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How does your personality type affect your wardrobe?

Roxanna

Veteran

Picking up on where Angie left off today - how does your personality type affect your wardrobe? I'm an ENFP on the Myers-Briggs system, an extroverted idealist who is driven by feeling and looks at everything as being full of possibilities. Once I realized this, it made my wardrobe preferences clear: I need a big wardrobe because I dress according to how I am feeling, which changes on the day. I see the possibilities in every wardrobe piece so I mix and match endlessly and have a hard time getting rid of wardrobe items. I look at shopping as an endless source of possibility and buy according to my moods and impulses, certain I can make it work into my lifestyle (Exhibit A: TWO tulle skirts!)

Now that I know this about myself, I can stop feeling bad about not having a minimalist capsule wardrobe or a too-big closet; it's just not who I am. I can see where my personality serves me and where it doesn't, and make conscious decisions to change or curtail what habits don't work.

Over to you - has your personality type (in any system) helped you in your wardrobe planning/shopping/wearing?

Dressing

44 replies

Latest reply was from amiable

Anonymous

My Myers-Briggs personality is Consul (ESFJ-A):

https://www.16personalities.com/esfj-personality

I, too, like a larger wardrobe. My wardrobe has to be colorful, too; just not colors that are too bright. I used to experiment with lots of different styles when I was younger and thinner. Now, however, I know what suits me and stick with what looks and fits best. That said, I like to add individual touches to my outfits so I don't end up looking exactly like everyone else. I think that comes from having a mother sew all of my clothing for me when I was growing up. Having choices of patterns and fabrics made it to where my clothing was always unique to me.

I'm a rule follower and respect authority, which grounds my wardrobe. My style isn't creative or far off the beaten path. I always want to be appropriately dressed.

rachylou

Veteran

Well, that’s interesting. I just took the Consul test because I couldn’t remember exactly my result the last time I took it. I came out ESFJ-A, like Betty, this time - clearly in the Extrovert category this time. A very different result, if my poor memory serves at all.

Frankly, I think this is a reflection of work. As a tech writer... well tech writers are never the core of any organisation. And you have to sit in your cube and focus on brain output. But since being a baker has taken over, and we go thru managers like a kid thru his Halloween candy...

Actually, you know, I think I think about my clothing needs just like you, BC. Of course, the results are very different: I have to make up for a lack of artisan baker tattoos... lol!

LaPed

Veteran

INTP here, but my T/F and P/J usually break almost even. I think that's reflected in my wardrobe: I'd hate to look too conventional, but I also don't like to wear anything too impractical. I do wear a lot of dark neutrals, although I'm not sure if it's a manifestation of my introversion, or my desire to be taken seriously.

Of course, my personality also manifests as a tendency to analyze everything -- I'm not an impulsive shopper, and I'm always waiting for "the right one" -- something that satisfies all my internal criteria. Luckily, I love research, which translates pretty well into online shopping (I read all the reviews!). I'm also patient enough to shop vintage and thrift -- delayed gratification, for the sake of finding something really unique.

approprio

(website)

Veteran

I'm often mistaken for ENFP, I fly incognito as INTP, but since you ask how my mind works, I'm ENTP.

One of my favourite visual representations of MBTI is this:
https://nl.pinterest.com/ahmel.....bti-types/

I don't know who made it anymore but it's genius. When I first saw it, I had to laugh because I can clearly remember an outfit almost identical to the one ENTP is wearing. INTP looks like me most of the time but with fewer colours. ENFP is my boho sidekick with extra tie dye. All three of those women live in my wardrobe. This is fun, but at a deeper level, I think the ENTP cognitive style is reflected much more accurately in how I manage my wardrobe. Here's why.

I'm an impulsive shopper and a relentless problem solver. I'm resistant to looking the same as everyone else and I'm terrified of boredom and stagnation. I'm always on the lookout for new things but I know I can't keep buying stuff all the time, mainly because I'm very bad at getting rid of it (for the same reasons as you are) and there's only so much I can afford.

Therefore, I channel as much creative energy as I can into enjoying what I already have instead of buying new things. So I don't see holding on to what I love as a huge problem any more, because shopping is only the beginning, and exploring the contents of my closet to realise all those possibilities is a sustainable alternative to buying more stuff. But the wardrobe needs to be pretty big, because otherwise I might get into a rut and I can't be loosing my edge.

Anonymous

Did you decide to keep both tulle skirts? Good for you. I certainly loved them, especially the blue.

I can't respond to the rest of your post. I can't remember what I am wrt Meyers-Briggs. But I am pretty true to what they designated me. I also feel my personality does inform my dressing choices.

LaPed

Veteran

Hah, that graphic is great approprio! INTP is pretty spot-on for me. I used to try for ENTP and INFP, but I've drifted into more minimalist territory. I blame that mostly on having a child; he gets all the colorful stuff now, and if I'm not careful we end up matching.

mtnsofthemoon

Veteran

This is such a fun and introspective topic. I am a INFJ/P (almost equal scores on J and P - 2% difference). I spend way too much time thinking/analyzing and helping others in my profession that I don't typically take the time to analyze myself in this fashion (ha pun intended!). However, I am emotional, intuitive but equally analytical and perceptive and if I stop to think abut it my wardrobe and way of dressing most definitely reflects this. I can so relate to you Roxanna. Many of your statements about your wardrobe ring true to me also. I dress for myself, emotionally and intuitively. I like both color and neutrals. I like structure and plan outfits as often as I spontaneously grab items in my closet to pull together a new ensemble. I am a spontaneous shopper but try to be mindful of wardrobe holes. YFL has been a tremendous tool for me to improve my knowledge, awareness and "up my game" in my expression of myself. I am enjoying my sense of style more and more.

Anonymous

Infp -t here . I’m pretty straight-down-the -middle in all aspects with the exception of the “identity “ section . I’m turbulent , apparently . No surprise there . In terms of my wardrobe , yes , I can see how that is reflected . There isn’t a clear identity there , and despite having strong opinions and ideas about how I want to dress , I don’t manage to do it . Lack of confidence , unclear ideas of what and who I am - probably influence this . All very interesting.....

Aida

Veteran

Heh I was all set to say not at all until I saw Rio's link (pretty spot on) I'm sure there is at least one major aspect (or more) we're all going to have that's strongly affected by personality whether it's in dressing, shopping habits, wardrobe size, etc.

For me personally, I've found I need a moderate sized wardrobe with diverse options within it; and spend waaaay too long agonizing over the decisions of what to bring in, though once I've actually added something I usually have no trouble getting it in rotation. Done several of those MB type tests over the years (nothing official) and ENFP comes up most often.

Anonymous

Just rereading my emailed test results and also note that I am “ constantly looking for improvement “ , which is absolutely correct in my clothes . Not having quite the right clothes and always thinking I could do a better job in shopping and wardrobe management .

Anonymous

My personality type places a big importance on fashion. What a shock, lol. There’s never been a time that I haven’t cared about fashion or how I look. I always put my best foot forward.

Here are ny results from the quiz:

Personality type: “The Consul” (ESFJ-A)
Individual traits: Extraverted – 58%, Observant – 68%, Feeling – 71%, Judging – 92%, Assertive – 54%
Role: Sentinel
Strategy: People Mastery

elpgal

Veteran

INTJ, I have a very small wardrobe and am a uniform dresser.

DonnaF

Veteran

elpgal, as female INTJs we're supposed to be unicorns! When I was young, I think I had a very small wardrobe, was a uniform dresser, and didn't much pay attention to what I wore. Now that I don't feel any particular obligation to fit in other than those rare times when I see clients, my wardrobe is much larger. I like the challenge of pattern mixing and figuring out proportions.

Runcarla

Veteran

This is too funny! 10 years ago my employer got big into MB and staff went through testing, etc. I was in a small office and a 20 year veteran, so fairly comfortable with my peers. During the workshops we were told to dress 'comfortably'. Almost everyone showed up in jeans and sweat shirts. I wore a purple and olive DVF style wrap dress, olive low heeled pumps, and a purple (velvet!) jacket. When the moderator asked what does an ISTJ look like, everyone turned and pointed at me! LOL!

