Feng Shui Fashion – What your clothing says about you

with Kristin M. Wistar

“That shirt is so you!”

Have you ever heard anyone say it? Whether you realize it or not, the way you dress says a lot about you. The material, shape, color and pattern of your clothing paint a picture of you that’s presented to the world before anything else. It influences how others react and how others interpret your actions. Separate from how the external world views your clothing and appearance, our choice of attire impacts your emotions and self- confidence. Your clothing creates an energy field that can either enhance certain qualities and opportunities in your life, or it can hinder your ability to thrive. As the saying goes, you are what you eat and you are what you wear.

Has there ever been a time where you’ve wanted to hide behind your clothes and disappear? The color black is a perfect example of this. For many people, black is their major staple in their wardrobe, as it can be a way to hide your body and mask feelings of sadness or depression. Black is the absence of all color and an over- abundance of it can represent signs of lack luster in your life. However, there’s nothing wrong with wearing the color black if it’s not over done. Conversely, when you want to attract attention and flaunt your body and your self-confidence, you may wear something vibrant. You may prefer brighter colors, add bling or reveal a more figure forming silhouette.

In Feng Shui, the elements and their relative color, shape and pattern are important concepts to understand when it comes to your wardrobe. Discover what The Five Element Theory in Feng Shui says about your style preferences. Observe the qualities that each element provides and mix and match according to what you need in your life. You might be surprised how much fun and fruitful it can be.

Want more passion, attention and excitement in your life?
Look no further than the element of Fire

The Fire element is associated the energy of the sun. It is fun, impulsive, captivating and full of life. If you want to experience more excitement, magnetism and passion, this is the element you want to bring into your wardrobe. This includes clothing styles that are more dramatic, flattering and even sexy, which can be anything from low cut tops and above-the-knee styles and pointy heels for women, as well as angular, geometric and fitted styles for men.

• Colors: red, purples, hot pink

• Patterns: geometric, angular, v-shaped triangular, zigzag

• Textures: Clingy, shiny and shimmery

• Silhouette: V-shape, fitted, angular style lines

• Fabrics: Animal prints, hide, fur, synthetic, Lycra, satin, silk, wool

• Jewelry: Triangular, geometric shapes, leather and fire colors

• Archetype: The Pleasure Seeker

• Celebrity: Bette Midler

Need motivation?
Add the element of Wood to your wardrobe

The Wood element is associated with East, the rising sun, spring time and renewal. If you’re looking to get a jumpstart on something, start with your outfit for the day! Incorporating the Wood element can give you the extra push in motivation, creativity, vitality and expansion you need to get going. This clothing style is sporty, simple and clean, and refreshing.

• Colors: green, blue

• Patterns: Striped and floral

• Textures: Crisp, ribbed, springy

• Silhouette: Rectangular, columnar, vertical style lines

• Fabrics include cotton, linen, corduroy, denim, seersucker

• Jewelry shapes that are columnar, anything with trees or leaf patterns

• Archetype: The Pioneer

• Celebrity: Tiger Woods

Feeling too rigid and set in your ways?
Add the element of Water to loosen you up

This style, much like water itself, is soft, flowy and smooth. Qualities you might find this style can strengthen are flexibility, expansiveness, and adaptability. The Water element is known to promote creativity, artistry, freedom, depth, sensuality, and spirituality. The clothing style of the water is soft and emphasizes a unique sense of stylishness and individuality.

• Colors: black and blue

• Textures: fluid, sheer, gossamer

• Patterns: abstract, ruffles, paisley, tie-die, wavy

• Silhouette: asymmetrical, flowy and layers

• Fabrics: chiffon, crepe, fine knit, gauze, rayon, silk-velvet

• Jewelry: swirly or asymmetrical shapes

• Archetype: The Philosopher

• Celebrity: Deepak Chopra

Feeling stressed, spaced out and ungrounded?
Add some Earth for stability

The element of Earth represents stability, grounding and security. Qualities of the Earth are reliable, responsible, nurturing, committed and conforming energy. This clothing style is traditional, casual, loose and comfortable.

• Colors: beige, brown, warm reds, orange, yellow

• Textures: Coarse, wooly, nubby

• Patterns: Boxy patterns, checkered, horizontal lines or plaid patterns

• Silhouette: bulky, square

• Fabrics: flannel, muslin, raw silk, tweed

• Jewelry with crystals or stones and square shaped

• Archetype: The Peace Maker

• Celebrity: Oprah Winfrey

Looking for refinement, focus and order?
Then add the Metal element

The metal element has a focused, refined energy. Perfectionism, elegance, meticulous, and discernment are metal’s qualities. The clothing style of metal is refined, stylish, polished and put together.

• Colors: White, pastel, metallic such as gray, silver, copper

• Textures: Smooth, shiny, shimmering, polished

• Patterns: Dot, scrolled, arched

• Silhouette: Hourglass, figure-eight, curved lines

• Fabrics: metallic, sateen, shantung, jacquard

• Jewelry: Metallic, round or oval shaped, and shiny

• Archetype: The Perfectionist

• Celebrity: Michele Pfeiffer