Psychology of Style and Personal Essence

Difference between fashion and style

They are often confused, but they are opposite concepts. Fashion is an external proposition, an industry that offers changing trends dictated by the market and the season.

Style, on the other hand, is an internal construct; it is the visible expression of a person's identity, values and history. While fashion says "this is what's in now", style responds to "this is me".

Having style does not mean wearing the latest trends, but selecting from them only what resonates with one's essence and discarding the rest.

It is a non-verbal communication tool that tells who we are before we utter a word.

A closet without style is just a collection of clothes; with style, it becomes a coherent language.

The importance of internal consistency

Authenticity is the cornerstone of a successful image. When a person dresses in a way that contradicts his or her personality (e.g., someone very dynamic and relaxed forced to wear stiff tailoring), cognitive dissonance occurs in others. It is perceived as a "disguise".

Knowing one's own style allows one to align the inside with the outside, generating confidence and credibility.

This consistency also makes everyday life easier: when the closet reflects the true identity, shopping becomes strategic and the feeling of "I have nothing to wear" is eliminated, as each piece has a purpose and an emotional connection with the wearer.

Style evolves with age and circumstance, but the core personality usually remains constant.

Risks of exaggeration and "dressing up."

No style is inherently "bad," but all have a risk: caricature.

When a style is taken to the extreme without consideration of context or balance, it moves from projecting a personal image to projecting a stereotype.

For example, a creative style taken to the limit can look like a circus costume, losing professionalism.

An exaggerated traditional style can make a young person look old-fashioned or stiff.

The consultant's job is to identify the client's dominant style and polish it, making sure it plays to the client's strengths without falling into exaggeration that could distort the message or create communication barriers.

Summary

Fashion is an external and changing proposal, while style is an internal and lasting construction. Style expresses identity and values, selecting from trends only what resonates with one's essence.

Authenticity is key to align the inside with the outside and generate credibility. Wearing a "costume" that contradicts one's personality creates dissonance; knowing one's style facilitates strategic shopping and eliminates daily confusion.

Any style can become a caricature if taken to the extreme without context. The consultant's job is to polish the client's dominant style, avoiding exaggerations that distort the message or create communication barriers.