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 flowing dress
Charlotte Fletcher, 31
Content consultant and co-founder of Christie’s Education Young Collectors Club
London
“My style is quite eclectic: I could be wearing flowing, feminine dresses one day and a pair of jeans, a leather jacket and killer heels the next. The visual arts play an important role in my life and my sartorial empowerment comes from the beauty and design of the individual pieces. I feel empowered when I’m wearing something that I appreciate the details and the design of, whether it’s the cut of a jacket, the buckles on a pair of ankle boots or the way a dress hangs in exactly the right way. Wearing pieces that feel are like mini works of art makes me feel like anything is possible. Here, I’m wearing a Yumi dress that I bought on a whim because I loved the drape of the sleeves and how it felt. It’s a dress I always enjoy wearing and always feel confident in because I know I don’t have to worry about it – it always looks good!”
The colourful Rixo dress
Lana Nalepa, 25
Stylist
Northampton
“As a stylist I love to play with colour – that’s definitely when I feel most confident. This dress is perfect for transitioning from day to night and summer to winter with just a change of accessories.
One of my go-to brands is Rixo because they always have the perfect prints and colour mixes. If I’m ever in a rush this is always the outfit I’ll come back to. As it’s my job to make outfits and dress people every day, feeling confident in my own outfits is super important. If I don’t feel confident in my choices the outfits won’t work!”
The Isabel Marant cowboy boots and vintage Celine bag
Frederika Perrins
27, London
Associate Beauty Editor
“One of my favourite items in my wardrobe are my Isabel Marant cowboy boots. Although not the most conventional choice to add a sense of empowerment to your wardrobe, every time I wear them I feel like I mean business. Whether I pair them with a cute dress or jeans and an oversized tee, wearing them makes me feel like I’m channelling my inner sass and am ready to take on whatever the day throws at me, mostly because my feet are comfy.
My other favourite item is also one of my most prized possessions – a 1980s macadam Celine shoulder bag, which I purchased last year from a vintage store in Florence. It brings a classic edge to any outfit and I enjoy thinking about the stylish and, no doubt, accomplished women who owned it before me. I feel like I’m carrying a little bit of history with me.”
The classic Alaïa dress
Eva Espresso, 28
Fashion photographer
London
“I love classic pieces, items that are timeless and I can envision myself wearing for years to come. For this reason, I love classic Alaïa dresses. Their timeless designs make them seasonless, and the iconic cut always fits me like a glove. Even with only five minutes left to get ready, I know I can pull out any one of my Alaïa dresses, a pair of Jennifer Chamandi shoes and my Fendi clutch and be sure to feel like the best dressed girl in the room.
I find that my desire for timeless style lets me differentiate between permanent and seasonal collections, therefore allowing me to make quick decisions outside shows as to which pieces will be most relevant for press.”
The oversized trench coat
Tessy Wiseman, 25
Designer
Location: Paris, France / Geneva, Switzerland
“There is just something about layering a feminine piece with a more masculine and oversized piece that I cannot explain. The blunt lines complement the gentler curves and arches, dense fabrics enhance the sheers, as narrow shapes, angles and frames blossom through bulkier design. I find it empowering to reconcile both extremes: the stocky and light, the airy and tight, the mannish and ladylike. I tend to reach out more often than not for menswear’s outerwear and compose my outfit from there. Here, I’m wearing my trusty black military oversized wool trench coat from Acne Studios, bought on Vestiaire Collective: timeless, yet on par with the ongoing trends.”
The playful linen dress
Madolyn Grove, 34
Head of Events and Coach & Mentor
London
“I’m that person who would much rather be overdressed than underdressed and I’m the first to admit my post-lockdown wardrobe has been far more polished than practical. That’s why I’m my most confident self in a clean and crisp linen dress. Linen can create a smart and stylish look that’s dressy and elegant enough for an event or summer wedding, while being relaxed enough to pull off that ‘I just woke up and threw this on’ look of fabulousness. I can style out a beach-to-brunch, desk-to-drinks look by changing into a pair of heels and a dressier handbag. Through my coaching practise, I help women define their version of confidence, and finding that item of clothing that helps you show up as the best version of you is key to that. I’m never without my Sleeper Atlanta dresses which I’m not embarrassed to say I have in more than one colour. It’s the dress that commands the room when you’re not trying to get noticed.”