Enter The Psychology of Style – the spot where I’ve chronicled my insights over the past 5 years from dressing women for fashion shows, advising girlfriends on everyday appearance, and having dual degrees in psychology and marketing.

Throughout the series, I’ll touch on the difference between fashion and style, why confidence is your best accessory, what knowing your size really means and how to choose the most complimentary color for your skin tone. Anything else you’d like to know about? Kindly submit your request.

Why else should you tune in to the series? Because…

• You or someone you know needs serious help with their appearance
• You subscribe to the mantra, “Fashion fades, style is eternal”
• Your personal style could use some tailoring
• You want to upgrade your college wardrobe to grown woman status
• You think you know how to dress like a lady
• You want a man to take YOU, not your assets, seriously

I’ll stop there and leave you with some inspiration from the first lady of style, who, from the length of her skirts to the quiet confidence she boasts, truly knows how to dress like a lady – Michelle Obama.

Like The Psychology of Style on Facebook for daily style inspiration.

The post How to Dress Like a Lady: Introducing the Series! appeared first on The Psychology of Style.

Me & my curls.

Hair is very much a part of your identity – outwardly, it is second in defining who you are, next to the fashion you put on your back. How you style it follows a similar mental trajectory to your morning outfit selection. It is a direct reflection of who you are and how you feel about yourself. Simply put, hair is an important factor in defining your personal style. It can literally make or break your look for the day. Wait, let’s be honest – hair can make or break you.

I learned a very valuable lesson yesterday in hair psychology when trying to tame my mane. After pulling my coils down from a pineapple, I attempted to break the true identity of my hair by trying to force my relentlessly fluffy curls into a calm state, in the hopes that it would be more accepted in the corporate environment I frequent 50 hours a week.

Total #Fail.

The lesson: Don’t force it. You can’t try to style or hold down what has a mind of its own (or is not meant to be constrained). After giving up on flattening my fro, I threw on some lipstick and a blazer and headed to work. Surprisingly, I felt super-chic with a dash of funk – my preferred style and mental state.

The post Hair Psychology: Style Tip #1 – Don’t Force It appeared first on The Psychology of Style.

Without further adieu, I present to you The Psychology of Style’s official Met Gala 2013 Best Dressed list. In no particular order, the successful fashion interpretations of the theme are as follows:

Nicole Richie in Topshop.

Coco Rocha in Emanuel Ungaro by Fausto Puglisi

Christina Ricci in Vivienne Westwood.

Sarah Jessica Parker in custom Giles and custom Christian Louboutin boots.

Karlie Kloss in Louis Vuitton.

Anne Hathaway in Valentino

Jennifer Lopez in Michael Kors.

Solange Knowles in Kenzo.

Jessica Alba in custom Tory Burch.

(All photos courtesy of Reuters & Getty Images)

 Name your #1 pick in the comments below!

The post Met Gala 2013 Best Dressed: “Punk’d” Fashion appeared first on The Psychology of Style.

Last night, one episode closer to the season finale, I asked myself, how did Shonda Rhimes manage to craft a story narrative that would captivate the world’s favor of a mistress, over a wife? Think about it – we indulge in the possibility of Fitz and Liv really being together, and cringe when Millie, the real first lady, enters the room with such optimism for her relationship and its political future.

Don’t they look happy?

Or do they?

From her own fashion sense and polished look to her witty, manipulative strategy, Millie is a force to be reckoned with, but often overlooked – and not just by the characters on the show. Bellamy Young, who plays the President’s first lady, doesn’t receive nearly as much media attention as Kerry Washington and Tony Goldwyn do. But, why? She’s gorgeous, plays her part on the show flawlessly, and has an awesome wardrobe stylist, just like Kerry Washington.

But, she’s not the underdog, our guilty pleasure – the mistress. She doesn’t excite us as much, right?

She’s not on the cover of Elle, Ebony, Entertainment Weekly, Essence, Vogue, The Session, Women’s Health or Bella NYC magazine, like some of the other characters. Her media limelight is undeservingly dim. The show’s audience reaction and disdain for Millie seems to have poured into the real-world media’s reaction.

Just look at that face. Her sassiness and acting skills are totally cover-worthy. She’s so good at what she does that the majority of America absolutely despises her.  I wonder if Shonda predicted such favoritism when writing the script – a script that has us addicted to adultery.

The glamorization of a media mistress says something about our current society. If this was The Cosby’s 20 years ago and Twitter existed, could you imagine a trending topic encouraging Healthcliff Huxtable to leave the beautiful Claire? I can’t. What does that conclusion say about our culture today? More importantly, what does that say about our generation?

Speak your mind in the comments below!

The post Scandal: The Glamorization of a Media Mistress appeared first on The Psychology of Style.

I’ve never really cared about how people viewed my fashion or beauty choices, but then again, they were never too off the normal societal rocker. And I’ve always considered myself to be quite different, while it may have primarily manifested in my state of mind, rather than my style. However, I’m moving to a place of comfortability in taking fashion chances armed with the confidence to accept the fact that as much as I may love an eclectic look, someone else hates it equally –  with the same amount of enthusiasm. I’m okay with that now.

