Help! I Hate How I Look: Using Clothing to Manage Body Image Issues

In the earlier part of my career, I worked as a therapist, mostly meeting with children and adolescents. I had a heart for my teens, often seeing them in response to significant trauma and helping them navigate identity issues. Without trauma, the teen years are hard enough. They’re spending lots of emotional energy trying to figure out who they are, and how they want to be in the world; and depending on life circumstances, that can come with a lot of self-sabotage. Unfortunately, too many of us can recall the, “I hate how I look” flare-ups we had during those angst teen years.  

With that said, it’s no surprise that dissatisfaction with appearance or body image is a major issue that comes up during my clinical work (I still do evaluations from time to time). Whether a teen presents with anxiety, depression, or any other mental health issue, it’s often expressed through and complicated by body image issues. And the way it usually looks is an overwhelming disdain for a specific part or parts of the body like legs or arms. What’s more, they equate their poor perception of their body to their self-worth, and feel less than valuable as a result. 

Sadly, body image issues don’t stop at adolescence. We often nurture body images issues well into adulthood such that when life gets challenging we tend to revert back to self-destructive patterns, including being preoccupied with what is wrong with our body. And the “I hate how I look” fits continue to be a part of our coping style well into our adult years. It goes without saying that we are more than our bodies; and one way to counter body image issues is to meditate on other things about us we know (even if we don’t always feel) are good and worthy of praise, like varied skills, kindness, bravery, and the list goes on.

Another way to counter body image issues is through clothing. According to Entwistle, author of The Fashioned Body, clothing is much more than a form of adornment, it is the way we learn to live in our bodies. There are tons of articles on ways to hide perceived body imperfections with clothing; and while many are useful, you can not use clothes to hide a largely poor self-image. Clothing and the body work as a team, and the body gives meaning to clothes and vice versa. Without the body, clothing is just a well-constructed piece of fabric. So in order for clothing to reach its full potential, it needs a body to give it life, soul, and the unique energy only a living breathing body can give. This is why two people can wear the same outfit and look quite different. If we value our body, it can live out its full essence within the context of clothing.

Of course, we don’t have to have a perfect body image to wear clothes well. Many of us are  struggling to improve our body image and progress isn’t a straight line. But in the meantime, we can use clothing as a tool to feel good about ourselves in our bodies, letting go of the “I hate how I look” outbursts we may have come to fall back on. Here are three ways clothing can help us manage our body image. 

1. Clothing helps us become our ideal

Just as Halloween costumes allow us to embrace the hidden parts of us, everyday clothing can work in a similar way. Our clothing gives us an opportunity to take on characteristics we admire, simply by wearing clothing that has symbolic meaning for us (a.k.a., enclothed cognition). To be clear, clothing does not have symbolic meaning without context, we associate it with the people who wear them and at a particular point in time. When we think of something like a beret, a tie, or black stockings with the line down the back (a personal favorite, ha!), we have a vision of what those clothing items symbolize. And if we enjoy wearing them, it is generally because we have seen it worn, and internalized what we think it means to wear them.

With that in mind, the ability to express ourselves through clothes and take on characteristics of our ideal look allows us to compensate for shortcomings we experience when we are anxiously preoccupied with our bodies. According to a 2012 article, Expression of Personality Through Dressing using clothing to compensate in this way helps us achieve psychological and spiritual balance. And it is this sense of balance that can gird up our sense of self, giving us the emotional resources we need as we are actively working towards improving our body image. 

2. Clothing helps us get comfortable communicating parts of ourselves.

Clothing is often identified as a nonverbal form of communication.  We can use clothing to feel better (a.k.a., dopamine dressing) and improve our mood. Or we can use clothing to lean into a miserable mood, creating something beautiful out of pain in a way akin to art therapy. So it’s important to be intentional about the message we’re conveying, not just to others but to ourselves. 

For those who struggle with body image, clothing gives an opportunity to express body image issues in creative ways, and maybe release some tension. I once heard a quote by Diana Vreeland that said something like (and I’m paraphrasing) whatever you don’t like about your body, make that the best thing about you. And of course, this requires some ingenuity and the ability to let go of rigid ideas of beauty, something those with body image issues are working towards. 

