KOCHI: Feng shui can be broadly classified into “outer feng shui’ which relates to buildings, structures, orientations and placements, and ‘inner feng shui,’ which is all about the human body and the art of balancing, through light, colours, food, dress, jewellery, make-up and costume. In other words, it is about simply understanding your face and body language and re-aligning and balancing your energies.
Clothing is the most important and the most intimate part of the human body; it is only natural to apply feng shui principles to our wardrobe in order to ensure a harmonious ensemble and thus increase the potential to achieve our goals.
Feng shui cautions against wearing torn, stained or ragged clothes as these garments are said to emanate poverty energy. Those donning a rebellious look with torn jeans should be wary of this Chinese belief. Rather they should think of new and creative ways to look rugged.
The concept of personalised feng shui or feng shui that supports and enhances the inner feng shui of the individual is simply the analysis of the colour and cut of clothing that is best suited to you.
Shapes, when combined with colour, can either have a destructive, nullifying or enhancing effect.
The right shape whether rectangular, striped, square, circular, wavy or triangular, incorporated with the right cuts as well as prints and motifs enhances good feng shui when adapted for our dressing.
Adding a piece or two of some natural crystals which are square in shape, enhances the sparkle and aura of the person adorning the outfit.
Here are some of the basic guidelines with regard to choosing colours and patterns and the right mix and match. Striped, rectangular or tube-shaped garments and straight-cut clothes represent the element wood and are good in red or yellow but not good in white or metallic colours. If it is a printed material, white stripes on blue or black are preferred.
Shades of green on black or blue are also considered good. While it may not go well with everyone, being a bit loud, shades of green on red indicate success.
Circular and round cuts symbolise the metal element.
Shades of metallic colours like grey and white are also good. If the background is an earthy colour like beige, khaki or brown, use white as polka dots or circles. Soft ruffles and flowing styles denote the water element and shades of green, blue or white are considered good for these. Motifs which are wavy or lines which are wavy mixed harmoniously with dots or circles are also considered good. Avoid colours like bright red and shades of orange for such styles.
The “A-line” dress represents the fire element and orange, brown, beige and sunrise yellow are good for this. Motifs which are jagged or triangular and lines which are zigzag are considered good especially when used on background colours of green or brown.
Squarish motifs or checks look good with red, yellow, white and metallic colors. Avoid them if you have a blue or black background. Similarly green or blue checks are not considered good in feng shui.
S B S Surendran
Master Fengshui Consultant and Traditional Vaastu Practitioner
consultation@fengshui.com