Dress to Impress: the Science Behind How & Why
By Lara Burdett
The age-old question- how can I make myself more attractive? Now, it’s not something we usually want to admit to asking- but at the end of the day, wouldn't we all want to be more attractive if we could be? And does how we dress ourselves really impact this?
The answer to this question is yes! And here are some of the reasons why. When we dress ourselves, we are not simply putting on clothes, we are putting on the outer layer of ourselves that says, "this is me, and this is how I have chosen to express myself today". Fashion communicates our personality, values, moods, and beliefs to others. By using different styles, colours, accessories and brands, individuals can share with the world who they are and how they would like to be perceived. For example, an individual who is creative and outgoing may be drawn to bright colours and patterns, using these to express to others that they are an open and communicative person (with no shade to those that prefer darker clothing like myself- no joke intended). Science even finds that different colours and styles can evoke different emotions and reactions in different people (Knapp, 2024). How we dress ourselves is the first introduction we give to others, so no pressure, right?! Don't worry though, this blog will give you some tips and tricks on how to dress more attractively, as well as the science behind it- so you yourself can become a fashion icon!
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First of all, it is important to figure out what kind of style is attractive to you- like attracts like, right? So, do you prefer a more formal or casual look? An edgy or flirty look? Something powerful and professional? The most important thing to remember here is what makes you feel the most confident- fashion is meant to make you confident! It even found that confidence itself adds to attraction (a win win!) (McNally, 2020).
Image: Google Images
Once you have decided on your own style, there are some tips you can follow to make your outfits really pop. The first is called the 'sandwich method'. This method involves matching an item of clothing on your upper body (say a black top), to an item of clothing on your lower body (say black shoes), with a different colour of clothing in between (say blue jeans). This creates a well-balanced outfit that is more aesthetically pleasing to the eye (Bellagil, 2024). Other simple things such as rolling up your sleeves, a coordinated belt and shoes, and adding jewellery and accessories to your outfit can help your outfit introduce you in the best (and most attractive) way possible!
The role of colour and attraction has been talked about for a while in the fashion industry. Colour theory - the study of how colours work together to influence our emotions and perceptions of something - has been around since Sir Isaac Newton invented the colour wheel in 1666. Newton described colours as human perceptions, instead of exact wavelengths of light, identifying three primary colours - red, yellow and blue (Interaction Design Foundation, 2016). Interestingly enough, the colour red has been found to increase attraction for men, with men more likely to perceive someone as attractive if they wear the colour red (you know what colour to wear on the first date now). In a 2021 study by the University of Rochester, men reported feeling more sexually attracted to women that wore red - even more likely to spend more money on dates. While it has been found that black is the most popular colour to wear on a first date (regardless of gender or sexual orientation), red is in fact more likely to increase attraction. Outside of dates, waitresses that wore the colour red when working received higher tips from male customers, compared to those they received when wearing other colours.
Image: Google Images
However, in saying this, black is also a popular colour to wear for a reason. Though the colour black may seem like the 'safe' option when picking a top to wear, the colour black creates a fashionable and attractive perception of the wearer (Wave, 2024). According to colour psychology- research interested in how colour affects human behaviour and emotions- there are 'better' colours we can wear if we want to increase our attraction, with black and red ranking highest. Apparently, 90% of an initial impression we make comes from colour, with 93% of consumers making purchases based on visual appearance alone. If this evidence doesn't convince you of the importance of colour and attraction, look to many luxury and tech companies, where colour and aesthetic is the soul to their corporation. Take Chanel for example, a French luxury fashion brand. Their logo is simple and black in design, using colour theory to exemplify their brand- sophisticated, powerful, elegant, and most importantly, expensive. Many tech companies have also adopted black as their brand, with 3 in 10 tech companies using black in their logos (Maybray, 2022). So, if you want your look to ooze flawless and fancy over passionate and powerful, black may be the colour (or shade) for you!
So, now that we know that colour is our best friend (hello red), what other things can we do to make ourselves more alluring to others? For any heel lover, it has been found that wearing heels makes us more attractive. In a series of studies in 2015 by Nicolas Gueguen, women wearing heels were stated to be more attractive by men- the taller the heel the better! With men being more likely to assist a woman wearing heels, as well as approaching those wearing heels faster (maybe the pain is worth it…?). In another study, even arms were found to add to attraction! Weather permitting, a preference for upper arms and long slender arms was found, with both men and women identifying this body part as attractive… Maybe wait until summer to test this theory however (Patrick, 2017).
Remember, though our fashion choices have been proven to influence attraction, it is what's under our apparel that really matters. Kindness, honesty, authenticity and empathy are rated among the most attractive personality traits found in people (Helmes, 2024). Without these, the colour of your top or the height of your heel won't play a role in your attractiveness to others. However, embodying these traits while expressing yourself through your style will make you absolutely irresistible as you own your fashion sense!