Work Outfits I Wore as Each of the 7 Feminine Archetypes

Archetypes, a concept popularized by Swiss psychologist Carl Jung, are simply a way to categorize personality types according to patterns of innate, unlearned behavior in a way that is understandable to all. There are multiple sets of archetypes developed by multiple people who have studied behavior, but this is the most popular set, outlined by Jungian analyst and author Jean Shinoda Bolen in her book, Goddesses in Everywoman with my interpretation in work outfits. For reference, I work in a NYC corporate office where the dress code is business casual, and I used what I already had in my closet.

The Maiden

She's bubbly, gentle, and sometimes too sweet for her own good. Her wide-eyed outlook on life means she is always open to learn, for good or for bad. The playful pink skirt (admittedly a size too large) paired with the notched neck top is a girly and approachable look, made more so with my pink makeup, loafers and heatless braid waves.

Good Traits: Playful, intuitive, open-minded

Bad Traits: self-victimization, naivete, carelessness

Examples: Persephone, Josephine Baker, Marylin Monroe

The Mother

She's demure, nurturing, and her presence itself feels like a warm hug. Her protectiveness and care often posits her as the "mom friend" in her group. For this look, I went with a cozy yet mature outfit and left my makeup and hair very soft.

Good Traits: nurturing, compassionate, loyal

Bad traits: can be controlling, self-neglectful, codependent

Examples: Demeter, Mother Theresa, Princess Diana, Mary Poppins

The Lover

She's a thing of beauty. She is often creative, and owns her natural sensuality. She has a way of romanticizing and beautifying absolutely everything, starting with herself. There's only so far I could push this one at work without an HR catastrophe, so I opted for a silky, romantic look rather than a sexy one. I wore pink toned makeup and left my hair in sultry waves.

Good Traits: sensual, magnetic, creative

Bad traits: self- indulgent, lets emotions get the best of her judgment, vindictive

Examples: Aphrodite, Dita von Teese, Elizabeth Taylor, Samantha from Sex and the City

The Queen

Everyone knows she's "that girl". She's regal, and lives every day like she expects the very best of life, because she does. She lives according to her strong values, focuses on propriety and duty, and will grace you with her elegance should you be lucky enough. Word of advice though, her crown is heavy, and you'd best leave it where it belongs! I curled my ends to mimic a bouncy, salon blowout, and the cut of my dress is reminiscent of dresses that queenly women like Kate Middleton often wear.

Good Traits: Steadfast, confident, generous

Bad Traits: jealous, judgmental, domineering

Examples: Hera, Nancy Reagan, Princess Leia from Star Wars, Kim Kardashian

The Sage

She's practical, down to earth, and the realest girl you'll ever meet. She thinks with her head and is often the voice of reason in her circle. She tells it like it is, and keeps her emotions level in the hardest of situations. I put my hair in a utilitarian braid, and picked my preppy gilet to display the often academic inclinations of sage archetype women. We can also pretend my chipped nail polish was on purpose because the Sage is generally not obsessed with her looks.

Good traits: wise, rational, poised

Bad Traits: trouble accessing intuition, aloof, judgmental

Examples: Athena, Hermione from Harry Potter, Olivia Pope from Scandal, Lou Andreas-Salomé, Belle from Beauty and the Beast

The Huntress

She's bold, ambitious, and her independence can be either intimidating or inspiring to people. She's the archetypal girlboss, driven, headstrong, and letting nothing distract her from her purpose. My eyeliner was a bit more severe, as was my slick ponytail and sharp color combination.

Good Traits: independent, ambitious, free-spirited

Bad Traits: emotionally distant, noncommittal,

Examples: Artemis, Mulan, Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games, Wonder Woman

The Mystic

She's here to feel comfortable in her own skin. Her free, bohemian spirit captivates, as she's the hippie of the archetypes. She often tends to be an old soul, intuitive and deeply spiritual. I chose flowy clothes, earthy tones, and couldn't think of a better day to wear my Leo star constellation necklace.

Good Traits: intuitive, tranquil, self-assured

Bad traits: detached from reality, isolates herself,

Examples: Hestia, Frida Kahlo, Martha Stewart (notice there aren't many celebrities?)