COVER FEATURE
What ’ s in Your CLOSET
?
B y : R e v . G a i l D a v i s
Did you know every item you wear is not merely a fashion statement but an outward reflection of your spiritual identity and values ? Did you know there is a wardrobe for your soul and spirit ? In this article I aim to present an integrated approach via faith and fashion — the psychological and theological implications . There are deeper meanings behind your clothing choices that impact your spiritual journey .
Carolyn Mair , a cognitive psychologist , and former professor of psychology for fashion at the University of the Arts London states that fashion is psychology . “ It ’ s all about our self-identity , it ’ s all about our behavior ,” she says . “ We behave in a particular way depending on what we ’ re wearing .” I know that to be true for me . When I look and feel good in clothes , sometimes I do not want to take them off right away . I want to stay out and command attention . It is not showing off , it is the embodiment of confidence that the clothes I am wearing at the time give me .
While researching for my Doctor of Ministry Project , I discovered the implicit and explicit meanings behind the garments we choose to wear . This opened my eyes to the countless ways in which women cover their emotions with clothes – cloak themselves in something to hide the way they think of themselves . Are you aware of what your clothing choices represent ?
Here are examples . Garments of heaviness . Often these garments reflect the weight of poor mental health . As Mair notes , those struggling may lose interest in their appearance , wearing drab colors to avoid attention or sticking to pajamas and sweatpants , symbolizing a lack of care about life . Depression can sometimes alter your clothing choices .
Garments of shame . These come in two forms , those we create and those imposed on us . In Genesis , Adam and Eve ’ s fig leaves symbolize “ sin-wear ,” an attempt to cover spiritual brokenness with visible attire . Shame , a deeply painful emotion , often manifests in clothing choices , whether consciously or unconsciously . For some women , concealing their bodies after experiencing trauma involves wearing oversized clothing or even coats during the summer . These garments reflect an internal struggle , revealing how shame can shape both our identity and appearance .
Spiritual clothes . In Colossians 3:10-12 , Paul used the metaphor of clothing and instructed us to put on compassion , kindness , humility , gentleness , patience , forgiveness , and above it all put on love . These are spiritual clothes , and when you wear these clothes , with the help of the Holy Spirit as a stylist , you are reflecting the character of God . I dare say from my own experience that regeneration changed my wardrobe .
So , what is in your closet ?
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Mair . Carolyn . The Psychology of Fashion . Routledge , 2018 . Ibid .
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