finding your magic no.4

the how to guides

Photo credit: Gianandrea Villa Unsplash

using clothes to express yourself

This is your story, and as such your image is a reflection of how you feel about yourself. I don’t think there is a person reading this who hasn’t had a number, (if not a large number) of ‘meh’ days. Sometimes they spring up unexpectedly, and sometimes the feeling of not being bothered can last weeks or even months. If you can collate a core collection of clothes that make you look and feel good, then you can hopefully limit the periods where you lack motivation or creativity to a minimum.

If you don’t have clothes that drain your spark, then you can’t wear them. My aim is to get you to wear your clothes intentionally, whatever that means for you, and to feel confident in your choices, whatever they might be. There is no right or wrong answer.

Clothes can be a form of armour, think about the ubiquitous “wear red to see the bank manager because it will give you confidence”, or they can have a more subtle and intuitive spiritual effect on your psyche. Do we wear dull colours because we feel a bit low, or do we feel down because we are dressed in grey and black? Do you feel happy on a summer holiday because you are wearing light and bright clothes, and if you wear those same clothes when you get home, can you continue with the carefree attitude?

I will write soon about the proven psychology as it applies to colour but suffice to say, there is a very deep connection and relationship between the colours you surround yourself with and how you feel about things. What you wear is only part of that equation.

Whether you are conscious of it or not, your choice of clothes and your wider image will tell the story of many things. The people you interact with will build a picture, however valid or inaccurate, of your perceived self-worth, your health, your self-esteem, your mood, and even your energy levels. They may also make assumptions about your wealth and status, and your aspirations.

It might well be that all the thoughts they accumulate are false, wildly inaccurate or spot on, but this is their reading of you and your life from the person that they see in front of them. So when you are telling your story, as it is reflected in your overall image, it makes sense to be intentional rather than have to revisit misconceptions. Once an impression is made it can be difficult to change.

As the saying goes “brand yourself before someone else does”. If you want to come across as knowledgeable and reliable, dress the part. if your aim is to be artistic and bohemian then don’t opt for a three piece suit. While I know you think this is soooo obvious, just look around you at people who haven’t yet grasped the concept that the way you look sends out a very strong message. If you can get it right for you, then you will have nailed the biggest visual cue available when you meet anyone, whether they know you well, or are seeing them for the first time.

Continued in No.5…

All rights reserved. Milly Churchill asserts the right to be identified as the author of this work.