Wow! I've never *met* so many fellow INTJs!!! What you wrote, Gaylene, resonated a lot with me, and I have to remember it when commenting on my *F* daughter's paper that I am about to read. DH is an *F*, too, and I think I am very, very *T* like my dad was.

Wow, what a great conversation!! It's fascinating (and mostly not at all surprising) to learn all of your "types." And Gaylene, as a teacher and editor, I'm pretty much the opposite. I grade by gut, then go back and analyze why; it's easy for me to express my positive reactions, and takes me much longer to describe the argument's flaws (even though I intuitively grasp those immediately). This, even though my F/T are pretty close -- just a bit further along on the F side. My I/E preferences are also pretty close. I'm extreme on the N and the J sides. So yes, like amiable, once I have decided I WANT some item, it makes me nuts not to be able to find it!!

How fascinating! I've only ever done it online, but the last time I took it I was an ENFJ ("Idealist Teacher"). It's interesting, because there has been change over the years. Quite a bit of change - like I was Mr. Spock and now I'm Dr. McCoy. Lol. I don't know how changeable these traits are supposed to be, but I have fairly consciously changed my modus operandi over the years. So it seems a fair assessment.

It's also interesting to me that there'd be a lot of ENFJs here too. Self-selection?

As for personality type and fashion sense... Yes, I can see it. First off, I am an emotional dresser. I can analyze my outfits, but only after I've put them on and worn them for a day. I have a really hard time using my analyses to buy clothes or make outfits. There's a big discrepancy between the name I'd give to my style and the mantra that guides my fashion choices. Really, I rely on funny rules and mood to pick out stuff. (Btw, I read this is a danger for ENFJs! Lack of data collection and analysis! So I'm trying to get my brain to translate my analyses into funny rules for me...)

I also think of my clothes in manipulative terms. Ok, there's a nicer way to put that, but it's an ENFJ trait and I *do* think about how my dress will hurt or help business, communicate the real me so as not to give anyone any nasty surprises, etc. etc. I think pretty much not at all about figure flattery (which is something I'm trying to change / remember to think about).

I'm sure there's a lot more. A very interesting avenue into gaining some fashion insights!

ETA: Must add... for all this ENFJ stuff, it is my nature to say "I think" not "I feel" (nodding to Claire here). This may be a product of a heavy-handed, classical Western education. Or not. Hehe.

Just another tidbit of information that some of you might find interesting. Various researchers have tried to distill the MB dimensions into "type categories" to make it easier to use the information, especially in the workplace.

The NF "type", when coupled with an extrovert preference, is sometimes called the "charismatic leader" type. This personality type often draws others in because of their interest in helping others develop their potential along with their personal warmth, empathy, and charm. In an organizational setting, it's these people who are often the transformational leaders who make others want to join in and be part of the group. It's interesting that Angie falls into this category.

The NF, with an introvert preference, are sometimes referred to as the "glue" that helps the organization maintain harmony while still pushing the group forward with new ways of thinking and doing.

The NT, especially those with a tendency to introvertedness, are often the "strategic thinkers". They can seem a bit aloof in their abstract thinking, but are essential because of their ability to develop plans for the future. They love working through complex problems and are good at predicting outcomes. The greatest reward you can give an NT is not a compliment, but a new problem that only they can solve. :0 (We are a weird bunch!)

The SF types, both I and E, are the loyalists. They work hard, offer practical solutions, and are willing to take on the less desirable tasks because they know that these things are important. They recognize the importance of getting the details right. They make great team players.

Wow - I agree with Donna - I've never met so many INTJs - especially women!

What fun!

I love reading all your analysis's.

And I decided that I don't *have* to shop by myself. I'd shop with someone that I considered an expert in style (like pretty much any one of you), who would give me honest feedback. My general experience shopping is that whoever I'm with encourages me to get something I feel iffy on, and I regret the purchase

Gaylene, you described my experience well - I'm a strong "J", but only slight preferences for the I, N and T. My husband is a super strong "P", (He's INFP - so we're not extreme opposites, but the "J" versus "P" requires a lot of adaptation for us both.

