Why Love Island Stars Dress The Way They Do, Explained By A Fashion Psychologist

Tom and Olivia in love island season 9 download

Tom and Olivia in love island season 9 download

Tom and Olivia in love island season 9 download

Season 9 of Love Island is glued to our TV screens, but not just for the drama – we’re watching the show for fashion inspiration. eBay has teamed up with Love Island for the second season in a row, in an effort to promote sustainable fashion.

In addition, eBay has partnered with Fashion Psychologist and Author Shakaila Forbes-Bell to take a closer look at the fashion the Islanders are wearing in this series of Love Island, and encourage people at home to think on more conscious shopping habits.

Put together by eBay for this new series of Love Island, ‘Reflective Dressing’ is a sentiment that embraces the idea that everyone should think about first love and also recognizes the power of fashion as a vehicle for self-expression.

“Reflective dressing allows you to think about how your outfit represents you beyond the surface level, how it affects your relationships and the world around you,” says Forbes-Bell.

“Studies show that, even unconsciously, taking into account the style of the people you’re associated with helps create a stronger bond and signals that you’re ‘on the team’, which boosts your confidence and creates a natural attraction.”

“Last year, we saw Danica and Indiyah develop a close bond, and they were also shown wearing the same Poster Girl dress in different colors.”

Forbes-Bell revealed the psychology behind the four fashion trends Pre-Love eBay Fashion Stylist Amy Bannerman is the curator of this year’s Villa wardrobe: ‘Tutti Frutti’, ‘Business vs Party’, ‘Dressed up Denim’ and ‘Heavy Metal’, and what it might suggest about the contestants choosing to dress in each of these styles.

Tutti Frutti

Game Tutti Frutti Fashion Style

Game Tutti Frutti Fashion Style

Game Tutti Frutti Fashion Style

Game Tutti Frutti Fashion Style

Game Tutti Frutti Fashion Style

Game Tutti Frutti Fashion Style

Tutti Frutti brings color and joy, it’s all about the pinks, yellows, oranges, and blues, integrated with an explosion of neon blazers, dresses, and bright two-pieces.

“Saturated and brighter colors are more exciting. “Studies have determined that the brightness of your clothing can be more important than facial expressions when people judge your ability,” said Forbes-Bell.

She continues: “there are many benefits to brightening up your wardrobe, such as the ability to increase ‘opportunities for creative expression’.

“As we saw in the first episode, Olivia and Tanyel looked to make a statement in bold colored bikinis and opted for bright evening dresses. On the first night, Olivia wore a bright orange White Fox co-ord and Tanyel chose a fuschia yellow Meshki dress, both from eBay. Olivia kept it bright for the 90s pre-love party too, opting for a neon Miscreants dress that screamed Tutti Frutti!”

Business v Party

Business vs Party Style Fashion

Business vs Party Style Fashion

Business vs Party Style Fashion

Business v Party is all about mixing party wear with slouchy outfits to create a unique look that can be worn day or night.

“The golden principle is basically the idea that it’s taking a little bit of this and a little bit of that,” Forbes-Bell said.

“Goldilocks rightly recognized that psychological well-being is often found in extremes only when there is an adequate balance between the simplistic and the extreme.”

“Research shows that while people feel more authoritative and competent when wearing formal attire, they are friendlier when wearing casual clothing,” explains Forbes-Bell.

“It’s called high-low dressing or casual chic. For example, as we saw last season with Tasha’s black prom dress with lace gloves, black is associated with confidence and we definitely gained it during her time in the villa.”

“So far in this series, farmer Will Young has been playful with his choices choosing smart trousers paired with casual trainers. Recently, after calling things off with Zara, Tom has been dressing to impress both Olivia and Ellie opting for smart evening trousers and trainers,” she says.

Dress up Denim

Dress up Denim

Dress up Denim

Dress up Denim

“Casual clothes like denim and jeans are go-to items when you want to be approachable and versatile. Studies show that people who wore jeans were rated high in sociability and extraversion and were considered more interesting,” says Forbes-Bell.

Denim Dressed Up is a timeless staple and it’s no secret that it’s so much better than fresh off the rack.

“According to the theory of endowment, it can be very beneficial to upcycle our clothes.”

“The theory goes that we feel more connected and value more things that we’ve customized and added our personal touch to, and since denim is one of the most durable materials, it’s a great choice for customization.”

“Last series we saw Paige wearing preloved denim jeans at eBay’s Blue Party, and with the cooler nights out in South Africa, Ron took the double denim look to eBay’s preloved 90s party last week!,” a says Forbes Bell.

Heavy metal

Heavy Metal Fashion Style

Heavy Metal Fashion Style

Heavy Metal Fashion Style

“Adopting vintage clothing is beneficial because it allows us to experience the positive benefits of nostalgia. Anything that promotes nostalgia can make people experience higher self-esteem, feel less lonely, more positive, more socially connected and more creative,” said Forbes-Bell.

Inspired by Kourtney and Travis, Heavy Metal is bringing back rebel outfits with metallic skirts, leather jackets, and vintage Ts.

“Heavy metal can be a great trend to embrace if it’s different from your usual style,” she says.

“Research has shown that dressing outside the norm can release tension because it helps you escape. We’ve already seen some great Heavy Metal looks on Lana in this series and we’re looking forward to seeing more daring outfits as the series progresses.”

How to introduce ‘Thoughtful Dressing’ to your own wardrobe

If you want to practice reflective dressing, Forbes-Bell revealed her 4,3,2,1 rule for Reflective Dressing:

4 years

Before you buy something, ask yourself: will you still wear it in four years? Impulsive shopping purchases are often life long items. Avoid this waste by representing your future self in the suit. If that image doesn’t look right, walk away.

3suit or occasions

If you can imagine wearing the item you’re considering buying on at least three different occasions or with three different outfits, that’s a surefire way to know if it has longevity.

2deep breaths

In through the nose and out through the mouth. All that dopamine and adrenaline flood your system before you lose focus, and that’s what mental shopping is all about. Taking a few deep breaths can calm the sympathetic nervous system in your brain. The result? Less anxiety and increased concentration.

1 night sleep

Put the laptop down, put the hanger back on the rail and lay your head down. It’s the same rule I have when I’m about to send an essay text to someone I really like. After a good night’s sleep, that text looks ridiculous – and it might turn out to be the coat you’re planning to buy. If you wake up and can’t stop thinking about it, that should indicate you’re making the right decision.

Related…

Leave a comment