If this feels challenging, try doing an experiment and wear something out you’ve always liked and can wear well enough, but unreasonable body image issues have held you back (if you’re not sure what qualifies as “unreasonable” discuss it with a trusted friend or helping professional). Psychologists refer to this as an exposure technique, and it is a way to try out new experiences or ways of being without it being too overwhelming. Afterwards, take tabs on your experience and the reaction of others. Was it as bad as you thought it was? Are there any changes you’d like to make and do you have a healthy plan to make those changes? Can you consider developing a better appreciation for your body in these clothes even in its imperfect state? These are just some questions that will help you better process the experience, and of course it may be helpful to process this with someone else as mentioned.

3. Clothing gives an opportunity to alter questionable body image ideals

Often the reason we don’t like our legs, arms, butt or any other part of our body is because we have internalized alternate beauty standards. In the old days we just had to deal with the parts of our body we don’t like; but now with plastic surgery more accessible, we can change what we don’t like relatively quickly if we have the resources to do so. And while it’s beyond me to tell anyone what to do with their body, as a psychologist, it’s my job to understand the root of these changes. That is, it’s one thing to want to make tweaks to your body, and another thing if the tweaks are never enough. If it’s never enough, it suggests your desire to alter your body is based upon a poor sense of identity, and it is futile to build a healthy image on a faulty foundation. 

While plastic surgery may not be an option for some, clothing is. Fortunately, we have agency with clothes and can make active changes with clothing to accept or reject body image ideals. We can use clothes to cover up parts of our body we don’t like or as mentioned above, show off those parts. According to a concept known as cognitive control, we have the ability to change the way we see a situation. So exercising a sense of control over your clothing can act as a catalyst for having control over the way you choose to see your body. Since body image standards have to start somewhere, why not with you?

If you’ve used clothing to manage body image issues, what ways have they worked for you, or not? Share it with us in the chat. 

4 Wardrobe Color Palettes That Will Get You Excited About Your Outfit

What colors in your wardrobe do you tend to wear the most? Some of us lean towards black or neutrals, others of us tend to choose bright colors, and the rest of us fall somewhere in between. The reasons for our color preferences may be as varied as our idiosyncrasies. Color consultant, Karen Haller says in her book, The Little Book of Colour, that when we perceive color, light waves pass through the same parts of the brain responsible for emotions. So color is very much an emotional experience, and if we’re looking to get excited about our outfit, we can do it through using different wardrobe color palettes.  

In a previous post, I mentioned that any time we see a color, our reaction is based upon a combination of factors like our physiological response to color, our personal and cultural associations with it, and the context in which it’s presented. So when people say they don’t like a certain color, it’s an emotional response that can be attributable to a number of experiences they’ve had with the color, and they may not even be fully aware of all of them. What’s more,  their perception can change depending on the specific mixture of the hue and the other colors the hue is paired or grouped with. 

Personally, I tend to like any color that’s presented in an interesting way. When I feel like I have nothing to wear, challenging myself to come up with different and refreshing color combos can be a way to create a more positive emotional experience. So if you’re looking to get out of a color rut, try these color palettes to get excited about your outfit.

Monochromatic Color Palette

A monochromatic color palette is made up of one hue. When we think of a monochromatic outfit we may think of a single mix of a color, and this could feel very limiting. But one hue can have many different presentations when you mix in hints of black (shades), gray (tones), and/or white (tints), all of which give a different feel from moody to cheerful. Here’s my take on a  burgundy color scheme with a mix of tints (e.g., pink and blossom). The color mix keeps it from feeling monotone, although that could be a look too. 

Achromatic Color Palette

If you’re not into bright colors, an achromatic color palette may be great for you. It’s an outfit with no color; and consists only of black, white, or gray. It’s dramatic with a cool, urban vibe. And you can add different textures to the no-color scheme for interest. Here, I mix in leather to play up the edgy appeal. 

