Help! I Hate How I Look: Using Clothing to Manage Body Image Issues

In the earlier part of my career, I worked as a therapist, mostly meeting with children and adolescents. I had a heart for my teens, often seeing them in response to significant trauma and helping them navigate identity issues. Without trauma, the teen years are hard enough. They’re spending lots of emotional energy trying to figure out who they are, and how they want to be in the world; and depending on life circumstances, that can come with a lot of self-sabotage. Unfortunately, too many of us can recall the, “I hate how I look” flare-ups we had during those angst teen years.  

With that said, it’s no surprise that dissatisfaction with appearance or body image is a major issue that comes up during my clinical work (I still do evaluations from time to time). Whether a teen presents with anxiety, depression, or any other mental health issue, it’s often expressed through and complicated by body image issues. And the way it usually looks is an overwhelming disdain for a specific part or parts of the body like legs or arms. What’s more, they equate their poor perception of their body to their self-worth, and feel less than valuable as a result. 

Sadly, body image issues don’t stop at adolescence. We often nurture body images issues well into adulthood such that when life gets challenging we tend to revert back to self-destructive patterns, including being preoccupied with what is wrong with our body. And the “I hate how I look” fits continue to be a part of our coping style well into our adult years. It goes without saying that we are more than our bodies; and one way to counter body image issues is to meditate on other things about us we know (even if we don’t always feel) are good and worthy of praise, like varied skills, kindness, bravery, and the list goes on.

Another way to counter body image issues is through clothing. According to Entwistle, author of The Fashioned Body, clothing is much more than a form of adornment, it is the way we learn to live in our bodies. There are tons of articles on ways to hide perceived body imperfections with clothing; and while many are useful, you can not use clothes to hide a largely poor self-image. Clothing and the body work as a team, and the body gives meaning to clothes and vice versa. Without the body, clothing is just a well-constructed piece of fabric. So in order for clothing to reach its full potential, it needs a body to give it life, soul, and the unique energy only a living breathing body can give. This is why two people can wear the same outfit and look quite different. If we value our body, it can live out its full essence within the context of clothing.

Of course, we don’t have to have a perfect body image to wear clothes well. Many of us are  struggling to improve our body image and progress isn’t a straight line. But in the meantime, we can use clothing as a tool to feel good about ourselves in our bodies, letting go of the “I hate how I look” outbursts we may have come to fall back on. Here are three ways clothing can help us manage our body image. 

1. Clothing helps us become our ideal

Just as Halloween costumes allow us to embrace the hidden parts of us, everyday clothing can work in a similar way. Our clothing gives us an opportunity to take on characteristics we admire, simply by wearing clothing that has symbolic meaning for us (a.k.a., enclothed cognition). To be clear, clothing does not have symbolic meaning without context, we associate it with the people who wear them and at a particular point in time. When we think of something like a beret, a tie, or black stockings with the line down the back (a personal favorite, ha!), we have a vision of what those clothing items symbolize. And if we enjoy wearing them, it is generally because we have seen it worn, and internalized what we think it means to wear them.

With that in mind, the ability to express ourselves through clothes and take on characteristics of our ideal look allows us to compensate for shortcomings we experience when we are anxiously preoccupied with our bodies. According to a 2012 article, Expression of Personality Through Dressing using clothing to compensate in this way helps us achieve psychological and spiritual balance. And it is this sense of balance that can gird up our sense of self, giving us the emotional resources we need as we are actively working towards improving our body image. 

2. Clothing helps us get comfortable communicating parts of ourselves.

Clothing is often identified as a nonverbal form of communication.  We can use clothing to feel better (a.k.a., dopamine dressing) and improve our mood. Or we can use clothing to lean into a miserable mood, creating something beautiful out of pain in a way akin to art therapy. So it’s important to be intentional about the message we’re conveying, not just to others but to ourselves. 

For those who struggle with body image, clothing gives an opportunity to express body image issues in creative ways, and maybe release some tension. I once heard a quote by Diana Vreeland that said something like (and I’m paraphrasing) whatever you don’t like about your body, make that the best thing about you. And of course, this requires some ingenuity and the ability to let go of rigid ideas of beauty, something those with body image issues are working towards. 

If this feels challenging, try doing an experiment and wear something out you’ve always liked and can wear well enough, but unreasonable body image issues have held you back (if you’re not sure what qualifies as “unreasonable” discuss it with a trusted friend or helping professional). Psychologists refer to this as an exposure technique, and it is a way to try out new experiences or ways of being without it being too overwhelming. Afterwards, take tabs on your experience and the reaction of others. Was it as bad as you thought it was? Are there any changes you’d like to make and do you have a healthy plan to make those changes? Can you consider developing a better appreciation for your body in these clothes even in its imperfect state? These are just some questions that will help you better process the experience, and of course it may be helpful to process this with someone else as mentioned.