So, back to my new style…

My hair is now one of a kind. It has its own pattern, tendencies and quite frankly, its own personality. It’s unusually beautiful … and I love it. Because of this, I’ve been leaning on the avant-garde style side lately. I am inspired by tribal patterns, unusual tailored shapes, statement tees and just about anything that represents the same freedom and uniqueness that I feel my hair does. Animal printed oxfords peek my curiosity as much as Steve Madden ballerina flats used to.

I created this inspiration board to help visualize my personal definition of eclectic and what I can now see myself in:

I’ll admit, it’s quite contrary to the fascination with trends and fashion reinvention that’s had me for the past 5 years or so.  Purple-frosted retro sunglasses, pale pink patent leather pumps, unidentified animal-printed skirts, and striped neon socks are among some of my recent purchases – all of which have nothing to do with “what’s in”. Most of the time when I’m shopping, I imagine my curly hair in the prospective outfit.

“My afro puffs would really make this pop!”, I’ll say to myself in the fitting room.

My hair gives me justification to browse the fashion aisle (or store) less traveled by in search of a truly unique piece that deserves to be worn with nothing less than a full-fledged, fluffy and untamed afro. It’s funny how hair can change your fashion selections and ultimately contribute to a complete wardrobe transformation.  Although we don’t like to say it, hair can really come close to defining who we are. It’s such a major part of our overall look.

Where will I get #curlygirl and #fashion inspiration from, you ask? How will I continue to keep my hair and my style fresh? Simple. CurlBox, The Natural Community, DenimPixie, and Afrobella, just to name a few resources. Take a look at these natural hair fashionistas. Maybe you’ll get inspired to unleash your curls and change your style, too.

Leela James

Solange Knowles

Corrine Bailey Rae

Elle Varner

How has your hair changed your style lately? Speak your mind in the comments below!

Like The Psychology of Style on Facebook to get inspiration on fashion, culture and natural beauty!

The post A Natural Hair Fashionista Emerges appeared first on The Psychology of Style.

Those television dramas filmed in DC like House of Cards and Scandal don’t come close to accurately portraying how capitol folks really dress.

I’ve seen mini skirts on 40somethings, tank tops with exposed bra straps and un-manicured toes galore! The offenses have occurred all over the past 2 weeks when the weather suddenly went from snow to 85-degree sun in a matter of days. It happens every year, but the drastic shift in daytime fashion acceptability never ceases to amaze me.

I can think of several reasons for the sudden skin exposure, in addition to the weather. All of which, by the way, are inexcusable. Three personas rise above the rest in my opinion. I’ll call this list of prototypes the “Warm Weather Fashion Woes”.

1. “The Combo” (as my husband calls it) – Women who go to work with the intent of getting a man and a check. The warm weather releases their fashion inibitions and their definition of “office attire” begins to relax. Her desire to mate outweighs the desire to maintain professionalism, as her career and relationship goals begin to coincide. Mini pencil skirts, opened buttons on the blouse and a disregard for stockings become the office norm.

2. “Look at Me Now” - Men and women who’ve sold their souls to Weight Watchers the entire winter and feel well within their rights to expose something. They welcome your physical indulgence and fashion admiration. Let it be noted that this prototype’s sudden skin exposure is not quite offensive – just uncharacteristic of their previous style selections.

3. “Young Buck” - The entry level professional who doesn’t know the difference between a rooftop deck and an office. Fair enough mistake for a 22-year-old. He or she has never worked through warm weather, or possibly never worked at all. They abuse casual friday with shorts and flip flops instead of jeans and loafers. An understanding of “formal” or “professional” fashion is foreign. Empathy and understanding should be exhibited when reprimanding them. They don’t know any better.

I’ve come in contact with all of the above in the past 14 days. My conclusion is that these fashion failures are not ill-intended, but of sheer style ignorance. I giggle in pity when I walk by with the hope that someone, anyone, will just ask me … “How do I look?”

Did I miss any? Let me know in the comments below!

The post Warm Weather Fashion Woes appeared first on The Psychology of Style.

Spread Love With Your Afro Puffs…

It’s Friday and I usually don’t write. BUT – it’s the beginning of the shortest, most deserving and opportune educational month of the year, so I feel compelled to say something. It’s Black History Month! To be honest, I almost forgot entirely. With so much transition going on in my life right now, the idea of celebrating Black everything totally slipped my mind – until yesterday when I realized the month was upon me.

I’ve been contemplating how I can celebrate the past, present and future of Black people through an editorial outlet focused on mental health and fashion. Easy, I concluded. I’ll  dedicate this entire month to enlightening the world about the black talent that lies within the fabulous world of fashion, the trends in beauty that black people are spearheading, and of course, a host of highlights on Black “firsts” in today’s pop culture. A few “Did You Know” fun facts coupled with an ode to historical icons, I think, is a fabulous way to celebrate where we’ve been and look forward to where we’re going. Besides, it will be somewhat of a learning and refresher exercise for me – hopefully an enlightening one for you!

