by josie
In her new book, clinical psychologist Jennifer Baumgartner gets to the issues underlying wardrobe woes such as overshopping, hanging on to old clothes and hiding in unflattering clothing.
Like many women, our closets are full of unloved items that go unworn, and we find ourselves thinking, “Why did we ever buy that?” We wear the same familiar pieces over and over, yet our wardrobe never feels complete. In the new book You Are What You Wear: What Your Clothes Reveal About You (Da Capo Lifelong Books, 2012), Jennifer Baumgartner, Psy.D., argues that our fashion woes are actually tied to deeper emotional issues. (Our plans to spring clean our closet suddenly got more interesting!)
A practicing clinical psychologist who also runs her own wardrobe consulting business, InsideOut, Baumgartner says that the key to perfecting your style is to understand this connection and make changes accordingly. Part style guide, part psychological examination, the book is divided into nine chapters, in which Baumgartner diagnoses nine distinct shopping complaints and wardrobe mistakes. These include overshopping, having a stagnant closet, baring too much skin, failing to dress your age, living in “mom jeans” and avoiding mirrors.
In each chapter, Baumgartner shares a real-life case study. For example, Ricki hides her body in clothes two sizes too big and Tessa, a compulsive shopper, has fallen deep into debt paying for a closet full of clothes she barely wears. Baumgartner then provides an analysis of each issue from both a stylistic and psychological perspective. Ricki has been taught to be ashamed of her body since her first child was born, while Tessa turns to shopping when she experiences emotional highs and lows in the same way overeaters turn to food.
Finally, Baumgartner discusses treatments for both her patients and readers. Ricki, for example, needs to choose clothes based on what makes her feel sexy and confident. Tessa must learn to find effective alternatives to shopping that will not burn a hole in her pocket when she experiences a range of emotions.
Fashion remedies include complementing a neutral wardrobe with seasonal colors and adding one statement piece to every outfit, while the author also asks you to examine the message your wardrobe sends to others and to determine and accentuate the attribute you love most about yourself.
You Are What You Wear inspired us to examine what our clothes tell us about ourselves. After some self-reflection, we’re ready for a little upgrading to perfect our own style. What do you think your clothes say about you?