3. Clothing gives an opportunity to alter questionable body image ideals

Often the reason we don’t like our legs, arms, butt or any other part of our body is because we have internalized alternate beauty standards. In the old days we just had to deal with the parts of our body we don’t like; but now with plastic surgery more accessible, we can change what we don’t like relatively quickly if we have the resources to do so. And while it’s beyond me to tell anyone what to do with their body, as a psychologist, it’s my job to understand the root of these changes. That is, it’s one thing to want to make tweaks to your body, and another thing if the tweaks are never enough. If it’s never enough, it suggests your desire to alter your body is based upon a poor sense of identity, and it is futile to build a healthy image on a faulty foundation. 

While plastic surgery may not be an option for some, clothing is. Fortunately, we have agency with clothes and can make active changes with clothing to accept or reject body image ideals. We can use clothes to cover up parts of our body we don’t like or as mentioned above, show off those parts. According to a concept known as cognitive control, we have the ability to change the way we see a situation. So exercising a sense of control over your clothing can act as a catalyst for having control over the way you choose to see your body. Since body image standards have to start somewhere, why not with you?

If you’ve used clothing to manage body image issues, what ways have they worked for you, or not? Share it with us in the chat. 

4 Wardrobe Color Palettes That Will Get You Excited About Your Outfit

What colors in your wardrobe do you tend to wear the most? Some of us lean towards black or neutrals, others of us tend to choose bright colors, and the rest of us fall somewhere in between. The reasons for our color preferences may be as varied as our idiosyncrasies. Color consultant, Karen Haller says in her book, The Little Book of Colour, that when we perceive color, light waves pass through the same parts of the brain responsible for emotions. So color is very much an emotional experience, and if we’re looking to get excited about our outfit, we can do it through using different wardrobe color palettes.  

In a previous post, I mentioned that any time we see a color, our reaction is based upon a combination of factors like our physiological response to color, our personal and cultural associations with it, and the context in which it’s presented. So when people say they don’t like a certain color, it’s an emotional response that can be attributable to a number of experiences they’ve had with the color, and they may not even be fully aware of all of them. What’s more,  their perception can change depending on the specific mixture of the hue and the other colors the hue is paired or grouped with. 

Personally, I tend to like any color that’s presented in an interesting way. When I feel like I have nothing to wear, challenging myself to come up with different and refreshing color combos can be a way to create a more positive emotional experience. So if you’re looking to get out of a color rut, try these color palettes to get excited about your outfit.

Monochromatic Color Palette

A monochromatic color palette is made up of one hue. When we think of a monochromatic outfit we may think of a single mix of a color, and this could feel very limiting. But one hue can have many different presentations when you mix in hints of black (shades), gray (tones), and/or white (tints), all of which give a different feel from moody to cheerful. Here’s my take on a  burgundy color scheme with a mix of tints (e.g., pink and blossom). The color mix keeps it from feeling monotone, although that could be a look too. 

Achromatic Color Palette

If you’re not into bright colors, an achromatic color palette may be great for you. It’s an outfit with no color; and consists only of black, white, or gray. It’s dramatic with a cool, urban vibe. And you can add different textures to the no-color scheme for interest. Here, I mix in leather to play up the edgy appeal. 

Complementary Color Palette

Complementary colors just fit–literally. When you mix two equal amounts of complementary colors, such as red and green, they create a perfect balance, neutralizing each other to form brown.  They’re colors on opposite sides of the color wheel; and when worn together, they intensify each other. For my complementary pairing, I chose bright yellow and light blue for a delicate, whimsical feel. 

Analogous Color Palette

Analogous colors, like red and orange, are next to each other on the color wheel. It’s been said that unlike complementary colors which intensify each other, analogous colors soften the other. I always feel there’s an interesting tension with analogous colors, perhaps because it lacks color contrast and appears almost imbalanced or tonal. For my analogous colors, I chose deep blue (minus the shoes) and green. Because there is no bright focal point in an analogous color scheme, there’s nowhere to balance out the eye; and I think this creates a kind of boldness that makes the color pairing appealing. 

What color palettes are you drawn to and why? Feel free to share it with us.

Using Your Clothing to Help You Get the Lifestyle You Want

In a recent blog post, I mentioned one way to tackle a disorganized closet is to figure out the type of lifestyle you want, and organize your wardrobe around it. While it may sound like a mere convenience, using your clothing to help you get the lifestyle you want actually goes a long way towards supporting mental health. Clothes are very much a cultural expression, and we can typically tell what cultural group someone belongs to by the way they dress.  But clothes are more than a cultural expression, they impact our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in significant ways due to a mix of neuropsychological and cultural factors.

