Clothing serves many purposes. Societies generally dictate that we wear clothing for modesty or to be in line with cultural norms. And if we go beyond the aspects of how clothing protects us from the elements, enhances our comfort, or indicates our affiliation with select groups or ideals, clothing also impacts our self-image and how we interact with others (Aydino?lu & Krishna, 2011; Kinley, 2010). Clothing is more than just, “wear a dress because you are going to a fancy dinner,” “put on these shoes so you can run farther”, “add this scarf to your outfit to keep warm,” or “wear red so you’ll stand out in a crowd.” Clothing is also about how Design Elements (e.g., color, texture, line, shape, and size) and Design Principles (e.g., balance, proportion, emphasis, and rhythm) work with our body shape, size, and coloring, as well as with each other. When dressing in a manner that correctly incorporates these elements and principles, the result is not only an outfit that can be appropriate for the occasion but is also flattering and visually pleasing. Self-worth and acceptance are often related to “clothing size” (Kinley, 2010), however, clothing fit and style also have an impact on self-confidence (Adam & Galinsky, 2012; Grogan et al, 2013). Therefore, it is worthwhile to provide program participants with information about how to evaluate clothing choices based on body type, and the item’s fit, style, and coloring.

FCS Agents in Campbell and Gallatin counties collaborated with Jeanne Badgett, Senior Extension Associate of Clothing, Textiles, and Household Equipment on a four-part personal development series, Beautiful You.  It was offered to eight Northern Kentucky counties, and each session was presented via Zoom to roughly 35 participants.  Topics covered included dressing for your body type, wardrobe color, proper fitting of shoes and bras, and wearing accessories.  University of Kentucky’s Family and Consumer Sciences “Weight the Reality Series - Becoming Body Wise” publications were used, as well as updated handouts and four newly created lesson-specific power points.  Qualtrics surveys were utilized at the end of each session and showed the following as a result of the program:

1. 77% had increased understanding about their body types and/or silhouette.
2. 93% had increased understanding about the styles or types of clothing that are most flattering for each body type or body shape.
3. 93% had increased understanding of the importance of proper garment “fit” and that “size does not matter”.
4. 100% planned to focus on the positive aspects of their body instead of the negative aspects.
5. 86% planned to select and/or wear clothing that they may not have considered before.
6. 75% had increased understanding of the importance of well-fitting shoes.
7. 96% had increased understanding of proper bra sizing and fitting techniques.
8. 82% planned to evaluate the fit and styles of their shoes and assess if they provide support and/or are flattering their foot.
9. 89% planned to be professionally measured for a bra or re-measure themselves.
10. 95% had increased understanding of the elements and principles of design.
11. 87% had increased understanding of the strategies for wearing accessories.
12. 82% had increased understanding of how to select accessories that flatter their face shape and body shape, that also complement their wardrobe.
13. 86% planned to try new or different accessories.
14. 90% planned to wear their accessories in ways they hadn’t thought of before. 
15. 92% had increased understanding of the meanings of color-related terms such as hue, value, shade, tint, and intensity.
16.  88% had increased understanding of the concept of grouping of colors into season.
17. 80% had increased understanding of how to determine which colors are best suited to one’s skin tone, hair color, and eye color.
18. 96% planned to determine which colors are most flattering for them.
19. 96% planned to select and/or try colors for their wardrobe that they did not consider before.

An additional 3-month follow-up evaluation measuring behavioral change showed the following:

1. 86% said that they had worked on wearing clothing that is flattering on their body type.
2. 86% had determined which colors looked best on them.
3. 54% had experimented with accessorizing.
4. 35% had purchased either a new bra or a new pair of shoes based on fit suggestions.

A participant said the following about the program:  1. “I have received several compliments on my wardrobe selections after using what I learned in this lesson.  This has really boosted my self-confidence! Thanks for offering it online.”