A conversation with HR expert Isabell Galvagni.
By Jennifer Heinen | Fashion Psychologist
Fashion has always been more than just clothing—it’s a reflection of our identity, a statement of who we are and how we fit into the world.
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In the latest episode of the Style My Mind podcast, I had an enlightening conversation with Isabel Galvagni, an HR expert with extensive experience in diversity, inclusion, and organisational development. Together, we explored the deep connections between fashion, personal well-being, and inclusivity within the workplace.
Meet our Guest
Isabell Galvagni is an HR expert with more than 15 years of international experience in the fields of Diversity & Inclusion, Organisational Development and Culture, Talent Development, International Mobility and general HR management.
Where does her passion for DE&I and well-being come from?
"I think I really have a deeply rooted sense of justice and I don't see why people should be discriminated or have less or worse chances to achieve their full potential for, I don't know, random reasons what it seems to me like. And on the other hand, if we're talking about well -being, I've always wanted to understand why and how people react differently to more or less the same set of circumstances and how that translates also into coping."
In her job she has the chance to build bridges to make science and theoretical concepts relevant and tangible for everyday life.
Fashion: A Tool for Inclusion or a Barrier?
Fashion can either unify or divide. On one hand, it allows us to express our individuality, but on the other, it can create barriers, especially for those from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Isabel pointed out that while some people can freely choose what to wear, others may be restricted by their circumstances, unable to afford clothing that aligns with current trends or professional norms. This disparity can make them feel excluded or out of place, particularly in environments where appearance is closely linked to professional identity.
Isabel mentioned, “There are people who can make free choices about fashion and the outfits and accessories they wear. But there are also people who don’t have those choices.”
Organisations should critically assess whether their dress codes are necessary and, if so, how they can be made more inclusive. Moving toward a "dress for the occasion" mindset might offer a balanced approach, allowing for both personal expression and a sense of belonging.
Research supports the notion that clothing can have a significant impact on psychological well-being and perceptions of inclusivity. According to a study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, the clothes we wear can influence our psychological state, a concept known as enclothed cognition. This research underlines the importance of inclusive fashion policies that consider the psychological effects of clothing on employees .
The Connection Between Fashion and Mental Well-being
The relationship between what we wear and how we feel is profound. Many people feel judged based on their appearance, which can create significant stress and anxiety. Isabel was struck by how many people simply accept discomfort in their work attire as normal. This expectation of discomfort - whether due to fit, style, or the message clothing sends - can be a major drain on mental well-being.
Isabel expressed her surprise, saying, “I was totally puzzled by the complete normalcy to feeling uncomfortable while you work. Because work is such a big part of our lives. And why should it be a given to be uncomfortable through all those hours?”
Fashion should empower, not constrain. Inclusive fashion, especially for individuals with disabilities or those who are non-binary, can greatly enhance confidence and self-esteem. Fashion that fits well and reflects who you are can be transformative in how you present yourself and interact with others.
It is important to highlight: Encouraging employees to wear clothing that makes them feel confident and comfortable is crucial for fostering a positive and productive workplace environment. When people feel good in what they wear, it translates into better mental health and overall well-being.
Empirical research also suggests that wearing comfortable clothing that aligns with one’s identity can reduce anxiety and improve focus. A study in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology found that employees who feel comfortable in their clothing are more likely to experience job satisfaction and less likely to experience burnout .
Fashion’s Role in Work-Life Integration
What we wear helps us navigate the different roles we play in life. Whether it’s transitioning from work to leisure or vice versa, clothing can signal to our minds that it’s time to shift gears. During the pandemic, many of us learned the importance of maintaining certain rituals, like dressing for work even when working from home, to stay productive and focused.
Isabel highlighted how the pandemic has blurred the lines between work and home life, making work-life integration more challenging yet more important than ever. She advocates for clothing choices that help create boundaries between these spheres, allowing us to manage our roles more effectively.
Employees should be mindful of how their clothing choices affect their mental state and work-life integration. Organisations can support this by fostering a culture that values comfort and personal expression in professional attire.
Research during the COVID-19 pandemic supports this idea, showing that employees who maintained a semblance of their pre-pandemic work routines, including professional attire, reported higher levels of productivity and lower levels of stress.
Style My Mind Challenge: Embrace Empowering Outfits
Isabel Galvagni offered a practical challenge to listeners that blends the personal with the professional. Here’s how you can embrace this challenge:
Choose Three Go-To Outfits: Pick three outfits for three different scenarios - a key business meeting, an ordinary workday, and a long day of travel.
Reflect on Comfort and Confidence: Don’t just think about how others will perceive you; focus on how these outfits make you feel. Do they give you confidence? Do they make you feel comfortable in your skin?
Empower Your Wardrobe: Use this exercise to build a wardrobe that empowers you, supports your mental well-being, and aligns with your professional goals.
As Isabel wisely advised, “Use fashion to your own advantage. Be conscious about what fashion can do for you.”
This challenge isn’t just about picking clothes - it’s about understanding the psychological impact of what you wear and using it to boost your confidence and well-being in the workplace. By making thoughtful choices, you can turn your wardrobe into a tool for empowerment.
So what can we take away from this conversation?
By embracing the insights shared in this conversation, we can all contribute to a more inclusive, supportive, and mentally healthy workplace, one outfit at a time.
Thank you for reading!
Want to know more about Isabell?
Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabell-galvagni-a6a7234b/
You can also find more at https://www.bnpparibas.de/en/
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