Does representation matter?
Identity forms an increasingly critical part of our culture, shaping policies, interactions and online discourse. But how important is seeing people who ‘look like you’ for our psychological well-being? What is the value of having representation in fashion, media and popular culture?
How can we encourage people to buy better?
Craftsmanship is a key tool utilised in luxury fashion promotion. But can showing the work behind how all products are made, and educating customers on the effort that goes into their creation, help people appreciate them more? Find out how highlighting craftsmanship may encourage people to buy better, backed by psychological research.
Is fashion dictating the way we should live?
Recent years have seen lifestyle elements incorporated into fashion and beauty retail experiences. Young people are increasingly turning to design, music and food to showcase their tastes and status. Find out what psychology has to say about the way we live is impacting our fashion choices.
Why do we love Barbiecore?
Not only has the new Barbie movie taken over our feeds and group chats but its namesake trend, Barbiecore, has found its way into our wardrobes and home decor too. Explore what psychology has to say about why we're all obsessed with Barbiecore.
Is personal style going out of fashion?
Instagram face, ‘core’-ism and the psychology of sameness. How unique are our fashion choices, really? Explore the psychology behind personal style, trends and the role that uniqueness plays in leading people to dress the way they do.
Can appropriation ever be appreciated?
Dress forms an important part of our identity, carrying significant personal meanings and influencing how we are perceived. So when your culture is used as the latest mood board inspo, it can feel like a personal affront. But what is the psychological impact of cultural appropriation? And what does this mean for the fashion industry?
Are people still wanting a human experience from fashion?
Explore the shifting relationships between emerging technologies, creativity and people to better understand how technological innovations are influencing the fashion industry and the humans who help produce and sustain it.
Quiet luxury and loud inequality: why do we want to dress like the 1%?
What is causing the latest trend of people wanting to dress like the wealthy? What are the cultural contexts and motivations for aspirational dressing? Explore what psychology has to say about our latest obsession with luxury dressing in this article.
The Psychology of clothes renting
The last few years have seen an increasing number of companies offering fashion rental services but their popularity of use has lagged somewhat behind all the buzz. Why might this be?
Explore how psychology can help identify the behaviours and traits which may make someone more likely to rent clothes as well as any potential barriers to uptake.
Is there bias in clothing?
Clothes carry meanings and significations about our identity, signalling information about our ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, and social class. Whilst being a tool for community and connection, what we wear can also affect how we are treated. Explore why what you wear matters and whether there is bias in clothing in this article.
Boom or Bust: how will inflation impact our fashion buying?
With rising inflation and a cost of living crisis, on top of dealing with post-pandemic supply chain issues - the state of fashion looks grim for retailers. However, consumer sentiment is ever-changing, so how might a looming financial crisis actually affect buying behaviours?
Increasing diversity in fashion
By focusing on the unique differences of neurodivergent people, fashion businesses can improve strategies, innovate, enhance their competitive edge and better respond to challenges, helping to tackle the industry’s most pressing issues.
Does outrage sell?
Discussions on social media can facilitate offline change. However, the role that online outrage targeted against brands has in affecting their market performance is challenged by several psychological mechanisms. Explore how in the article.
Is fashion essential?
To the fashion-conscious, clothing actively forms part of their identity and is likely placed high on their list of things that are important to them. But how essential is fashion to us as humans and what role does it fulfil in our lives?
How are beauty filters affecting our mental health?
Research suggests that beauty filters may be having a detrimental impact on young people’s body image. This article reviews the research and explores how filters are affecting mental health.
Want to shop more sustainably? 4 novel tips from psychology
How can we use psychological research and theories to change our behaviour in order to consume fashion more sustainably and act in a way that’s better for the environment? This article explores 4 evidence-based techniques to encourage better consumption.
IRL to URL: Is the future of fashion digital?
How is technology changing the fashion industry? Explore how technology is shaping fashion and how it can help build a more sustainable future.
What is Fashion Psychology?
What is the psychology of fashion? What does a fashion psychologist do? How can they help your business? Read to find out!