Welcome back, style enthusiasts! I’m back with another post in my ongoing series where I explore the possible relationship between cognitive types and personal style. Today, we’re diving into the fashion choices of two distinct types…the Introverted Thinking leads a.k.a. the INTP and the ISTP.

The Framework: Cognitive Typing and Style Analysis

Before we jump into the examples, it’s important to note the resources and systems I use for this analysis. I rely on Vultology.com for their cognitive type database. The platforms ensure consistency as they only allow certified analysts to contribute, which sets them apart from the often inconsistent crowd-sourced typing methods.

It’s also crucial to understand that the cognitive typing system I reference differs from the standard MBTI and Socionics systems. This is a unique approach to personality analysis, so if your knowledge is based on a traditional MBTI quiz, keep in mind that the methods here are distinct.

INTP Style: Subtlety Meets Strategic Precision

Rooney Mara: The Quintessential INTP Aesthetic

Let’s start with Rooney Mara, whose style I believe perfectly encapsulates the INTP’s approach to fashion. Mara’s outfits often exhibit a mysterious yet calculated simplicity that aligns with the INTP’s preference for understated, precise looks. Here’s what stands out:

• Strategic Exaggeration: Mara’s wardrobe often includes pieces with exaggerated shapes—think balloon pants, boxy jackets, or oversized collars—that don’t overwhelm but rather highlight her unique presence.
• Color and Texture Play: Limited color palettes are often a hallmark of her style, with textures providing the necessary variety. Clear, defined edges and elongated lines add to the overall sophistication, ensuring that while the silhouette is long and fluid, it doesn’t obscure the natural contours of her body.
• Unified Silhouettes: Unlike other style systems like Kibbe, which might advocate for breaking up the body into distinct segments, Mara’s style emphasizes unified, cohesive looks that elongate and flatter without losing the individuality of her shape.

The Olsen Twins: Masters of Petite Oversized Style

Next, we have the Olsen twins, who have perfected the art of oversized fashion for petite frames. Despite the volume in their clothing, they avoid being overwhelmed by strategically showcasing certain parts of their bodies:

• Neckline and Arm Exposure: By revealing their necklines and the lower parts of their arms, they prevent their outfits from appearing too bulky, providing visual contrast that highlights their slender figures.
• Balance of Heavy and Light: Their outfits often balance heavier, oversized pieces with elements that break up the solidity—like skinny jeans or defined necklines—ensuring they don’t lose their shape in the clothing.

Alanis Morissette: The Power of Elongated, Clear-Cut Styles

Alanis Morissette’s style evolution further illustrates the INTP’s preference for elongated, clearly defined looks:

• Flattering Elongation: The outfits that work best for her are those that elongate her figure while maintaining clear, defined edges. These elements harmonize well with her natural style, creating a polished and sophisticated appearance.
• Avoiding Softness: Comparatively, softer, more rounded styles without distinct edges don’t serve her as well, highlighting the INTP’s need for precision and structure in their wardrobe.

ISTP Style: Sensuality Meets Technical Precision

ISTPs are often noted for their refined yet sensual style, thanks to their cognitive functions: Introverted Thinking (Ti) and Extraverted Sensing (Se).

Skylar Grey: Technical and Sensual Precision

Skylar Grey’s style embodies the ISTP’s preference for subtle yet impactful clothing:

• Decisive Shapes: Her outfits often feature revealing but technically intricate details that showcase her physique in a refined, understated manner.
• Controlled Sensuality: There’s a balance between sensual appeal and technical precision in her wardrobe, reflecting the ISTP’s desire for both impact and refinement.

Zella Day Style

Zella Day’s style evolution showcases a transition from a more generalized boho-festival look to a distinct and refined ISTP style:

• Sophisticated Details: Earlier in her career, Day’s style was more bohemian, which is a look that works well in many festival settings but wasn’t as distinctive. Now, her wardrobe emphasizes controlled drapes, precise fits, and intricate details that highlight her figure without overwhelming it.
• Provocative Yet Controlled: The allure in her style comes from the balance of revealing cuts with structured, decisive detailing, a perfect example of the ISTP’s approach to fashion.

Anya Taylor-Joy and Margot Robbie: The Double Whammy of ISTP Style

For the ISTP style, I wanted to highlight how both Anya Taylor-Joy and Margot Robbie look stunning in specific types of outfits:

• Anya Taylor-Joy: Anya looks great in a fresh, summery white dress with exposed shoulders, floral details, and a mesh, draped skirt. Additionally, she absolutely shines in a red sculpted dress that looks like it was carved from marble or molded from wet cloth. This dress is super sexy, highlighting her figure with technical precision.
• Margot Robbie: Margot also looks fantastic in a white dress with soft pleats, crochet details, and eyelets. Like Anya, Margot also dazzles in a red sculpted dress, which perfectly hugs her figure and showcases her sensuality with refined, intricate detailing.

Style Comparisons: ISTP vs. ESTP

While ISTPs and ESTPs share similar cognitive functions, their styles diverge significantly:

• ISTP: More controlled, technical, and refined, focusing on subtle sensuality and precision.
• ESTP: Bolder, more dramatic, with an emphasis on making a strong impact rather than on technical intricacy.

Outfit Recommendations for INTPs and ISTPs

For INTPs:

• A vintage-inspired maxi dress paired with round, clear-frame sunglasses.
• A long, slightly oversized blazer with cropped sleeves and a flared design to showcase the forearms.
• Silky plunge-neck tees or fitted leather boot-cut pants for a mix of comfort and style.

For ISTPs:

• A fitted, long white dress with delicate details like pleating or lace.
• A fun mini dress with power sleeves and a curved hem, paired with studded sandals for an added edge.

Conclusion

This exploration of cognitive types and their corresponding fashion styles highlights the unique ways INTPs and ISTPs express their identities through clothing. By focusing on what makes individuals shine and accentuating their unique traits, we can create styles that truly resonate with who they are.

For personalized style advice, feel free to explore my services. See you in the next post!