Clothing & Cognition

My Whimsical look; Symbolizes magical and imaginative.

A theory known as the simulation theory of cognition, holds that cognitive processes are stimulated as we interact with the physical world; and just visualizing an action or thought activates the same brain activity used when the actual behavior is performed (Hesslow 2012). This can explain why imagery is so impactful as our physical experience is intricately tied to our mental processes, hence the term, embodied cognition. This means our thoughts are rooted in our physical experience and  we embody them (Craighero, 2022). 

What’s more, we embody the meaning of clothing we put on. Drawing from the theory of embodied cognition, the theory of enclothed cognition (Adam and Galinsky, 2012) postulates that wearing clothing sets in motion cognitive processes triggered by both the symbolic meaning of the clothes and the physical experience of wearing it. This phenomenon also explains role theory. That is, people adapt to the norms associated with certain roles or positions within a culture based on the cognitive schemas or scripts that they carry around with them about the position or “role” they are in. So if you are wearing a white lab coat and it has symbolic meaning for you as a result of personal and cultural experiences, it will likely trigger your schema for white coats and you’ll act accordingly. 

Clothing & Mood

My Chic Look; Symbolizes minimal yet impactful.

According to cognitive-behavioral theory, thoughts and feelings are intertwined, and a thought can trigger feelings which reinforces thoughts. With this in mind, we can understand how the experience of wearing clothes with symbolic meaning can alter our mood. Shakaila Forbes-Bell in her book, Big Dress Energy refers to the act of wearing clothes to alter your mood as wearapy; and drawing upon the concepts of enclothed cognition, posits that when we wear clothes we associate with specific schemas it can foster positive moods (e.g., dressing to feel happy, aka dopamine-dressing) or help us to lean in and process negative moods (e.g., wearing all black when in mourning). 

Sample Cases

My Quirky Look; Symbolizes A freedom to be.

So now that we understand the impact clothes can have on our thoughts and feelings, let’s see how curating clothing that fits the lifestyle we want to live can work best for us using sample cases. 

[While these stories may be inspired by real-life cases, they do not depict specific clients and any resemblance to a specific client is coincidental. Also, these sample cases are not meant to take the place of therapy or treatment. And if you are struggling in any of the areas mentioned, it is advised that you speak with a mental health professional.]

Case 1: Corrin has always enjoyed clothes but when she began to experience difficult life experiences, her interest in fashion waned. She lost her significant relationship, wasn’t fulfilled in her career, and had gained weight. Thus, she began to use clothes as a way to hide; and her go-to jeans and t-shirts became her uniform of choice. While jeans and t-shirts offered her physical comfort, her overreliance on them reflected the lack of growth she felt. 

One way to assist Corrin with using her clothing as a catalyst to overcome her distress and better manage her life is to first encourage her to do the work to process her stuckness, and realize her value and goals. She can then better determine what types of relationships she is seeking, and what career she feels will satisfy her. Next, Corrin should identify and purchase clothing she associates with the lifestyle she desires and the goals she is working towards. In turn, the act of wearing the clothes will trigger her schema for those clothes and impact her mood, causing her to feel all the things she associates with those clothes. In this way, clothing can function as her support while she is working through the process to address deeper-level issues. 

Case 2: Natalie struggled with a learning disability and continues to have insecurities about her abilities despite her intelligence. She is currently not in a job she loves, and it triggers insecurities about her ability to have a successful career. Natalie’s insecurities are reflected in her clothing choices as she wears clothes she thinks she should be wearing to look successful (often clothing she does not need or cannot really afford) rather than clothing that makes her feel empowered and confident. 

Natalie can begin by processing her insecurities and affirming her sense of value. This includes considering what it means if she does not wear the clothing she thinks she is expected to wear. Although Natalie feels she has few resources to change her job situation, she can begin to do what is in her power to make a change, even if that means taking a course or learning a new skill. She could then identify the clothing she enjoys and why. This can help her clothing choices be more internally motivated; and gives her an opportunity to choose clothes that have a positive symbolic meaning for her. More than that, Natalie’s decision to make even small strides to pursue a fulfilling career gives her some sense of control that she can mimic in her clothing choices. That is, purchasing clothes she sincerely likes to wear can be a reflection of the sense of empowerment she is developing.  As Natalie experiences clothing that has a positive meaning for her, it can alter her mood, and ignite her belief in her ability to make choices and improve her life.

