Street Style and Mental Well-Being: An Observational Study in Milan and Paris

Published 12/04/2024 in Scholar Travel Stipend

Written by Gural Nuriyev | 12/04/2024

In Milan, during the bustle of Fashion Week, I witnessed a moment that perfectly encap- sulated the power of appearance as a form of self-expression and confidence. A woman, dressed in a casual yet professional ensemble, walked past with an effortless air of self- assurance. Her outfit was understated but precise: a yellow jacket that drew attention not with loudness, but with its role as a harmonious accent. It wasn’t just the outfit that commanded admiration—it was her entire appearance.

Her body language, poised and calm, and her purposeful stride worked in unison with her clothing to create an impression that left bystanders, including myself, in quiet awe. I was in such awe, in fact, that I forgot to take a photo.

This moment described a central theme of my study: appearances are more than just outfits. At their best, they integrate clothing, body language, and movement into a cohesive expression of identity and self-confidence. Observing this dynamic during my travels in Milan and Paris, two of the world’s fashion capitals, formed the basis for my research on how street style contributes to mental well-being and self-expression.

Grounded in the concept of ”enclothed cognition” (Adam & Galinsky, 2012), this study explores how street style in Milan and Paris influences mental well-being and self- expression. These fashion capitals provide a unique lens for understanding how cultural norms shape appearances and their psychological impact. By comparing these observations with those from New York City, this research highlights the broader relationship between fashion and mental health, aligning with the Milken Institute’s mission to improve well-being through innovative approaches.

Background

Fashion serves as a key medium for self-expression, allowing individuals to convey identity, mood, and values through their clothing. This relationship is captured by the concept of ”enclothed cognition,” introduced by Hajo Adam and Adam D. Galinsky in 2012. Their study demonstrated that wearing clothing associated with symbolic meaning, such as lab coats, could enhance cognitive performance by fostering attentiveness and accuracy [1].

Beyond cognition, clothing significantly influences self-esteem and mental health. Fashion choices reflect personality and emotion, enabling self-expression that bolsters confidence and reinforces identity [2]. In cities like Milan and Paris, known for their rich fashion cultures, street style provides a platform for individuals to communicate identity and mood. During Fashion Week, these cities highlight how fashion connects personal narratives to broader cultural expressions [3].

Examining these dynamics sheds light on how fashion impacts mental well-being across cultural settings. This aligns with the missions of the Milken Institute and Milken Family Foundation, which emphasize mental health and fostering meaningful lives through innovative approaches. 

Methodology

This study examined the relationship between street style, self-expression, and mental well-being through observations and casual interactions in Milan and Paris during Fashion Week. The selected locations reflected cultural significance and diverse populations.

2.1 Data Collection

In Milan, I observed fashion across various districts:

• Navigli District (September 19th): Known for its canals and cafes, the area showcased casual and creative styles, including bohemian and streetwear-inspired outfits.

• Duomo Piazza and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (September 19th): A mix of practical tourist attire and sophisticated, elegant outfits reflective of the iconic surroundings.

• Porta Venezia (September 20th): A multicultural area featuring vibrant, colorful attire alongside classic Milanese styles.

• Corso Buenos Aires (September 20th): A major shopping street where fashion was practical, polished, and suited to a busy retail environment.

• Via Bigli, Via della Spiga, and Via Monte Napoleone (September 20th): High-end shopping streets showcasing refined and elegant fashion.

In Paris, I observed different environments to capture its distinct fashion identity:

• Gare du Nord (September 24th): A transportation hub with practical, functional fashion dominated by muted tones.

• Westfield Forum des Halles (September 24th): A mix of polished, modern styles worn by locals and tourists in this central shopping area.

• Quartier Saint-Paul (September 24th): A historic area with vintage and bohemian-inspired fashion reflecting its artisanal atmosphere.

• Saint-Germain-des-Pres (September 24th): A sophisticated district blending professional and leisure styles.

At each location, I observed how fashion interacted with body language and behav- ior to express identity. When possible, I captured photos or conducted brief, informal interviews to understand perspectives on style.