Complementary Color Palette

Complementary colors just fit–literally. When you mix two equal amounts of complementary colors, such as red and green, they create a perfect balance, neutralizing each other to form brown.  They’re colors on opposite sides of the color wheel; and when worn together, they intensify each other. For my complementary pairing, I chose bright yellow and light blue for a delicate, whimsical feel. 

Analogous Color Palette

Analogous colors, like red and orange, are next to each other on the color wheel. It’s been said that unlike complementary colors which intensify each other, analogous colors soften the other. I always feel there’s an interesting tension with analogous colors, perhaps because it lacks color contrast and appears almost imbalanced or tonal. For my analogous colors, I chose deep blue (minus the shoes) and green. Because there is no bright focal point in an analogous color scheme, there’s nowhere to balance out the eye; and I think this creates a kind of boldness that makes the color pairing appealing. 

What color palettes are you drawn to and why? Feel free to share it with us.

Using Your Clothing to Help You Get the Lifestyle You Want

In a recent blog post, I mentioned one way to tackle a disorganized closet is to figure out the type of lifestyle you want, and organize your wardrobe around it. While it may sound like a mere convenience, using your clothing to help you get the lifestyle you want actually goes a long way towards supporting mental health. Clothes are very much a cultural expression, and we can typically tell what cultural group someone belongs to by the way they dress.  But clothes are more than a cultural expression, they impact our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in significant ways due to a mix of neuropsychological and cultural factors.

Clothing & Cognition

My Whimsical look; Symbolizes magical and imaginative.

A theory known as the simulation theory of cognition, holds that cognitive processes are stimulated as we interact with the physical world; and just visualizing an action or thought activates the same brain activity used when the actual behavior is performed (Hesslow 2012). This can explain why imagery is so impactful as our physical experience is intricately tied to our mental processes, hence the term, embodied cognition. This means our thoughts are rooted in our physical experience and  we embody them (Craighero, 2022). 

What’s more, we embody the meaning of clothing we put on. Drawing from the theory of embodied cognition, the theory of enclothed cognition (Adam and Galinsky, 2012) postulates that wearing clothing sets in motion cognitive processes triggered by both the symbolic meaning of the clothes and the physical experience of wearing it. This phenomenon also explains role theory. That is, people adapt to the norms associated with certain roles or positions within a culture based on the cognitive schemas or scripts that they carry around with them about the position or “role” they are in. So if you are wearing a white lab coat and it has symbolic meaning for you as a result of personal and cultural experiences, it will likely trigger your schema for white coats and you’ll act accordingly. 

Clothing & Mood

My Chic Look; Symbolizes minimal yet impactful.

According to cognitive-behavioral theory, thoughts and feelings are intertwined, and a thought can trigger feelings which reinforces thoughts. With this in mind, we can understand how the experience of wearing clothes with symbolic meaning can alter our mood. Shakaila Forbes-Bell in her book, Big Dress Energy refers to the act of wearing clothes to alter your mood as wearapy; and drawing upon the concepts of enclothed cognition, posits that when we wear clothes we associate with specific schemas it can foster positive moods (e.g., dressing to feel happy, aka dopamine-dressing) or help us to lean in and process negative moods (e.g., wearing all black when in mourning). 

Sample Cases

My Quirky Look; Symbolizes A freedom to be.

So now that we understand the impact clothes can have on our thoughts and feelings, let’s see how curating clothing that fits the lifestyle we want to live can work best for us using sample cases. 

[While these stories may be inspired by real-life cases, they do not depict specific clients and any resemblance to a specific client is coincidental. Also, these sample cases are not meant to take the place of therapy or treatment. And if you are struggling in any of the areas mentioned, it is advised that you speak with a mental health professional.]

Case 1: Corrin has always enjoyed clothes but when she began to experience difficult life experiences, her interest in fashion waned. She lost her significant relationship, wasn’t fulfilled in her career, and had gained weight. Thus, she began to use clothes as a way to hide; and her go-to jeans and t-shirts became her uniform of choice. While jeans and t-shirts offered her physical comfort, her overreliance on them reflected the lack of growth she felt. 

