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Big Dress Energy: How Fashion Psychology Can Transform Your Wardrobe and Your Confidence
This is a makeover for more than just your wardrobe, it's about improving your overall well-being
Your days of screaming 'I have nothing to wear' while clawing your way out of a heaving pile of clothes are officially over. In this unique and transformational style guide, fashion psychologist Shakaila Forbes-Bell explores how our wardrobe acts as an extension of our identity and offers practical advice on how we can harness the principles of fashion psychology to upgrade our look - and dress in a way that feels completely authentic.
Because what you wear matters: your clothes can affect your mood, how others perceive you and the way you see yourself. So how do you make sure that they are saying all the right things?
Drawing on in-depth research and work with clients, Shakaila offers universal tips and cutting-edge advice that will empower you to shop in a more mindful, sustainable and inclusive way. From insight on how to tap into the protective power of clothes, curating a wardrobe that lasts and turning your makeup, skincare and haircare routines into legitimate forms of self-care, Big Dress Energy will invite you to see your style in a new light so that you can leave the house feeling inspired, happier and more confident. It's about damn time!
Book Description
The definitive guide on how fashion psychology can revolutionise your wardrobe - and the way you see yourself. Through practical advice that will empower you to upgrade your style, fashion psychologist Shakaila Forbes-Bell reveals how clothes protect us, boost our self-confidence, and help us assert our identity.
Your days of screaming 'I have nothing to wear' while clawing your way out of a heaving pile of clothes are officially over. In this unique and transformational style guide, fashion psychologist Shakaila Forbes-Bell explores how our wardrobe acts as an extension of our identity and offers practical advice on how we can harness the principles of fashion psychology to upgrade our look - and dress in a way that feels completely authentic.
Because what you wear matters: your clothes can affect your mood, how others perceive you and the way you see yourself. So how do you make sure that they are saying all the right things?
Drawing on in-depth research and work with clients, Shakaila offers universal tips and cutting-edge advice that will empower you to shop in a more mindful, sustainable and inclusive way. From insight on how to tap into the protective power of clothes, curating a wardrobe that lasts and turning your makeup, skincare and haircare routines into legitimate forms of self-care, Big Dress Energy will invite you to see your style in a new light so that you can leave the house feeling inspired, happier and more confident. It's about damn time!
Book Description
The definitive guide on how fashion psychology can revolutionise your wardrobe - and the way you see yourself. Through practical advice that will empower you to upgrade your style, fashion psychologist Shakaila Forbes-Bell reveals how clothes protect us, boost our self-confidence, and help us assert our identity.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published September 15, 2022
54 people are currently reading
678 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
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October 11, 2022This book was so ideal to read for this time of year, I feel like I really needed these tips on how to elevate my wardrobe in such a transitional time of my life. I loved reading about the psychology behind certain dress choices that I can apply to my life every day. The author keeps it so real & funny whilst dropping studies & facts its such a good balance. Would recommend to anyone wanting to understand the importance & deeper meaning of their clothes xx
October 3, 2022
Part intro to fashion psychology, part mindful dressing guide — Big Dress Energy is perfect if you’re curious about the basics of fashion psychology (like how certain clothes can impact perception and mood) or you’re simply looking to take a more educated approach to your own wardrobe. To me, it struck a solid balance between scientific research, pop-cultural reference, personal anecdotes and practical tips. In contrast to some psychologists, Shakaila Forbes-Bell is also an experienced writer — which makes for an accessible, easy and occasionally laugh-inducing read. It’s also fairly inclusive, addressing issues like cultural appropriation, beauty norms and economic struggles — making it relevant to all types of readers.
August 16, 2023
I read to halfway and then flicked through the second half. I thought the premise of evidence based fashion psychology was quite compelling, and she does reference a lot of studies, but the conclusions she drew from them were often a long shot. It did make me think that if I don't want people to think I am 30+ I should dress younger, so I have been making a conscious effort to do that.
