Enneagram Types and Fashion: Connecting Your Personality with Your Closet

Enneagram Types and Fashion: Connecting Your Personality with Your Closet

By: Hailey Layne

The Enneagram is a personality typing tool that can help guide individuals’ decision-making. Invented in 1915, there are nine categories, each corresponding with a number. The origins of the test are much more archaic and have Greek roots. “Ennea” means nine and “grammos” means a written symbol. Finding out your enneagram is as simple as an internet search. There are multiple free tests online, and some employers even utilize the testing kits to build synergy within the workplace. Relating to fashion, there are some stylistic traits that enneagram types can exhibit through one’s wardrobe. In addition, each enneagram has been assigned a “challenge piece.” This is something that would not fit with one’s personality, but it could inspire growth within your wardrobe. Read below to find out more about how your Enneagram type could shape your style.

Type One

For those who are called to serve a higher purpose. From the classroom to the office cubicle to the wide-open spaces, items that will serve the perfectionistic interests of “Ones” are structured and muted. Most items will allow this type of person to remain polished, but a challenge piece, like a coat, can inspire tender emotions, whimsicality, and child-like wonder. Imperfect textures and eccentric colors are key points to remember when selecting the challenge piece. 

Type Two 

For those who pour out their hearts. They always have jumper cables in the car, as well as bandaids. For a Two, a large tote bag is needed to carry all the supplies. Twos lean towards pastel overalls with deep pockets, cardigans, and reusable bags. For the challenge piece, consider a silk scarf with no utilitarian purpose. For once, the Two gets something that is simply for themselves. 

Type Three

For those who light up the room and attract attention wherever they roam. Charming and social, these are the prom queens, presidents, and pop stars. Sequins, velvet, and cat-eye sunglasses should be incorporated into a three’s wardrobe. Embellished jeans would be an everyday staple. Electing for a challenge piece like a black blazer without any defining details would create a strong base for an outfit, allowing it to inspire the true creativity of a three. 

Type Four 

For the outliers. They typically possess creative talents like painting, music, or writing. Known for dreaming in ideals, they work to be the best at their craft. Shaping the world with their individuality, they can be found dressed in mixed patterns and funky colors. The 70s fashion would be the ideal decade for the fours. A challenge for the four would be a structured co-ord set or structured pants. This style would require fours to seek out different ways to express themselves through their accessories. 

Type Five 

For those who are constantly exploring the why questions of life. They are analyzing every aspect of a situation and evaluating potential outcomes. This attitude can be reflected in the way fives may dress. Staple pieces in black and white line their closet shelves. For a Five, quality matters. A solid pair of loafers would allow a Five to get where they needed to efficiently and stylishly. For the challenge piece, a Five should shed their armor in the form of the clothes they normally wear and reach for a pastel dress or a flannel that could subdue the Five. 

Type Six

For those who are the glue that holds a group together. The Six is a loyal friend but can be stubborn and set in their ways. The Six could struggle to incorporate new pieces into their wardrobe, making classics more important than futile trends. A reliable pair of denim jeans and a white t-shirt are all the Six needs, day in and day out. The challenge for a Six is to incorporate a trend into their wardrobe. It would spur positive change that would not shake their beliefs about their own identity. 

Type Seven 

For those who are easy-going and fun-loving. The Seven embraces the world and enjoys all that goes along with it. Bright colors and flowy designs would allow the seven to flow through their day and stop to smell the roses. Maxi skirts and tie-dye bucket hats are essentials in a Seven’s wardrobe. A challenge piece for the seven would be an army jacket, creating a contrast to almost everything a Seven would typically wear. 

Type Eight 

For the decision-makers of a group. The Eights look for brands that align with what they believe in. They dislike brands that they feel are not worth the hype, because of their sense of authority. An eight is skeptical of trends but gives high praise to pieces they love. Refusing to be boxed in, an Eight might wear something completely opposite of what the occasion calls for. A challenge for an eight would be letting someone else pick their wardrobe for a week.

Type Nine 

For the ones who go with the flow. A Nine is a classic trend follower. They may incorporate aspects of their unique personality, but enjoy being guided by others. They do not want to disrupt the world with outlandish fashion choices, thus practicality is a necessity. A timeless designer bag with many compartments would allow them to fulfill their daily needs and can be matched with whichever trend they are following at the moment. A challenge piece for a nine would be any item of clothing incorporating tulle. Going with the flow can be expressed in different ways than just following the trends! 

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Graphics created by Ruth Emmerich.