9 FASCInating FASHION FACTS

When people ask me if and what the deeper layers of my fascination with fashion are, I tell them that I love helping people discover how beauty and fashion can help them move forward in their lives. If done correctly of course. Because making the wrong move in fashion is easily done.

How wonderful to meet people like Karen Pine on my digital path. She is a professor of the psychology of fashion (what a lovely job) at the Bilgi University in Istanbul (also nice). She did scientific research into how we dress, with the most hilarious results.

I put together the best 9 for you.

1. If a woman wears red, a man is more likely to approach her. Lady in red, remember? So you know what to do if you have a date. Or if you really want to have one.

2. If you wear black to court when you’re the one being charged, you’ll more than likely get a heavier sentence than if you appeared at the bench in innocent white or light pink.

3. Women who are ovulating dress more provocatively. Reproduction is our most important life-task, so clearly we don’t leave it to chance.

4. Women wear jeans more often when they are depressed as opposed to when they are happy.

5. If a female job candidate dresses in a more manly way, she has more chance at getting the job. So forget the whole feminine wiles and cleavage working for you thing. Put on a power suit (white shirt with bow from Hedi Slimane for Saint Laurent  seems like the perfect option), style it off with a high heel (cause women on heels earn more) and keep it business like.

6. If someone resembles you, you are more likely to lend them money. A con artist with a bit of brain will try to look and act like you to gain your trust.

7. If you dress like a person in charge, you’re more likely to get promoted. If the rest of your work is up to scratch that is.

8. If someone wears dated or old clothing, people tend to move away from them.

9. The right outfit can make one feel less depressed.

I didn’t really need any scientific proof for that last point. My own field research has taught me what a brand new pair of shoes can do. Or in the words of my daughter (5 years old) this morning when I complained about the weather/school/rushing/traffic/general Tuesday malaise; “But mom, can’t you just put some earrings in?”

More fashion facts? Order the book Mind What You Wear by Karen Pine on amazon.com