Gain + Lose: The Pieces That Stop You From Disintegrating
In The Magazine’s FASHIONABLE SCIENCE editorial, we look beyond just fashion. We add personalized neuroscience to make you stand out and repair from the inside out. It defines true style with science-backed insight into how to stay balanced.
In this article, the Gain and Lose Neuro-Style strategy is discussed. The method simplifies finding balance in daily life by focusing on one simple item. This method was formulated by scientist Aarti Kuver, PhD to supplement her Dosha Dressing method.
FASHIONABLE SCIENCE
Something happens during Fall and Winter. Leaves are lost as an hour of sleep is gained. Tans fade as weight is gained. Sunlight is lost as moonlight is gained. But, there is another, more significant, event.
We turn inward. Or at least try our best in an attempt to find “balance”. TikTok-kers and self-anointed longevity authorities lead the preoccupation by promoting a disruption of meals, feels, and lifestyle. Trend-worshippers have flipped their lives upside down in hopes of reaching a balance that somehow is found in routines like devouring supplements and cooking new recipes. The craze went from enthusiasm to burnout.
In reality, balancing yourself might be as uncomplicated as choosing your socks. Unfortunately, most people cannot identify imbalance because they do not know what balances them. They just know something is off. In the quieter moments of becoming imbalanced, where your system is slowing losing one thing and gaining another, you hardly recognize it. The undercurrent of anxiety is reaching for french fries. Annoyance in the pursuit of perfection comes in the form of glambaiting (weaponized politeness), which later becomes GERD.
First, recognize what you need to balance. Second, choose one item that will restore what you are missing. Then, don’t indulge in the source of imbalance.
Before disintegrating into ‘how you get’, step into your closet to either choose or put back an item that will keep you in balance. These are items that nourish the energetic balance that we distinctly have.
THE SCIENCE
Choose a piece to offset the imbalance. Lose a piece, gain a piece. It is akin to putting on everything and take off a piece to make the outfit work. With that said, some people are more responsive to the Diana Vreeland and Iris Apfel method- put it all on. Very Vata women. Either way, we’re gaining and losing fashionable science accoutrements that don’t require gaining and losing hours of sleep.
“GAIN AND LOSE STRATEGY Be more selective. Pinpoint what to lose as you leave Summer and enter Fall and Winter. The nervous system, gut-brain axis, skin, temperature, activity level, organization, plans, and work are all changing with the season and time of year. As they change, they decide how you can use style and fashion to not lose yourself, or disintegrate.”
Bag This is the easiest accessory to start with as our bags our changed daily and by occasion. Disorganized brains, minds and bodies create disorganized lives. Get it together cognitively by losing the bulky purse. An envelope or accordion purse is perfect for creating focus. Look for compartments to compartmentalize your work and life. Hobos and slouchy bags manage the discrepancy between goals and output. Details like embossing and neon enliven and reform serial ghosters.
Socks Cold increases anxiety or nervousness, but socks function beyond retaining heat. Details take the focus off obsessing over minute tasks that distract from getting the real work done. On the opposite spectrum, don’t ignore the subtleness of decreasing dopamine and norepinephrine. Vibrant and eccentric pairs increase motivation to leave your dwelling when the brain signals lethargy.
If you wake up in a fog, lose the slouchy sweats and cashmere twinsets. Gain a structured blazer, stiff collared shirt, and sharp coat. Allow the clothes to lift you and demand momentum.
Shoes Steps are more hurried, and less languid this season. Heavier and flatter shoes take precedence unless you are showing signs of micro-inertia. If you’re losing the plot in your co-worker’s ideations, then switch up ballerinas to the 3-plus inches. Ankle boots or loafers in higher heel heights lose depressing energy while adding grounding.
Coats Retain just enough warmth without getting bogged down. Choosing the right layer like a cardigan, blazer, or trench deprives instability. If you begin several projects and rarely finish them, then belt on a trench coat. This style secures freer mindsets from getting off-track during this time of year when wrapping up projects is required. A frilly cardigan prevents getting stuck in ruts. Lose the down coat and get a cashmere-wool blend for Winter. Perfectionists, lose the navy black boring blazer and gain one that is off-kilter. Gain one with a scarf neck, raw edges, and asymmetrical lapels.
If you’re frantic and scattered by noon, then lose the sheer fabrics, asymmetrical cuts, and high heels. Gain substantive pieces like a heavy wool trouser or a well-fitted trench that holds your center of gravity.
Pants Leave the wool power suit, take the suede. If you are walking too fast and thinking of more to accomplish than the Nobel Prize you’ve already won, then then dip yourself into caramel. Caramel-colored suede pants, that is. Suede is matte and velvety. Its soft, non-reflective finish diffuses light rather than bouncing it around. It allows the body to physically soften its edges.
Tops Paillettes is energy for dull homebodies. Not to be confused with staying home without being boring. Having zero interest in life and falling into a rut during Fall and Winter is typical Kapha. Set aside the sweatsuits, dark colors, and heavy fabrics. Glimmer in sequins, wear tailored cuts, and balance in higher heels to feel lighter, incorporate movement, and engage in life.
The power of tailoring is felt by those who lack sharpness, but need it the most. It provides structure and proprioceptive feedback to cut the resistance in starting a project.
The power of jacquard is felt when thoughts are racing and the mind is fragmented. The micro-textures of the weave provide constant, gentle sensory feedback to the skin, while the intricate patterns give something rich and structured to focus on. Cotton-silk or wool-blend jacquards are gentler on the dermal-neuronal junction.
Dress You’re the idea person. By now, you’re anxious about where to start producing the actual work. Let go of the bright distracting colors and tight skinny jeans. Relax in an oversized shirt dress with bold prints. A roomy silhouette gives creative Vata room to breath while retaining her eccentricities.
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In this article, the Gain and Lose Neuro-Style strategy is discussed. The method simplifies finding balance in daily life by focusing on one simple item. This method was formulated by scientist Aarti Kuver, PhD to supplement her Dosha Dressing method.