In essence, while clothing alone may not fix problems, they can support us as we are working towards changing them. How do you think you can use clothing to support your life goals and the lifestyle you want? Consider clothes that have meaning for you when you wear it, and work towards building a wardrobe that supports your growth. 

Clothing Style Confidence

It’s that time of year when we are thinking about our fall wardrobe and ways to incorporate transitional pieces into the upcoming season. While some of us have no problems getting our wardrobe in order, others of us may struggle a little with putting it all together. Maybe you worry about finding pieces that are stylish but not overly trendy; worry about finding pieces that reflect the image you want to project; or have concerns about finding pieces that flatter your body.

If you have any of these worries, you may lack clothing style confidence. According to a 2018 article, clothing style confidence is described as confidence in the way “people express themselves with clothing and accessories.” Those with clothing style confidence value appearance, yet aren’t “slaves” to fashion. They tend to choose pieces that are timeless, and reflect “authenticity”, “individuality” and “self-expression.” They have a sense of what flatters their body; enjoy being creative with their clothing; and know how to mix and match pieces in ways that create multiple outfits. Their closet is well organized which helps them develop outfits easier. And they maintain their clothing well which contributes to longevity, a hallmark of sustainable consumption.

Clothing Style confidence: Getting your closet organized  

If clothing style confidence sounds like something you might need this fall and beyond, a good place to start is your closet. What do you have, what do you need to let go, and what do you need to buy? 

What do you have?

Let’s focus on the state of your closet. Is it overflowing with clothes you’ve never worn, filled with clothes that look the same, or crammed with ill-fitting pieces?

One way to tackle a disorganized closet is to first figure out what type of lifestyle you want to have. Choose 3 main areas that are important to you—maybe career, relationships, and health; and organize your wardrobe around those areas. For instance, a wardrobe suitable for work may be something that’s important to you; and if you’re looking to grow your relationships, perhaps you need outfits for nights out or weekends. And if you’re into strengthening your body, you may be looking to add workout gear to your wardrobe. Identifying these three areas will help you to better decide what to let go of and what to keep. 

What are you going to let go?

The next step is to purge your closet. While there isn’t one way to do it, it should be done in a manageable way so as to increase your chances of success. One way is to get garbage bags or baskets for clothes you no longer wear. One set of bags will be for clothes that are damaged in some way and can’t be worn as is; and the others will be for clothes that can be worn but no longer fit, are outdated, or some other reason. In order to practice sustainable habits, you want to avoid just throwing these clothes in the trash. Consider how the clothes can be repurposed (dish rag, pillow?), or have them recycled.

How are you going to put your clothes back?

Once you’ve removed unwanted clothes, put the remaining clothes back in your closet. But  don’t just put them back haphazardly, organize them in a useful way. One way to do it is to consider the three main areas, career, relationships, and health; and assemble outfits that fit those areas . Keep in mind that these outfits can be changed and one outfit may fit multiple areas, but it helps you to start thinking about what can go with what. When you’ve created these outfits, you can put them back in your closet as outfits organized according to the three main areas.

You can also choose to go department store style. That is, create a section for shirts, pants, dresses, etc…And you may choose to color-coordinate the sections or arrange them by type, i.e., work shirts, weekend shirts. If you arrange them by type, keep in mind that there will likely be some overlap as many clothing pieces are versatile. For instance, some clothing may be able to be worn both to work and to the gym. 

Once you have your closet organized, you can better determine what pieces you need. But before you accumulate more clothes, be sure you know what pieces enhance your body image. This may be something you’ve already got covered, but if the concept of body image triggers complex emotions, here are some things to consider. 

Clothing Style confidence: Body image/Type

Know how you feel about your body

Before you focus on what flatters your body, it helps to be clear on how you feel about it, or how you feel about yourself in your body. These are complex issues that may take some time to unpack; but it helps to start thinking about it, and how it impacts the way you dress. A 2015 study showed that those with a poor body image are less inclined to purge their closets because it requires them to engage with their clothes, and perhaps determine fit– something they’d rather not think about. As a result, their closets remain disorganized, and they cope in maladaptive ways such as purchasing more clothes they either don’t need or won’t wear; or just wear the same few pieces repeatedly. 

So if you have body image issues that make it difficult for you to begin dressing for your body, you’ll want to start addressing it in the healthiest way possible. This way you can begin to appreciate your body (even if you don’t love it yet) and dress it in a way that makes you feel your best— a necessary component of confident personal style. According to the 2018 article, those with clothing style confidence have what they call “aesthetic perceptual ability.” That’s basically a fancy way of saying they know what looks good on them, and can put clothes together in an aesthetically pleasing way. Of course what’s aesthetically pleasing to one person may not be aesthetically pleasing to another. But if you wear something you like and feel good in, and others respond positively to it, it’s a good sign you’ve tapped into a sense of style that inspires others. 

