“A piece of clothing may be useful,
but it also may have a special meaning
 in relation to a theme in the soul.”
~ Thomas Moore, Care of the Soul

Have you ever entered an unfamiliar place and felt immediately at ease, as if you had just “come home”? Each of us has an energetic comfort zone, a term that describes how we feel when we are vibrationally connected to our surroundings. Compared to our homes and workplaces, our wardrobe is the body’s most intimate environment.

Operating outside your comfort zone can make you feel anxious, restless, or unfulfilled. I have found this to be the root of many a wardrobe folly. You buy the latest fashion trends, but then forget to put your personal stamp on them. These are the clothes that you love but don’t wear because something is missing, and that something is y-o-u!

Clothes fulfill you when they honor your Essential Energy, the theme in your soul that defines the colors, patterns, textures, fabrics, and silhouettes that express your inner being. Dressing your Essential Energy aligns your clothes with your spirit, promoting harmony and authenticity in your personal appearance. Thus, your wardrobe is designed with your heavenly essence in mind.
                       
Define Your Elemental Comfort Zone
Your Elemental Comfort Zone extends to your personal style. Just as there are situations in which we feel comfortable, there are also clothes in which we are “in our element.” Fashion Feng Shui™’s Five Elemental Archetypes* personify the energetic themes of our souls.

Essential Energy Group 1     The PHILOSOPHER
If you are artistic, intellectual, or spiritual, you identify with the colors, shapes, and substances of the Water Element. Your profound spirit is expressed by design elements in your Elemental Comfort Zone:
Dark colors
Abstract patterns
Velvety textures
Flowing silhouettes

Essential Energy Group 2     The PIONEER
If you are athletic, dynamic, and motivating, you identify with the colors, shapes, and substances of the Wood Element. Design elements that align with action and ease are in your Elemental Comfort Zone:
Blues & greens
Stripes & florals
Ribbed textures
Columnar silhouettes

Essential Energy Group 3     The PLEASURE SEEKER
Exciting, flamboyant, and warm, you identify with the colors, shapes, and substances of the Fire Element. Design elements that attract attention are in your Elemental Comfort Zone:
Reds & purples
Animal prints
Shiny textures
Body-conscious silhouettes

Essential Energy Group 4     The PEACEMAKER
If you are nurturing, grounded, or conservative, you identify with the colors, shapes, and substances of the Earth Element. Classic or comfy design elements are in your Elemental Comfort Zone:
Earth tones
Plaids & checks
Tweedy textures
Boxy silhouettes

Essential Energy Group 5     The PERFECTIONIST
Refined, meticulous, or organized, you identify with the colors, shapes, and substances of the Metal Element. Elegant and upscale design elements are in your Elemental Comfort Zone:
Whites & pastels
Dots & scrolls
Polished textures
Curvy silhouettes

*Fashion Feng Shui™ is a holistic personal design system based the Ancient Chinese Art of Placement and Chinese Five Element Theory. Visit www.fashionfengshui.com  for more information.

First appeared in the Apr/May 07 issue of aspire.. Magazine.