How To Dress Like Your Female Archetype

Maybe you have your Myers-Briggs persona memorized or swear up and down by your enneagram. But have you considered your female archetype? As a woman, this particular behavioral download can help you lean into your femininity in the most powerful way possible and, you guessed it, dress in a way that leaves you feeling your best, most authentic self.

What Are Archetypes?

The concept of archetypes can be credited to psychologist and psychiatrist Carl Jung. It's commonly applied to literature and, in this respect, defined as:

"A primordial image, character, or pattern of circumstances that recurs throughout literature and thought consistently enough to be considered a universal concept or situation." — Britannica

For context, two literary archetypes you're likely familiar with are the Hero and the Villain.

Beyond books, Jung's work conveyed the idea that a set number of human behaviors are coded into genetics and passed from generation to generation. In other words, there are templates of human behavior that we all fall within.

What Are Female Archetypes?

Outside of literature, archetypes have been used to classify the personalities, energies, and preferences of individuals. If you're the kind of person who shies away from the idea of being put in a box, fear not—it's not uncommon to have both a primary and secondary archetype. Or to identify with different archetypes during different phases of life.

When it comes to feminine archetypes, there are a few different versions of the list circulating online. One popular set includes the following:

• The Nurturer

• The Maiden

• The Queen

• The Huntress

• The Mystic

• The Sage

• The Lover

But, when it comes to applying archetypes to style, I prefer Danielle Marie Holman of Statements and Staples' fashion-forward labeling. She describes the seven female archetypes as:

• The Siren

• The Empress

• The Warrior

• The Enchantress

• The Muse

• The Creator

• The Angelic One

When I saw this list for the first time, I had a pretty good idea which archetype (or, in my case, archetypes) I most related to. I took Holman's quiz to be sure and scored evenly for Warrior and Creator. I was immediately intrigued to learn more about archetypes and how leaning into this styling methodology could help me dig out of a recent styling slump.

How Can Understanding Your Female Archetype Help You Enhance Your Personal Style?

Using your archetype as styling inspiration can help you align your inner being and intuition with physical aesthetics. It's using the blueprint of your personality to guide your outfitting decisions so that you can dress more intentionally and authentically. Tapping into your archetype can help you feel more confident and powerful.

Using your archetype as your guiding light can also help you create a more cohesive wardrobe. By better understanding your female archetype, you can finally (and successfully) complete that closet clean-out you've been putting off and practice intentional spending on items you'll actually wear and love.

How to Dress Like Your Female Archetype

Dressing like your female archetype comes down to shopping and wearing styles that most resonate with you and your core personality traits. Here's a brief breakdown of each female archetype and their style identifiers.

The Siren

As you may have guessed, the Siren is unabashedly sexy. She's bold, radiant, and confident. Some well-known Sirens include Elizabeth Taylor and Kim Kardashian.

Dressing like a Siren means embracing the alluring nature of your femininity. It's all about curve-hugging silhouettes, bold colors, and sensual textures (think silk and lace). Sirens love clothing pieces that accentuate their feminine nature, so reach for dresses, heels, corset tops, and fitted separates.

Shop: Bardot Esra Midi Dress, $152

Shop: Urban Outfitters Out From Under Adrena Mesh + Lace Underwire Corset Cami, $49

The Empress

If you consider yourself a classy minimalist and naturally reach for elevated basics, you may be an Empress. This archetype is equal parts commanding and luxurious. The Empress loves quality textiles, from organic cotton to leather to cashmere, and tailoring. Classic peacoats, turtleneck sweaters, gold-tone jewelry, upscale sunglasses, and flattering trousers are some of the Empress' favorite things.

Shop: Everlane Cashmere Slim Crew Sweater, $178

Shop: Jigsaw Wool Maxi City Coat, $365

The Warrior

The Warrior is perhaps one of the simplest female archetypes to interpret through a fashion lens. Because the Warrior is all about strength, structure, and discipline, some of the styles that fit most naturally within this archetype's wheelhouse include businesscore suits and separates, trench coats, and power heels. Rugged styles, such as cargo pants and military jackets, are also aligned with this commanding personality. Warriors love neutrals and minimalist jewelry for looks that feel refined and focused.

Shop: Abercrombie & Fitch Classic Suiting Blazer, $120

Shop: Steve Madden Duo Cargo Pant, $119

The Enchantress

In Holman's breakdown of the Enchantress, she describes the archetype's aesthetic as a "cool, witchy vibe." Of course I immediately thought of Stevie Nicks. The Enchantress is mesmerizing, magical, and mysterious. Her devotion to individuality means she's more interested in expressing herself than she is in trend chasing.

This archetype looks especially stunning in jewel tones and iridescents. Enchantress style also leans into lace, vintage jewelry, and celestial motifs. Personally? Her style reminds me of Taylor Swift's "Midnights" era.

Shop: All Saints Portia Floral Midi Dress, $389

Shop: Stivali Moonlight Western Cowboy Boots, $297

The Muse

The Muse makes her own rules and uses fashion as a means of self-expression. She dresses with fervor and treats the world as her runway. Think classic Carrie Bradshaw style: fearless and feminine. Romantic at its core, this archetype's style translates into overly girly textures (ruffles, sequins, organza, lace) and a pastel palette, particularly delicate blues, greens, and pinks. Fashion pieces that scream "Muse" include flowing tops, slip dresses, and pearl jewelry.

Shop: For Love & Lemons Taylor Mini Dress, $249

Shop: Mare Mare Petticoat Lace Pants, $148

The Creator

No one loves a statement piece as much as the Creator. She's the type who uses her outfits as conversation starters. The Creator enjoys thinking outside the box, which means she resonates with experimental cuts, vibrant colors, eclectic accessories, and attention-grabbing textures. Of all the archetypes, she's the most likely to mix unexpected colors and patterns. If you need a face to put with the archetype, envision the iconic Iris Apfel and her larger-than-life style.

Shop: Desigual Ruched Asymmetric Dress, $219

Shop: Lisa Says Gah Liora Ruffle Pant, $148

The Angelic One

The Angelic One loves soft colors, gentle silhouettes, and dainty details. She is ethereal and otherworldly. Untouchable in the gentlest way possible and perhaps the most feminine of the archetypal set.

Billowy dresses, puff sleeve details, and light layers are all on theme for this archetype. If you were a fan of balletcore last year, you may just be an Angelic One. While it ventures into "Muse" territory, billowy feathers are on-the-nose angel territory and add visual interest to soft, loosely silhouetted fits.

Shop: Vince Camuto Paelly Sandal, $119

Shop: Hill House Home The Scarlett Nap Dress, $218

There are countless ways to approach outfitting and personal style. There are no rules. Dressing based on female archetype gives women the framework to lean into their most authentic selves through their clothing and accessories. Use this methodology to break out of a style rut and give yourself permission to say "yes" to the pieces and colors that feel more aligned with who you are as a person.