I’m a fashion psychologist – from Myleene Klass to Amanda Holden… what our favourite celeb signature looks mean
AS Claudia goes back to black at BAFTAs, Abby McHale reveals psychology behind celeb looks.
From Myleene Klass to Amanda Holden and Charlene White, fashion psychologist Carolyn Mair analyses each celebrity's signature style.
CLAUDIA WINKLEMAN – BLACK SUIT
CLAUDIA, 51, has previously said: “I like black as it is easy and everything goes with everything.”
Which explains why she’s often seen hitting the red carpet in a black suit.
A tailored one like this defines the waist and shoulders – and when buttoned it can help achieve an hourglass silhouette.
This style allows you to feel comfortable while showing off your feminine frame.
Speaking in the past about her wardrobe on Strictly, she has said: “My preference would be to get one black suit and wear it every week, but this is not enough, I’ve been told.”
FASHION PSYCHOLOGIST CAROLYN MAIR SAYS: “Claudia’s look gives an air of sophistication. She’s showing she wants to be taken seriously in a power suit that results in a tenacious look.
“Wearing a black suit perhaps suggests that trends aren’t important to her.
"Claudia seems to care more about feeling good and happy in her outfits than making waves in the fashion world.”
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AMANDA HOLDEN – PENCIL SKIRT
WHEN it comes to dressing up, 52-year-old Amanda ticks all the boxes, and one of her favourite go-to glam styles is a pencil skirt – she’s already been seen in 13 different variations this year alone.
Form-fitting from the waist down through the hips and to the knees, the traditional style oozes glamour and sexiness, and gone are the days when they were just for work – modern pencil skirts are versatile enough to be worn from day to night.
Even though they’re simple in shape, that doesn’t mean they lack va-va-voom.
Enhancing curves on the hips and thighs, they shape your legs into a pencil point for a bold silhouette.
CAROLYN SAYS: “Amanda’s look is direct and powerful. She always dresses in a fun and animated way, which is reflected in her personality.
“Pencil skirts are said to be one of the sexier items in a woman’s wardrobe, never giving too much away.”
MYLEENE KLASS – LEOPARD PRINT
WHILE EastEnder Kat Slater might have given leopard print a bad name, Myleene manages to make it look “Klassy”.
The 45-year-old mum-of-three gives her outfits a stylish edge by pairing the punchy print with sheer fabrics and platform heels.
She even incorporated it into her latest collection with Next, with leopard-print shorts, shirts and even swimwear available in the singer’s stylish range.
Despite its impactful appearance, fashion experts have long hailed the pattern as a neutral because the black and yellow colourings pair with almost any other colour.
CAROLYN SAYS: “Wearing leopard print can be seen as powerful and sexy as well as expressing yourself as a risk-taker.
“Animal prints also give the wearer an edge and feline sex appeal.
“That is why even Myleene’s very relaxed looks give her a powerful edge.”
CHARLENE WHITE – BLOCK BRIGHTS
NEWSREADER Charlene loves a block colour outfit. From hot pink, to green, purple and blue, she loves to pack a punch with a matchy-matchy ensemble.
The Loose Women presenter, 42, loves to stand out from the crowd, admitting on Instagram: “Sometimes it’s not about blending in, but standing out.”
And she sure does that with these happy, bright looks.
CAROLYN SAYS: “Wearing brighter colours is said to make you feel more alive and engaged with the world.
“Dopamine dressing shows that you can often feel happier when wearing brighter colours and by Charlene wearing one colour all over it shows the energy she is radiating.
“Yellow can show happiness, purple can show loyalty, while green gives off a sense of calm.
“I think Charlene is radiating her moods through her outfits.”
GERI HORNER – WHITE
THE former Spice Girl once famous for her Union Jack dress now seems to solely wear white.
From red carpet gowns to trouser suits, and even workout gear, you will rarely see Geri, 50, in a splash of colour.
White is a shade that is more impactful than we think.
Its simplicity creates a feeling of calm, as well as showing that its wearers are unflappable.
Stark whites are attention-grabbing, so whatever part of your body you wear them on, eyes are drawn to that area.
And when, like Geri, you double them up, you stand out.
CAROLYN SAYS: “White represents innocence and purity. When Geri wears white she’s showing the world she is confident.
"She’s also demonstrating that she is content with her life, as wearing it shows you are tranquil and gratified with yourself, but quietly.
“You don’t feel the need to wear neon brights and be the centre of attention.”
HELEN MIRREN – SEQUINS
DAME Helen is proof that you are never too old to sparkle in sequins.
The award-winning actress loves to shine on the red carpet, opting for floor-length glittering gowns.
From dazzling red sequins to silver tassels, Helen, 77, sure doesn’t shy away from bold looks.
Even the smallest smattering of glitz can give your outfits an instant lift.
While these glam frocks are normally associated with December and party season, they have just as big an impact in summer, dazzling under the sun.
They are a huge trend this season, with catwalk designers Gucci and Valentino featuring them heavily in their collections.
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CAROLYN SAYS: “Sequins are fun and glam and not just for Christmas.
"Helen’s sparkly outfits show she is up for a good time and certainly no wallflower.”
