Let Your Clothes Do the Talking
They say you can’t judge a book by its cover, but can you judge a person by their clothes? The thought may seem shallow on its face but according to the self-titled fashion shrink Sarah Whittaker, you absolutely can and, most likely, already do. “It only takes nine seconds to make that first impression,” Whittaker said. “And 75 percent of that impression is based on your appearance.”
The author of the e-book “The Wardrobe Shrink Scrapbook” makes a living dressing people to properly portray their personalities. Using characteristics such as face shapes, voice tones and volumes, body movements and body shapes, she categorizes clients into one of 35 image types and dresses them accordingly. This way, clients can be “judged” accurately.
Although Whittaker’s clients usually come to her to correct the impression they’ve been giving off with their clothes, some people have mastered the task. These people either possess a rare gift for wardrobing or they have a team of professionals ensuring they look as though they do. We like to refer to the latter as celebrities. To break down exactly how clothes can communicate, we selected five stars for Whittaker to “analyze.” Here’s what she came up with.
PARIS HILTON
The outfit Hilton decided to don upon her emergence from the slammer marked her first attempt to change her image in the public eye. “There’s an innocence about this look,” Whittaker said of Hilton’s prairie braid, simple denim, sailor girl jacket and muted colors. “Even her body language is different.”
The ankle-grazing floral dresses and modest necklines the heiress has taken a recent liking to are a far cry from the siren attire she sported pre-jail sentence. “She’s usually very provocative,” Whittaker said, “but now she’s trying to keep it clean and innocent.” Kind of like her criminal record.
Image type: Siren (untouchable, mermaid-esque) trying to be a Wood Nymph (innocent, introspective, gentle)
Where to go for the look: Anthropologie
VICTORIA “POSH SPICE” BECKHAM
Take her out to the ball game and Beckham will take out her … hot pants and platform sneakers? “It’s brilliant,” Whittaker said. “It shows that whatever you give her she makes it her own.” The popped collar, hot pants, aviator sunglasses and sneakers exemplify the high-maintenence persona of the British fashion maven.
She simply can’t part with heels (Beckham wears stilettos to her kids’ soccer games), not even if it means they’ll be sinking into grass patches all day. Her height penchant, Whittaker says, demonstrates a high and mighty disposition.
Beckham also bears a chameleon quality, always blending in with her environment. Living in Madrid meant long dark curly extensions and loads of classic black ensembles. The move to L.A. has brought about a bleach job and shorter hemlines. But there’s a strategy to her adaptive nature. “She wants to step into the hierarchy … which means altering her look to suit that culture, city, environment.”
Image type: Coquette (dramatic, flirty, high fashion)
Where to go for the look: Boutiques. “I don’t want to market a brand for her,” Whittaker said of Beckham’s ability for distinction.
CAMERON DIAZ
Whereas Beckham tends to intimidate with her dress of choice, Diaz invites. “She always has those pieces that you feel most comfortable in,” Whittaker said of Diaz’s denim jacket. “She looks approachable, easy going and personable.”
Her messy, pulled-back hair, white tank and single bracelet give a down-to-earth, “I’m just like you” impression.
That said, Diaz can kick the knockout factor into gear whenever necessary. She does so for red carpet events but, as Whittaker notes, never looking provocative while doing so. Her bright lipstick, micro minis and stilettos are simply “feminine markers, to remind people she’s not one of the guys.”
Image type: Prairie Girl (natural, girly, easy-going)
Where to go for the look: Gap
JENNIFER LOPEZ
If it shines, gleams or glows, Lopez can’t get enough of it. “She wears metallics, lots of gloss and sheen fabrics,” Whittaker said. “She’s telling us, ‘I’m the most expensive, the most adorned. I’m the Hollywood star.” The seemingly never-ending stack of bangles the actress flashes here reiterate the message Whittaker refers to as “the empress has the most jewels.”
Another thing Lopez has the most of: curves. With selective choices, like fluid fabrics and draping materials, her voluptuous physical features come off as sensual not sexual. As opposed to putting it all out there like an invitation, Lopez parades her figure with a “hands off” essence. “You’re worried that if you would touch her you’d ruin something,” Whittaker said.
Image type: Diva (glam, sensual, ultra-groomed)
Where to go for the look: Versace
JESSICA BIEL
A newcomer to the covers of celebrity gossip magazines, Biel likes to keep a low profile and her clothing reflects that. “There’s always a minimalism to her,” Whittaker said. “But she adds interest with textures and fabrics.”
Case in point, the flowing knit dress she chose for an MTV appearance to promote “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry.” Simple tones with subtle features such as the print and hem cut make it a complex garment. Topped off with barely there jewelry and nude peep-toe shoes, the outfit demands we pay attention to Biel and not her clothes.
The sense of layers this piece gives also tells us the starlet has a certain depth to her, according to Whittaker.
Biel tends to gravitate toward classic pieces and often holds a clutch in photographs, which Whittaker says reflects her security; she doesn’t feel a need to tote all her belongings with her as many young celebrities do these days.
Image type: American Romantic (elegant, feminine, demure)
Where to go for the look: Diane von Furstenberg
say what?Clothes and accessories talk. Here’s what some of them are saying, according to fashion shrink Sarah Whittaker.
Flat shoes: “I’m yielding my authority.” Lowering your heel is lowering your authority.
Sunglasses: “I’m shielding myself.” Jackie O, a woman hounded by the press, started the oversized trend and other paparazzi favorites have run with it since.
High heels: “I have power.” People literally have to look up to you.
Scarves, necklaces, high necklines: “I’m protecting myself.” In battle, the neck is the most vulnerable area.
Belts, power suits: “I’m ready for battle.” Anything resembling military attire suggests battle preparation.
Oversized handbags: “I’m insecure.” Bringing too many possessions along with you implies a lack of confidence in yourself.
Find more ways to dress like your personality at insideoutprofiling.com
