8 Unusual Wardrobe Habits of Narcissists: What They Reveal About Their Personality
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
.Do Narcissists Use Fashion as a Mirror to Their Ego?
When it comes to clothing, narcissists don't just dress to impress—they dress to dominate.
Their wardrobe isn't just a style statement; it's a full-blown performance designed to command admiration and control.
While most of us enjoy looking sharp, a narcissist takes it to a whole new level. Let’s dive into eight quirky fashion habits that reveal what might really be going on under the surface.
The 'Signature Look': Attention-Grabbing at All Costs
Most people have a style that makes them feel comfortable. But a narcissist's "signature look" is more like a branding exercise. It’s carefully curated to grab attention and admiration—think bold blazers, oversized sunglasses, or those bright, eye-catching colors they wear every other day.
This aligns with research suggesting that narcissists crave admiration and go out of their way to get it (Twenge & Campbell, 2009). When their current look stops drawing the attention they desire, they’ll pivot to a new, even more striking ensemble—because staying in the spotlight is everything.
Designer Labels Only (And They’ll Make Sure You Notice)
For a narcissist, sporting luxury brands is like wearing a crown. Designer logos aren’t just a preference; they’re a necessity, making sure the world knows they're all about high status. From monogrammed belts to flashy handbags, their style says, “I’m better than you, and here’s proof.”
This obsession with flaunting luxury aligns with research that highlights how narcissists often engage in conspicuous consumption to boost their perceived status (Sedikides & Campbell, 2020). To them, it’s not just fashion—it’s social climbing.
Immaculate Grooming: Because Perfection Isn’t Optional
Looking good is one thing, but narcissists push grooming into overdrive. They’re always camera-ready, even if they’re just running to the corner store. Studies indicate that narcissists are particularly focused on maintaining a polished image (Holtzman & Strube, 2013).
It’s not about feeling good for themselves; it’s about ensuring they’re always seen as the most attractive person in the room. That perfectly tousled hair? It took at least 30 minutes.
Wardrobe Roulette: Dressing Out of Place for Drama
Ever seen someone show up in a tuxedo to a backyard barbecue? Chances are, you’ve encountered a narcissist at work. They love to dress dramatically out of sync with the event because it guarantees attention.
Whether it’s a sequined dress at a casual dinner or a power suit at a weekend hangout, their fashion choices are about standing out, even if it means looking ridiculous. Research shows that narcissists are prone to attention-seeking behavior in social settings (Morf & Rhodewalt, 2001), making these fashion faux pas deliberate, not accidental.
The 'Effortless' Look (That Actually Took Hours)
The narcissist’s version of “casual” isn’t the same as everyone else’s. Those perfectly distressed jeans and tousled hair?
It’s all part of a meticulously planned effort to look effortlessly cool. According to research, narcissists are skilled at creating a façade that matches the image they want to project (Back et al., 2010). The goal is to appear naturally charming, but in reality, that “just rolled out of bed” look took an hour in front of the mirror.
Dressing Too Youthfully: Clinging to the Past
Narcissists have a habit of dressing younger than their years, rocking styles meant for teens long after they’ve hit 40. It’s their way of fighting the passage of time and keeping their sense of relevance. Research indicates that narcissists often use appearance to maintain a sense of superiority and combat feelings of insecurity (Buss & Chiodo, 1991). Dressing too youthfully becomes their armor against aging, helping them cling to a time when they felt most admired.
Emotional Dressing: The Mood Mirror
Narcissists often wear their emotions—literally. One day, they might show up dressed to impress in a bright, tailored outfit, radiating confidence. The next, they’ll be brooding in all black, signaling their inner turmoil.
This tendency to mirror their moods through clothing aligns with the emotional instability associated with narcissistic traits (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Their wardrobe becomes a visual diary, manipulating how others perceive their emotional state.
Using Fashion to Manipulate Relationships
For narcissists, fashion is a strategic tool in relationships. They may dress provocatively to spark jealousy or flaunt their attractiveness to make their partner feel insecure. Research suggests that narcissists often use manipulative tactics to maintain control in relationships (Campbell & Foster, 2007). Their wardrobe isn’t just about looking good—it’s a weapon for keeping others on edge and under their influence.
Final Thoughts: When Fashion Becomes a Facade
These style quirks go beyond vanity; they reveal a deeper need for control, validation, and admiration. A narcissist’s wardrobe is carefully constructed to project an ideal image, manipulate perceptions, and ensure that they remain the center of attention.
If you notice these habits in someone close to you, it might be a sign of deeper issues. As a couples therapist, I’ve seen how these behaviors can warp relationship dynamics. Recognizing the motivation behind these choices is the first step toward understanding the bigger picture—and deciding how to move forward.
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
REFERENCES:
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).
Back, M. D., Schmukle, S. C., & Egloff, B. (2010). Why are narcissists so charming at first sight? Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 98(1), 132-145.
Buss, D. M., & Chiodo, L. M. (1991). Narcissistic acts in everyday life. Journal of Personality, 59(2), 179-199.
Campbell, W. K., & Foster, C. A. (2007). The narcissistic self: Background, an extended agency model, and ongoing controversies. In W. K. Campbell & J. Miller (Eds.), The Handbook of Narcissism and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (pp. 97-115).
Holtzman, N. S., & Strube, M. J. (2013). Narcissism and attractiveness. Journal of Research in Personality, 47(6), 711-715.
Morf, C. C., & Rhodewalt, F. (2001). Unraveling the paradoxes of narcissism: A dynamic self-regulatory processing model. Psychological Inquiry, 12(4), 177-196.
Sedikides, C., & Campbell, W. K. (2020). Narcissistic traits and self-esteem: What do they have to do with each other? Journal of Research in Personality, 85, 103940.
Twenge, J. M., & Campbell, W. K. (2009). The Narcissism Epidemic: Living in the Age of Entitlement. New York, NY: Free Press.