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Dress Your Best Life: How Fashion Psychology Can Help Take Your Look – and Your Life - to the Next Level
Do you know what your clothes say about you? What we wear is a visual expression of our inner selves. Our clothes affect how we feel about ourselves and how people see us. How you dress matters.
In Dress Your Best Life, fashion psychologist Dawnn Karen reveals why we choose the clothes we do and explains how to dress to match or lift your mood. As a qualified therapist, designer, fashion PR and former model, Karen understands better than anyone the intimate relationship between what you wear and how you feel. From clients like Paul who want to revive his tired office wardrobe but keep going back to the same khaki trousers and light yellow shirt (his old school uniform) to Lindsey, whose 'mum uniform' of yoga pants and a baggy t-shirt eclipsed her sense of style when she became a first-time mum, Karen helps people overcome their wardrobe hang-ups.
Drawing on cutting edge research and real-life case studies, Karen shows you how to harness the power of clothes to change your life. The book will teach you how to:
- match or lift your mood with your clothes
- reduce anxiety through colour choices
- maintain your cultural identity
- project power at home and work
Enter the world of fashion psychology and Karen will help take your look - and your life - to the next level.
Dawnn Karen is a pioneer in the Fashion Psychology Field. She holds a master's degree in counselling psychology from Columbia University's Teaching College and she is a qualified therapist. She is a former model and fashion public relations representative and designer.
In Dress Your Best Life, fashion psychologist Dawnn Karen reveals why we choose the clothes we do and explains how to dress to match or lift your mood. As a qualified therapist, designer, fashion PR and former model, Karen understands better than anyone the intimate relationship between what you wear and how you feel. From clients like Paul who want to revive his tired office wardrobe but keep going back to the same khaki trousers and light yellow shirt (his old school uniform) to Lindsey, whose 'mum uniform' of yoga pants and a baggy t-shirt eclipsed her sense of style when she became a first-time mum, Karen helps people overcome their wardrobe hang-ups.
Drawing on cutting edge research and real-life case studies, Karen shows you how to harness the power of clothes to change your life. The book will teach you how to:
- match or lift your mood with your clothes
- reduce anxiety through colour choices
- maintain your cultural identity
- project power at home and work
Enter the world of fashion psychology and Karen will help take your look - and your life - to the next level.
Dawnn Karen is a pioneer in the Fashion Psychology Field. She holds a master's degree in counselling psychology from Columbia University's Teaching College and she is a qualified therapist. She is a former model and fashion public relations representative and designer.
240 pages, Paperback
Published March 19, 2020
78 people are currently reading
1673 people want to read
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September 19, 2021
Мені було приємно цю книжку прочитати. Не скажу, що відкрила з нею щось нове, просто мені вона була якраз актуальною, бо кілька місяців тому в мене стався персональний переворот в стилі одягу. Починаючи з юності, я любила принцесячі сукні, фактурні й кольорові балахони з шарфами й намистами, таке можна нагуглити як бохо або mori girl, в такому просторому й багатошаровому я себе бачила собою. І загалом не переглядала цей ідеал роками, не було підстав. І ось підстава виникла;) І не те щоб я мала намір змінювати одяг, але серед інших змін мені вперше в житті почав подобатися чорний колір (якого я завжди уникала, він мене депресував, а тепер раптом здався глибоким і єдиним адекватним мені зараз), почала помаленьку купувати новий (чорний) одяг, бо кольорові речі здавалися невідповідними і тупими, "це не я, зняти цю фігню швидше". І всі ці широкі кольорові сукні, так вийшло, відпали як ялинкова мішура, а подобається тепер дуже простий базовий одяг, лаконічний, однотонний, прості лінії, обмежені кольори, без зайвої інформації. Дуууже подобається. Ну ще мережива подобаються, ок. А решта все - просте, чорне, по тілу. І я тепер кайфую від своїх чорних джинсів і чорних майок. Власне, нічого іншого й не можу носити зараз. І от повертаюсь до теми книжки: коли читала її, то вже нічого не шукала, і тільки з насолодою піддакувала авторці: так, це круто, коли відчуваєш "своє" в дану мить, що найкраще транслює тебе зараз. Як же ж це чудово, що відпали ці принцесячі плаття, в яких зараз я б себе не могла знайти взагалі. Ось чому мені було приємно читати цю книжку.
February 18, 2021
I found this book through an article on Ted discussing cultural appropriation.
First I want to say I love the concept of fashion psychology. This book had me thinking both about my personal preferences and also about the way style plays a part in branding, my area of expertise. I had some interesting eye-openers and some takeaways that are already making a difference in my life.
With that said, I think the book could have done with tighter editing. The author provides quite a lot of information that - despite her claims that her self-disclosure is always a conscious decision - doesn't feel relevant. At other times different parts of the book feel contradictory. I'm sure this is because in truth fashion psychology is only part reasoning and the other part is intuition, but it can sure leave the reader confused (wait... so I should have a maximum of two similar pieces unless they make me happy in which case it's fine to have dozens? I shouldn't hide behind brands unless it's a conscious choice to fit in?). There are many subtleties around decision-making surrounding fashion that left me feeling confused and, though I can imagine the writer's intent, I think solid editing could have turned this idea into a better, clearer whole.
How I review non-fiction:
5 stars - Great. Well-written, thought-provoking, and possibly life-changing. Not just a book worth reading, a book worth having on your shelf.
4 stars - Good. Interesting, generally well-researched, relevant.
3 stars - Mediocre. Possibly a good idea, but so-so execution. Poor structure or somewhat flawed argumentation. Unoriginal.
2 stars - Poor. One or several of the following: poor writing, farfetched, repetitive, obvious. Possibly didn't finish.
1 star - Rubbish. Total waste of time. This book has no redeeming qualities - lacks logic, all over the place, badly researched, potentially harmful. Most likely didn't finish.