Be aware of the different body type systems

While the concept of dressing for your body is something we generally espouse; the concept of body type itself can be controversial, and there are varying opinions about how bodies should be categorized. One of the most well-known body type systems focuses on silhouettes and body parts. They consist of five body types including hourglass, apple, pear, rectangle, and inverted triangle. Generally speaking, this body type system focuses on creating balance with the hourglass shape as the standard. And the clothing recommendations typically involve helping you create balance by hiding problem areas. So if you are an inverted triangle shape, it’s recommended to wear clothing that adds curves or volume on the bottom in order to balance out the wider top.  

Another fairly popular, but perhaps lesser known body type system is the Kibbe body types. This system, developed by David Kibbe, was created to address some of the problems associated with the idea that certain clothes are suitable for only one body type. It focuses on the way our body moves in clothes; and argues that clothing is flattering if it embraces our “essence” and is well-integrated into our sense of style. The Kibbe body types focus on the softness (referred to as yin) and structure (yang) of our natural body shape; and includes five main types and 13 subcategories. The main types include dramatic, classic, gamine, natural, and romantic; and it recommends we choose clothes that harmonize with our body. Special attention is paid to the lines and drape of the clothing  to ensure it complements our shape and uniqueness. For instance, a dramatic is thought to be tall and angular with little to no softness. So the recommendation is to wear sharp, geometric clothing with crisp tailored pieces and vertical lines to enhance the height and angularness of the body.  

A quick internet search will show a host of other body type systems, and all have been critiqued in some way. You may find one that works for you, or you may take bits and pieces of several and apply them. While others can give input, it’s ultimately up to you to define, embrace, and dress your body. Maybe you’ve decided you’re a pear shape (wider at the top than the bottom) and also fall under the category of natural (considered a “soft yang” with angular, blunt edges). As recommended, you can decide to wear clothing that balances out your top (e.g., voluminous tops); or you can focus on your “blunt edges,” and choose clothing with relaxed, loosely constructed silhouettes. Overall, learning what most flatters your body is an ongoing work in progress, particularly as we get older and our body shape changes. But once you have a working understanding of what looks good on you, you can dress with increased confidence.

Note: If you are looking for stats on how body image issues are impacted by social media, particularly among younger audiences, check out this resource on social media addiction and mental health issues, lanierlawfirm.com/social-media-addiction/statistics/.

Clothing Style confidence: Shopping on a budget

Make a list

Once you begin figuring out what suits your body, you can make a list of the clothing items you want to buy. Of course, you’ll want your list to be informed by research. One approach is to do an internet search of the pieces you need and figure out what you like. This is purely about waking up your sensibilities so don’t worry about price tags, just take note of the pieces that speak to you. Next, do comparative research to see if the pieces you like come at different price points. This way you can be an informed shopper; and better prepared to shop on a budget. 

Shop anywhere

When you’re shopping with a limited budget, consider low budget or discount shops. You’ll be surprised at what you can find at Walmart or discount stores. In this age of the world wide web, nothing is new, and you’ll be hard pressed to find clothing no one else has access to. So it’s not so much about what you buy but how you style it. 

And don’t rule out vintage or thrift stores (which I love). While you may be able to find more one-of-kind pieces there, keep in mind that it might be difficult to build a capsule wardrobe within a short period of time from vintage stores, particularly if you have specific ideas of what you want. The art of vintage shopping is to have loose expectations because you never know what you’ll find. So while it’s possible to create a wardrobe full of vintage pieces, it’s not likely something that will happen in one month. And a modern wardrobe has a mix of vintage and new pieces to create freshness. So focus on getting the clothes you need and mix it in with great vintage pieces as you find them. 

While shopping, it’s also important to choose pieces that will enhance your wardrobe. This involves identifying at least 2 other pieces in your wardrobe that each new piece will go with. This makes the pieces more versatile and an asset to your wardrobe. More than that, try to buy clothing that can be worn past one season. According to the 2018 article, those with clothing style confidence purchase clothes that can be used for a long time, and tend to opt for timeless styles. So if you are looking to build a wardrobe that doesn’t need to be switched up every season for the latest trend, consider buying staples pieces that you can wear long-term along with one or two trends you enjoy.

Consider color 

It’s true that the colors you wear have an impact on you and others. But the effect of color is complex, and its impact is attributable to a number of factors like our physiological responses to color, our cultural associations with it, our personal experiences with it, and the context in which it’s presented. Generally speaking, warm colors like red, orange, and yellow energize us while cool colors like green, blue, and purple relax us. For example, if you are looking to exude energy you may choose a warm color like orange. And if you are looking to exude a more calming presence, you may gravitate towards cooler colors. 

