Apparently there is a new phrase that Rex Huppke , a columnist in the business section of the Tribune, says will soon be widely used: "enclothed cognition." Have you heard of it? It means that what you wear can influence your behavior. For example, studies have shown that if people wore lab coats, they were more careful and attentive, attributes of scientists or physicians. On the other hand, another group wore the same lab coat, but were told it was a painter's robe. This group showed no increased attention span. The author of the study (Adam Galinsky, a professor of ethics and decision making in management at Northwestern University) wonders if wearing a priest or judge robe or a policeman's uniform, etc., affects behavior.

Interestingly, Huppke took that to talking about your online image; that is, people worry about what comes up when they are googled, or "google anxiety." There are people out there who actually do "social media audits" for companies. One such consultant says that about 1/4 of his companies' clients come up with something that raises a red flag. Wow!

What a ridiculously long-winded phrase! Even if the concept were to gain common currency, they ought to coin a snappier way of putting it.

"Clothes maketh the man"?

I agree, arnie. I don't even think we need a new phrase for the concept of dressing appropriately. I also thought it was as strange way to segue into the whole google anxiety concept.

I'm reading a series set in Henry VIII's day. Trades, professions, courtiers all wore specific working garb, professional robes with insignia, adornment or other mark of rank, when working or out & about. You could tell what someone did for a living from 50 yds. Sure must have cut down on cocktail chat.

I've read that at one time only royalty could wear (or could afford to wear) purple. The dye was very expensive so only the rich could wear it and eventua.ly laws were passed preventing the peonage from wearing the color.

It's a little diffdrent today. Only the very rich can afford to strap their dog to the roof of a car.

I cogitate best when unclothed. What will that there perfesser think of that?

Regardless of the words being used I think the study is suggesting not that our profession or our attitude dictates our clothing but rather that our clothing influences our attitudes. Dress me up as an undertaker and I'll start to think and act like an undertaker.

A sort of Whorfian haberdashery.

You're right; it does sound Whorfian! I thought it was a balderdash, too.