2.2 Ethical Considerations

All observations were conducted respectfully in public spaces, with consent for interactions and care taken to preserve individuals’ privacy.

3.1 Milan

In Milan, women were far more often dressed in intentional and cohesive outfits compared to men.  By ”nice,” I mean outfits that stood out in texture, color, or pattern while remaining flattering and coordinated. Men, on the other hand, leaned more towards functional, understated attire, with fewer individuals displaying intentional style. This gender gap in styling was more noticeable in Milan than in Paris or New York.

What stood out in Milan was how people carried themselves. Outfits often complemented body language and movement, creating a polished appearance. Even casual attire felt purposeful, reflecting the interplay between self-expression and confidence.

3.2 Paris

Paris showcased a subtler approach to fashion, especially among locals. Their outfits leaned towards practicality and authenticity, often prioritizing comfort over making a statement. While there were exceptions, the proportion of standout local outfits was smaller compared to Milan. Tourists, on the other hand, dressed more boldly but often lacked cohesion, with their outfits relying on individual pieces rather than an overall look. A conversation with a commuter (photo included) revealed an understated philosophy: her outfit wasn’t planned but reflected how she felt that day. This supports the idea that appearances are a form of self-expression, even when unintentional.

3.3 New York City

New York stood out for its diversity in fashion, ranging from avant-garde streetwear to polished business attire, particularly in areas like SoHo. However, the connection between clothing, body language, and movement was less evident. The fast pace of the city often overshadowed the intentionality seen in Milan and Paris. While outfits were bold and diverse, they sometimes lacked the cohesive presence found in the other cities.

4.1 Milan’s Precision

Milan exemplifies the idea that fashion can enhance self-confidence through intentional styling. The cohesive interplay between clothing, posture, and movement highlighted the concept of ”enclothed cognition” [1], where fashion impacts both how people feel and present themselves.

4.2 Paris’s Authenticity

Parisian fashion prioritized comfort and authenticity, often reflecting the wearer’s mood. This understated approach was less about making an impression and more about staying true to oneself. The distinction between locals’ practical style and tourists’ bold but often disjointed outfits highlights cultural differences in how fashion is approached.

4.3 New York’s Dynamism

New York’s diversity in fashion reflects its cultural vibrancy, though the integration of outfit, posture, and presence was less consistent than in Milan or Paris. The city’s fast pace might detract from the ability to create intentional, cohesive appearances. While New York excels in variety, it struggles with the harmony observed elsewhere.

4.4 Key Insights

The differences across Milan, Paris, and New York highlight how culture shapes fashion and its connection to self-expression. Milan’s refined style enhances confidence; Paris emphasizes authenticity; and New York celebrates diversity. Across all cities, when fashion aligns with personality, it becomes a tool for self-expression and contributes to well-being.

5.1 Milan’s Precision

This study highlighted the diverse ways fashion is used as a tool for self-expression and its impact on mental well-being across Milan, Paris, and New York. Milan stood out for its intentional and polished appearances, where cohesive styling, posture, and move- ment created a sense of confidence and individuality. Paris emphasized authenticity and comfort, reflecting fashion as a natural extension of the wearer’s personality. New York celebrated diversity in style but lacked the harmony between clothing and presence found in the other cities.

These observations underscore that fashion is not just about what we wear—it’s a form of communication that reflects who we are and how we feel. When clothing aligns with personality and environment, it fosters self-confidence and contributes to mental well-being. By exploring these cultural nuances, this research reaffirms the powerful role of fashion in shaping identity and enhancing quality of life.

[1] Hajo Adam and Adam D. Galinsky. Enclothed cognition. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 48(4):918–925, 2012.

[2] Footprints to Recovery. The connection between wellness and fash- ion,  2023. Retrieved from https://footprintstorecoverymh.com/the-connection-between-wellness-and-fashion.

[3] Wikipedia contributors. Enclothed cognition, 2023. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enclothed_cognition.