Dave Ramsey's personality analysis breaks down your "dominant" and "adaptive" types, so that you have two personality types - one for when you're being yourself, and one for when you're being observed - sort of a "public" versus "private" type. I think a lot of us adapt into a slightly different person than we are, and I found that for me, getting dressed is adaptive. I dress for situations that I may encounter, or for who I think I'll see (and how I want to portray myself, while still being true to who I am).

Oh, how I love over-analysis! This is fun!

Amiable, your point about "adaptiveness" is so true. One of the reasons many people have trouble with the E/I preference is because they have had to "adapt" to a society and educational system that rewards extroversion. How many times has an introverted child been told "to go outside and play" instead of staying inside alone. By the time, we become adults, most of us have learned how important it is to display extroverted tendencies in public.

One of the ways I help students figure out this preference is to ask what they do after work if they need to re-energize. An extrovert will often choose to spend time with friends and family, talking and socializing. An introvert will want to go into the bathroom and shut the door to find some solitude and be away from people for a while.

My students are usually quite surprised to find that I fall on the introversion side of this preference. My job requires constantly being with students and colleagues and maintaining a high level of interaction to keep my classes interesting. At the end of the day, I'm exhausted. I want my glass of wine and a book--and to be left alone!

I had no idea what personality type I was, but I looked it up, took the test, and guess whose picture is on the page describing my type? Steve Jobs. That's right, that arrogant little tit. Nice. (Er, may he rest in peace).

Any other ENTJs out there?

Still, I'm always skeptical of online quizzes, even those with hundreds of questions. I think I'd need to be formally tested to be more confident that I've been put in the right box. Because for half the questions, my answer was "uh, not sure." I think someone close to me might have an easier time answering a lot of the questions, haha. I'm not particularly "in touch with my feelings" -- that phrase has been repeated to me more than once, by different people.

So, Amiable, assuming I am what the test says I am, that puts me in nearly the same box as you, except that I'm extroverted, not introverted. (I would agree with that). What does this mean for my style? I guess I do like to be visible, but not out of control or over-the-top. That sort of thing is a real turn-off for me. So I often wear subdued colours, then choose one element that really stands out -- often an eye-catching pair of shoes, but other times, an interesting skirt or hat. I make sure everything fits really well. I'm not afraid to wear bright lipstick, but I never want to look like I'm in costume. I guess what I'm going for is "understated showiness", which does seem to fit with the personality type thing.

Hi Elizabeth!

Steve Jobs, arrogant and not-nice though he was, was Brilliant. I would take the "type" description as, at the very least, a huge compliment to your intelligence

I feel like your question is over my head (on "what does this mean for my style"). Gaylene probably has a much better answer. Or many of the other people in this thread - there's several comments that do a really good job of suggesting how these traits translate into style.

But here's my stab anyway: I choose what I wear for how I want to be perceived. I suspect you do the same. I almost always want to be perceived as competent, which, to me, fits with your wanting to wear clothes that fit properly. I don't want to stand out or disappear in most situations. When I'm in a position or authority, I want to dress like someone with authority too, not like a flirty fun little girl, or in any sort of costume. I suspect we're quite similar in that, I'm just learning to wear lipstick - it's hard for me not to feel like a clown in it. I'm also learning that my impression of what looks over the top, is mostly just that, an impression, not reality.

@Amiable: "I choose what I wear for how I want to be perceived" -- Yes! Exactly! That's exactly right. I don't wear pieces because they have sentimental value, but because of how they make me look. I choose clothes so that I appear on the outside how I feel on the inside. I am very fond of certain garments, but it's because of how they look, and how they reflect who I am, and not because they hold special memories.

And yes, I'm with you on wanting to look competent. I think we mainly differ in that I do want to stand out -- a little.

ETA: I'm nicer than Steve Jobs was. Probably not as intelligent, mind you, but thank you for the compliment.