January 13, 2025
Really not sure what the point of this book was. Most of it can be summed up as “you feel better when you look good.” Not exactly groundbreaking. Lots of scientific research is mentioned, but most of it isn’t very useful. I agree with another reviewer who stated the author draws some questionable conclusions from the data she presents. Wearing a watch will make you more punctual because more punctual people wear watches, for example. But maybe the watch isn’t the cause here, it’s just an effect of caring about being on time? Correlation =/= causation is one of the most basic statistics principles…
There’s a lot of talk about sustainability, inclusivity, and feminism in here, which I’m not against, it’s just there isn’t much here that hasn’t already been said. It felt more like the author was ticking off boxes to show she’s a woke person rather than giving any valuable information. In some places it seemed like she ignored the research she presented to make an ideological point. For example, a study showed women performed worse on tests when they wore bathing suits compared to sweaters. To me, the most obvious way to interpret the data is that feeling self-conscious can detract from your performance. The book references a different study where uncomfortable clothing can have a similar effect, so I really don’t think I’m reaching. But the author insists this means we need to get rid of our unconscious biases about women in revealing clothing being stupid. First, I don’t think unconscious biases are that easy to get rid of, but even then, isn’t the most practical and useful take to make sure you feel comfortable in what you’re wearing when you want to do your best?
I guess I was just hoping for this to be more useful. The book makes a good case for the idea that putting effort into your appearance matters, it just falls short of explaining how to do that in a way that will satisfy you, which is what I wanted.
There’s a lot of talk about sustainability, inclusivity, and feminism in here, which I’m not against, it’s just there isn’t much here that hasn’t already been said. It felt more like the author was ticking off boxes to show she’s a woke person rather than giving any valuable information. In some places it seemed like she ignored the research she presented to make an ideological point. For example, a study showed women performed worse on tests when they wore bathing suits compared to sweaters. To me, the most obvious way to interpret the data is that feeling self-conscious can detract from your performance. The book references a different study where uncomfortable clothing can have a similar effect, so I really don’t think I’m reaching. But the author insists this means we need to get rid of our unconscious biases about women in revealing clothing being stupid. First, I don’t think unconscious biases are that easy to get rid of, but even then, isn’t the most practical and useful take to make sure you feel comfortable in what you’re wearing when you want to do your best?
I guess I was just hoping for this to be more useful. The book makes a good case for the idea that putting effort into your appearance matters, it just falls short of explaining how to do that in a way that will satisfy you, which is what I wanted.
February 10, 2023
This book has transformed the way I think about what I wear and buy. We all know that what we wear impacts the way people see us, but Big Dress Energy has shown me just how much what we wear also impacts the way we see ourselves and show up in the world. Honestly a must read for anyone who wears clothes! :)
February 13, 2023
This was just the book I needed to work though getting my wardrobe together after becoming a Mom. I’ll be referencing back to it and reading up on the studies mentioned in the future.
March 21, 2023
Kudos to the author on the first two sentences of her book. She asks a provocative question early on in her book: What does the person you hope to be look like? Style is first and foremost about seeking approval from the person who matters most—you.
The author conveys a wealth of information right off the bat in her first chapter; which indicates to me that this author knows her stuff. The author aptly cites various sociological studies and fashion experts alike. She takes the reader through quizzes, self-reflection, and statistics. She addressed the tug between wanting to fit in while wanting to be an original; and all of it new and thought-provoking to this reader. “Inclusion, incompatibility, disdain or rejection can all be conjured through clothing.”
“To some, power and warmth may seem like competing ideas, but balancing these positive traits in your outfit is as easy as invoking the Goldilocks principle.” Second chapter, read on to find out what the author means with this quote. The author unhesitatingly states that it is critical to be intentional when dressing, and she provides numerous examples as to how to evaluate who you are and how to feel comfortable, yet authoritative in your style.
**Ms. Forbes-Bell ends ‘Key takeaways’ at the end of each chapter; which I really appreciate, as it aids my aging memory.** Ms. Forbes-Bell also states that when you have a goal to achieve, you may think that your clothing choice is irrelevant, but nothing could be further from the truth. “Research has found that the clothes we wear have the power to change our thought processes and subsequent actions. This phenomenon is called enclothed cognition.” (P.82 in her book). The author adds, “Clothes are a criminally overlooked tool for self-transformation that can yield solid results.”
I thank the author for her rules of ‘wearapy,’ beginning with: 1) DO switch it up. If you wear denim as your uniform, introduce different fabrics. 2) Don’t Over do it. Putting pressure on yourself to look perfect fosters anxiety that directly counteracts any positive benefits you can get from wearapy. For the rest of the author’s do’s and don’ts, I recommend interested parties to purchase BIG DRESS ENERGY. It’s not that you have to agree with the author, it’s just that she’s posing thought provoking self-exploration.
