Fashion psychology
Clothing can instil positivity in people for effective performance. We hear from women who reveal the wardrobe piece that makes them feel the most confident and empowered.
The Burberry trench outfit
Jasmine Bellini 25
Sephora media intern
Paris
“A black turtleneck, a classic Burberry trench and a pair of blue jeans [are my most empowering pieces]. I know it sounds simple, but to me this outfit is empowering because it embodies effortless-chic French style and represents me coming into my own in my new city. Moving to Paris (from Montreal, Canada), knowing basically no one, uprooted my life. I can vividly remember putting this outfit together and [feeling] overjoyed with pride and confidence for having made it this far, and feeling a deep sense of excitement for what the future had to hold.”
The bright blazer
Sara Hagve, 31
Digital interior design and sales
Stockholm
“I’m obsessed with suiting up all year around. The blazer is the ultimate piece in my wardrobe. It’s with me in the seriousness of a business meeting, a night out with friends or for a casual occasion styled with a pair of jeans and sneakers. When the weather gets warmer and trees are blooming, my wardrobe switches to a more colourful palette – colours make me creative and inspired. This blazer is the perfect antidote to the current seriousness of the world. And it gives me self-confidence like it has superpowers sewn into it.”
The secondhand knee-high boots
Trinity Duong, 19
Student at Parsons Paris
Paris
“I’ve recently been on a journey of restyling my closet with the perception of it being a collection that one day will be passed onto my children. It’s important for me to find pieces that are timeless as they push on this narrative of generational fashion. I want my confidence to peak into theirs and that’s why I will never get rid of my Elastomere knee-high boots. I bought them on Vinted for only five euros! With their little heels, they still give me the feeling of strutting down a runway while also remaining comfortable throughout the day. These boots go with me everywhere and due to their unique construction and classic charm, they empower me and my walk.”
The colour-pop suit
Apollonia San Contreras, 29
Marketing activation manager and podcast host
Malmö
“My go-to outfit for feeling empowered is a chic suit. And when I need a boost, I turn to all things colourful. I automatically feel put-together, polished and ready to get things done. You can’t go wrong when pairing suits with a beautiful heel or comfortable sneakers. I wore this orange suit when me and my best friend (and pod partner) did our first digital talk show, and it made me feel so confident. The confidence from just being me is the most empowering of all.
The classic white shirt
Nicole Nordin, 34
Founder of ALLINE Agency, partner at INUIKII
Zurich, Switzerland
“Fashion and style is a whole mood, affecting both the way you feel and also how you are perceived by others – in a positive way. It allows for personal expression and strengthened confidence.
“For me, juggling three kids while running two businesses means efficiency is key. Right now, my go-to power piece is a classic white oversized shirt – currently borrowed from my fiancée’s closet. I’m a big fan of modern, oversized proportions. [What’s] most important for me is to feel comfortable in what I’m wearing. Oversized [styles] both look and feel good.
“I style the shirt with the perfect pair of jeans (my favourite is a classic mom fit) and a strapless ribbed slim-fit top from Khaite. [I’ll wear it] under the shirt for a more relaxed look or on top for a more sophisticated approach. I appreciate that the white shirt can be styled with anything like biker shorts, oversized blazers or shoes in a pop color, or a mix of fun materials for a twist. I love to pair classic pieces with something extra, like a pair of eye-catching designer shoes from INUIKII, to make any look interesting. I’m always on the go, so practical pieces and comfortable shoes are essential.”