User:Edonnelly5/sandbox

Overview:

Psychology of fashion is the study of how clothing is used to influence one’s place in the world. Clothing affects mental processes and perceptions which can change one's mind and the way one thinks, according to research by Karen Pine from the University of Hertfordshire. Dress affects one’s ideas about perceptions of others and about oneself. Throughout our history and currently today, in complex societies, an individual's social status has been reflected through his or her clothing. It is concerned with how an individual’s clothing affects the behavior of self, as well as the behavior of others. This study is applying psychological theories to what one wears, and understanding that our clothing choices influence not only our own thoughts and emotions, but also shapes the immediate perceptions of others.^ Michael R. Soloman, Ph.D from Saint Joseph’s University states psychology of fashion is the recognition of fashion’s centrality to social structure, interpersonal relations, and self-concepts”. ^

Research:

Cognitive Performance

Studies have found that what an individual wears has the ability to affect the way his or her brain functions. In one particular study, Barbara Fredrickson gave a math test to a group of men and women dressed in either a sweater or a swimsuit. Results proved that for women specifically, wearing a swimsuit diminished mathematical performance while those in a sweater scored higher. Researchers at Northwestern University found that wearing a white coat improved an individual's intellectual agility because they associated the white coat with a doctor and that primed their brains to handle various mental capacities.

The Effect of Clothing on First Impressions

In psychology, a first impression is the immediate effect upon the mind when two individuals first encounter. In a study led by Professor Karen Pine at the University of Hertfordshire, researchers found that minor manipulations in clothing can greatly affect first impressions. Participants in the experiment were asked to rate eight images of men and women based perceived confidence, success, trustworthiness, salary and flexibility. The men were shown in either a bespoke, tailored suit or regular unaltered suit and the women were depicted wearing either a skirt suit or a pant suit. The results showed that the men in tailored suits were rated higher in each category than the men in regular suits. Similarly, the women who wore skirt suits rather than trouser suits were perceived more positively. Based on results, researchers suggest that even minor features in clothing, such as the cut of a suit or the femininity of a skirt, can alter immediate judgements. [1]

Clothes Have the Power to Speak to Us

Research also shows that an individual acts more confidently in the right outfit but tends to withdraw when dressed down or not comfortable with their outfit. Certain articles of clothing are found to increase confidence levels. A common example for women is high heels. With the average height of women being under 5’5, stiletto heels are a common form of compensation. The extra inches can make a woman feel more confident and allow them to look colleagues and business professionals in the eye. ^

Theories

Dawnn Karen, a graduate of Columbia University with a master’s degree in psychology, has two theories of how fashion impacts mood, mood illustration and mood enhancement. Mood illustration is dressing according to your mood, whereas mood enhancement is dressing to improve your mood. An example of mood illustration would be waking up groggy and tired and choosing to put on sweatpants. A person’s outfit choice reflects how they are feeling. In this case, a mood enhancement would be putting on sweatpants before bed to begin feeling tired. Combat boots are also associated with mood enhancement. They give the wearer the impression that they have power and control, as one would in a position of authority. ^

Behavioral Science Behind Fashion

One theorem: The Uniqueness Motivation Model, Snyder & Fromkin 1980 In the search for self-identity, people compare themselves to others-- according to research done by Synder and Fromkin in 1980 (Solomon) [2]. In modern society, people strive to wear what is deemed socially acceptable, while still trying to define their individuality through subtle or copious amounts of their unique style. Emotions are heavily tied into individuality-- if an individual cannot distinguish himself from his or her peers, emotional and behavioral backlash will result. ^ By separating oneself from society, an individual finds satisfaction. Therefore, this reveals why there is great conformity to fashion trends, yet numerous colors and designs (Solomon). “The desire of people to avoid total similarity in dress may also spark experiment with new styles and the genesis of new trends” -Michael R. Solomon

Application:

Discoveries from the psychology of fashion can be applied to various other fields of study. According to Karen Pine, the social psychology of dress uncovers how dress is used by humans to shape their behavior with others on a daily basis. ^ The creative process of fashion yields a great deal of insight about perception. One can obtain information about influences, and behaviors from the clothing a person wears . Folk psychology explains how one can predict the behavior and mental state of other people without prior knowledge to the study. Often individual clothes or other attributes will advertise what social position one has at the moment. The Psychology of Fashion studies these behaviors and expectations for clothing.