What is fashion feng shui? Tips for a harmonious wardrobe and style that gives you energy

It is not uncommon for Hongkongers to consult their feng shui master before moving apartments or changing the colour of their wallpaper. This ancient art, however, can do more than balance our physical environment, with some masters beginning to apply its principles to how we dress.

“Feng shui masters often tell clients to wear certain colours to balance their elements, and fashion feng shui is an extension of this,” says Thierry Chow Yik-tung, a feng shui master who has been offering fashion consultations to private and commercial clients for about three years. “I go deeper and work with them on their overall style – not only to enhance their elements, but to maximise their energy and grow their confidence.”

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So how exactly does it work? As with most feng shui sessions, a master will make calculations based on the date, time and location of a person’s birth, as well as their gender. Through this they can determine whether any of their five feng shui elements – wood, metal, earth, fire or water – are out of sync. While this information is usually used to suggest changes to a person’s physical environment, a fashion session gives style or wardrobe advice instead.

For example, those lacking water should inject blue, black or ocean patterns into their wardrobe. Wood can be balanced with colours such as green or anything that references the natural world, including branches, leaves or flowers. Those lacking metal should opt for shades of silver, gold, copper or white. Metallic accessories, preferably in circular shapes, also work.

Earth calls for brown, yellow, grey, marble prints or even dog motifs. To add fire choose red, purple, pink or orange along with pointy shapes or anything relating to digital computers or energy.