With budget in mind, you’ll want to consider the colors you purchase so you can spend your money wisely. Neutral colors like black, white, gray, or tan, can be subdued or dramatic. They act as background music when paired with brighter colors, and reinforce the characteristics of those colors. So while you need a variety of colors, you’ll want to make sure you have a fair share of neutrals as they can typically be worn with many other clothing pieces. Essentially, consider the colors you are drawn to, be sure to include neutrals, and know how to wear colors in ways that bring about the impact you are looking for. If you find you don’t have enough of your desired colors in your wardrobe, be sure to target them when shopping.

To Dupe or Not to Dupe: The Psychology of Wearing Knock-Off Brands

Saks Fifth Ave/ THe Attico

I’d call this a close replica. The dupe seems to have been inspired by the designer shoe but is different and simple enough to wear longer term.

While searching for a shoe to go with a dress I planned to wear to an event, I came across a very fitting designer heel—perfect for my outfit but not so much for my wallet. So I continued scrolling and got excited when I found the same shoe for a quarter of the price. Of course, it wasn’t quite the same shoe, but a near exact replica with the exception of one or two details.  Who would know? It looked exactly like the one I wanted, it’s more affordable, and does what I need it to do for the outfit. But just when I went to put it in my cart, my neurotic inclinations stopped me. Did I really want to wear these dupes? I’ll know they aren’t the real thing, and others, who pay attention to that kind of thing will too. Why was that a big deal for me? In that moment, I felt led to do some introspection. 

Counterfeits, Dupes, and the Self

Forever 21/Alaia

This dupe is a close replica and seemingly meant to be worn short-term due to the cheaper materials used.

According to a 2012 study in Psychological Science, people tend to buy counterfeits (that is, a fake luxury product presenting as the real thing) to enhance their image, and project to themselves and others an aspirational version of who they are. Unfortunately, it also has the unintended consequence of making us feel like we’re trying to be something we are not, and “signals” a counterfeit, inauthentic self. Notably, the study found that those who wore counterfeit glasses were not only more likely to feel less authentic, but to also behave unethically and perceive others as unethical as well. 

While dupes, also known as knock-offs, are not exactly counterfeits (at least legally as they do not use the same brand name and usually change up one or two details) they can be pretty darn close; and if you’re aware of the designer brand, you’ll know if the dupe is a little more than just a product “inspired by” the luxury brand. So perhaps, dupes carry the same unintended consequences as counterfeits, a sense that we are projecting an image that is not as authentic as we’d like it to be. There are some people, like myself, that seem to care more about that than others— What makes people care more or less?

Dupes and Values

Sam edelmans/Manolo Blahniks

This dupe seems to be more “inspired by” the Designer shoe than a replica. the wavy details gives it a unique touch.

Whether or not you embrace dupes may have something to do with what you value. According to an article in Vogue Business, Gen Z’s (those born between 1997 and 2012) have no problem with dupes; and in fact prefer them, particularly for trendy clothing that may not last more than a season. In other words, they want to present an image of luxury without spending the money to get it. More than that, Gen Z’s are loud and proud about their knock-offs. Even the term “dupes” sounds like something cool to have. Speaking as a Gen X’er myself, I can say that knock-offs were never one to brag about. We didn’t have “dupes”, we had “fakes” whether they were actually counterfeits or not.  Knock-offs were something we tried to hide (that’s if we knew they were knock-offs) as wearing them reflected badly on the person seen as “posing” or pretending to be something they are not. 

So what is the essence of this (seemingly generational) divide? Research shows that the more inaccessible or scarce a product, the higher the perceived value (via Psychology and Marketing).The reasons for this are complex, but it may have something to do with the value we place on being unique, particularly when it comes to clothing and other objects that reflect identity. But the desire to be unique and present an image of uniqueness may be separate processes. The latter seems to be more about having fun and presenting an image that is enhanced, but not necessarily feigned. That is, there is no shame in crafting an image that’s not necessarily true to reality b/c it is all in good fun— seemingly a byproduct of our social media age where everything is touched up or filtered. 

When I struggled to buy those dupes, I couldn’t shake the fact that it was a copy of a very specific shoe (as opposed to a more classic one). I don’t always know a dupe when I see it; but when I know, I have a hard time unknowing it.  Had it been a different shoe with a few different details, but the same feel, I would have felt better about it. Like the study mentioned, I felt the dupes made me feel inauthentic somehow—-I tied them to my identity as a creative person, and creatives don’t copy. On the other hand, if you don’t link dupes to your identity, but to a sense of frugalness, you may, similar to Gen Z’ers, see dupes as fun, and struggle less with buying them. 