I applaud the author for her clarity and focus on clothing from a sociological perspective. For example, she admittedly is obsessed with her view that clothing is the place where the public meets the private and she believes that our style choices are a profoundly personal experience. Well said.
Loved her action-packed advice in the chapter on hanger management. Answer the question of why you continue to hang on to clothes that no longer fit. “Your clothes should be working for you, not the other way around.” Shakaila continues by advising that reader’s closets should contain the following: four core colors, three accent colors and four neutral colors. The author suggests to her readers that we examine our wardrobe as it will lead us on a path toward self-discovery: figuring out what we like, how we like to feel, how we want to be perceived, and what makes us feel good.
I haven’t researched all of her footnotes, nor do I plan to. Nonetheless, readers can treat the book as a useful reference for step-by-step personal assistance about how to honestly evaluate their wardrobes. An enjoyable read, indeed. And lastly, I quite appreciated her chapter on skin care. A good reminder of how important our skin is, how to take care of our skin, and steps toward taking the necessary time out to take care of our skin.
The author conveys a wealth of information right off the bat in her first chapter; which indicates to me that this author knows her stuff. The author aptly cites various sociological studies and fashion experts alike. She takes the reader through quizzes, self-reflection, and statistics. She addressed the tug between wanting to fit in while wanting to be an original; and all of it new and thought-provoking to this reader. “Inclusion, incompatibility, disdain or rejection can all be conjured through clothing.”
“To some, power and warmth may seem like competing ideas, but balancing these positive traits in your outfit is as easy as invoking the Goldilocks principle.” Second chapter, read on to find out what the author means with this quote. The author unhesitatingly states that it is critical to be intentional when dressing, and she provides numerous examples as to how to evaluate who you are and how to feel comfortable, yet authoritative in your style.
**Ms. Forbes-Bell ends ‘Key takeaways’ at the end of each chapter; which I really appreciate, as it aids my aging memory.** Ms. Forbes-Bell also states that when you have a goal to achieve, you may think that your clothing choice is irrelevant, but nothing could be further from the truth. “Research has found that the clothes we wear have the power to change our thought processes and subsequent actions. This phenomenon is called enclothed cognition.” (P.82 in her book). The author adds, “Clothes are a criminally overlooked tool for self-transformation that can yield solid results.”
I thank the author for her rules of ‘wearapy,’ beginning with: 1) DO switch it up. If you wear denim as your uniform, introduce different fabrics. 2) Don’t Over do it. Putting pressure on yourself to look perfect fosters anxiety that directly counteracts any positive benefits you can get from wearapy. For the rest of the author’s do’s and don’ts, I recommend interested parties to purchase BIG DRESS ENERGY. It’s not that you have to agree with the author, it’s just that she’s posing thought provoking self-exploration.
I applaud the author for her clarity and focus on clothing from a sociological perspective. For example, she admittedly is obsessed with her view that clothing is the place where the public meets the private and she believes that our style choices are a profoundly personal experience. Well said.
Loved her action-packed advice in the chapter on hanger management. Answer the question of why you continue to hang on to clothes that no longer fit. “Your clothes should be working for you, not the other way around.” Shakaila continues by advising that reader’s closets should contain the following: four core colors, three accent colors and four neutral colors. The author suggests to her readers that we examine our wardrobe as it will lead us on a path toward self-discovery: figuring out what we like, how we like to feel, how we want to be perceived, and what makes us feel good.
I haven’t researched all of her footnotes, nor do I plan to. Nonetheless, readers can treat the book as a useful reference for step-by-step personal assistance about how to honestly evaluate their wardrobes. An enjoyable read, indeed. And lastly, I quite appreciated her chapter on skin care. A good reminder of how important our skin is, how to take care of our skin, and steps toward taking the necessary time out to take care of our skin.
June 26, 2023
A Revolutionary Guide to Fashion and Self-Expression
"Big Dress Energy" is a transformative guide that transcends the boundaries of traditional fashion advice. This is not just about a wardrobe makeover; it's a journey toward enhancing your overall well-being.