Fun thread! I took the long version a long time ago, and I was an ENTJ, with the E pretty close to the middle. Now I wonder if I'd be an INTJ--I think my *need* for quiet, alone time in order to feel energized has grown over time!

I am very analytical, but also very decisive, so I will think about a new purchase to a point, but I get impatient with too much analysis :). I am definitely quite direct in person--around here I try to temper my bluntness and soften my rough edges, knowing that everything can sound different online vs. in-person.

I'm not sure how my MB type affects my style. I *do* enjoy analyzing what works about an outfit, and what doesn't work, and I love mixing up my clothes and thinking up new combinations of things--the process gives me this weird satisfaction and sense of accomplishment.

Phew, I thought I was going to be alone here as an ENTJ (hi Elisabeth and Jonesy!). Gaylene, your insights are very useful though I am having a hard time guessing what how the MB type relates to my style. Let's see:
E - Yup, I'm kind of out there and social and my clothes reflect that. Although of all the four dichotomies, the E and I are the closest in percentage , so I do have my introvert moments where I want to blend in and not be noticed.
N T J - I like to analyze my wardrobe logically, look at patterns. I can overthink things sometimes but also act on hunches/heat of the moment.

I am apparently an INTJ as well. I think it fits my style fairly well, too.

As an Introvert, the test said that I prefer to think before I act and that I "recharge" from being alone. I definitely Pin and make wishlists to high heaven, so that fits. I think this is also reflected in the fact that I am not happy with my outfit unless I feel like myself in it, no matter how much others may love it.

As an iNtuitive, the test says my memory recall emphasizes patterns/contexts/connections and that I see possibilities rather than realities. I'd say this is reflected in the way I prefer to evaluate my outfit as a whole "picture" or "work" (for example, it's not uncommon for me to try to wear several favorite pieces at once only to discover that they don't look right together - the effect of the whole supersedes those of the individual items) and sometimes buy things with intent to alter/dye.

As a Thinker, I apparently use logic to dictate action... although I will say that fashion is one of my exceptions to this rule and that I am a fairly emotional shopper, I am getting much better at letting practicality be the deciding factor.

As a Judge, the test says I am a planner - and yeah, I makelots of lists when I pack for a trip. I am also happiest with my outfits when I've tried them on beforehand and had a chance to tweak and take photos. Ironically, I think all the planning has affected my style by making it feel more effortless. lol.

OK, now that I have had time to think about this I will chime back in.

INFJ

Introvert - although I am fine in front of people, I am most comfortable with people I do not know. I am a watcher so I have a tendancy to sit on the sidelines but can talk up a storm with one-on-one conversation. My clothing choices are never over the top. I so not like to shop in groups or really even go into a store. Even as a kid, I knew what I wanted so I went in, got it and left. That never set well with my best friend. Oh, and sales people just drive me crazy. I think some may have a stalker gene in them.

Intuitive - I definitely like to see the bigger picture. One piece at a time makes no sense to me. When I purchase something I visualize how it will look with what I have in my closet.

Feeling - I know when it feels right. That is the way I get dressed in the morning. And why I have a difficult time choosing the night before. When I see something in a store if I do not feel it I just leave it there.

Judging - I have no trouble making a decision. If i can see the bigger picture, and feel it in my gut, I make the call. I do not tolerate wishy-washy very well.

Gaylene, I had to laugh, when I am marking papers I do the exact same thing. I write everything out and then have to go back and find the "something nice" to say

Gaylene, I was just able to catch up reading the rest of the comments, and I found the extra tidbits about the personalities so interesting! Especially as an INT, lol. I wouldn't have initially put myself in that category, since for example I hate playing games. But reading more closely, it sounds like maybe INTs just prefer different types of problems (like helping friends with outfits, hehe).

Apparently I am the only ESFJ around these parts! LOL Actually although I am such a strong "J" that I'm practically off the charts, the rest of it is pretty close although I am consistently on the ESF side by, like, one point per category!

Yes, I was startled by how few "S" ladies there are here too!

