The Fashion and Style of Every Myers-Briggs® Personality Type
Can your Myers-Briggs® type give any indication about the type of fashion you like to wear? Which type is the most likely to wear a suit? Which type is most likely to wear athletic clothes? While everyone is unique and there will always be exceptions, certain trends tend to show up more frequently in some types than others. Let’s take a look!’
Disclaimer: Your background, upbringing, enneagram type, work dress code, body type, and even your friends can have an influence on your particular style. The information in this article is based on some surveying I did among my email list, along with some style information found in “The Art of SpeedReading People – How to Size People Up and Speak Their Language” by Paul D. Tieger & Barbara Barron-Tieger. The suggestions here are based on the majority of feedback I got from readers of my email list and from the notes in the Tiegers’ book! Not everyone will fit that mold, though! You may be one of them 🙂
Not sure what your personality type is? Take our new personality questionnaire here. Or you can take the official MBTI® here.
Table of contents
- Your Myers-Briggs® Type and Your Fashion Sense
- The Individualist Intuitives (ENFPs and INFPs)
- The Romantic Types (ENFJs and INFJs)
- The Eclectic Types (ENTPs and INTPs)
- The Strategic Professionals (ENTJs and INTJs)
- The Individualist Sensors (ISFPs and ESFPs)
- The Pragmatic Types (ISTPs and ESTPs)
- The Romantic Traditionalists (ISFJs and ESFJs)
- The Professional Traditionalists (ISTJs and ESTJs)
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
Your Myers-Briggs® Type and Your Fashion Sense
The Individualist Intuitives (ENFPs and INFPs)
These types are all about dressing in a way that expresses their individuality. They don’t pick clothes based on what’s appropriate, commonly accepted, or traditional. They look for things that resonate with their values and unique tastes. If they are anime fans, they’ll probably look for t-shirts with their favorite anime characters on them. If they’re fond of classic literature, they may dress in the style of the period of their favorite books. Often free-spirited types, ENFPs and INFPs tend to be drawn to fashions that are somewhat romantic, personalized, and unusual.
Read This Next: An In-Depth Guide to How INFPs and ENFPs Think
The Romantic Types (ENFJs and INFJs)
ENFJs and INFJs want a look that captures their creative personality but still appears appropriate and classic. They are often drawn to romantic, striking outfits – but they may make the mistake of buying clothes that they love appearance-wise, only to later find out they’re uncomfortable or don’t fit as well as they’d like to. These types are likely to dress in classic or romantic styles, but with some accent that symbolizes something important to them. For example, they might wear a basic black dress but pair it with unusual gemstone earrings. Or a man might dress in a suit and tie but have long hair or beaded bracelets that mean something significant. When they’re home alone, they tend to prefer comfy clothes, caring very little what the actual appearance is. Oversized sweaters, sweatpants, and hoodies were a favorite for home life.
Read This Next: 10 Talents of the INFJ and ENFJ Personality Types
The Eclectic Types (ENTPs and INTPs)
While these types don’t tend to get as excited about style as many others, they also know the importance of it. Ever rational, NTPs will look for outfits that will help them get what they want. They prefer comfortable, loose-fitting pieces of clothing, but they also know that dressing sharp can help them get the job they want or make the right impression at a social event. They also tend to enjoy clothing that resonates with something they love. For example, if they’re Star Wars fans, they might wear Star Wars t-shirts. They also tend to enjoy t-shirts with clever or witty sayings on them (as long as they’re not cheesy or cliché). P.S. You can get the Photosynthesis t-shirt pictured here (this is not an affiliate link).
The Strategic Professionals (ENTJs and INTJs)
These types are all about dressing to achieve their long-term goals. Because they hate mediocrity, they tend to dress in fashions that give them an appearance of success. In the name of efficiency, they’re also likely to have a minimalistic wardrobe with mix-and-match pieces they can easily pair together without much thought or deliberation. Occasionally they’ll have a more individualistic article of clothing that they’ll wear when they’re off the job. This is particularly true when they’re in their teens or old age.
Read This Next: The Unique Intelligence of the INTJ, INFJ, ENTJ, and ENFJ Personality Types
The Individualist Sensors (ISFPs and ESFPs)
Individualist Sensors tend to look effortlessly stylish. They crave looks that are simultaneously comfortable but perfectly coordinated and sexy. They’re the types that make bed-head look like a style statement and ripped jeans look like high fashion. Their wardrobe is filled with pieces that mean something significant to them or evoke their individuality and outlook on life. Every accent, color, and texture is meant to give an overall aesthetic that describes something meaningful about their personality.
The Pragmatic Types (ISTPs and ESTPs)
Practicality and comfort are the deciding factors in fashion for ISTPs and ESTPs. These types want breathable, loose-fitting clothes that they can get comfortable and move around in. If an outfit will keep them from climbing a mountain, it’s probably not worth it in their opinion. That said, they also have a strong sense of aesthetics. They match their outfits carefully and buy high-quality items that will not only be comfortable but last. If they have to wear a suit, they’ll find a way to make it the most breathable but appropriate suit possible. When they’re not at work, they tend to prefer athletic clothes or jeans and t-shirts.
