In one occasion, a small-dinner party host finally had the courage to tell Annie, (not her real name, of course) who is her BFF: "Amiga, next time, please dress down!"
No occasion is too casual or too formal for this amiga, known for wearing the loudest of colors with matching shoes and bag and accessories.
In an outreach mission for disaster victims, Annie was clad "appropriately" in the organization's uniform blue chaleco but with a glittery aqua shirt and jogging pants, a ribboned sun visor, an aqua blue Marc Jacobs cross-body bag, matching sunglasses, low-top sneakers, and turquoise bangles and beads she bought from Egypt.
That's Annie's signature. And, right, she makes the extra effort to dress "for the occasion".
Annie, who is a member of many women's organizations, is very petite. Lacking in height is no big deal for her. At that, she is a very empathetic and empowered one who flaunts and "dresses" it.
Empowerment
Dressing up is a form of empowerment that boosts one’s morale, professionally and socially.
Over the years this concept has evolved, especially so among women.
They may be called arrogant, conceited, and egocentric. But the likes of Annie are more than that. They are usually ultra-sensitive and always in the first rung when it comes to philanthropic calls.
Dressing up had been part of her system even as a young girl. She herself demanded from her mom that she wore only laced socks and carried laced hankies — even in PE. Catholic schools (still) are strict in wearing jewelry or any accessory so the socks and hankies are Annie's personality expressions.
She believed that dressing up significantly influences how others identify us. Sophistication was first on the list of Annie's thoughts. She simply wanted to convey self-confidence and to share with others her thoughts on it without any need for verbal influence.
Young that she was, Annie already had a marked branding.
Enclothed Cognition
Do women need to wear branded and pricey clothes to impress?
There are just some people who don't look good on those, no matter how expensive they are. Others are gifted in elegantly and tastefully sporting even the cheapest kind.
Ever heard of the term "enclothed cognition"?
Whatever one wears, if worn with confidence, makes one feel powerful and reinforces a strong self-image.
The term suggests that what we wear affects our mental state and performance.
Indeed, power dressing is one's psychological armor.
Personal Branding
We may notice that there are people who consistently dress in a particular style.
My brother, Engr. Maning always wears khaki pants and a white polo or polo shirt, on any occasion. Only the material of the clothing changes. But, of course, some instances — specifically on black-tie occasions — may call for dark-colored suits.
The late Don F from Batangas was known for his very recognizable garb even from afar. Whatever top he donned, Don F was always in his white pants, black and white saddle shoes, and an ivy cap. That was his personal brand.
When he passed on, his signature ivy cap was laid on top of his casket.
Something's The Matter
Celebrities and public figures use power dressing as a trademark, a visual identity aligning with their professional image and a message they may wish to convey.
Fashion standards evolve and norms change, but bold and innovative choices do not obscure the trademark or branding many men and women have been attached to and known for.
Annie's friend may have been too harsh in commenting "Amiga, next time, please dress down!"
Those who have known Annie for long may have the notion that "something may have gone wrong with Annie" if she heeds her friend’s advice and decides to dress down.
What's worse? Annie has been branded that way and adjusting to her friend's request may psychologically affect Annie.
So why change her?
(email opinyon.luchie@gmail.com, luchiearguelles@yahoo.com)
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