One way to assist Corrin with using her clothing as a catalyst to overcome her distress and better manage her life is to first encourage her to do the work to process her stuckness, and realize her value and goals. She can then better determine what types of relationships she is seeking, and what career she feels will satisfy her. Next, Corrin should identify and purchase clothing she associates with the lifestyle she desires and the goals she is working towards. In turn, the act of wearing the clothes will trigger her schema for those clothes and impact her mood, causing her to feel all the things she associates with those clothes. In this way, clothing can function as her support while she is working through the process to address deeper-level issues. 

Case 2: Natalie struggled with a learning disability and continues to have insecurities about her abilities despite her intelligence. She is currently not in a job she loves, and it triggers insecurities about her ability to have a successful career. Natalie’s insecurities are reflected in her clothing choices as she wears clothes she thinks she should be wearing to look successful (often clothing she does not need or cannot really afford) rather than clothing that makes her feel empowered and confident. 

Natalie can begin by processing her insecurities and affirming her sense of value. This includes considering what it means if she does not wear the clothing she thinks she is expected to wear. Although Natalie feels she has few resources to change her job situation, she can begin to do what is in her power to make a change, even if that means taking a course or learning a new skill. She could then identify the clothing she enjoys and why. This can help her clothing choices be more internally motivated; and gives her an opportunity to choose clothes that have a positive symbolic meaning for her. More than that, Natalie’s decision to make even small strides to pursue a fulfilling career gives her some sense of control that she can mimic in her clothing choices. That is, purchasing clothes she sincerely likes to wear can be a reflection of the sense of empowerment she is developing.  As Natalie experiences clothing that has a positive meaning for her, it can alter her mood, and ignite her belief in her ability to make choices and improve her life.

In essence, while clothing alone may not fix problems, they can support us as we are working towards changing them. How do you think you can use clothing to support your life goals and the lifestyle you want? Consider clothes that have meaning for you when you wear it, and work towards building a wardrobe that supports your growth. 

To Dupe or Not to Dupe: The Psychology of Wearing Knock-Off Brands

Saks Fifth Ave/ THe Attico

I’d call this a close replica. The dupe seems to have been inspired by the designer shoe but is different and simple enough to wear longer term.

While searching for a shoe to go with a dress I planned to wear to an event, I came across a very fitting designer heel—perfect for my outfit but not so much for my wallet. So I continued scrolling and got excited when I found the same shoe for a quarter of the price. Of course, it wasn’t quite the same shoe, but a near exact replica with the exception of one or two details.  Who would know? It looked exactly like the one I wanted, it’s more affordable, and does what I need it to do for the outfit. But just when I went to put it in my cart, my neurotic inclinations stopped me. Did I really want to wear these dupes? I’ll know they aren’t the real thing, and others, who pay attention to that kind of thing will too. Why was that a big deal for me? In that moment, I felt led to do some introspection. 

Counterfeits, Dupes, and the Self

Forever 21/Alaia

This dupe is a close replica and seemingly meant to be worn short-term due to the cheaper materials used.

According to a 2012 study in Psychological Science, people tend to buy counterfeits (that is, a fake luxury product presenting as the real thing) to enhance their image, and project to themselves and others an aspirational version of who they are. Unfortunately, it also has the unintended consequence of making us feel like we’re trying to be something we are not, and “signals” a counterfeit, inauthentic self. Notably, the study found that those who wore counterfeit glasses were not only more likely to feel less authentic, but to also behave unethically and perceive others as unethical as well. 

While dupes, also known as knock-offs, are not exactly counterfeits (at least legally as they do not use the same brand name and usually change up one or two details) they can be pretty darn close; and if you’re aware of the designer brand, you’ll know if the dupe is a little more than just a product “inspired by” the luxury brand. So perhaps, dupes carry the same unintended consequences as counterfeits, a sense that we are projecting an image that is not as authentic as we’d like it to be. There are some people, like myself, that seem to care more about that than others— What makes people care more or less?

Dupes and Values

Sam edelmans/Manolo Blahniks

This dupe seems to be more “inspired by” the Designer shoe than a replica. the wavy details gives it a unique touch.