First I want to say I love the concept of fashion psychology. This book had me thinking both about my personal preferences and also about the way style plays a part in branding, my area of expertise. I had some interesting eye-openers and some takeaways that are already making a difference in my life.
With that said, I think the book could have done with tighter editing. The author provides quite a lot of information that - despite her claims that her self-disclosure is always a conscious decision - doesn't feel relevant. At other times different parts of the book feel contradictory. I'm sure this is because in truth fashion psychology is only part reasoning and the other part is intuition, but it can sure leave the reader confused (wait... so I should have a maximum of two similar pieces unless they make me happy in which case it's fine to have dozens? I shouldn't hide behind brands unless it's a conscious choice to fit in?). There are many subtleties around decision-making surrounding fashion that left me feeling confused and, though I can imagine the writer's intent, I think solid editing could have turned this idea into a better, clearer whole.
How I review non-fiction:
5 stars - Great. Well-written, thought-provoking, and possibly life-changing. Not just a book worth reading, a book worth having on your shelf.
4 stars - Good. Interesting, generally well-researched, relevant.
3 stars - Mediocre. Possibly a good idea, but so-so execution. Poor structure or somewhat flawed argumentation. Unoriginal.
2 stars - Poor. One or several of the following: poor writing, farfetched, repetitive, obvious. Possibly didn't finish.
1 star - Rubbish. Total waste of time. This book has no redeeming qualities - lacks logic, all over the place, badly researched, potentially harmful. Most likely didn't finish.
August 25, 2021
Якщо регулярно переглядати інстаграм та знати про модний дискурс "полюби себе", "найцікавіше всередині", то ця книжка скаже мало нового. цікаві факти з попкультури, індустрії моди.
May 12, 2021
I liked the way Prof. Karen really focused on her topic, made me think about fashion in terms of "why" rather than "how" like most fashion books do. Instead of telling her readers how to dress seasonally, how to try to match colors to skin tone to find out if you're a Summer or Autumn, or how to figure out what shapes work well with your body type, such as athletic, pear shaped, or apple shaped; instead, she covers new ground by bringing a sense of mindfulness and purpose to your existing closet. I really liked that she doesn't try to "change" or "make over" anyone. It's just about finding what you already own that makes you feel fabulous or powerful and how to work with what you've got to get more of that feeling into your daily life. One tip I really liked was to take an extra 5 minutes each morning prior to getting up to simply assess. How do you feel? What do you have planned for the day? How do you want to feel while doing that activity? Then scroll through photos you've taken of outfits to help you focus in on an outfit or a few items that can be mixed and matched for the optimal effect.
Through her examples and case studies, I realized a few things about my own wardrobe decisions. Yes, I'm obviously quite traditional and brought up on old-fashioned gender roles, after all, I am a librarian who loves to wear A line skirts and fit and flare dresses. But I always just thought I was dressing for myself, and my dresses make me feel pretty and girly. Which I quite enjoy.
But it can also be a rebuttal against the power suits I used to wear each day for work in my previous life in an advertising agency and at a spot television advertising/marketing office. I loved the relaxed atmosphere and public service aspect of librarianship compared to the high demand and fast paced office I left.
Also, in my new(ish) role as librarian, I am still making a self-identifying statement with my wardrobe to our library patrons. I think I act as a visual reminder to the public of a time when civility and good manners were important, when libraries were quiet places and librarians deserving of respect. Not all of my patrons seem to remember that in today's modern libraries. But perhaps by dressing modestly in flats, a silk scarf tied at my neck, and in flattering dresses, people might be less inclined to become aggressive or angry with me when I gently remind them that they cannot eat a burger and listen to their radio full blast while in the library..... perhaps...... At least I hope that's what my wardrobe conveys to the public..... Interesting.....
Through her examples and case studies, I realized a few things about my own wardrobe decisions. Yes, I'm obviously quite traditional and brought up on old-fashioned gender roles, after all, I am a librarian who loves to wear A line skirts and fit and flare dresses. But I always just thought I was dressing for myself, and my dresses make me feel pretty and girly. Which I quite enjoy.
But it can also be a rebuttal against the power suits I used to wear each day for work in my previous life in an advertising agency and at a spot television advertising/marketing office. I loved the relaxed atmosphere and public service aspect of librarianship compared to the high demand and fast paced office I left.
Also, in my new(ish) role as librarian, I am still making a self-identifying statement with my wardrobe to our library patrons. I think I act as a visual reminder to the public of a time when civility and good manners were important, when libraries were quiet places and librarians deserving of respect. Not all of my patrons seem to remember that in today's modern libraries. But perhaps by dressing modestly in flats, a silk scarf tied at my neck, and in flattering dresses, people might be less inclined to become aggressive or angry with me when I gently remind them that they cannot eat a burger and listen to their radio full blast while in the library..... perhaps...... At least I hope that's what my wardrobe conveys to the public..... Interesting.....
August 6, 2020
Dawnn Karen made me think hard about the unconscious decisions we make every morning and how "I have nothing to wear" syndrome can be indicative of other issues. This book was easy to read and had a great balance of psychology, fashion advice, and pop culture references that help to make the book feel down-to-earth without making it feel instantly dated. I hope this book catches on in popularity because mark my words: Karen will be the next Marie Kondo. Women especially will gobble this one up as Karen is speaking to us directly.
So whether you're in a fashion rut or you want to understand how what you wear may be perceived by others, check out Dress Your Best Life.
So whether you're in a fashion rut or you want to understand how what you wear may be perceived by others, check out Dress Your Best Life.
February 13, 2020
It's almost hard to believe fashion psychology didn't exist or wasn't mainstream until recently. The author explains the nuances of how our emotions affect our look and vice versa. There's a balance between facts & psychology and light-hearted fashion. More than the book, I fell in love with Dawnn and started following her on social media.
