts the same way I love my blazers: oversized. I’m definitely very comfortable in my style, maybe because of my work as a stylist; I have to be able to move around a lot. I love to wear my blazers as they are, or as an accessory around my waist over a pair of pants, or as a scarf. I do also wear them over dresses and skirts for a more relaxed and masculine look. I would like to call my style grandma-meets-grandpa, since I’m very much into vintage and secondhand, and a feminine take on menswear.”
The black dress
Camilla Hedström, 28
Project leader @sakerstil and jazz vocalist
Stockholm
“I always feel empowered in a beautiful black dress. I prefer it slightly longer and wear it with kitten heels for a classic, yet contemporary look. When I have a special occasion to go to and don’t know what to wear, the black dress is the perfect choice. As a jazz vocalist I perform regularly, and this dress always makes me perform and feel at my best. It’s a true wardrobe hero that will stay with me for many years to come.”
The feminine with an edge look
Philippa Nobel, 29
PR & e-commerce manager at Swedish brand Mayla Stockholm
Stockholm, Sweden
“For me, it’s important to feel confident in what I wear, but also in where [my wardrobe items] come from. Whether it’s vegan, sustainably produced, rented or secondhand, I like to know the history of each garment in my wardrobe. I have always loved everything that comes in two – from full suits and denim uniforms to mini co-ord sets – they’re so incredibly versatile. Just like with interior, I prefer Parisian style with a touch of Scandi. When it comes to empowered dressing, I think the key is to dress according to your personality and finding pieces that embrace your body. For me that happens to be feminine looks with an edge; I always try to strike the perfect balance between dressy and sporty – it makes me feel like myself.”
The zebra print Saint Laurent dress
Julie Roux, 42
Founder of Finding Fashion Jules
Basel, Switzerland
“Fashion is not only about the clothes that you drape over your body. It’s a large pair of sunglasses and a hat over your head on days when you need to keep to yourself. It’s the colour you choose to wear while walking down the street sharing your joie de vivre. As I use my wardrobe to shape my mood, choosing only one item is not an easy task. When I opened my closet during this grey infused month of May, I kept reaching for one dress in particular. It’s a fabulous secondhand investment piece from Saint Laurent; I spotted it online and just knew that the colour would instil the feeling of fun. At the same time, walking through the streets of Basel in an item like this inspires my creativity while projecting a feeling of personal power. I understand it’s a look that says ‘see me and smile’, which is part of the fun of wearing it!
The transitional blazer
Viktoriia Bogodist, 29
Content creator and personal stylist
Rome
“I can’t imagine my wardrobe without an oversized blazer. I can create so many different outfits with it and create the impression I want to make. One day I can wear a blazer with straight trousers and chunky shoes and feel myself: confident in this masculine look, a strong and powerful woman, ready to run the world. Another day I’ll go for a satin mini dress with a blazer and high heels and I’m feminine and sexy, in the mood to flirt with passers-by. Or I wear jeans, a top and a blazer for a comfortable outfit to stroll in the city.”