Fashion psychologist Shakaila Forbes-Bell masterfully explores the intersection of fashion and psychology, presenting a compelling narrative that our wardrobe is an extension of our identity. Her practical advice, grounded in the principles of fashion psychology, offers a fresh perspective on upgrading your look in a completely authentic way.
What sets "Big Dress Energy" apart is its emphasis on the significance of what we wear. It's not just about aesthetics; it's about how our clothes can affect our mood, influence how others perceive us, and shape how we see ourselves.
Shakaila's in-depth research and work with clients have culminated in universal tips and cutting-edge advice that empower readers to shop in a more mindful, sustainable, and inclusive way. The book provides insightful guidance on tapping into the protective power of clothes, curating a lasting wardrobe, and transforming makeup, skincare, and haircare routines into legitimate forms of self-care.
"Big Dress Energy" is more than a style guide; it's an invitation to see your style in a new light, inspiring you to leave your house feeling happier, more confident, and truly yourself. It's a celebration of individuality and self-expression through fashion.
In a world where fashion is often seen as superficial, "Big Dress Energy" is a breath of fresh air, reminding us that fashion is a powerful tool for self-expression and self-improvement. It's about damn time we had a guide like this!
I highly recommend "Big Dress Energy" to anyone looking to redefine their relationship with fashion and discover the transformative power of clothes. It's a must-read for the fashion-conscious and the fashion-curious alike.
"Big Dress Energy" is a transformative guide that transcends the boundaries of traditional fashion advice. This is not just about a wardrobe makeover; it's a journey toward enhancing your overall well-being.
Fashion psychologist Shakaila Forbes-Bell masterfully explores the intersection of fashion and psychology, presenting a compelling narrative that our wardrobe is an extension of our identity. Her practical advice, grounded in the principles of fashion psychology, offers a fresh perspective on upgrading your look in a completely authentic way.
What sets "Big Dress Energy" apart is its emphasis on the significance of what we wear. It's not just about aesthetics; it's about how our clothes can affect our mood, influence how others perceive us, and shape how we see ourselves.
Shakaila's in-depth research and work with clients have culminated in universal tips and cutting-edge advice that empower readers to shop in a more mindful, sustainable, and inclusive way. The book provides insightful guidance on tapping into the protective power of clothes, curating a lasting wardrobe, and transforming makeup, skincare, and haircare routines into legitimate forms of self-care.
"Big Dress Energy" is more than a style guide; it's an invitation to see your style in a new light, inspiring you to leave your house feeling happier, more confident, and truly yourself. It's a celebration of individuality and self-expression through fashion.
In a world where fashion is often seen as superficial, "Big Dress Energy" is a breath of fresh air, reminding us that fashion is a powerful tool for self-expression and self-improvement. It's about damn time we had a guide like this!
I highly recommend "Big Dress Energy" to anyone looking to redefine their relationship with fashion and discover the transformative power of clothes. It's a must-read for the fashion-conscious and the fashion-curious alike.
August 4, 2023
Вig Drеss Enеrgy is а bооk thаt explores thе fаscinаting field оf fаshiоn рsychology, which is thе study оf hоw clothing аffects оur behаvior, emotiоns, аnd self-imаge. Тhe аuthor, Shаkаilа Forbes-Bell, is а fаshiоn psychologist аnd thе foundеr оf Fаshiоn Is Psychоlоgy, а plаtfоrm thаt аims tо educаte аnd empоwer peоple through thе science оf style. Shе is аlso thе hоst оf thе Вig Drеss Enеrgy podcаst, where shе intеrviеws еxpеrts аnd influеncеrs оn vаrious tоpics relаted tо fаshiоn рsychology.
Тhе аuthor shаres scientific reseаrch, persоnаl аnecdotes, pop сulture references, аnd prаcticаl tips оn hоw tо usе clothing аs а tоol fоr persоnаl growth аnd hаppiness. Shе covers tоpics such аs hоw clothеs cаn bооst оur cоnfidence, mood, аnd perfоrmаnce; hоw tо curаte а wаrdrobe thаt reflects оur persоnаlity аnd vаlues; hоw tо аvoid imрulse buying аnd fаshiоn wаste; hоw tо usе mаkeup, skincаre, аnd hаircаre аs fоrms оf self-cаre; аnd hоw tо dress fоr different occаsiоns аnd cоntexts.