The smaller my wardrobe the better. My best outfits come when I live out of a suitcase (carry on of course) or am imposing some sort of restriction on myself.

Though I love minimalism and my family thinks I would be happy living in a refrigerator box in a back alley, I have a streak of appreciation for luxury that translates into textile tactility (leather, velvet, cashmere, etc.) and occaisionally bursts of colour.

I also am a notorious late adopter. It is very rare that I latch onto a trend first time 'round. When i do, I might never let it go - cropped and frayed jeans anyone? First puffer last year?

Jazzy Dance

This is a fun question!

I'm hyper-literal and very logical, and it's totally reflected in my personal style. I just can't with the cold-shoulder tops or dresses over pants, or belts on the top of things that don't actually require a belt. They're great for other people but I am overwhelmed and confused by this stuff. So my clothes are also extremely straightforward and logical. Simple, solid-color, functional, with no confusing non-functional elements.

I also have a teensy wardrobe because any more than that is overwhelming to me and I am continually aware that I can only wear one outfit at a time.

Aziraphale

Veteran

In years past, I took several online Myers-Briggs tests, but my understanding is that you're supposed to have it professionally done for it to be accurate. Having said that, the online tests always come out INTJ or ENTJ for me -- so, consistently intuitive/thinking/judging, and either introverted or extraverted, depending on the day, haha. I know my closet needs to be organized! It's colour-coded and everything. It's neither minimal nor maximal. I need choices, but too much and I'm overwhelmed and irritable.

ETA I just took Betty Crocker's 12-minute Myers-Briggs test and it came out as "Commander: ENTJ-T" (51% turbulent, whatever that means).

rachylou

Veteran

Ok, I just wanna say that, yes, those are my clothes in Approprio’s link, but I’m pretty sure I come off less hoochie Which is maybe too bad... lol...

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

Every online version of this test I take, I come out as INTJ. On BC's test, this is "Architect."

On Approprio's Pinterest link, I can't say I identify with the fashion look associated with INTJ. (I don't often wear all black, but the INTP look is the one that seems closest to something I would wear.)

I am not a uniform dresser. I have a lot of clothes. I like trends. My closet is organized by color and season. I like color and I try to wear colors that suit my physical appearance -- that is, I am not exactly dressing for personality. In fact, I often think my appearance is at odds with my personality; I look quite a bit softer than I actually am.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Today I am INTP - T according to BP's link. I am always "I" on these tests and I love the addition of T for turbulent. But according to Liz's link I would say I dress more INFJ although that does not exactly fit either. If I had to describe my ideal outfit, it would be elegant from afar, and all the more interesting if I let you get close enough to see it better - but I probably won't.

Ginger

Veteran

Hmm. I have always been ISTJ, and taking the quick test again, I am again. ISTJ-T, very strongly so - every factor 65%-82%. And I would never voluntarily dress like the ISTJ in approprio's link! (Though I honestly can't see myself in any of them, so take that for what it's worth!)

Gigi

Veteran

Thanks for the link to the test, BC. I took it and found that I am INFP-T, like lisa p. I am highly turbulent, which is no surprise!

I can see how this affects my wardrobe in that I am an idealist, so I am always looking to improve on what I have and also add new pieces that can develop other sides of my personality. This means that I shop a lot more than I would like and more than my wallet can handle! I too put a high importance on being able to dress according to how I feel on a particular day, which means I need a pretty decent-sized wardrobe. I think this must be due to my high "feeling" score as opposed to being more "thinking".

harmonica

Veteran

Fun question!

I have a profound love for great craftmanship, the skills and quality that comes with it. It resonates with the search for deep meaning that's supposed to aline with Advocats/INFJs. I'm also goal oriented, like INFJs. Before YLF I was imnersed in our baby/toddler/school boys and had lost every sense of style and fashion. I set a goal to build my wardrobe from scratch and become more authentic in my dressing. It's an ongoing process, but I'm at a pretty happy place now.