Consider this, figuratively and literally, the “All Black Everything” issue! From natural hair beauty to the fashion evolution in Africa, get prepared to be stylishly educated – one post at a time.

Welcome to February.

P.S. You can talk back to me here.

The post February, Twenty Thirteen: All Black Everything appeared first on The Psychology of Style.

I’ve always had this theory that those people use labels to mask the insecurity they have within themselves – whether it’s related to their appearance, their economic status, or their standard of success. I’ve found that it’s typically pressurized by the media, colleagues or family. Regardless, it screams “I need self-esteem” to me!

After going through a materialistic phase myself in college, I’ve come to understand that fashion, alone, is not enough to make you holistically happy with yourself and your appearance. It may provide a boost of confidence from the praise or envy of others, but when your clothing and makeup is taken off at the end of the day, what’s left is the true you – a nightly awakening in the mirror of how you really view yourself.

Now I love fashion. I truly do. I love the creative expression and art of it all and I love uncovering the why behind each season’s trends, but I’ve learned the difference between gaining inspiration from the runway and completely mimicking it by obsessively adorning oneself in mainstream designs. Fashion should not define or speak for you. Have the confidence in what you bring to the table, emotionally and intellectually, to not make your outfit’s credentials the highlight of your personal introduction.

The next time you get dressed, be sure to put your undergarments on first: confidence, security, individuality, assurance, and self-esteem. 

Keep in mind that contrary to popular opinion, Christian Dior won’t build your confidence and Louis Vuitton won’t give you life. Maybelline won’t make you pretty and leather tights won’t make you skinny.

Is fashion enough to reveal the true you?

The post Fashion Is Not Enough appeared first on The Psychology of Style.

I attended the Inaugural parade yesterday with my hubby and the rest of America. I went to the actual inauguration in 2009, so I wanted to do the parade this time – you can only pick one if traveling by foot without a VIP pass. I needed to get close to my POTUS AND FLOTUS, since I had never seen them in person before. Because I was on the parade route with no access to viewing the inauguration ceremony, I didn’t know what the FLOTUS had on until I finally saw her at the parade. I made a conscious decision not to check my Twitter, knowing I’d spoil it for myself. After seeing her, I concluded that social media definitely would have. Her ultimate selection?

For the Luncheon following the inauguration ceremony – a Thom Browne dress and Reed Krakoff cardigan. Very classy choice.

For the parade and outside inaugural ceremony – A Thom Browne checkered silk jacquard jacket inspired by a menswear necktie, Reed Krakoff custom boots, and J.Crew gloves and belt. (I probably would have left the belt at home.) The trendy look particularly complimented her new bangs. She was beyond sharp with this stylish selection!  Look out for Mr. Browne to be the new household name at your family’s dinner table. It’s been proven that when Michelle Obama wears your clothes, your stocks, along with your global fashion awareness, goes up.

For the Inaugural Ball  - I was shocked. She wore Jason Wu, AGAIN!!!! While she was indeed beautiful in the chiffon and velvet ruby red color which reinforced her confidence, I thought the design was a bit understated for her.  It lacked her usual pushing-the-political-fashion-norm signature. I was also looking forward to her making someone else’s career last night, instead of furthering that of Jason Wu’s whose fashion footprint is well-established now. But, what can I say – a lady wants to look flawless and if someone has helped her do that before, she’ll be back to them. Despite her safe choice, you can’t help but be captivated by her beauty and biceps, regardless of what she has on!

Images: Getty

What do you think of Michelle Obama’s Inaugural fashion choices? Let me know in the comments below!

The post Michelle Obama’s Inauguration Dresses: Fashion Review appeared first on The Psychology of Style.

Want to change your look? Be like Michelle and find your own personal translation in a trend. One of the beauty industry’s hair predictions for 2013 was rounded bangs. I doubt Michelle necessarily chose to change her hair because of Allure’s authority, but I do think our FLOTUS is a trendy lady – one who has proven her ability to be INSPIRED by the runway, and not mimic it.

For women (and men), hair is a big part of our identity. We describe our hair shortly after our skin tone. It’s up there on our “how I look” line! With that being said, I don’t have to explain to any woman the anxiety involved in cutting bangs -

“Will they be too short, too blunt, too thick?”

“Is this stylist listening to me?”

“My entire look will be ruined if my hairdresser screws this up!”

So why would Mrs. Obama take such a risk so close to inauguration – a day where her photos will literally go down in the history books?

I’ve concluded that the decision was for no other reason than to celebrate the commencement of her and Mr. Prez’ second term in the White House – every girl wants to switch it up every now and then to keep her man intrigued, right? AND, of course, to keep our eyes spinning on the style she has in store for the next 4…

What do you think of Michelle Obama’s new bangs?

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