Whether or not you embrace dupes may have something to do with what you value. According to an article in Vogue Business, Gen Z’s (those born between 1997 and 2012) have no problem with dupes; and in fact prefer them, particularly for trendy clothing that may not last more than a season. In other words, they want to present an image of luxury without spending the money to get it. More than that, Gen Z’s are loud and proud about their knock-offs. Even the term “dupes” sounds like something cool to have. Speaking as a Gen X’er myself, I can say that knock-offs were never one to brag about. We didn’t have “dupes”, we had “fakes” whether they were actually counterfeits or not.  Knock-offs were something we tried to hide (that’s if we knew they were knock-offs) as wearing them reflected badly on the person seen as “posing” or pretending to be something they are not. 

So what is the essence of this (seemingly generational) divide? Research shows that the more inaccessible or scarce a product, the higher the perceived value (via Psychology and Marketing).The reasons for this are complex, but it may have something to do with the value we place on being unique, particularly when it comes to clothing and other objects that reflect identity. But the desire to be unique and present an image of uniqueness may be separate processes. The latter seems to be more about having fun and presenting an image that is enhanced, but not necessarily feigned. That is, there is no shame in crafting an image that’s not necessarily true to reality b/c it is all in good fun— seemingly a byproduct of our social media age where everything is touched up or filtered. 

When I struggled to buy those dupes, I couldn’t shake the fact that it was a copy of a very specific shoe (as opposed to a more classic one). I don’t always know a dupe when I see it; but when I know, I have a hard time unknowing it.  Had it been a different shoe with a few different details, but the same feel, I would have felt better about it. Like the study mentioned, I felt the dupes made me feel inauthentic somehow—-I tied them to my identity as a creative person, and creatives don’t copy. On the other hand, if you don’t link dupes to your identity, but to a sense of frugalness, you may, similar to Gen Z’ers, see dupes as fun, and struggle less with buying them. 

Shop your values

Amazon/Bottega Veneta

This is pretty much an exact replica and marketed as a “dupe,” fun for those who want to indulge in luxury without spending the money to do so.

Ultimately, I didn’t go with the dupes. I found another luxury shoe from the same brand at a steep discount and went with those. But strangely, I’m much less picky about a pair of dupe earrings or a necklace if I really love it and it doesn’t go against my ethics (for example, brands who get hit really hard when big companies copy with no recognition). I like to have fun with jewelry and don’t always take it so seriously. On the other hand, shoes feel a little more substantial, and heavily dictates the mood of an outfit.

Someone else might feel differently about jewelry for different reasons. What we value can be attributable to a complex mix of factors including culture, personal experiences, and individual differences. Perhaps like Gen Z’ers, you’re fine with most dupes and prefer to invest your money in luxury items you feel are worth investing in. Or similar to someone like myself, you may strongly link authenticity to identity and not be as comfortable with dupes or at least certain dupes. But whatever you value, it’s important to be attuned to it. I could have easily bought the dupe shoes but it probably would have nagged at me. Clothing not only sends an image to others but impacts how we feel about ourselves, so it’s important to wear clothes that are aligned with our values. 

Additional considerations when Choosing Between Dupes and Luxury Brands

Joycename tennis necklace/Crystal haze Jewelry

This close replica has the feel of the designer necklace, but the tennis style sets it apart.

1. Know the difference between a product and its dupe. This requires some research given we don’t always know (at least I don’t) when a product is a dupe. Creativity is fluid, and the concept of dupes can sometimes be unclear. You may have a pair of reasonably priced shoes that looks just like an iconic shoe made years before. Is this a dupe? Or maybe a brand decides to give homage to an iconic or classic brand by making a replica handbag and acknowledges the inspo brand. Would this be considered a dupe? Typically, it’s a dupe if it is intentionally selling a replica of an of-the-moment product at a more affordable price. Sometimes the dupe will acknowledge itself as such, playing up the popularity of dupes, but be different enough so as not be accused of counterfeit. 

