Where Does Your Style Come From?

As many of you know, I combine my background as a registered social worker and certified fashion stylist. My background in mental health lends itself well to healing wounds related to body image and self-esteem. My experience as a therapist also allows me to better understand why we do what we do as humans, and answer important existential questions like, why are Crocs making a come back?

In the world of social work, we understand behavior to be the result of two things: social environment, and genetics. Therefore the way we act and the choices we make are a result of where and with whom we spend our time, as well as predisposed factors such as our DNA.

So, if I apply this theory to ALL choices we make, including getting dressed, this means our outfits are also a result of our social environment and genetics. Style science! (I'm a nerd, I know).

The Style Formula

The social environment is made up of:

1) Climate

Why are Timberland boots the "New York shoe”? Because they are warm, waterproof, and sturdy. People in L.A. don't necessarily need these elements in a shoe. People dress differently based on geographic locations.

2) Income

How much we are able to pay for clothing directly impacts what we buy and where we get it. Food, water, shelter, and clothes are basic needs. Getting dressed is a part of survival.

3) Culture

Our heritage and the heritage of those we spend time with impacts what we wear. If you are like Little Nas X and grew up in Georgia, you know country music has an influence on local culture. Lil Nas X is often found sporting cowboy boots and hat, but not your regular schmegular cowboy attire. Lil Nas X is known to rock green snakeskin fringe and iridescent boots, stating he is greatly influenced by LGBTQ icon, Prince.

Our genetics are made up of:

1) DNA we got at birth

We are of course born with a set of DNA from our parents (and ancestors) that makes us who we are physically. The genetic makeup of our DNA determines a lot about our physical appearance and health outcomes, which in turn determines what kind of body we get dressed each day.

2) DNA we create/change

Though much of our DNA is predetermined when we are born, there are circumstances that can shift this. This is an epigenetic change called methylation, which can occur after trauma. Trauma therefore impacts our very core, through the body, the mind, and arguably the spirit. Adversities influence decision making. For example, if one experiences a threat against their body or personal space, they later may feel more inclined to wear oversized clothing or layers of clothing. This can be a conscious or subconscious choice to in order to protect themselves, as clothes are our modern day armor.

In closing, behavior is a form of communication, and our clothing is a representation of this. However, there is a part of one’s unique style that is not explained by science. There is an inherent individuality in each person coming from the spirit or soul, whatever it is that separates us from robots. So while we can understand one another in the context of our social environment & genetics, we are not defined by them, nor by our clothing.

May you have the freedom to wear what you feel best expresses your true self, your whole self, the inexplicable self.