QUESTION OF THE WEEK: I know that feng shui is for the home, but is there a way to use it when we dress?
Actually there is! Feng shui elemental concepts can be used for much more than the home. One of the premises of feng shui is that what is closest to you impacts your physical and emotional health, and your clothing style definitely is impactful.
Feng Shui elemental personality and style
WATER: Water types are quiet, inner-oriented and are considered deep feelers and thinkers. Water people tend to wear darker tones, with abstract and wavy patterns in sheer and flowing fabrics.
WOOD: Wood people are competitive, achievement and success-oriented go-getters. They are talkative and like to ask questions. Wood people are “sporty,” wearing items that are easy to move around in. Greens and blues are “wood” colors.
FIRE: Fire personalities are pleasure-oriented trendsetters who love to have a good time. They are bright, optimistic and dramatic. They wear things that stand out. Red, purple and bright colors emphasize the fire element.
EARTH: Earth people are caregivers and homebodies. They are stable, nurturing, loyal, and are all about being there for others. They resonate with yellow, brown and other earth tones, and their style is “comfortable.”
METAL: Metal types are detail-oriented and precise. They require quality and refinement in everything they have and do. They wear clothing that is precise, fitted, polished and purposeful.
As you were reading through this, you probably saw yourself in a few of the elements, rather than just one. That’s because everyone has a combination of elemental personality traits, with some showing up stronger than others.
How do you use this to make your best impression?
Instead of wearing clothes that emphasize and support your natural feng shui elemental personality, try dressing in line with the element or personality that you would like to emphasize for the day.
For example, if you are being interviewed for a job and you want to give the impression that you are dependable, choose earth tones and a more traditional style of dress. If you want to show that you can go with the flow without resistance, then wear dark colors or something flowing. If you want to show that you can multi-task and can “get the job done,” wear something from the wood element in the form of pants in cotton or patterns that show movement.
How do you use this to feel better about yourself?
Use the elements as a guide to help yourself feel the energy of what your intent is. Clothes can drag your energy down or lift it
up. Just think of how wearing certain clothes make you feel. If you are feeling tired, put on clothing associated with the fire element to give yourself an energy lift. Just as the surroundings in your home affect your state of mind, your clothing affects how you feel.
Alice Inoue is the founder and Chief Happiness Officer at Happiness U, a friendly educational establishment at Na Lama Kukui (formerly known as Gentry Pacific Design Center) on Nimitz Highway. At Happiness U you’ll find dozens of inspiring classes all geared toward personal growth, helping you live a more purposeful and ease-filled life. YourHappinessU.com