2. Study closely to see if the product is pretty much an exact replica or details have been changed, making it more of a close replica. If enough details have been changed, the shoe may feel more like it was “inspired by” the luxury brand than a replica. This is probably the dupe I’d feel most comfortable with.

3. Consider the price of the luxury product and the dupe; and whether you’ll wear it past one season. The more details on the replica that match the luxury product, the more closely it will be associated with the product, and possibly the more short-lived it will be, especially if the luxury product does not have longevity. If you decide to go with a replica, it should have fewer signature details than the on trend luxury product if you plan to wear it longer term. 

larosastyle/gucci

This Dupe is a near exact replica. the upper material is real leather, and gives the feel of a higher end shoe without having to actually buy one.

Use Your Personality Style to Create the Perfect Outfit

Of course we know there’s no such thing as perfect, but you can put together an outfit that’s perfect for you with increased self-awareness and a working understanding of your personality style. Personality is complex and beyond the scope of this little blog post; but for our purposes, you can break personality down into three major categories. They include the following areas:

1. Extroversion (get energy from being around other people; thought of as outgoing) to Introversion (get energy from alone time and thoughts; thought of as more reserved)

2. More conscientious (engaged and attentive) to less conscientiousness (more laid-back and carefree)

3. More open to experience (take risks and are psychologically flexible) to less openness to experience (more comfortable with the tried-and-true or what’s familiar)

Keep in mind that simplified personality tests which place us neatly into either of these three categories are only meant to be a starting point. We usually fall somewhere along the continuum of these and other personality components. But for the sake of picking outfits, these will do for now.

According to research in the Frontiers in Psychology journal, personality traits, body image, and clothing choices are related. So let’s break down some of the research results.

Women who were extroverted with an openness to experience preferred an “urban style” of dress (i.e., more eclectic and playful). They were creative and unconventional and preferred fashion brands perceived as “cool”, “exciting”, and “adventurous.” Those who were more conscientious tended to be self-assured and individualistic in their fashion choices. And women with all the above personality types were less likely to feel the need to camouflage their bodies, possibly feeling sufficiently unbothered by body ideal pressures.

On the other hand, those women who were more introverted with a low openness to experience and a desire to try to camouflage (related to poor body image) favored a minimalist style (jeans and a t-shirt).

While the research results do not account for every aspect of personality, we can extrapolate from these findings. Essentially, the better women felt about their bodies, the more likely they were to use clothes for self-expression and enjoyment. And those who did not attempt to camouflage their bodies, presented with a more positive body-image. They also had a tendency to be more extroverted, conscientious, and open to experience.

This does not mean these personality traits cause you to feel better about your body. Rather, it means that the presence of these personality traits along with more self-assurance may allow you to feel freer to express yourself without feeling the need to hide away.

So whatever personality style you have, with a positive body image, you can create outfits that support it without feeling a need to make yourself smaller. I’ve put together some outfit choices for different personality traits that of course can be worn by anyone looking to express or enhance their positive body image. Note that I have taken some creative liberties and it’s not an exhaustive list of possibilities. It’s only meant to get you started.

Outfit 1

Personality type: extrovert, openness to experience, conscientious

Dress explanation: a sparkly red dress and sparkly shoes are attention-grabbing, and capture the extroverted spirited as well as a willingness to try something new. The white shirt and tie is characteristic of the organized, detail-oriented (aka conscientious) among us.

 Outfit 2

 Personality types: introvert, open to experience, less conscientious

Dress explanation: the neutral color scheme reflects a calming, introverted vibe. The modern cuts suggest an openness to experience, and the mules are laid-back, similar to someone lower in conscientiousness.

 Outfit 3

Personality: extrovert, less open to experience, more conscientious

 Dress explanation: an all pink outfit grabs attention for a more extroverted vibe. The matchy-matchy look is perfect for someone who likes to stick with the tried-and-true, and details such as ankle ties on the shoes show glimpses of conscientiousness.

Do any of these styles fit your personality type?

Want Inspiration for Your Space? Try Turning Outfits into Rooms

Design and fashion psychology are not all that different. One uses psychology to create emotionally supportive spaces, and the other uses it to help people create outfits that support the better versions of them. Our spaces and clothes don’t just help us survive, they are also extensions of our identity; and many aspects of ourselves can be reflected in them—our personality traits, our mood, our goals, and aspirations.

