Consumer Behavior: Exploring Personality and Clothing Preferences

This essay delves into the intricate relationship between personality and clothing preferences, exploring how individual tastes and styles are shaped by inner characteristics. The author, a student, reflects on their own clothing choices compared to their friends, highlighting the diversity in fashion preferences. The essay then examines how different personality types, such as laid-back, trendy, and artistic individuals, often express themselves through distinct clothing styles. It references the work of Keogan and Nicolette to support the arguments. The essay also touches upon the role of self-concept and how individuals use clothing to project a certain image. The conclusion emphasizes that these differences are primarily driven by personality, with bold individuals gravitating towards eye-catching attire, while others prefer a more simple and elegant style. The essay is a good example of a student's perspective on consumer behavior and self-expression through fashion.

PERSONALITY AND PREFERENCES 1
PERSONALITY AND PREFERENCES
Student’s Name
Course Name
Professor’s Name
University Name
City, State
Date

PERSONALITY AND PREFERENCES 2
Clothing preferences differ across personalities. Generally, the type of dress code adopted
by an individual may depend on several factors such as personality, budget, the environment,
situation or gender. With regards to personality and different individuals have different tastes in
clothing (Keogan, 2013.p16). While for some, making a loud fashion statement is necessary,
others prefer keeping their dress code elegant but straightforward. Personality is, therefore, a
significant contributor to individual’s tastes and preferences in clothing.
The differences in the clothing preferences are visible between my friends and I.As for
me; I consider myself a laidback person. So generally, my clothing is at most times simple. In
maintaining this simplicity, however, I always ensure that I remain decent all the time. As
opposed to my friends who prefer to stay trendy in the latest fashions, I mind not about what is
fashionable and what is not. In this regard, most of my clothes are official outfits, mostly in non-
shouting colours.
On the contrary, most of my peers prefer jeans trousers, jackets and camouflaged shirts
and t-shirts. To them this what it means to be young and up-to-the-minute. On top of this, most
also clad in ragged jeans that leave parts of their bodies exposed to keep up with new fashions.
While I would never have the guts to walk around dressed like that, I always see them happy and
contented when in such outfits. Well, I believe this is what makes them comfortable. Therefore,
the fact that I prefer simple outfits as opposed to my friends who prefer trendy and fashionable
outfits proves that individuals have different tastes and preferences concerning clothing.
The uniqueness in tastes and preferences in clothing is primarily defined by personality
differences. For example, people of kind and earnest personalities might prefer clean and simple
clothing. For such personalities, a simple modern style is a priority as opposed to fancy

PERSONALITY AND PREFERENCES 3
styles(Nicolette,2018 p3). Additionally, instead of bright colors such people prefer simple
colours such as white, beige, grey or black.
On the contrary, well-spoken, artistic, self-assured and charismatic individuals mostly
prefer to have a fashion that stands out. For such individuals, their choice of clothes has to make
a statement (Nicolette, 2018 p4).In this regard, they are more likely to dress in bright colours and
walk around confidently unperturbed. Additionally, they are never afraid of being the centre of
attention. The bright colours in their clothing reflect their level of confidence (Nicolette, 2018).
Finally, there are those who are good-hearted, intelligent and connected.This class falls in
the architect personality.Individuals in this category are ambitious, imaginative and
decisive(16personalities, 2019.p1). With regards to dressing,such individuals often act as
trendsetters who usually rock in the latest fashions and change their wardrobes constantly.
Additionally, because of their fashion taste, they are largely sought after for fashion advice
(Nicolette,2018 p6).
In conclusion, the tastes and preferences for clothing differ among individuals.
Predominantly, these differences are brought about by differences in personalities. Bold and
charismatic individuals are more likely to wear bright colours and clothes that make them a
centre of attraction. On the contrary, earnest personalities prefer keeping their style simple but
elegant.

PERSONALITY AND PREFERENCES 4
References
16personalities (2019). Introduction | Mediator Personality (INFP-A / INFP-T) |
16Personalities. [online] 16Personalities. Available at: https://www.16personalities.com/infp-
personality [Accessed 6 Sep. 2019].
Keogan, K., 2013. The Relationship Between Clothing Preference, Self-Concepts and Self-
Esteem.
Nicolette, H. (2018). What Your Clothes Say About Your Personality. [online] How Does She.
Available at: https://howdoesshe.com/what-your-clothes-say-about-your-personality/ [Accessed
6 Sep. 2019].