Тhe bооk is written in а friendly, engаging, аnd humorous tоne thаt mаkes it eаsy tо reаd аnd relаte tо. Вig Drеss Enеrgy is more thаn just а style guidе; it is а bооk thаt teаches us hоw tо dress fоr оur bеst selves. It shоws us hоw fаshiоn рsychology cаn help us trаnsfоrm оur wаrdrobe аnd оur cоnfidence, аnd hоw we cаn usе clothing аs а fоrm оf self-expressiоn аnd empоwerment. It is а bооk thаt celebrаtes thе joy аnd beаuty оf fаshiоn, whilе аlso encоurаging us tо be mindful аnd respоnsible cоnsumers. It is а bооk thаt inspires us tо find оur own big dress energy аnd unleаsh it intо thе wоrld.
Тhе аuthor shаres scientific reseаrch, persоnаl аnecdotes, pop сulture references, аnd prаcticаl tips оn hоw tо usе clothing аs а tоol fоr persоnаl growth аnd hаppiness. Shе covers tоpics such аs hоw clothеs cаn bооst оur cоnfidence, mood, аnd perfоrmаnce; hоw tо curаte а wаrdrobe thаt reflects оur persоnаlity аnd vаlues; hоw tо аvoid imрulse buying аnd fаshiоn wаste; hоw tо usе mаkeup, skincаre, аnd hаircаre аs fоrms оf self-cаre; аnd hоw tо dress fоr different occаsiоns аnd cоntexts.
Тhe bооk is written in а friendly, engаging, аnd humorous tоne thаt mаkes it eаsy tо reаd аnd relаte tо. Вig Drеss Enеrgy is more thаn just а style guidе; it is а bооk thаt teаches us hоw tо dress fоr оur bеst selves. It shоws us hоw fаshiоn рsychology cаn help us trаnsfоrm оur wаrdrobe аnd оur cоnfidence, аnd hоw we cаn usе clothing аs а fоrm оf self-expressiоn аnd empоwerment. It is а bооk thаt celebrаtes thе joy аnd beаuty оf fаshiоn, whilе аlso encоurаging us tо be mindful аnd respоnsible cоnsumers. It is а bооk thаt inspires us tо find оur own big dress energy аnd unleаsh it intо thе wоrld.
December 15, 2024
This was a most enjoyable, easy going read, which has encourages one not to take for granted the opportunity for expression that the way we dress offers. It's nice and broad and offers practical suggestions not only for culling ones wardrobe bit for cultivating ones authentic style. My only sticky point is that like most books I've read in this area lately there is lip service to sustainability and ethical consumption but an overall ethos which doesn't necessarily prioritise these values. It's a tricky part of the topic and there may not be a way to balance the competing issues well.
August 26, 2023
As someone who loves psychology, I was so excited to read this. This book really delves into fashion psychology in a super accessible and interesting way. Plus there are some great takeaways when it comes to looking at your own wardrobe and making it work for you.
November 8, 2024
I had to read this book for one of my classes, and I really enjoyed it. While some parts made me cringe a little, overall, it was very insightful. The book offers tips on various topics, from sustainable shopping to cultivating a healthy relationship with fashion!
August 23, 2023
A really interesting take on something we take very much for granted. A great read, easy to read, and well-written. Time to re-evaluate my wardrobe and clothing purchases!
October 7, 2023
Lovely read. Very interesting and practical!
December 23, 2024
Boring, boils down to "stop caring about what others think and dress how you like"
August 10, 2024
The science and research behind what we already know. Interesting in that respect and quite funny. Probably more useful if you have an overflowing wardrobe.
July 25, 2023
What a joy it was to read Big Dress Energy recently! This book affirmed and in many ways, legitimised what deep down I've known since I started to dress myself: that what I wear is part of who I am, and that my choices have a remarkable impact on how I feel about myself and how I present. Since reading it, I've revisited my wardrobe and applied Shakaila's teachings to my outfits with renewed vigour and unabashed joy. I've also bought a copy for a likeminded friend, and I know that she will love it as much as I did. If you haven't read it, make sure you do!
"Vain trifles as they seem, clothes change our view of the world and the world's view of us".
"Vain trifles as they seem, clothes change our view of the world and the world's view of us".
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews