Dressing with Intention - The Art Of Fashion Feng Shui

Our clothing should always suit our body shape, colouring, life style and personality and this is fundamental to our looking the very best we can.  But what if we need to introduce a new element into our lives?  If life is hectic, we need calm.  If it’s boring, we need excitement.  Fashion Feng Shui shows us how to do this, even if it’s only for a short time.  So here is an overview of the basic principles and how you can use them to realise your ‘intention’:  

Feng Shui centres on 5 elements:  Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal.

Water is introspective and represents ‘being’.  If you want to attract more depth, quiet, stillness or tranquillity then wear clothes in black or dark tones, in an asymmetric pattern such as paisley. Fabrics should be fluid, flowing or in sheer or drapey.  The overall effect is undulating and soft.

Wood is dynamic and represents ‘doing’.  Clothes that support this should be blue or green, columnar in shape and pattern (including vertical stripes, ribbing, corduroy) or of a floral theme.  Fabrics should be crisp or springy.  Jeans fit into this category extremely well.  The overall effect is vertical and sporty

Fire is dramatic and means ‘exciting’.  To bring energy and radiance into your life you will need to bring out red and purple.  If you can’t wear red, think about introducing a handbag or shoes.  Fire also embraces animal prints and diamond or triangular patterns in clingy fabrics or natural ones such as leather, fur, taffeta, wool or silk.  The overall effect is angular and bold.

Earth is traditional and represents ‘nurturing’.  If you need to be grounded, turn to earthy colours such as yellow and brown.  Plaids, checks and boxy styles in coarse or napped textures give the feeling of being cared for.  The overall effect is boxy and square with horizontal lines in the garment. 

Metal stands for elegance and should be worn if you need ‘refinement’ in your life.  As the name suggests, white, pastel and metallic colours in luxurious, shimmering fabrics are the clothes to introduce.  Arched or dotty patterns suit this well.  The overall effect is figure 8 and curvy.

Use these guidelines in conjunction with what you know about your own style preferences and you’ll soon see a difference.