The Romantic Traditionalists (ISFJs and ESFJs)
Comfortable and classic time-tested styles are what SFJs crave. These types don’t see the point in wasting money on flash-in-the-pan trends. They want to buy looks that will be fashionable now and fashionable ten years from now. While they may have the occasional impulse buy of a trendy accent or t-shirt, their closet is typically made up of dependable suits, jeans, comfy sweaters, or breathable cotton dresses (if they’re the dress-wearing type, of course). It’s important for SFJs to look their best, and they are usually careful to make sure all their style components match. They also like to accent their clothes with beautiful accents like diamond earrings, leather handbags, or elegant watches.
The Professional Traditionalists (ISTJs and ESTJs)
STJs focus on function and effectiveness in their style choices. They often have minimalistic wardrobes with a variety of mix-and-match styles they can put together easily at a moment’s notice. These types prioritize dressing for the job and often have classic suits, pencil skirts, and high-quality, neutral-colored tees or blouses that they can wear with a variety of other pants or skirts. It’s crucial for STJs to look right for the part – whether that part is going to a job interview or attending a church event. At home, they like comfortable, casual looks that still have a hint of elegance. Jeans are high-quality and durable, and t-shirts are likely to be perfectly fitted and washed carefully so that the whites are as bright as possible.
What Are Your Thoughts?
Do you agree with these style statements for your type? Disagree? Have any thoughts or suggestions to add? Let us know in the comments!
Find out more about your personality type in our eBooks, Discovering You: Unlocking the Power of Personality Type, The INFJ – Understanding the Mystic, and The INFP – Understanding the Dreamer. You can also connect with me via Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!
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I am INTP,what said about fashion preference is so true.I would always prefer comfortable and loose fitting clothes but on some special occasions I would wear what suits in there.
Yes! so true. Also, comfy clothes must also be pretty.
I’m an INFP and this is the wrong description of my style. Ironically, the ESTP & ISTP style description fits me.
Thank you Marianne! There are certainly always people who will have their own unique taste in style, which is why at the beginning of the article I mentioned that there will always be exceptions 🙂 The ESTP & ISTP styles definitely look very comfortable, I don’t blame you for preferring them 🙂
Although I’m an INFJ I identify more with the ENTP and INTP style. I like cute but comfy clothing when out and about and graphic teens that make a statement when I’m at home. I also identify with the ESTP and ISTP styles. Anything clothing that gets in the way of what I want/need to do is annoying. However, I can never resist the INFJ style of wearing a necklace or other trinket that means something to me.
Thanks so much for your input Trinity! The more input I can get, either positive or negative, the more I can refine this article and make it as good as possible 🙂
I’m INFJ Type 5w4 and it’s certainly not true for me! I see that type 5s and INFJs are said to dress conservatively, but while I like the conservative style, my favorite style is graphic ts that represent who I am and what I like, pastels, futuristic clothing, Gothic and Victorian. My hair is dyed multiple colors as well. It took me awhile to develop and feel comfortable enough standing out but I was definitely unhappy in drab, conservative clothing. Even as a teen I at least wore graphic tees and all kinds of styles. As a child I tended to like statement and unique pieces that my mother would put me in.
I think for me, the type 4 is stronger than anything else! My mother was also a fashionista and put me in a variety of clothing growing up, but her style didn’t really influence my personal taste other than to “always look good”. I do like to dress cleanly though, without nothing out of place, and every outfit coordinated, so maybe that’s the INFJ coming through.
Thanks for this excellent feedback! I definitely agree that if you have a 4 wing (or are a 4) then the individualistic style would probably be super appealing. I definitely think there will be a lot of different responses to this post because when it comes to fashion so many things can be an influence 🙂 This article was based on some surveys I did with my email list and some data from “The Art of Speed-Reading People” by Paul D. Tieger & Barbara Barron-Tieger
Also, your style sounds really intriguing and cool 🙂
I am an INFP and I completely agree with the assumptions made here. I have tried, unsuccessfully, to create a minimalist wardrobe. I have also tried to keep my clothes in some sort of definable style like retro pin up but I hated feeling constricted that way. I have finally decided that I cannot be like everyone else and I would like to just enjoy getting dressed everyday. I love to mix and match styles, colours, textures, and themes. I make a lot of my own clothes and I wear a lot of upcycled pieces as I am an enviro warrior and I do not buy into fast fashion. People have often commented on how very individualistic my style is but that they can easily say “Yup, that is Melissa.” I am very concerned with fit though and I will make sure that the clothes fit well and cover all of the right bits.
