The mass production of individuality In some ways we are forever jeopardized by our own taste. When at the last Met Gala Olivia Wilde and Margaret Zhang wore the same dress in different colors the very dress was quickly forgotten (perhaps rightfully so) while there were a ton of articles commenting on their non-negative attitude towards the situation. The understanding being apparently that it’s something naturally embarrassing or at least uncomfortable to wear the same thing as somebody else to the same event. View this post on Instagram A post shared by E! News (@enews) A ..read more

You know that saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover?” It turns out our brains are hardwired to do the opposite. We’re talking about confirmation bias – that sneaky tendency to stick with our first impressions. It’s just how our brains work. How does this relate to clothing and social change? Clothing is like a megaphone for our values and beliefs. When people use fashion to go against the grain, it makes society sit up and take notice. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Vivienne Westwood Archives (@thewestwoodarchives) Imagine this: A bunch of people dead set ..read more

Such a fantastic audience and turn out to my talk all about how you can use #fashionpsychology to dress your best self at work! “For many years, we were taught to adopt ’workplace personas’ – to leave our true selves at the door and become the perfect boss or the ideal colleague. But now, for many of us, this has been flipped on its head, with ‘authenticity’ quickly becoming the new buzzword in many workplaces. This leaves us with a conundrum: how can we dress for work in a way that feels authentic but still manages to say all the right things to our colleagues? To ..read more

“The Hollywood film business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There is also a negative side.” – Hunter S. Thompson  Thompson likely wasn’t trying to be funny and it’s really, only mostly true. In 2022 I worked on some of my all-time favorite Hollywood gigs. I met ‘Animal’, ‘Dr. Teeth’ and the entire muppets band. I became part of a TV show-family with an unheard of 10 year run. I walked on Mars, attended a 1980’s Madonna concert and watched Larry Bird play for the Boston Celtics, courtside ..read more

The importance of fashion in our identities in an industry shaped by innovation through imitation.  Understanding Gatekeeping We have all encountered instances of gatekeeping and perhaps even found ourselves guilty of it to some degree. You may have felt frustrated when an influencer won’t disclose brands in a GRWM video. Or perhaps you’re cautious about revealing your favorite haunts for thrifted gems to a colleague in case they start shopping there.  “Gatekeeping,” which was dubbed Vogue’s 2022 Word of the Year, has experienced a modern rebranding. It has evolved from it ..read more

I visited the beautiful Cheltenham with John Lewis & Partners to deliver a series of ‘My JL Style’ talks in-store. Alongside the amazing in-store stylists Deb and Dorothy we talked all things Big Dress Energy, formal suiting, and perfect undergarments. A massive thanks to Olivia Moore and the entire team for putting on a fantastic event and for kitting me out in this sickening Reiss jumpsuit! The post My John Lewis Style appeared first on Fashion Is Psychology ..read more

In the ever-evolving world of play, one toy has held supreme since the 50’s – the Barbie doll. A symbol of beauty, success, and femininity, Barbie has shaped the worlds of little girls everywhere.  Growing up in the 90’s the variety of Barbie’s you could get your hands on was abundant and a sure fire way to secure yourself the popularity Barbie herself would be proud of. Malibu Barbie, Ballet Barbie, Stable Set Barbie complete with Nibbles the horse who soon befriended your My Little Ponies. But amongst the scattered floors and boxes was missing perhaps the most sought after Barbie of ..read more

And that’s a wrap on my second stint on @thismorning this time giving you the scoop on colour psychology and showcasing more of my styling skills! “Fashion Psychologist and author of ‘Big Dress Energy’ Shakaila Forbes-Bell is here to reveal how you can transform your wardrobe and your confidence, with the clothes you wear. She’ll help you power-dress like a pro and can tell you what the colours you wear mean about you!” @hollywilloughby, @dermotoleary and @amberstyledit are just some of the best people to work with! And my models gave me lifeeee @croft.lea ..read more

Luxury fashion has an undeniable allure. The glossy pages of high-end magazines, the red carpet appearances of celebrities bedecked in designer wear, and the intricate craftsmanship of luxury brands. But what happens when our wallets don’t quite match our tastes? A recent study titled “Bargaining our Emotions: Exploring the Lived Experience of Purchasing Luxury Fashion Counterfeit” delves into the intriguing and often contradictory emotions that accompany the purchase of counterfeit luxury fashion items. The Study provides a nuanced look at the motivations and emotions that drive consumers ..read more

Have you ever noticed that what you wear can affect your mood and behavior? You might feel more confident and assertive in a power suit, or more relaxed and carefree in a pair of comfortable jeans. But did you know that your food habits can also be related to your fashion choices? In this article, we will explore the psychology behind food habits and fashion choices. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gab Bois (@gabbois) Psychology of Fashion Choices When it comes to the fascinating and intricate subject of clothing choice, psychology plays a vital part. According ..read more