The human body is equipped with several sensors that direct its actions and reactions; they are known as our five senses. Although studies about the powerful way our senses create memories are yet underway, researchers have at least determined that three of the strongest senses are sight, smell, and touch.
Not only do they have the power to create memories but certain sights, smells, sounds, and textures can also revive memories of the past as well. This is why we’ve all learned not to wear the same fragrance as the mother-in-law! Do you want to play wife or mommy?
Furthermore, this is why it’s best to choose spicy or floral fragrances that do not smell like foods—despite their popularity at the present time. You want his mind on you—not dinner! Yes, a man’s stomach is the way to his heart…but you don’t want him deflected right back to his stomach again once he notices you!
Textures
Despite the importance of our looks and scent, one key part of our ‘presence’ is often overlooked—the power of touch! No, I’m not planning to discuss anything indecent.
But just what does he think of when he brushes against your arm? In fact, just what are his thoughts when you cuddle cheek-to-cheek ? Hopefully, he’s not thinking you need to shave or need some lotion! Before you can utilize these tips on anything in your closet, be sure you use exfoliation and moisturizers to make your skin the best it can be first!
Keep in mind that women are supposed to be soft, smooth, and clean. Although most do not wear make-up, please be cautious if you do. One of the most often mentioned ‘turn-offs’ for a man is feeling the rough sandpaper feeling of too much make-up when he hugs you—or the lovely make-up marks on his jacket afterward! Even I don’t like hugging women who wear a lot because it ruins my clothes!
Clothing: Chosen for the Day’s Purpose
Back to clothing, there are many options out there when it comes to texture. While I am not advocating you ignore certain fabrics entirely or limit yourself to only one, I am definitely encouraging you to think about the purpose of your outfit before you put it on!
For instance, an intimate date with your husband is hardly the time to adorn yourself in a crisp, hard-lined suit of brocade! Who wants to cuddle with that?!? Instead, soft knits, woolens, velvet, or even silk might be the perfect fabric to make him want to keep his arms around you!
On the other hand, if you are headed to an interview or a business meeting where you need a structured, organized appearance, the suit is exactly the right fit. No one at such a meeting should feel open to rubbing your shoulder or anything else, for that matter! You are creating a boundary with your appearance and setting yourself up to be respected as a businesswoman.
Your choice of textures should differ, depending on your comfort level as well.
For instance, if you’ll be riding in a car for any length of time, you would obviously decide against a linen outfit—no matter how cute! By the time you arrive at your destination, you’ll look like a prune!
Here’s another consideration when choosing the outfit for the day: There are various textures that work well for summer and others that work better for winter; not paying attention to your dress in relation to the season can make you look uncomfortable…and, honestly, a little silly!
For instance, I have often seen women dressed in velvet during the summer. Yes, I know there are stores that sell crushed velvet during this season, but they are also not the ones sweating it out at the church picnic! Velvet is a thicker fabric that traps heat inside; therefore, not only is it extremely hot and uncomfortable to wear during the warmer months, but it also looks a bit silly.
Finally, you need to dress for your body! There are some fabrics that add girth to your figure where you want it least! And there are others—much slinkier or even shinier—that can highlight trouble spots for onlookers!
If you have problems with your weight in a certain area of your body, for instance, that is not the place to wear satin or silk! The satin will create shadows, highlighting each roll or dimple. The silk, if it is pure silk, will cling to those bulges, drawing attention to them!
Likewise, be cautious of tight articles of clothing with shapes, such as fishnet stockings! Because the panes must stretch a bit larger around bigger areas on your leg, the stockings really exaggerate the size of your legs; if that’s not something you want, choose opaque black tights, which are very popular right now!
In this way, textures can become visual data, telling your ‘viewers’ about your personal defects; not such great packaging in my book!
Instead, before you buy…or even step out of the house…check out a few tips by selecting 'Fun with Textures' in the Labels to the right!
Trench coats were rarely seen in pastel until recent years, but the combination is quite elegant! To spice it up, don’t forget a beautiful hairband or flower. You are a woman—look like it!
