Striped t-shirts are my forever favorite. I always feel fun and fresh when I wear them. They're so versatile; you can wear them all year round and they look great at home or at the office.

I’ve often wondered why it’s the first thing I choose when I don’t know what to wear.

Here’s a little insight into why we always like to wear certain items.

Fashion psychologist Dawnn Karen, has a theory called “Repetitious Wardrobe Complex”.

Repetitious Wardrobe Complex: when someone wears the same outfit to minimize anxiety.

Karen explains that fashion dependencies can begin in childhood, "Whether it’s your favorite color or whatever, it's [always] something significant that’s etched in your memory that gives you a visceral reaction."

She gives us this simple exercise helps us explore our reason for picking the same pattern every time.

"Before your feet touch the ground [each morning], determine what mood you’re in and what mood you want to be in, and when you go to your closet ask yourself, 'Am I going to wear stripes today because I’m in this particular mood? Or non-stripes today because I’m in this [other] mood?'" 

Karen explains that there are emotional reasons behind our wardrobe choices.

1. Mood Illustration: This means you indicate your feelings with your clothing.
2. Mood Enhancement Dress: This signal that you are dressing in a way to lift your spirits.

Karen says, "You’re actually using the stripes subconsciously to empower yourself." 

People who like stripes have interesting personality traits. Karen has found that they are good at multitasking, having a lot going on in their lives and wear many hats. They can get overwhelmed but it’s also indicative of some who works well under pressure.

So, wearing stripes says I’m a go-getter, I love a playful approach to pattern and I believe in myself.

The patterns we choose shed a light on our personality.

What’s your go-to pattern?