I received this book from Net Galley.
I received this book from Net Galley.
January 7, 2024
Really interesting book from a Fashion Psychologist.
July 1, 2024
3.5 stars
Having been to fashion school, some of the 'insights' mentioned here were already imbibed in my understanding of styling/fashion as I've seen them play out in front of me. Even then, having names and terms assigned to them was quite nice. Someone just starting to learn about fashion might find it loaded.
However, there are 2 unsatisfying things about this book
1. The number of times she mentions leopard print and snakeskin. I understand she would take references from her own style or life, but in this case this book seems over-indexed on her own style. As a person living in a country where I have almost never seen anyone don an animal print, I think these styles are not as versatile as she may claim.
2. The author makes references to her own looks at various events, and expects the readers to imagine what it must have look like. For a book that's so much about colour, textures, shapes and volumes I would expect to see it in pictures to understand what she means. I want to look at her photos in order to understand why her advice works. There are multiple references of her own outfits she wore to teach a class, visit her family and attend a red carpet event, but even searching for Dawnn Karen on th internet only shows the cover of this book, her interviews and none of her outfits. This is the biggest miss of this book for which I would take away almost 2 stars. I mean, if she says pink suit, WHICH pink am I supposed to imagine?
Having been to fashion school, some of the 'insights' mentioned here were already imbibed in my understanding of styling/fashion as I've seen them play out in front of me. Even then, having names and terms assigned to them was quite nice. Someone just starting to learn about fashion might find it loaded.
However, there are 2 unsatisfying things about this book
1. The number of times she mentions leopard print and snakeskin. I understand she would take references from her own style or life, but in this case this book seems over-indexed on her own style. As a person living in a country where I have almost never seen anyone don an animal print, I think these styles are not as versatile as she may claim.
2. The author makes references to her own looks at various events, and expects the readers to imagine what it must have look like. For a book that's so much about colour, textures, shapes and volumes I would expect to see it in pictures to understand what she means. I want to look at her photos in order to understand why her advice works. There are multiple references of her own outfits she wore to teach a class, visit her family and attend a red carpet event, but even searching for Dawnn Karen on th internet only shows the cover of this book, her interviews and none of her outfits. This is the biggest miss of this book for which I would take away almost 2 stars. I mean, if she says pink suit, WHICH pink am I supposed to imagine?
July 23, 2022
Легка книга, але в чому «психологія моди», очевидно не стало. Текст про ставлення до себе і власного одягу.
Не сподобалось - надлишковість попкультури і поверхневих трактувань цитат і образів її репрезентаторів, а ще збірка стереотипних тракутувань кольорів - нагадало якийсь підлітковий журнал чи розділ Психологія в жовтій пресі.
Сподобалось - позитивне ставлення до ідей сталості в індустрії моди, акценти на відмові від споживацтва і швидкої моди. Авторка натякає на пошук себе, усвідомлене формування власного стилю і розвиток вмінь розуміти себе і робити ласнтй вибір, але, на жаль, зовсім поверхнево.
Не сподобалось - надлишковість попкультури і поверхневих трактувань цитат і образів її репрезентаторів, а ще збірка стереотипних тракутувань кольорів - нагадало якийсь підлітковий журнал чи розділ Психологія в жовтій пресі.
Сподобалось - позитивне ставлення до ідей сталості в індустрії моди, акценти на відмові від споживацтва і швидкої моди. Авторка натякає на пошук себе, усвідомлене формування власного стилю і розвиток вмінь розуміти себе і робити ласнтй вибір, але, на жаль, зовсім поверхнево.
October 27, 2020
This book was just not what I was really looking for. I guess I was looking for something more about dressing my shape than my emotions. I skimmed through and did find some interesting tid bits, but most of which I already knew. For example, I already knew that I sometimes dress how I feel, or dress to improve how I feel.
I had never heard of the brown bag test, a way of saying that a black person is prettier/more acceptable if they are no browner than a paper bag. It makes me want to weep. Not that this is something she invented it goes way back, I had just never heard of it. I hope that is because it is becoming a thing of the past and not just because I'm white. My heart goes out to her for the traumas she has endured and the help she has given others.
I had never heard of the brown bag test, a way of saying that a black person is prettier/more acceptable if they are no browner than a paper bag. It makes me want to weep. Not that this is something she invented it goes way back, I had just never heard of it. I hope that is because it is becoming a thing of the past and not just because I'm white. My heart goes out to her for the traumas she has endured and the help she has given others.
June 8, 2022
This was an awesome book for those interested in fashion - and those individuals only! This entire book is all about fashion and how to change up your style (and confidence). I thought the book was alright but at times it got a little boring if I'm being honest. The author also writes a lot on the topic of "fashion psychology" which was different. The author however does have an amazing life story which was inspiring to read about!
September 13, 2020
A fun read on the psychological choices behind our clothing choices and how to curate a wardrobe to your personal style/needs. Also discusses ethical clothing choices, social media pros and cons, and staying authentic.
Questions to ask as you shop and get dressed:
1) Does this make me feel incredible?
2) Do I love it?
3) Do I need it?
4) What do I already have to work with?
5) Who made it, with what materials, and how ethically was it sourced and manufactured?
Questions to ask as you shop and get dressed:
1) Does this make me feel incredible?
2) Do I love it?
3) Do I need it?
4) What do I already have to work with?
5) Who made it, with what materials, and how ethically was it sourced and manufactured?
September 16, 2021
This book has a bit of an identity crisis. It's part style guide, part self-help, and part psychology text. It can feel a little all over the place and even contradictory at times, but if you slug through it you can find a lot of insight and advice you won't find in other books about style, insight that I think everybody needs if they want to heal their relationship with clothes.
