We often take someone’s appearance into account – whether we want it or not – in our assessment of that person. You would say that you should not judge this, but there is certainly a reason behind it. A lot of research has been done to determine whether appearance also says something about the inner self of a person. Appearance and interior are indeed related, and appearance can provide valuable information about someone’s personality. For example, we could get information from someone’s body type, clothing and possessions.
Body type
There are different body types, each with characteristic features that are often associated with this body type. There are three different body shapes:
- Endomorph: small and round.
- Mesomorphic: medium height, muscular and athletic.
- Ectomorph: long and thin.
People with an endomorphic body are often seen as
- Calm
- Satisfied
- Friendly
- Generous
- Affectionate
People with a mesomorphic body are often seen as
- Energetic
- Enthusiastic
- Competitive
- Reckless
- Optimistic
People with an ectomorphic body are often seen as
- Self-conscious
- Precisely
- Shy
- Awkward
- Serious
- Sensitive
Your height and body type can bring you many advantages, but also many disadvantages. Especially in terms of career and love life. Many American studies show that tall men are hired more often than short men. Tall men also have more success in love. People with an endomorphic body type have fewer opportunities.
Clothing
The three functions of clothing:
- Comfort protection
- Modesty (it covers areas of our body that are private)
- Cultural representation (it tells others what place we have in culture)
The last point, ‘cultural representation’, is important here. In these times we are free to wear what we want. That’s why you can get a lot of information about a person when you look at the clothes he or she wears . Clothing is especially important when making a first impression.
Your choice of clothing can provide information about your personality. / Source: Free Photos, Pixabay
Scientists Lawrence Smith and Loretta Malandro have conducted research into the use of clothing during a court hearing. They found that men showed credibility by wearing a regular suit. The use of wool enhanced the believable image. Large patterns, unusual fabrics and ‘hip’ styles actually worked against credibility. Women looked credible with a silk or cotton blouse, a matching jacket and a simple necklace.
Do you want to make an accessible and friendly impression with your clothing?
That is also possible. For men, wearing jackets that contrast with the rest of the clothing helps. The colors beige and brown are the best. Women should choose the colors brown, gray, blue, pink and red.
Possessions
Objects you own can also contribute to an image of your personality. A few examples:
- Devices
- Art objects
- Tools
- Furniture
Our possessions serve as public symbols of our values, our status and our financial success. They inform others about our identity and it strengthens our self-esteem. Even from the outside of a building we can already see what to expect inside. When we are in a building we get an idea of the person(s) and the way to communicate. Things like the size, the shape, the materials, the lighting, the color, the temperature and the sound give us an impression of this. A few examples of which characteristic gives us which impressions:
- Small spaces make us feel comfortable and cozier, larger spaces make us fear.
- Large furniture exudes power.
- Green and blue light are relaxing, while red, orange and yellow are stimulating.