That’s Not My Age Podcast Episode 4: Professor Carolyn Mair
Why do we wear what we wear? Why do some clothes give us confidence? Can fashion be empowering? For episode four of the That’s Not My Age podcast, I sat down on the couch with fashion psychologist, Professor Carolyn Mair. A freelance consultant probably best known for her work in academia, Carolyn designed and lead the degree and MA programmes exploring the psychology of fashion at London College of Fashion. In this episode, Carolyn and Alyson chat about changing careers, body image, the impact of social media and the psychology behind our shopping habits.
‘Fashion and psychology are inextricably linked’ Carolyn said, ‘Both are concerned with sensation and perception, identity, the body and human experience. What we wear is important, it affects our comfort and confidence. Feeling good in what you’re wearing can lift you up.’
After working as a graphic designer and having children, Carolyn returned to study a psychology degree in her late thirties. Her career continues to evolve and since leaving LCF she has launched her own business working with the fashion industry, as well as continuing to work in education, and running her own one-day-courses. She hopes she can inspire other women to do the same.
Carolyn is reading Why Social Media is ruining your life by Katherine Omerod.
Carolyn’s book The Psychology of Fashion is available HERE
What Carolyn wears:
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Host: Alyson Walsh
Guest: Dr Carolyn Mair
Producer and audio engineer: Linda Ara-Tebaldi
Artwork: Ayumi Takahashi
Music: David Schweitzer
Digital technician: Tom Hole at Stirtingale
Coordinator: Helen Johnson
Discussion (6 Comments)
Janet says:
I’ve just listened o this podcast, and Carolyn’s advice to her children is exactly the same my mother gave to me back in the mid 1960’s – get a qualification, or profession. Both my sister and I did get qualified in different fields, and It certainly helped to earn our own money. In an ideal world, we wouldn’t judge people by their appearance , but the world is not ideal, so we do. I agree that wearing clothes that suit you, your individual body and the occasion does give one confidence, but the clothes don’t have to brand spanking new, just well-fitted and clean and well-cared for.
I’ve followed your blog for quite a while, as it gives me inspiration, even if I can’t afford some of the things you show. Keep up the good work.Really enjoyed this podcast. I attended some of Carolyn’s events. I even have the book which I refer to quite often. I find the psychology of fashion fascinating, how clothes, the fabrics, the colours, the shapes give confidence . Clothes to suit us and who we are as individual and not the world is ideal.
Just listened to this podcast and enjoyed it very much, particularly the discussion on social media and the impact that it has on self-image.
Frances Ramsden says:
Found this thought-provoking and encouraging. Social media is such a concern particularly its effect on young girls. We can only look forward to the day when older women are appreciated more in terms of fashion magazines, etc.
Hope 
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Second time I’ve listened to this interview: first time last week away with earphones this time out loud.
Many good points raised. About the influence of perfected images on ones wellbeing. And about career advice to offspring : get a profession to have financial security. I like the fact that Carolyn steered herself as a divorced mother of three with a creative career as freelance into becoming an expert and academic in the field of the psychology of fashion. I agree with her statements about how important what we wear is in creating a sense of confidence. And how what we chose to put on sends a message to the outside world. As she describes one dresses in a more minimalist low key way to go unobserved versus dressing to make a particular impression at an event.
A good choice of subject for this podcast I’m enjoying the series so far. Keep up the good work.