Because that's what this book is all about, healing your relationship with clothes. Dawnn Karen doesn't say that explicitly, she gets a little too caught up in #branding to delve to the heart of the matter in the confines of this book, but the field she is creating is an important tool in unraveling disordered dressing behaviors. And yes, the way we dress can be disordered and yes, it matters.
This book shines when Dawnn (I mean no disrespect, I just don't think I can refer to her by her last name. She's no Karen!) focuses on the psychology. Her case studies are insightful and where I found what I have failed to find in all the other fashion books I've been reading. When she goes into professor mode, the book becomes fascinating. For example, her segments on church hats and situational code switching were brilliant. She knows her stuff and is an excellent teacher.
But that's where this book gets frustrating, because the case studies and mini-fashion lectures are second and third fiddle to the style advice. This is a book marketed as dressing for success, it's a self help style guide written exclusively for ciswomen. For all of Dawnn's talk about culture and inclusivity, this is a book for priveleged upper middle class and wealthy city dwellers. It is a book for straight sized women to read the same style advice they can get in 100 different books.
In short, it's not "fashion psychology", it's "psychology but fashion."
I don't blame Dawnn. I liked her, I liked reading her story and I related to her, I just think trying to get in all she wanted to get it and appeal broadly to the kind of audience who would purchase a "fashion psychology" book meant sacrficing some of the psychology. The book felt dumbed down.
It also felt contradictory in the way that she would spend so much time trying to build up the reader and convince them that they can wear clothes they already own and experiment with looks they love and clothes that feel right to them, but then have sections about when to wear what colors or what to wear when you feel lonely. Not saying there wasn't value in those segments, but the way they were written felt like articles ripped straight out of Cosmo. One minute I felt confident I could forget the rules and dress mindfully, the next I'm trying to remember to wear yellow to playdates and scarves when I'm lonely and oh no, I need to buy a yellow sweater and a scarf... And you get my point. It didn't all fit together.
I don't know if I can recommend this book. I enjoyed it and got a lot out of it. I want to recommend it because I think everyone could benefit from fashion psychology (we all have to get dressed! Fashion is how we interact with ourselves and others! It's almost as vital as eating), but this book in this format isn't the book that will turn people on to fashion psychology (especially because it's only written for women).
If you are a psychology nerd like me and have felt that there is more to getting dressed than just getting dressed and feel up for parsing through a book that tries to be too many things, this one is worth reading. I learned that fashion incongruence was exacerbating my depression and anxiety, I learned how focal accessories can help me feel grounded and in control, and I learn how fashion identification assimilation and fashion situational code switching are why at times I don't feel defined in who I am. Mindful dressing is a revelation, and knowing how clothes can enhance or illustrate my mood is an excellent tool for self awareness.
Knowing my fashion pathology has given me a sense of control over what I wear and I feel more empowered to maintain my wardrobe and get dressed everyday.
Most importantly, this book is VALIDATING! You are not vain for caring about how you look. Fashion isn't frivolous. If you've ever felt disatisfied with your wardrobe, but have felt belittled and invalidated when you tried to talk about it, this book will help you see why it matters and why your feelings are valid.
Fashion is a social science. Dawnn Karen gets it, and now I do too.
Because that's what this book is all about, healing your relationship with clothes. Dawnn Karen doesn't say that explicitly, she gets a little too caught up in #branding to delve to the heart of the matter in the confines of this book, but the field she is creating is an important tool in unraveling disordered dressing behaviors. And yes, the way we dress can be disordered and yes, it matters.
This book shines when Dawnn (I mean no disrespect, I just don't think I can refer to her by her last name. She's no Karen!) focuses on the psychology. Her case studies are insightful and where I found what I have failed to find in all the other fashion books I've been reading. When she goes into professor mode, the book becomes fascinating. For example, her segments on church hats and situational code switching were brilliant. She knows her stuff and is an excellent teacher.
But that's where this book gets frustrating, because the case studies and mini-fashion lectures are second and third fiddle to the style advice. This is a book marketed as dressing for success, it's a self help style guide written exclusively for ciswomen. For all of Dawnn's talk about culture and inclusivity, this is a book for priveleged upper middle class and wealthy city dwellers. It is a book for straight sized women to read the same style advice they can get in 100 different books.
In short, it's not "fashion psychology", it's "psychology but fashion."
I don't blame Dawnn. I liked her, I liked reading her story and I related to her, I just think trying to get in all she wanted to get it and appeal broadly to the kind of audience who would purchase a "fashion psychology" book meant sacrficing some of the psychology. The book felt dumbed down.
It also felt contradictory in the way that she would spend so much time trying to build up the reader and convince them that they can wear clothes they already own and experiment with looks they love and clothes that feel right to them, but then have sections about when to wear what colors or what to wear when you feel lonely. Not saying there wasn't value in those segments, but the way they were written felt like articles ripped straight out of Cosmo. One minute I felt confident I could forget the rules and dress mindfully, the next I'm trying to remember to wear yellow to playdates and scarves when I'm lonely and oh no, I need to buy a yellow sweater and a scarf... And you get my point. It didn't all fit together.
I don't know if I can recommend this book. I enjoyed it and got a lot out of it. I want to recommend it because I think everyone could benefit from fashion psychology (we all have to get dressed! Fashion is how we interact with ourselves and others! It's almost as vital as eating), but this book in this format isn't the book that will turn people on to fashion psychology (especially because it's only written for women).
If you are a psychology nerd like me and have felt that there is more to getting dressed than just getting dressed and feel up for parsing through a book that tries to be too many things, this one is worth reading. I learned that fashion incongruence was exacerbating my depression and anxiety, I learned how focal accessories can help me feel grounded and in control, and I learn how fashion identification assimilation and fashion situational code switching are why at times I don't feel defined in who I am. Mindful dressing is a revelation, and knowing how clothes can enhance or illustrate my mood is an excellent tool for self awareness.
