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For over 15 years, I have been dedicated to my career as a Personal Stylist, helping women use clothes as a tool for empowerment. Almost a decade of that in Hong Kong has been spent supporting and sponsoring the TEDxTinHau Women’s (tedxtinhauwomen.com) event. The most recent gathering, held on December 6th, 2024, was no exception! My journey with TEDx started in 2017 when I found the bravery to apply as a speaker. Though I was not selected, I quickly recognized that, had I been chosen, the daunting question of "What to wear?" would have loomed large in my mind. My understanding has now deepened, having witnessed numerous speakers navigate this complex journey. It’s so much more than what's on stage. With this insight, I offered my expertise to empower each speaker in selecting attire that would bolster their confidence as they took to the stage. After all, research reveals that many would rather die than engage in public speaking—a testament to the courage required, making support all the more essential!
 Image of Amanda at the 2024's TedXTinHau Woman's event at the Xiqu Center. (Amanda Leigh Style worked with all in the photo) Photographer: Berton Chan While many behind-the-scenes efforts remain unseen by the audience, they are pivotal to the event's success. The planning journey stretches beyond six months, involving a devoted team of volunteers who are passionate about providing a platform that empowers change-makers and advocates tackling issues affecting women across Asia. Together with TEDx, we are thrilled to offer a rare glimpse into the intricate preparations that the speakers undertook leading up to this extraordinary event.   Image from Wikipedia about the human Reticular Formation What if I told you that your style choices extend beyond mere aesthetics and are deeply rooted in science? 🤯
From the psychology of color to the influence of your outfit on confidence and body language, what you wear has a profound impact on your overall experience. This is precisely why I prioritize a style consultation before embarking on any wardrobe edits or shopping excursions. Understanding the rationale behind your choices is as crucial as the items themselves. When you align your wardrobe with intention, you will no longer feel as though you have "nothing to wear," but rather, you will make confident and empowering style decisions. While fashion is fundamentally about self-expression, it is fascinating to recognize the significant scientific principles that underpin our style choices. Our clothing can affect our confidence, mood, and even our success, illustrating the psychology of style. For instance, many of us are aware that colors evoke distinct emotions. Red can instill feelings of power or seduction, while blue tends to have a calming effect, and warm tones often convey friendliness and approachability. Moreover, consider the role of body language. The way we dress can influence how others perceive us and how we view ourselves. Standing tall in a well-tailored outfit can enhance confidence during a presentation, making you feel powerful and assertive. Conversely, there is a different kind of empowerment in wearing a feminine dress that exudes a flirty and graceful essence. One of my favorite concepts is the Reticular Activating System (RAS), a fascinating aspect of brain science that most people may not recognize, yet everyone can relate to the feeling it evokes. The RAS plays a critical role in our ability to notice and comprehend our surroundings. Did you know that we encounter over 3,000 advertisements daily? Yet, how many do we actually remember? Our brains filter these messages for relevance. I recall moving to Hong Kong and initially being unaware of what a Tesla was. I passed by the showroom daily, registering it as just another vehicle. However, once a friend shared their excitement about electric vehicles, I suddenly began noticing Teslas everywhere. Nothing in my environment changed, EXCEPT my awareness. Building your awareness of your fashion choices and understanding the "why" behind them is just as vital as the "what" you select. This may explain why you find yourself with ten of the same item in your closet, leading to the common feeling of having "nothing to wear" each morning. Continuously purchasing similar items does not resolve the underlying frustration, which is why I always begin with a style chat before working with any client on their wardrobe or shopping needs. So, the next time you dress, remember that your choices transcend mere aesthetics—they are informed by science! By integrating these scientific concepts with a profound understanding of your personal style, we can cultivate a wardrobe that not only looks appealing but also enhances your overall well-being. This approach fosters a harmonious relationship between your clothing and your mindset. What scientific principles influence your clothing choices? Share your insights in the comments! |
AuthorAmanda is Founder and CEO of 'Amanda Leigh Style', a Hong Kong-based fashion consulting business, which is committed to empowering its clients to achieve their unique sense of style and build confidence to maximise life’s opportunities. Archives
April 2025
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