Feng Shui is a popular eastern philosophy about improving the environment and harmony of your home or workplace using five elements, through the use of colour and the positioning of certain objects.

Well did you know that there is such a thing as ‘fashion feng shui’? Feng shui not only applies to the home and workplace, it also applies to the clothing we wear. After all, our wardrobe is the most intimate environment, so the clothes we wear have the ability to energise us, create harmony and help us attract the things we want. Equally they can make us feel anxious, restless and unfulfilled.

When you think about it, that’s so true. How often do we put on an item of clothing for work and it seems to drain our energy. Yet certain outfits really make us come to life. We describe ourselves as “being in our element” and since feng shui is all about elemental five elemental energies, water, earth, fire, wood and metal. This insight into fashion feng shui will help you to discover what textures, colours, shapes and fabrics will help you achieve the right flow of energy from your own wardrobe, it might even improve your performance in the workplace too!

Water Energy – Water is all about being a philospher. Whenever you want to be calm, thoughtful, be taken seriously or even to be left alone by the rest of the world you should reach for your darkest coloured clothing in flowing, drapy fabrics.  Fine knits, chiffon, silk and velvet are all water-energetic fabrics. Asymmetric patterns or accessories will also help you achieve this energy.

Wood Energy – Wood energy is all about growth, movement and action. So if you want to get things done then wear water energetic colours such as green, blue, floral prints and stripes. Choose natural, plant-based fabrics such as cotton, denim and linen and shapes that are more columnar and rectangular.

Inject some wood energy into your wardrobe with our Helene Berman navy floral print sheath dress.

Fire Energy – Fire is about bringing pleasure into your life. If you want to attract others to you, have fun and frivolity and want others to notice you, then reach for red, purple, orange and pink – just like all the colours you’ll see in a roaring fire.

Life-like fabrics such as animal prints and anything noisy, shiny or clingy such as taffetta, lycra, satin and fur will all help you draw on your fire enery.

 This pink jacket is a great example of a fire energy item from our In Wear collection.

Earth Energy – If you long for warmth and commitment from others, to nurture and be nurtured, then earth energetic design elements such as yellows, browns and earthtones will help you achieve this.

Fabrics such as tweeed, plaids, checks and flannel and anything that is multi-dimensional, will almost reach out to others.

We have a great range of earthy tailored neutrals such as this grey dress from Quin and Donnelly.

 Metal Energy – For those days when attention to detail, discipline, excellence and precision are vital, then it’s metal energy you need to draw upon. Choose clothes that are pale or metallic colours such as white, grey and pastels.

Wear accessories or detailing that is polished or curved. Shimmering, metallic fabrics and knitwear will also help garner the flow of metal energy you need and help you bring perfection to all that you do!

For precision and style opt for a white shirt from The Shirt Company or a classic jacket with a contemporary twist from Quin & Donnelly.