Knowing my fashion pathology has given me a sense of control over what I wear and I feel more empowered to maintain my wardrobe and get dressed everyday.
Most importantly, this book is VALIDATING! You are not vain for caring about how you look. Fashion isn't frivolous. If you've ever felt disatisfied with your wardrobe, but have felt belittled and invalidated when you tried to talk about it, this book will help you see why it matters and why your feelings are valid.
Fashion is a social science. Dawnn Karen gets it, and now I do too.
August 30, 2020
I was immediately intrigued by this book, but just ended up skimming it after I watched the author's TED Talk. I didn't feel like I needed to read the whole book as I already believe in the philosophy that fashion and moods are intertwined. I think other beauty aspects, like makeup, are part of this psychology as well. The end of each chapter had a summary, so I mainly stuck to that. I did read the section on colors, because I am obsessed with them.
I have been known to put my entire closet in rainbow order to make it more visually appealing and to bring me added happiness. Then I ended up putting all of my clothes in garment bags to help with my allergies. It is not quite as fun, but it is still color coded.
I have been known to build an entire outfit around a central theme, like my desire for a trip to Hawaii. It is very similar to decorating a room around one focal point. I also attended a big choir event once where the soloist wore the flag of their country in the lining of their jacket. How can you not love that?
During quarantine I purchased a few fashion items to boost my mood. Like the author, I am an online shopper instead of an in store shopper. So these purchases worked, until I went back to the office. Between the less exciting work days and the 100 degree temperatures, my rotating wardrobe is down to about 7 outfits. I guess I am waiting for that special occasion to break out the rest of my closet. Maybe once autumn officially arrives I will find joy in mixing and matching my clothes again.
I have been known to put my entire closet in rainbow order to make it more visually appealing and to bring me added happiness. Then I ended up putting all of my clothes in garment bags to help with my allergies. It is not quite as fun, but it is still color coded.
I have been known to build an entire outfit around a central theme, like my desire for a trip to Hawaii. It is very similar to decorating a room around one focal point. I also attended a big choir event once where the soloist wore the flag of their country in the lining of their jacket. How can you not love that?
During quarantine I purchased a few fashion items to boost my mood. Like the author, I am an online shopper instead of an in store shopper. So these purchases worked, until I went back to the office. Between the less exciting work days and the 100 degree temperatures, my rotating wardrobe is down to about 7 outfits. I guess I am waiting for that special occasion to break out the rest of my closet. Maybe once autumn officially arrives I will find joy in mixing and matching my clothes again.
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November 19, 2022Є реально цікаві поради, які безпосередньо стосуються психології та одягу. Це варіанти підбору вбрання під настрій. Авторка пропонує щоранку обирати один із них і почуватися краще увесь день. Інші речі, пов’язані із психологією, мені не дуже відгукнулись: я не шопоголік, не слідкую за інста-дівами, брендами не цікавлюсь. Багато у книзі питань, які радше стосуються соціології, культурології, та навіть маркетингу. Так, це все безпосередньо пов’язано із людиною, її поведінкою, її рішеннями, і все це можна натягти на психологію моди. Але власне психології в книжці мені якось і бракувало. Можна навіть з цікавістю прочитати про певні культурні процеси в Америці, ба бальше - спробувати знайти аналогії ближче до нас, але у практичному сенсі "покращення стиля і життя" воно мало що дає.
Не можу сказати, що шкодую про час - не така вже велика книжка. Хоча читається не дуже жваво. Затягнутий вступ, не дуже зрозумілі приклади людей, які звертались по допомогу. Добрий загальний розслабляючий мотив - занадто вже не паритися тим одягом.
Не можу сказати, що шкодую про час - не така вже велика книжка. Хоча читається не дуже жваво. Затягнутий вступ, не дуже зрозумілі приклади людей, які звертались по допомогу. Добрий загальний розслабляючий мотив - занадто вже не паритися тим одягом.
April 11, 2022
Хороший привід замислитися та порефлексувати над тим, що ми використовуємо щоденно. Дійсно, одяг може багато що сказати про людину, ми можемо керувати тим, як нас сприймають люди, а також своїм настроєм та сприйняттям себе. Є хороші поради з приводу особистого гардеробу, проте нічого надзвичайного
March 23, 2024
When talking about fashion, there are usually two things you don’t usually hear associated with it-Blacks and psychology. Both seem to belong to a whole different universe with one being sports, urban life, and celebrity and the other Caucasian Academia and self-help. Dawnn Karen, author of “Dress Your Best Life” is out to break through those stereotypes, by not just writing about the psychology of Fashion, but also by telling it from a Black woman’s perspective.
She grew up in the Midwest, surrounded by a close-knit Caribbean family, who encouraged her drive to become highly educated and excel, at whatever she did. Facing the “stigma of going to therapy” she nonetheless balances her family’s beliefs about therapy with what she learned as a psychology student in school. Combined with her experience as a model in New York she seamlessly ties together fashion and psychology so easily. It feels as if the field always existed.
Through her own trials and tribulation, she illuminates how mood enhancement and mood illustration dress. can help others on a daily basis, in an extended introduction she calls “My Style Story”. Explaining how she “was shoring herself up to face the world” she becomes her own patient, as well, with fashion as a solution to her shattered self-esteem.
Divided into 10 chapters, that help the reader relate to the subject, and accept the sound advice offered Karen aids the process by including real life case studies, psychology exercises, and “key tips, and takeaways” within the chapters. Intensely text driven the book, offers, few visuals, other than font changes, giving it a scholarly feel that wouldn’t work for this genre, if the writing weren’t so street savvy, witty and au courant.
