The Princess Effect

August 16, 2016 / Elizabeth Savetsky

Our moods often determine what we choose to wear, but the opposite can also be true. It should go without saying that fashion goes much deeper than the clothes (and accessories) we put on our backs. There are a multitude of factors that drive us to select the garments that we wear which express our personal style and convey the message we want to share--where we come from, what's happening in the world, current trends, occasion, age, our basic nature, and the list goes on. But it's not just our inner workings that bring us to the clothes. The clothes themselves can either change or enhance our thoughts, emotions, and behavior, bringing everything full circle.

Watching my daughters play dress up in their kitschy costumes is a slightly exaggerated, but accurate example of what I call the princess effect. The excitement and joy they exude from donning a tutu and magic wand has taught me an important lesson. We may call their magic "make believe," but the super powers they get from the princess swag are real. They feel powerful and so therefore they are.

I was happy to find that there is valid research supporting my princess effect theory. According to a recent study published in the journal of Social Psychological & Personality Science conducted by researchers at Columbia University Business School, "Formal clothing makes people feel more powerful, which in turn makes them more likely to adopt high-level abstract thinking." The study's co-author, Michael Slepian, also notes, "The clothing will also improve your mood if you feel good in it and think it looks good."

We may not be able to hang onto the beautiful innocence of my fairy princess toddlers, but we can all play dress up. When we put on our equivalent of a tutu and tiara, we walk taller. A fabulous accessory or gorgeous outfit can have a big impact on the way we feel and the way we carry ourselves. That will contribute to our most important superpower--confidence. This message is not just for the "glamour girls" because it's not a matter of literally looking like a fairy princess, but it's about finding the outfit that makes us feel like one. It's about being true to ourselves and unapologetically rocking the clothes that bring out the best in us.

Thank you to darling Gracy for bringing out the best in me with these exquisite pieces from your collection. The detail, time, and love you put into every brilliant design is what couture dreams are made of. I want to wear your pieces every day forever. Style & Grace garments are designed and made to order in NYC. You can have your customized princess moment by contacting Gracy.StyleAndGrace@gmail.com to set up an appointment.