Shop your values

Amazon/Bottega Veneta

This is pretty much an exact replica and marketed as a “dupe,” fun for those who want to indulge in luxury without spending the money to do so.

Ultimately, I didn’t go with the dupes. I found another luxury shoe from the same brand at a steep discount and went with those. But strangely, I’m much less picky about a pair of dupe earrings or a necklace if I really love it and it doesn’t go against my ethics (for example, brands who get hit really hard when big companies copy with no recognition). I like to have fun with jewelry and don’t always take it so seriously. On the other hand, shoes feel a little more substantial, and heavily dictates the mood of an outfit.

Someone else might feel differently about jewelry for different reasons. What we value can be attributable to a complex mix of factors including culture, personal experiences, and individual differences. Perhaps like Gen Z’ers, you’re fine with most dupes and prefer to invest your money in luxury items you feel are worth investing in. Or similar to someone like myself, you may strongly link authenticity to identity and not be as comfortable with dupes or at least certain dupes. But whatever you value, it’s important to be attuned to it. I could have easily bought the dupe shoes but it probably would have nagged at me. Clothing not only sends an image to others but impacts how we feel about ourselves, so it’s important to wear clothes that are aligned with our values. 

Additional considerations when Choosing Between Dupes and Luxury Brands

Joycename tennis necklace/Crystal haze Jewelry

This close replica has the feel of the designer necklace, but the tennis style sets it apart.

1. Know the difference between a product and its dupe. This requires some research given we don’t always know (at least I don’t) when a product is a dupe. Creativity is fluid, and the concept of dupes can sometimes be unclear. You may have a pair of reasonably priced shoes that looks just like an iconic shoe made years before. Is this a dupe? Or maybe a brand decides to give homage to an iconic or classic brand by making a replica handbag and acknowledges the inspo brand. Would this be considered a dupe? Typically, it’s a dupe if it is intentionally selling a replica of an of-the-moment product at a more affordable price. Sometimes the dupe will acknowledge itself as such, playing up the popularity of dupes, but be different enough so as not be accused of counterfeit. 

2. Study closely to see if the product is pretty much an exact replica or details have been changed, making it more of a close replica. If enough details have been changed, the shoe may feel more like it was “inspired by” the luxury brand than a replica. This is probably the dupe I’d feel most comfortable with.

3. Consider the price of the luxury product and the dupe; and whether you’ll wear it past one season. The more details on the replica that match the luxury product, the more closely it will be associated with the product, and possibly the more short-lived it will be, especially if the luxury product does not have longevity. If you decide to go with a replica, it should have fewer signature details than the on trend luxury product if you plan to wear it longer term. 

larosastyle/gucci

This Dupe is a near exact replica. the upper material is real leather, and gives the feel of a higher end shoe without having to actually buy one.

What Luxury Fashion Can Teach Us About Creating Our Ideal Wardrobe

image via vogue

We typically associate luxury fashion with status; and it’s impactful enough to affect us and the way others react to us. According to the concept of enclothed cognition, clothing affects the way we process information when we are wearing something that has symbolic meaning for us. And if you’ve worn a luxury item, you may know what it’s like to take on the characteristics, positive or negative, of what you think it means to wear it. Luxury fashion also sends a message to others that may cause them to make judgements and inferences about us. According to a 2011 study in Evolution and Human Behavior, people tend to treat a person who wears a luxury fashion item “more favorably” than when the person is not wearing one. While it’s tempting to judge these people, how many times have we responded to a piece of clothing differently when we realized it was a brand we admire? 

Brands are powerful, and rely on brand schemas (i.e., a script or framework that epitomizes the meaning of the brand for consumers) to solidify their reputation with us. Notably, as indicated in a 2021 paper presented at the International Science and Art Research Center, “brands reach out to their customers’ self-images by offering products that symbolize the lifestyles they have or would like to have and thus establish emotional bonds with them.” In other words, brands have mastered the art of creating stories we connect with and buy into.  

Likewise, our desire for human connection is also powerful. While some of us have a healthy desire for relationship, others struggle with validation and may over-rely on symbols like luxury items to get it. Notably, studies show that those who are high in self-consciousness are more likely to judge others by their appearance as they judge themselves by the same standard. So if people respond to you more favorably when you are wearing a luxury item, don’t judge too harshly, they may be great people, just influenced by brand schemas and struggling with insecurities like the rest of us. 