Aimed at the average mainstream, female consumer, who needs style help this book also seems to be aimed at fashion students, psychology, buffs, and African-American or Black women.
While as an African-American woman, former fashion, student, and psychology buff, I did feel this book has a lot to offer as a resource for me, as a permanent addition to my personal library I don’t feel it totally measures up because it doesn’t offer any new style insight or advice. That being said, as a resource for those starting on their style journey,within the workforce or following a life change, it’s a valuable piece of fashion literature worth reading, and referring to often.
She grew up in the Midwest, surrounded by a close-knit Caribbean family, who encouraged her drive to become highly educated and excel, at whatever she did. Facing the “stigma of going to therapy” she nonetheless balances her family’s beliefs about therapy with what she learned as a psychology student in school. Combined with her experience as a model in New York she seamlessly ties together fashion and psychology so easily. It feels as if the field always existed.
Through her own trials and tribulation, she illuminates how mood enhancement and mood illustration dress. can help others on a daily basis, in an extended introduction she calls “My Style Story”. Explaining how she “was shoring herself up to face the world” she becomes her own patient, as well, with fashion as a solution to her shattered self-esteem.
Divided into 10 chapters, that help the reader relate to the subject, and accept the sound advice offered Karen aids the process by including real life case studies, psychology exercises, and “key tips, and takeaways” within the chapters. Intensely text driven the book, offers, few visuals, other than font changes, giving it a scholarly feel that wouldn’t work for this genre, if the writing weren’t so street savvy, witty and au courant.
Aimed at the average mainstream, female consumer, who needs style help this book also seems to be aimed at fashion students, psychology, buffs, and African-American or Black women.
While as an African-American woman, former fashion, student, and psychology buff, I did feel this book has a lot to offer as a resource for me, as a permanent addition to my personal library I don’t feel it totally measures up because it doesn’t offer any new style insight or advice. That being said, as a resource for those starting on their style journey,within the workforce or following a life change, it’s a valuable piece of fashion literature worth reading, and referring to often.
June 13, 2020
Thank you Dawnn Karen for being a pioneer in the field of Fashion Psychology!! My close friends and family know over the past year I’ve gone through a big mid life course correction. I’ve struggled with how to dress this new body. Needed a whole new wardrobe and was overwhelmed with which direction to take. Then I learned about Dawnn. Watched her TED-X video, browsed her website, read her book and even had a few remote teletherapy sessions with her. Love her mindset! Favorite line in the book is “clothes are a mood-altering substance”.
We stopped talking when the pandemic hit and went on lockdown. Didn’t care about my clothes at all for a period. But after a month of depression and drab I needed to do something to lift me from the dark hole of COVID. Several things helped including new yellow pants! Never wore yellow before!! DM’ed Dawnn in excitement at how the yellow pants lifted my mood and the mood of everyone around me. Made all kinds of people smile.
I highly recommend this book to anyone struggling with their wardrobe. And thank you for all you do Dawnn!! Who knew I needed a Fashion Psychologist in my life??!!
We stopped talking when the pandemic hit and went on lockdown. Didn’t care about my clothes at all for a period. But after a month of depression and drab I needed to do something to lift me from the dark hole of COVID. Several things helped including new yellow pants! Never wore yellow before!! DM’ed Dawnn in excitement at how the yellow pants lifted my mood and the mood of everyone around me. Made all kinds of people smile.
I highly recommend this book to anyone struggling with their wardrobe. And thank you for all you do Dawnn!! Who knew I needed a Fashion Psychologist in my life??!!
March 14, 2023
Dawnn writes on a subject I knew very little about before reading this book; va Fashion psychology is basically how clothes dictate our actions and thoughts and vice versa. One thing I liked about the book is that she supports her material with studies from psychologists and fashion gurus. Another thing that I liked about the book is how we as regular people can use fashion psychology to better our lives. For example, our closet should just have a repertoire of pieces that bring us joy and that we utilize in our daily lives… trends and pieces we say we’re going to wear one day, but never wear need to be thrown out to prevent what she calls, decision, fatigue; if we have less clutter in our closets, we of course make less decisions and in life we make a lot of decisions in our home and in our careers,. I would like the book better if the author went more in depth with her advice and different fashion topics. For example she uses Beyoncé to support her work, but I would like to look at this subject more of in a academic light.
April 3, 2025
насправді, це корисна книжка
мені купила її мама в період, коли в мене було тисячі істерик через вибір одягу
я витрачала купу грошей на одяг, який мені переставав подобатись через кілька років
потім цей період скоротився на місяці, а місяці-на тижні… й це змушувало мене почуватись жалюгідно
особливо мій гардероб вдаряв по моїй самооцінці на якісь свята, коли в мене не було достатньо святкового (на мій погляд) вбрання
я почала читати цю книжку й це було так довго, що склалось враження, наче я нічого нового не навчилась
згодом згадала, що коли її читала, кілька разів ловила себе на думці типу «їбать, реально?»
помітила, що буквально кожного ранку і вечора я користуюсь порадами з цієї книжки
вибір одягу втомлює, але завдяки моїй рішучості, я нарешті купила собі купу речей, які хотіла вже декілька років!
з панківських чи наче приємних речей, які насправді i don’t like на мені, я перейшла на більш спокійно нейтральні й приємні до тіла й вух фасонів
мені є куди рухатись, але мій напрям здається правильним завдяки цій книжці! дякую ><
мені купила її мама в період, коли в мене було тисячі істерик через вибір одягу
я витрачала купу грошей на одяг, який мені переставав подобатись через кілька років
потім цей період скоротився на місяці, а місяці-на тижні… й це змушувало мене почуватись жалюгідно
особливо мій гардероб вдаряв по моїй самооцінці на якісь свята, коли в мене не було достатньо святкового (на мій погляд) вбрання
я почала читати цю книжку й це було так довго, що склалось враження, наче я нічого нового не навчилась
згодом згадала, що коли її читала, кілька разів ловила себе на думці типу «їбать, реально?»
