Working World

“That outfit makes you look like a million bucks.”
“She’s dressed for success.”
“Clothes make the man.”

Tired cliché’s? Perhaps. But often there is a kernel of truth in well-worn sayings such as these. Appearances do count when one is trying to make a good impression in the working world. Can feng shui be applied to clothes, too?

Yes, the clothes we wear can and do influence our feng shui. Certain colors activate and energize us, others soothe us. Wearing those colors has that impact. For example, red is the symbol for fire, passion and activating. Red is a powerful color and a mood lifter. Red grabs attention whether it’s worn in a power tie, a Hillary Clinton pantsuit or a Sarah Palin lipstick. Try this: Next time you wake up feeling so-so, go for the bright red sweater or scarf. You’ll not only look better, you’ll feel better, too. If, on the other hand, you’re all wound up and can’t relax, you may want to rethink those bright red silk pajamas. Sure, they’re great for stirring up passions, but to calm down you want a tranquil shade of green or blue.

It’s not just about color. It’s about balance. Wearing too much of one hue or type of fabric in one outfit can be overpowering and put you off balance (not good for chi energy). For example, a leather jacket or a leather skirt or pants is great. But a head-to-toe leather jacket, vest, pants or skirt is too much of a good thing. Leather is animal; to balance it you need some plant-based
material (silk, cotton or linen), and perhaps add some metal touches in your accessories (belt buckles and
jewelry) and some gemstones in your jewelry.

Besides color and balance, one needs to consider common sense. Don’t wear it if it’s in disrepair, unclean, unkempt, out of style, doesn’t fit or doesn’t enhance your looks. Tip: Sometimes it’s better to have someone else’s opinion on what looks good on you and what doesn’t. If it feels good, it’s good feng shui!