INFJ here, I definitely prefer romantic looking outfits, with fantasy or goth feel to them, even though I cannot be bothered to actually spend a lot of time on thinking about it and usually have some tried and tested combinations 🙂 one-color-plus-an-accent part is true as well! And you’re spot on about roomwear, baggy T-shirts all the way!
My INFP husband also (when he can be bothered) tends to choose very unusual items of clothing, and my ENTP and INTP exes definitely enjoyed their goofy T-shirts 🙂
What do you mean by a “fantasy” feel? I’d love to try that out! I’m 16, so I’m experimenting.
Being an INTP, I definitely prefer the clothing style mentioned here..great work! ☺️.. though even if there is any important event to focus on.. I still don’t dress up accordingly..most probably not going or going in my pyjamas.. well that might just be laziness!
Haha, I don’t know why I am always surprised by how spot on most of these articles are. I am an ESTJ and I totally agree with the style choice mentioned above. I like the way other types dress and sometimes wish that I could pull it off which, it’s not really a matter of pulling it off, it’s more of an ” I can’t sustain those styles”. I just don’t seem to know how to put anything else together.
Great article, as an INTJ i must say i dislike mediocrity, but i do tend to see fashion as a form of art too.
I have a few pieces that i use to express myself but keeping all of it classy, atemporal and of course, for the sake of efficiency, all my wardrobe mix-and-match.
This INFP likes the INFJ/ENFJ style very much. I actually dislike the Fi dominant and auxiliary types’ styles. I think that, for me, Si rules my fashion preferences. I love soft, comfy clothes. Give me the choice, and I’ll always choose brown slippers with white, fluffy insides, soft dresses, and anything with deep, warm, or vivid colors. Flowers and inspiring quotes are always a bonus 🙂
You hit it right on for me. As an ISTP woman it described me perfectly. Comfort is huge. But I’m very particular about quality. I don’t preferred name brands but if I find a brand that has good quality,good fitting clothes I might use them again and again. It saves me time.( practical) and
money.
INTJ, pragmatic and pro.
I’m an INTJ and for the most part, what it states here is true. Although I personally wear formal attire only when it’s necessary, other times I prefer dark colours, especially something which would go with my personality.
INFJ here, And I can say that I do like the Romantic look. Though I must admit its mainly my fall trend with sweaters and thick flannels, as for the warmer day I go for lighter flannels and long sleeves. Have always liked long sleeves over short.
Thats my style, and I LOVE it! 🙂
The statistical language analysis says xNTP. And i would only make a fashion statement
with the inofficial “Big Black” “Do It Yourself” shirt. More embarassing it can’t get.
When it comes to mask fashion, i really don’t care. However, some people might consider the fashion aspect to be important, for whatever psychological reason.
ISTJ woman, and you hit the nail on the head. The most efficient closet is the best. wear the clothes that make you happy every day, not what’s going on in the latest fad.
I have recently found that I LOVE linen fabric, once I let go of the fact that it’s natural state is kinda wrinkled. It adds a gentleness to my black and white personality Subconscious it causing other to not see me as so rigid. 😏
I’m something between a (I/E)NFJ when at home, wearing comfy clothes, but (I/E)NFP when going out, wearing my personalized clothes. Aside from being in the middle of those, it describes my tastes pretty well
This was so fun …good job! And thank you! I’d love to see more photos, if you were ever up to the task 😉 business vs @home for each type…oooo
Love. Xx
Thanks, this was so accurate for every type!
EXCEPT one thing, you said if INTPs love star wars, they will put it in their outfit, which is true, but WHY would an INTP like star wars?! LOL.
Also, INFJ (I know 5 of them (who are female) so yes, I know) would wear dresses! I asked them, and 4 said always dress over pants (but one said pants mostly because she is very active, but still loved dresses.)
Opposites attract I’m an INTJ personality that dresses like an ESFJ, and my husband an ESFJ that dresses like an INTJ.
I’ve been dressing like an INFP well before I figured out that was my personality type, and reading through this and the MBI test results made me have an existential crisis. 10/10 would recomend
Hi Susan,
As an INTJ-T I dress as if I want my body to disappear. That is I hope that people won’t notice me or if they do at least not pay attention to me. Having said that I never wear dark glasses inside. Believing that to be rude and disrespectful to others. And it’s not that I care so much about people emotionally rather I’ve arrived at the intellectual belief that one doesn’t treat others in a way that I myself would not want to be treated.
Ostentation or attempting to show off with clothing is repugnant to me. No reasonable, rational person wants to see a man’s biceps displayed with his “muscle shirt” or a woman’s breasts with an excessively tight top. Such displays are provocative and puerile. Better left adolescents in high school.
In short clothes should be modest, practical and comfortable. People who put their bodies on display by way of their clothing are in league with the people who drive around in their car with 120 decible stereo speakers blasting everyone against their will. Because we have to have our eyes and ears open in public spaces such displays are obnoxious and rude probably evincing, if not a narcissistic person (therefore someone to be avoided at all costs) but probably a person who has never outgrown puerile adolescence.