помітила, що буквально кожного ранку і вечора я користуюсь порадами з цієї книжки
вибір одягу втомлює, але завдяки моїй рішучості, я нарешті купила собі купу речей, які хотіла вже декілька років!
з панківських чи наче приємних речей, які насправді i don’t like на мені, я перейшла на більш спокійно нейтральні й приємні до тіла й вух фасонів
мені є куди рухатись, але мій напрям здається правильним завдяки цій книжці! дякую ><
December 9, 2020
I highly recommend this book enough to anyone interested in Enclothed Cognition. This book isn't just about figuring out how to dress, but Professor Dawnn Karen helps the reader understand oneself better, as well. What we wear expresses to the world how we see ourselves and the reader is encouraged to explore why. This book dove deep into past memories and it encouraged me to reflect on specific sartorial choices. I feel that I have deepened my understanding of how my experiences and past traumas have influenced my style. I especially appreciated her section on being a woke consumer, paying specific attention to my brand choices and how I can more positively influence/demand from legitimate companies (read: equitable and fair-trade companies, as two examples). All of this and more is from an author who is the first to pave the way of this avant-garde field of psychology and I am looking forward to more from her!
February 1, 2021
What a read. Karen strips back the layers of physical and emotional/internalized conditioning that society has taught us to show the reader their true self.
Granted, I felt like the last two chapters would fit better in the middle of the book, at least to reinforce realigning our values and showing the underbelly of the fashion world. These points could fill multiple volumes, all of which I’d read (or listen to if available on audio). Thank you to the author for mentioning size inclusivity and ableism in the fashion industry! (The discussion of colourism was appreciated too).
What I wanted more of: discussion of gender and dress. The author focuses on the binary spectrum, but as a non-binary (female/feminine in appearance) person a further dive into gender roles and gendered clothing/perception of gender based on clothing would be appreciated. If this author anyone else has written something on the topic please comment below!
Granted, I felt like the last two chapters would fit better in the middle of the book, at least to reinforce realigning our values and showing the underbelly of the fashion world. These points could fill multiple volumes, all of which I’d read (or listen to if available on audio). Thank you to the author for mentioning size inclusivity and ableism in the fashion industry! (The discussion of colourism was appreciated too).
What I wanted more of: discussion of gender and dress. The author focuses on the binary spectrum, but as a non-binary (female/feminine in appearance) person a further dive into gender roles and gendered clothing/perception of gender based on clothing would be appreciated. If this author anyone else has written something on the topic please comment below!
September 17, 2023
Public library copy
This was okay, just not what I was wanting. It had a lot of information about how people's moods are affected by clothing, but seemed to address this is the simplest way-- if you are depressed and can't get out of bed, get dressed in nice clothes and that will help. Or, if you need to make a good impression, wear something that makes you feel powerful and that is comfortable. I was hoping there would be more information about how what we wear affects others, but this was more inwardly focused.
It also seems geared to a different level of clothing consumption and lifestyle. Capes are awesome, but I don't have the kind of job where a cape would ever be practical!
This was more for people who feel conflicted about clothes and struggle with what to wear. I love my clothes even though I have a strict $3 limit for each item at the thrift store, so the sections on problems with buying clothes and formulating outfits didn't work for me.
This was okay, just not what I was wanting. It had a lot of information about how people's moods are affected by clothing, but seemed to address this is the simplest way-- if you are depressed and can't get out of bed, get dressed in nice clothes and that will help. Or, if you need to make a good impression, wear something that makes you feel powerful and that is comfortable. I was hoping there would be more information about how what we wear affects others, but this was more inwardly focused.
It also seems geared to a different level of clothing consumption and lifestyle. Capes are awesome, but I don't have the kind of job where a cape would ever be practical!
This was more for people who feel conflicted about clothes and struggle with what to wear. I love my clothes even though I have a strict $3 limit for each item at the thrift store, so the sections on problems with buying clothes and formulating outfits didn't work for me.
January 23, 2024
A refreshing book written by Dawnn Karen, a pioneer in the discipline of Fashion Psychology, which grew from her qualifications in Psychology, experience in the fashion industry, and keen intuition garnered through observing and experiencing life's challenges. There are some very ugly experiences which have led to the unique skill-set of the author and other subjects in the book, but I was left inspired by their response and subsequent healing through fashion. It was fascinating to see that the style prescription rarely required purchasing anything new, but tapped into the psychology of the wearer and the power clothing can provide in different contexts. Pleasingly, Dawnn also presented some thought-provoking style concepts I've not seen explained elsewhere, including the use of woke fashion (aligning clothing decisions to ethics which match your own), and the avoidance of cultural appropriation in style.
September 10, 2024
Якщо вам знайоме відчуття «коли нема чого одягти», ви ще досі не знайшли свій стиль, а імпульсивні покупки все більше непокоять ваш гаманець, то ця книга для ВАС!
Я очікувала на історію моди чи закономірності виникнення трендів, а натомість прочитала про свідоме споживання та прийняття себе. Авторка Донн Керен «стиліст 2.0» якого цікавить не тільки те, що на тобі, а як ти почуваєшся у цьому. Вона одна з перших почала досліджувати звʼязок між вбранням та самопочуттям.
Дивовижно, який промовистий одяг, як багато він здатен розповісти про вашу особистість, національність, культурну приналежність, роботу та громадську позицію. Як він може відображати чи покращувати настрій.
Книга - доволі проста. У ній мало чого нового, є певні штампи, та мені сподобався вайб. Принаймні після прочитання я почуваюсь натхненною.