Image via Julia Marino for Vogue

Nevertheless, our perception of luxury varies and depends on a number of factors like our socioeconomic status, our cultural context, our lifestyle, and our sensibilities.  Pharell Williams, the newest creative director of Louis Vuitton menswear, told Vogue luxury is “convenience.” This is a very even-tempered approach to luxury; evokes images of comfort and ease; and is embodied in his line. For LV’s spring/summer menswear 2024 line, models flounced down the runway in oversized, relaxed proportions embellished with classic Damier patterns, and Williams’ signature “damouflage” print (i.e., a mix of Damier and camouflage). 

While we may be quick to say those in the upper echelons of society can afford ease, part of the reason luxury brands are expensive is because of the brand’s image and history which isn’t directly related to price, but to the story that we’ve been told about them. Similarly, Williams’ LV brand image isn’t entirely about financial status. He asserted that his gift is to “collaborate”; and this was evident by the diversity experienced during the show. There were clear references to hip-hop and the Black experience as models strutted down the runway to the sounds of a joyous gospel choir. In this vein, Williams projects a luxury that is inclusive, something antithetical to our understanding of it. He goes on to tell Vogue. “I realize… I am not the 100 percent author of my destiny. I know that I collaborate with fate, but I’m not running the show… I have immense gratitude for this moment, and I am electrified with excitement.” Interestingly, Williams’ infuses the luxury brand with intangibles like being grateful, spreading love, and valuing creativity in unexpected places. And these intangibles are reflected in the collaborative nature of his designs. Many would say these values are hard to come by, and perhaps like the brand itself, expensive. 

Image via Vogue

So whether we can afford luxury items or not, what stories do we tell ourselves about who we are in our clothes? How do we infuse our values into the way we look? What is our personal brand schema? We may not have luxury items but we can use clothes as a catalyst to create ideal versions of ourselves that makes us feel positive, isn’t dependent on validation, and makes us feel comfortable. Often when we experience gratitude and approach life from a place of humility and trust in our Creator, we can be at peace with our circumstances, excited for the future, and like Williams, have enough emotional energy to create a wonderful wardrobe. That is, we can create a wardrobe that fits in with who we are, that feels “convenient.” So if you’re looking to develop your fashion sense and create a wardrobe that works for you, consider these tips used by luxury brands. 

Identify your personal brand schema

image via vogue

As mentioned above, when we see a luxury fashion item, it usually doesn’t take long to conjure up an image of well, luxury—something elevated and unattainable. So just like luxury brand schemas are quickly activated, you can develop a personal brand schema, a framework that epitomizes your ideal image, the elevated version of you. Drawing from implicit personality theory (i.e., the expectation that certain traits co-occur), our appearance communicates something to ourselves and others through symbols or salient cues (i.e., parts of an outfit that stand out). In order to determine what image you want to project, you’ll have to be attuned to the symbols that characterize your outfit. This will take a little research, as it may be helpful to identify the images of others that appeal to you, and then figure out what about it resonates. This will help solidify an image that works for you. If you want to know more about developing a personal brand schema, I talk all about it in my Skillshare class. 

Curate a wardrobe that suits the lifestyle(s) you want to lead

Image via Vogue

Luxury fashion brands do a good job of creating lifestyle through clothing and accessories. When you see a LV bag, you associate it with “women who lunch”, or people who have access to resources. Similarly, you can develop a lifestyle story with your clothing that helps to solidify your personal brand schema and dictate the contents of your wardrobe. This involves re-organizing your wardrobe to make sure it only includes pieces that contribute to your overall personal brand schema. Set a time to do a closet cleanse, and give away any piece of clothing you no longer wear or does not suit the image you want to project. Then assess all the clothes you have left, be certain they suit the activities you will be doing as you move forward with the life you desire (if not, give those away too), and see what more you need to complete your wardrobe. 

Make sure each outfit is consistent with the image you desire for yourself. 

Image via vogue

It would be odd to see an ad for a luxury item that didn’t match the image we associated with it. It may even hurt the image and lower it’s status. Thus, for the luxury item to maintain its status, the branding must be consistent. Similarly, whenever you assemble outfits, be clear on the image or personal brand schema you are projecting. If you have difficulty doing so, consider the message you want to send to others with each specific outfit. Perhaps you have completed school, are establishing a career, and want to project “mature professional” on your first day at the job. What is the image you desire that goes along with that? Have you seen it anywhere? Collate ideas through a visual mood board or Pinterest; write down notes with descriptive words that detail the image and mood; and put together an outfit that suits your vision. This is one way to take advantage of the benefits of enclothed cognition, as it ensures you wear clothes that have a very clear symbolic meaning to you. The more you do this exercise, the clearer your personal brand schema will be, and the easier it will be to put outfits together.