Rae, as a fellow NT, I also hate games. But it doesn't surprise me that you might type yourself as an NT. The following is a summary of some of the common characteristics that have been applied by some researchers to this type:

NTs, especially those who prefer introversion, are often perceptive observers who like to gather information to generate new ideas and solutions. They are usually very quick to understand new concepts and value intelligence and competence in themselves and others. This type sets high standards for themselves and others, and can see possibilities where others may just perceive problems. They love new ideas and are prone to boredom if they have to follow routines. NTs are often viewed by others as independent, self-confident, unconventional, and original.

But (putting on my teacher hat), I really think it's important to recognize that this kind of description is only useful as a guide to help a person gain some insight into his or her preferences and behaviors. It's also important to recognize that every one of these characteristics has a dark side as well as a positive side.

I'm an ENTP--doesn't seem to be a lot around these parts.

Desmo - I am INTP bordering on ENTP (by one measely point). At least I was 20 years ago when I took the test in college These days I'm probably most likely on the E side, after 20 years of bartending and dealing with strangers every day. Pulls you out of your shell, no?

Absolutely! There's nothing like the service industry to get you talking to everyone.

This is so interesting. Not very many Ps here many more Js. Does anyone know if is this true for society or peculiar to YLF?

Caro, I think it's quite particular to YLF. Real society has much more 'S' and much more 'P' than is represented here!

Huh. All this intuitiveness is rubbing off on me. I just took an online test and it came out ENFJ. Go figure...

With the variety of MB-type tests on the Internet these days, it's not uncommon to have different results from different tests. The actual Myers-Briggs test is quite lengthy and involves a fair bit of introspection before settling on one's "type". If any of you are still interested in playing around with this theory, a couple of suggestions:

First the MB theory is all about PREFERENCE, which can be quite different than what you actually do in a particular situation. Mo's example of working 20+ years in a bar is a good example; because her job requires interacting with people, most observers would probably see her (and she might see herself) as having many of the extroversion qualities. To draw a parallel with handedness, it would be the same as if her job required her to work constantly with her left hand even if her preference was to use her right hand. Eventually she would become so good at using her left hand, it might seem to an observer, and even to her, that she was indeed left handed. As we get older, it becomes harder and harder for most of us to distinguish between what we can do and what we might prefer if there were no constraints on us. That's why some people think their "type" changes as they get older or they change careers.

The second thing to keep in mind is that not everyone has a strong preference on each of the scales. The characteristics ascribed to each letter are usually most accurate for individuals who are at the far ends of the spectrum, not near the midpoint. So, to use MaryK as an example, if she is near the middle of the N/S spectrum she might be much more flexible in her information-gathering strategies than someone who is near either of the ends. She is "ambidextrous" and can switch between both hands quite easily.

Last thought, I keep trying to think about how type would influence my fashion and shopping choices. Personally, I think that human behavior is dependent on so many factors, it would be hard to separate out my MB type as being the main influence on my behavior. For example, as an introvert, it would seem logical that I'd prefer to shop alone, but that behavior might also be just logical for an extrovert who has limited time and resources for shopping or who would prefer to engage in other activities with people. It's a fun way to explore possible differences but I wouldn't read too much into it.

ETA: I feel like such a downer, but I get a bit conflicted when I see how MB type theory gets so distorted on the web. The "take this quicky test and slap a label on yourself and others" approach bothers me. People are complicated and most of us can't be summed up in a four letter code. But I think recognizing that another person can have a very different approach forces us to confront that our preferences are just that--our preferences. And to communicate with each other, we have to acknowledge these differences if we want to understand each other.

Great points, Gaylene. And a very interesting discussion!

Yes. I was always borderline introvert/extrovert. I think what happened over the years was I tipped towards extrovert and squeaked into the category.

Also, interestingly enough, I suspect in earlier years a heavy-handed, classical Western education had my focus squarely on being analytical - and I'm quite good at being that way, if I don't say so myself. But I don't think it's my native nature; age has provided me with enough self-empowerment to chuck it.

Ok, obviously not totally chuck it...