«Твій щасливий одяг» спонукає зазирнути не тільки у свою шафу, а й всередину себе» 🚪
February 5, 2022
The concepts in this book are ones that I agree with wholeheartedly. What you wear can change how you feel, and I am happy to find works that tackle style from this angle. I really like the underlying theory of all of this.
But this feels like an outfit where I like all the individual pieces, but the completed ensemble doesn't hang together as well as I would like. The ideas are all interesting, but a stronger editing hand would have given a clearer book.
I agree with another review that brought up the self disclosures. There are a lot of them, and though the book explicitly says they are all intentional, I wonder a little about that. Honestly I would have liked more case studies.
The study of clothes and how they interact with our emotions, is a worthy one, and I'm glad that the conversation has been started, even though I found this a little uneven.
But this feels like an outfit where I like all the individual pieces, but the completed ensemble doesn't hang together as well as I would like. The ideas are all interesting, but a stronger editing hand would have given a clearer book.
I agree with another review that brought up the self disclosures. There are a lot of them, and though the book explicitly says they are all intentional, I wonder a little about that. Honestly I would have liked more case studies.
The study of clothes and how they interact with our emotions, is a worthy one, and I'm glad that the conversation has been started, even though I found this a little uneven.
January 28, 2023
The topic is very interesting, she has great points and did the research. But she needs an editor too.
The introduction could be called a memoir. It's fine to share parts of your life story or introduce yourself but around 15-20 pages are overkill. After 10 minutes I checked if I opened the book I wanted to.
I stopped reading about page 70-80. I understand that she has a lot of stories to share. But it was such a "Me, Me, Me. Let me talk about me." feeling. Also, there are so many sentences and paragraphs where it says "if you are my client on a session we would do that, but here is the DIY version for you."
I understand you can't share all things through a book. I understand the difference between a book and an in-person session. But as a reader, this felt like a 250 pages sales pitch after I already bought her book.
The introduction could be called a memoir. It's fine to share parts of your life story or introduce yourself but around 15-20 pages are overkill. After 10 minutes I checked if I opened the book I wanted to.
I stopped reading about page 70-80. I understand that she has a lot of stories to share. But it was such a "Me, Me, Me. Let me talk about me." feeling. Also, there are so many sentences and paragraphs where it says "if you are my client on a session we would do that, but here is the DIY version for you."
I understand you can't share all things through a book. I understand the difference between a book and an in-person session. But as a reader, this felt like a 250 pages sales pitch after I already bought her book.
August 12, 2023
Оскільки авторка цієї книги психологиня-практик, яка спеціалізується на психології моди, цілком очікувано, що і головна її тема крутиться навколо того, як зробити себе щасливішою за топомогою одягу. Ну або ж як з допомогою одягу вирішити низку психологічних проблем. Ну або ж як зробити так, щоб твій зовнішній вигляд гармоніював з твоєю ж особистістю. Дивлячись що вас бентежить.
Тобто у цій праці ви не знайдете порад по створенню капсульного гардеробу, або коментарів стосовно трендів чи типу фігури. Натомість тут зібрано багато статистики, посилань на наукові дослідження зв’язку зовнішнього вигляду і внутрішнього стану людини.
Підійде тим, хто має клопіт з:
- надмірною кількістю речей в гардеробі
- одноманітністю одягу
- почуттям дискомфорту стосовно свого стилю
- втоми від прийняття рішень у що вдягтися або що купити.
Тобто у цій праці ви не знайдете порад по створенню капсульного гардеробу, або коментарів стосовно трендів чи типу фігури. Натомість тут зібрано багато статистики, посилань на наукові дослідження зв’язку зовнішнього вигляду і внутрішнього стану людини.
Підійде тим, хто має клопіт з:
- надмірною кількістю речей в гардеробі
- одноманітністю одягу
- почуттям дискомфорту стосовно свого стилю
- втоми від прийняття рішень у що вдягтися або що купити.
February 14, 2024
This book will have a positive impact on my life, it highlights the psychological link between the joy of purchasing new clothes and the gaps elsewhere in our lives.
The book then establishes our connection with our clothes and gives tools to fill the other gaps in our lives so we can be more mindful of what we buy and make sure we buy for the right reasons.
It has allowed me to think again what I enjoy wearing, how I like to present myself and how I can draw on clothes for emotional support in an uncostly manner.
This fits with my need for a simpler life and I wish to full engage with it. Wait & see.
I'd recommend the book to anyone regardless of age as I think we can all learn from it. I think we have to learn from books such as this to change the fast fashion world and be kinder to our planet.
The book then establishes our connection with our clothes and gives tools to fill the other gaps in our lives so we can be more mindful of what we buy and make sure we buy for the right reasons.
It has allowed me to think again what I enjoy wearing, how I like to present myself and how I can draw on clothes for emotional support in an uncostly manner.
This fits with my need for a simpler life and I wish to full engage with it. Wait & see.
I'd recommend the book to anyone regardless of age as I think we can all learn from it. I think we have to learn from books such as this to change the fast fashion world and be kinder to our planet.
October 27, 2025
Читала цю книгу дуже цікава ідея про те, що одяг може бути не просто річчю, а частиною нашого внутрішнього стану. І справді, коли щось сидить добре, приємне до тіла і відповідає твоєму настрою почуваєшся впевненіше й спокійніше. Це ніби невеликий психологічний підсилювач. Після прочитання я вирішила оновити трохи свій гардероб і взяла костюм від TWICE тут https://twice.com.ua/15-kostyumi. І чесно відчуття зовсім інші. Тканина комфортна, фасон лаконічний, але стильний, і в ньому реально легко тримати спину рівно та відчувати себе зібраною. Тому абсолютно підтримую думку книги: коли одяг твій він працює на тебе! І якщо шукаєш щось стильне і базове раджу придивитися до TWICE.
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