Personality Traits and Dress: Depressive Style

Are you ready for part 4 of our 5-part series, Personality Traits and Dress? If you missed previous posts on Narcissistic, Histrionic, and Dependent styles, you can find them here, here, and here. This week we're showcasing the downer Debbie of the bunch. It's one thing to feel depressed, but what does depressive style look like ? This is what I imagine:

Depressive Style

Illustration: Ann Shen

It goes without saying that someone with a depressive style is, well… depressive. Perhaps not to the point where they're not functioning, but they seem to carry with them a sense of doom and gloom. And quite frankly, it’s difficult to feel upbeat in their presence. Most of us have all been down and out at some point in our lives but thankfully many of us are able to bounce back and experience a sense of joy. But if you have a predominate depressive style, it may not be so easy to bounce back, and this may be reflected in your style of dress. If you only wear dark colors or neutral styles, sure you may look presentable, but the lack of joy you feel shows in your clothing. And after a while your drab look may even start to reinforce your negative feelings. Maybe you’ve decided that clothes don’t matter. Or maybe you’ve given up shopping altogether, and decided that the clothes you have in your closet will do just fine no matter how outdated or tired they may look. Either way, you’re outfits always read, “Don’t bother looking at me. There’s not much to see.”

Do you know anyone with depressive style? What has your experience been with them?

Personality Traits and Dress: Dependent Style

dependent style

Welcome to another installment of Personality Traits and Dress! Here we are at part 3 (see the other parts here and here) of our 5-part mini-series, and I don't know about you, but I'm really enjoying see these personality traits come to life through clothes. This is Dependent Style, the copycat cutie of the bunch.

Illustration: Ann Shen

Some people are more inclined to be submissive, and reluctant to assert their authority. Like the histrionic style, these individuals are dependent upon others, but in a more passive way. Rather than demand attention from others as is typical of the histrionic, they are likely to look to others for guidance and direction. These are the friends that rarely initiate a plan, and go along with most whatever you say. While too many dependent features can be problematic, many of us, at some point in our lives, have been reliant on others to help us make difficult decisions. I know I have. But if you have a predominate dependent style, perhaps you feel paralyzed when it comes to putting together an outfit and require the assistance of a close friend to assure you that you look fine. Or maybe you may be inclined to wear an outfit exactly as you saw it worn in the store or in a magazine just to be sure you are wearing it right. That is, you’re outfits always read, “I want to look just like you.” Ever feel like you rely too much on trends or others when putting together an outfit?

Personality Traits and Dress: Histrionic Style

Hey all! This week we're featuring part 2 of our 5 part mini-series, Personality Traits and Dress. (You can see part 1 here.) That's where we show personality traits (not personality disorders) as expressed through dress. While it's grounded in our understanding of personality traits/disorders,  we're really just having fun with these illustrations. Wouldn't you agree?  Here is Histrionic Style, the drama queen of all the personality traits.

 illustration by Ann Shen

You know that friend who’s constantly seeking excitement and attention, and never forgoes an opportunity to perform or be the center of it all. Well, that’s the “histrionic friend.” Dramatic as all get out, these individuals are pros at drawing attention to themselves. There are many overlapping features between the narcissistic and histrionic style, and in fact some people have both. But the histrionic person is more likely to depend upon attention and approval to feel a sense of adequacy, whereas the narcissist uses the attention to validate their sense of being special or different than others.  If you have a histrionic style of dress, you are inclined to stand out from the rest. We may find you in purple hair, massive amounts of jewelry, or anything else that might be a conversation starter.  I think we’ve all wanted to stand out from time-to-time, don’t you? But if you have a predominant histrionic style, your outfits always read, “I’m here, feel free to look. In fact, I’d prefer it.” I can think of quite a few people who fit this description. How about you?