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 vintage jacket
Giulia Filippelli, 26
Casting Director
Between London and Milan
“Wearing a vintage statement jacket (be it suede, leather or faux fur) has always had the power to make me feel bold, to the point where I feel like I have purpose. Not only is it the way it looks on, but it’s the way it feels, the way it smells, the way it sounds even. I am also attached to the idea that being a vintage item, it carries some history and emotions. If I get good energy off it, it probably means it helped another person be confident too.
“Being a young casting director means I want to be perceived as I feel: trustworthy and creative, whether I am wearing something casual or formal. I strive to have one signature piece that plays the part.”
“The perfect pair of jeans”
Elisabete Bento Mory, 50
Stylist and Parisian mum of two daughters and a son
Paris
“The one piece in my wardrobe that makes me feel ultra-confident is, without doubt, the perfect pair of jeans. I used to say I collect them like a wine lover would collect his grands crus. Jeans have this magic power to be adapted from a very casual look to an [eveningwear] outfit, depending on [how you style it]. And I feel confident in any [jeans combination] – a T-shirt and flats in the day and a sexy top and heels by night. The cool chic attitude [it conveys] will always be there. I really have to thank the person who invented this amazing piece.”
In this photo, Elisabete is wearing jeans by her favourite denim brand Re/Done.
The hammered silk shirt and trousers
Yvonne Lim, 30
Co-founder and designer at The Array
London
“This black hammered silk shirt and pleated trouser co-ord from The Array was often my Zoom uniform in the past few lockdown months. I believe empowering design is beautiful, functional and most importantly, comfortable! The texture of the hammered silk actually makes this a low-maintenance outfit, as it does not crease easily and the black silk feels dressy yet comfortable. As a workwear designer in today’s context, I see the merit in more relaxed items like these that still convey professionalism and style through the screen.”
The suit
Lynn Mikolajczak, 25
Founder of LM Fashion Agency
Belgium
“The outfit that really empowers me and makes me feel confident is a navy suit with a tailored and classic fit. It’s my power outfit and [resonates with] my signature style. For me, a suit is very comfortable to wear, and you immediately feel fully dressed and look professional – no stress [necessary]. It represents me being the founder of LM Fashion Agency, which specialises in business wear, and supports my personal brand and what I stand for – navy is [also] my branding colour.”
www.instagram.com/lynnmikolajczak
The blazer
Cherisha Etnel, 30
Visual merchandiser and motivational speaker
Netherlands
“I feel most empowered by rocking a blazer. It’s a timeless piece that never goes out of style. I generally have this thing for closet essentials, whether it’s a basic white tee, classic high-waist mom jeans or a blazer [which,] has to be my most favourite. I own over 20 of them [including] high fashion and thrifted pieces. And the bigger the shoulder pads, the more empowered I will feel. A blazer is a wonderful piece that has the perfect amount of elegance, to makes sure I [look] dressed up and professional. And [I love how] it works with jeans and heels in everyday life. It’s an investment piece.”
The sequinned outfit
Hattie Newman, 21
Personal stylist
Kent
“I truly believe that you should wear what makes you feel happy, what makes you truly smile and an outfit which totally encompasses everything about you as a person. This picture was taken the weekend lockdown was relaxed (and the day of my 21st birthday!) Knowing what styles and colours work for me and my body shape is completely life-changing. This outfit makes me feel strong, powerful and most importantly, confident. After all, we all need a little sequin in our lives after the year we have had!”