The pic below made me laugh because of it's accuracy. I'm supposed to put effort into looking like I-just-threw-some-random-clothes-on-which-happen-to-make-an-outfit.

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

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Bijou

Veteran

ENFP and I like a big wardrobe too. I tend to dress according to my mood and have always rebelled at being told "what to wear" as I like to feel free to make my own choices.

cindysmith

Veteran

I'm ISTJ-A (logistician) according to the test I just took (took it once before but couldn't remember the results).

I don't know how any of that affects my wardrobe; but I do know that I'm often very cynical or pessimistic (the world is doomed, the zombies are coming, etcetera), and I see that reflected in my dystopian leanings. I'm also what I call a kamikaze fatalist: the glass isn't half empty or half full. It's dirty, and I'm going to have to wash it. While I'm washing it, it's going to break & cut my hand & I'm going to have to go to hospital for stitches. While I'm there, I'm going to contract a flesh eating infection that is going to slowly rot my body so that they have to keep cutting pieces of me off until there's nothing left of me but a tiny nub.

So I'm drawn to shredded sweaters, distressed jeans, tactical or practical boots, shooting perfectly good clothes with shotguns, and so on.

I'm also a bit shy shy IRL, so I'll often either try to wear something low contrast and minimal so I blend in; or I'll go for something that (I hope) makes me look like I'll put a spell on you or hex you or maybe even shank you if you try to approach, etc lol

Between my lifestyle (rural, homesteading, etcetera), I often tend to go for colors that don't show dirt because otherwise I'd be replacing my clothes every few days.

So I do see how my personal understanding of myselfaffects my clothing choices, even if I don't understand the results of that test. Now, I'm off to go read up on it and see if it matches with my vision of myself at all

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Whenever I've done those quizzes for fun, the results have been similar to when I had it done "for real" years ago--INTJ, very close to the line on perceiving/judging, and even closer on thinking/feeling. What appeals to me most on Approprios link are the ENTJ outfits and everything IN except the two types that are supposed to match best. I think they're translating some personality elements into clothing differently than I would. Like the bow ties/bows and very swishy bell bottoms. What do those elements mean to them? And yes, thinking and judging (not being judgemental, just figuring things out & deciding) are how I work.

Penny

Veteran

Interesting thread - I’m ENFJ (https://www.16personalities.com/enfj-personality) (have always been on the E/I cusp with strong NF and very strong J). Maybe the strong J’s predilection for planning has led me to my current moderate wardrobe that can be easily mixed and matched (lots of navy, black, and burgundy accents with a narrow range of silhouettes and clothing types) and the passion of my personality type perhaps has supported my defined style (dressy and dresses at all times, aiming for vintage elegance on weekends and polished sophistication at the office). Fascinating idea to look for these links!

Roxanna

Veteran

OMG - I left work last night and haven't checked teh forum, and came back to this! What a wealth of fascinating and insightful answers. I am working on a deadline right now but I will come back to chime in! Keep 'em coming!

approprio

(website)

Veteran

Heh. Don't think I've ever seen so many INTJ's in one place before. Are we herding cats here or what?

By my reckoning, the Pinterest board pics are around 15 years out of date and about as accurate as most of the visual references I find for Kibbe, so best taken with a large pinch of salt. That said, my ESFP ex (may he rest in peace) would totally have dressed like that if he could have gotten away with it.

It just so happens that one of my students has been doing a project based on the type indicators, so I recently did a bit of background reading on the Jungian psychology it's based on. (OK actually, I totally went down the rabbit hole.) It seems that most of the Internet's MBTI buffs think the quizzes are inaccurate and the best way to type yourself is to look into the cognitive function theory behind it to figure out how your mind really works.

Having done this myself, I think I agree with them. If you have the time and inclination to self-analyse you might enjoy drilling down into the underlying theory. I liked this website:
http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/basics

delurked

Veteran

Roxanna - It’s been a long time since I took this test. . Will need to see if I’ve shifted any over the years.

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