I’d say one thing that differentiates putting together outfits and putting together rooms is the sense of permanency we feel when we decorate spaces. We can more easily switch out an outfit than we can a couch; or wallpaper that cost a pretty penny, not just to buy, but to install. Studies show if there is a large gap between the conditions of someone’s home and the expectations they had for it, the person will likely be dissatisfied. So it would seem we risk more when we decorate spaces than when we assemble outfits.

Considering the relatively high cost of decorating, what is one way that we can be more intentional about how we design our space? How can we best design a space that meets our psychological, social, and aesthetic needs, just to name a few? One way is to be more attuned to what inspires us. Inspiration can come from anywhere; and while we may be aware of what stimulates us, we may not always be able to articulate the reason. The elements of design we respond to are often connected to high positive associations between our experiences and the spaces they occur in. In other words, life happens within the context of design. An experience from childhood that is intricately connected with a certain color or design style can have a strong impact on our aesthetic, even if we are not aware of it.

In an attempt to get inspired, I turned to vintage pics to create virtual rooms. I love history, and I’m especially drawn to pics that remind me of my cultural background. Both my parents were raised in Jamaica, and my father is half-Chinese. During their young adult years, my parents relocated to England, and started our family there. My older siblings were both born in England, but I came along much later after my parents moved to the States. As the only one in my family born in America, I have quite the mash-up of cultural experiences. I’ve had the privilege (although it didn’t seem like it at the time) of moving through different cultural spaces— Black culture, White Culture, Jamaican culture, and Jamaican church culture. I’ve seen a lot; and these multicultural experiences have certainly shaped my aesthetic. So I’ve managed to take these vintage pics from Blackarchives.co, and turn them into a room that inspires and feels like something I could really live in. Not only did I use their outfits as inspiration, but the I considered the vibe of the entire picture. Check it out below.

This picture reminds me of the Carribbean— with all it’s blues, mints, and turquoise. I imagine everyone heading to church; and the children yearning for church to be over so they can eat dinner. But don’t even think of drinking or having dessert until after you finished eating everything off your plate! This imagery inspired the “Dumplings before Dessert” dining room. (photo by Otto Stupakoff via Blackarchives.co)

Dumplings Before Dessert Dining Room

This man is fully decked out, and no one can tell him otherwise. He’s gonna give you all those reds, pinks, and purples—so be sure to take notes. I once read a study that showed African-Americans are more likely than other subjects to focus on appearance. And without getting into all the historical, sociopolitical reasons why that might be, it makes sense that appearance would be very important to a people group who have been oppressed or discriminated against for the way they look. This picture inspired me to create a smorgasbord of pink, purple, and red with super confidence. I’m calling this one the Ya Dig bedroom for obvious reasons. (photo by Michael Horsley via Blackarchives.com)

Ya Dig Bedroom

I’m not sure where these young people are going, but I imagine at least some of them are being forced (yes, I said forced) to attend week night service. The church skirts give it away—lol. I grew up in a time where parents made their children go to church multiple days of the week. This was often the case with Caribbean parents who used the church not only to meet spiritual needs, but to meet the social needs of their children who may otherwise get caught up in some negativity should they be left at home alone. For this room, I attempted to capture the feminine ruffles with the edgy leather. I’m calling it the Week Night Service Living Room. (photo by ? via Blackarchives.com)

Week Night Service Living Room

I really enjoyed this process of turning outfits into rooms. How about you, would you ever give this a try? If you are interested in the links to my sources, see below.

Dumplings Before Dessert Dining Room

wallpaper; floor; table; abstract picture; portrait; chandelier; head vase; dining chairs; side chairs; blue cabinet

Ya Dig Bedroom

carpet; knotty pine wall; portrait; bed; rug; bench; side tables; lamps; chandelier

Week Night Service

carpet; wallpaper; sconces; chandelier; side chairs; couch; coffee table; portrait; abstract art; side tables