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Personality Perceptions: What Your Clothes Say about You

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at JMU chapter.

It’s easy to pass judgment on the girl walking across the quad caught wearing a miniskirt and a short sleeve top when everyone else is wearing pants, scarves and coats. I know I will certainly  own up and say I’ve whispered to my friends about how crazy she must be. In reality, she probably didn’t get the memo that a cold front was coming in, or she just bought that shirt and really wanted to wear it. Society does in fact make snap judgments based on clothing choices. Men, more often than not, judge not only girls but also the relationship potential based on clothing choices they make.

Society seems to teach women that if you got it, flaunt it. This shouldn’t always be the case.

If you are interested in a casual relationship with no deep feelings and for the most part purely physical, seriously consider renting the movie “Easy A” with Emma Stone. Otherwise, begin your day by always checking the weather and be sure to make it part of your daily routine. Realize that you can be sexy without showing a lot of skin; you don’t have to show every curve of your body to attract men, especially men with good intentions. They want women who have confidence, class and self-respect. After all, how can they respect you if you don’t respect yourself? 

Women that dress more conservatively and put in the extra effort to look nice for class communicate they are the kind of girls that fit for a good relationship. Their clothing choices show they take the time and effort to take care of themselves and to look presentable. It communicates to a potential guy that she is worth putting in time and effort. Guys, if they are in a place for a relationship, see her classy style as a turn-on.

Don’t get me wrong; anyone can dress nice once in a while. But in general, women who project a casual and “screw the world” attitude through their wardrobe communicate a casual outlook on relationships to the opposite sex. It’s easy for a guy to make an assumption that this attitude can be taken advantage of by approaching her and attempting to hook up. A man’s first thought is not taking this type of girl and her wardrobe home to meet Mom. Men want women they can be proud of and show off to their friends and family; they want their women to be presentable and polished.


 A specific style is not necessary; of course self-expression is important when choosing your wardrobe. Start with the signature weather appropriate items in your closet that can be transitioned from day to night.
If you have your heart set on a miniskirt, be sure you choose one that is longer than those that barely cover your booty. To the right, Pinterest presents an idea of how to make an appropriate skirt from a long sleeve shirt you can find in your closet. 
 
Chantal Johnson is a senior at James Madison University, studying Media Arts and Design with a concentration in Digital Video and Cinema. Aside from Her Campus JMU, she is involved with University Program Board. Chantal loves hanging out with her friends, listening to her "feel good" playlist on her iPod, or just curling up with a really good book in her spare time. Chantal loves her hometown, Roanoke,Virginia, but can't wait to graduate and explore her opportunities around the world! Within the next 10 years, Chantal's dream job would be becoming "the next Shonda Rhimes"!