Fashion evolution

The Ultimate Meanings of Our Clothes

The Impact of Our Clothes on Our Lives

The impact of our clothes goes beyond how others see us. It also influences how we perceive those around us. What we surround ourselves with shapes our identity. Psychologists refer to this as the systematic influence of clothing on our cognitive processes. When we wear certain garments, we embody their symbols.

If we dress cheaply or appear indifferent to our appearance, our lives may feel lacking. Wearing black or dark shades can cast a gloomy shadow over our existence. Our clothes affect our interactions, our self-perception, and even our thoughts and behaviours. Fashion can empower us and restore our sense of self-worth.

The Dual Meanings of Clothing

Objects, including clothing, carry both private and public meanings. Public meanings are socially constructed, shaped by the history and culture surrounding a garment. Uniforms are a prime example of this. In contrast, private meanings are unique to the wearer. This is especially true for items we hold dear.

A recent study revealed that participants believed their favourite pieces of clothing possessed a unique essence, termed “symbolic resonance.” Wearing these garments evoked feelings of emotional safety, comfort, and power. This connection is profound and deeply affects the wearer.

Outside the Ideal Feminine Box

It’s not about chasing the latest trends or luxury brands. That’s an external influence. It’s about embracing our own beauty and true selves. While our appreciation of beauty is largely positive, the Western image of femininity is often narrow. It reduces women to a single idea of attractiveness. Is this vision of femininity truly ours, or is it imposed by society? Who are we trying to attract? This belief is so pervasive that it becomes the ultimate yardstick against which we measure ourselves. Isn’t it time to redefine this standard of femininity?

Fashion often parades on stereotypical catwalks, showcasing outdated notions of women. It presents an illusion that doesn’t reflect reality. Do fashion-conscious individuals still want to internalise this artificial impression? Should sustainable fashion be presented in a way that resonates with its user base, embracing a natural, feminine essence?

Natural women fashion show models

To challenge the ideal of beauty, we must broaden the spectrum of what beauty means. We should place less emphasis on physical appearance as a measure of worth. In response, niche groups have emerged to cater to these segments. Yet, the ideal world of fashion still often excludes older, petite, or plus-sized women. By helping fashion brands understand and influence these meanings, we can positively impact clothing behaviour. Psychology can aid fashion in addressing some of the most pressing issues it faces today.

Sustainability with Meaning – The Evolution of Fashion

In today’s “throwaway culture,” merely investing in longer-lasting products through better technology and new materials may not suffice. Researchers suggest that to tackle fashion sustainability, we must understand people’s behaviours regarding the clothes they own and the meanings these garments hold for them. The current debate on fashion sustainability primarily focuses on improving technology and processes to reduce ecological footprints.

The Value of Fashion is in the Eye of the Beholder

The psychological impact of clothing suggests that the purpose of most garments extends beyond their utilitarian function. Unlike trendy clothes, items we are emotionally attached to remain significant even after the novelty fades. These attachments transcend fashion norms. We often disregard whether an item aligns with current trends. Its value stems from the strong feelings we associate with it, rather than its monetary worth. Even when a garment is deemed worthless by others, it can become invaluable to us. This attachment can be so strong that we hold onto clothes that are nearly worn out, simply because of their existence.

Fashion with Feng Shui

I am a fashion designer, Feng Shui consultant, and fashion therapist. In my design process, I apply Feng Shui, the science of energy flow that connects spirit and matter. Feng Shui teaches us to decorate our homes with shapes, forms, and colours that resonate personally and positively. The same principle applies to our clothing.

The fashion I design and wear instills confidence. My outfits fit seamlessly, regardless of the occasion, allowing me to focus my spiritual energy elsewhere. I create fashion with meaning, offering clients garments that resonate with them. These pieces tell their stories and nurture their desire for personal growth, connecting to nature, Nordic lifestyle, Kalevala, folklore, women’s empowerment, and spirituality.

The modern clientele seeks many meanings in their fashion choices. However, one common thread unites us: we want to express who we are and connect with others. We long “to be seen as ourselves”!

I refer to my fashion as a calling card—a way to express our identities and connect with others. It helps us discover our true femininity and find our tribe.

Natural fashion in an urban city environment creates balance.