The Clothes That Will Make You Happy

Feng Shui practitioners have long maintained that putting everything in its proper place promotes harmony, balance and bliss by allowing chi—energizing life force—to flow freely. Now modern-day gurus have discovered a new application for this ancient Chinese happiness-by-design philosophy: fashion!

Once you know your element—metal, water, wood, fire or earth—simply wear the colors, cuts and fabrics that will free your chi so you can optimize your performance and find success.

Check out our chart below to ID your element, read on for your personal style secrets, and then get dressed for success!

What’s your element?
Just find your birth year below:

METAL:
1930-31, 1940-41, 1950-51, 1960-61, 1970-71, 1980-81, 1990-91, 2000-2001

WATER:
1932-33, 1942-43, 1952-53, 1962-63, 1972-73, 1982-83, 1992-93, 2002-2003

WOOD:
1934-35, 1944-45, 1954-55, 1964-65, 1974-75, 1984-85, 1994-95, 2004-2005

FIRE:
1936-37, 1946-47, 1956-57, 1966-67, 1976-77, 1986-87, 1996-97, 2006-2007

EARTH:
1938-39, 1948-49, 1958-59, 1968-69, 1978-79, 1988-89, 1998-99, 2008-2009

METAL

Like Julianne Moore (1960), you’re a mover and shaker whose gregariousness and wide-ranging interests sometimes distract you from your goals.

Best colors: black, white and blue, paired with silver, gray and orange. Neutrals keep your mind I clear. Orange is the exception. It complements metal’s energy and has a proven relaxing effect, which aids focused thinking.”

Best cuts: loose-fitting tops, pleated skirts.

To keep your chi flowing swiftly, go for these unfussy styles that allow freedom of movement.

Best fabrics: Lycra blends, chiffon, soft leather.

Easy-to-wear lightweight fabrics and the absence of layers prevent your chi from getting weighed down and clouding your vision.

WATER

Like Jennifer Garner (1972), you’re a whiz at adapting to change and reading others, but when it comes to knowing what’s best for you, you’re often indecisive.

Best colors: indigo, navy, turquoise.

While muddier tones create blockages that cause uncertainty, the energy of water colors washes away obstacles, so you see and think clearly.

Best cuts: fuller blouses and skirts, drawstring pants.

Skintight clothes can constrict you both mentally and physically. The antidote? Fluid, flowing styles literally give you the breathing space you need to tap into your gut instincts.

Best fabrics: stretch denim, silk, linen.

Fabrics that move with you keep your chi from being contained, helping you to clear mental clutter and empowering your keen intuition.

WOOD

Like Oprah Winfrey (1954), you’re a wealth of inspired ideas, and you can’t rest until you’ve executed them. The downside? All that determination can make you inflexible.

Best colors: pink, green, brown, beige.

Pink, the color of new life, fuels creative thinking, while earth tones ground you, providing the patience to put your ideas into practice.

Best cuts: fitted tees, tailored skirts, and narrow-leg pants.

A vertical look empowers you and allows chi to flow, giving you the self-assurance to be more resilient.

Best fabrics: cotton, suede, handmade knits.

Like all things natural, these fabrics emit nurturing vibes that aid thinking.

FIRE

Like Nicole Kidman (1967), you’re a problem solver and a ball of energy who may overdo it.

Best colors: ivory, cream and lavender with red, purple and magenta accents.

Pale shades calm you and invigorating accents add just enough energy to help you tackle problems at an easier pace.

Best cuts: asymmetrical neck- and hemlines.

Irregular edges provide an outlet for excess chi, ensuring you’ll never burn out.

Best fabrics: silk, sateen, crushed velvet.

Fabrics that reflect light keep your flame from burning too brightly by stabilizing your energy levels.

EARTH

Like Kate Hudson (1979), you’re a nurturing soul whose nose-to-the-grindstone nature means you may let opportunities pass you by.

Best colors: charcoal and sienna with yellow and coral accents.

The powerful vibes given off by earthy hues bolster your chi, giving you momentum to keep at it. Combined with the uplifting effect of buoyant colors, you’ll never feel bogged down.

Best cuts: cropped tops, snug or hip-hugging bottoms.

Chi is stored mainly in your lower torso. Wearing clothes that put that area on display generates energy surges, so you’ll never get stuck in a rut.

Best fabrics: flannel and cotton with satin or brocade trim.

Homespun fabrics accented with fancy touches strike a balance between working hard and taking time out.

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