narratives focusing on their favourite outfit: comfort, confidence and relaxation. All of these themes describe an individual actor with a sound understanding of their role location, and therefore a sense of ease. In other words, their sense of self is strong and accurate. Table II displays these narratives and themes.
For example, the theme of comfort describes the adaptability of this outfit to several social scenarios for several participants. For example:
I feel like with that outfit I can really take it from school, to work and out for drinks. It is just so joyous and free spirited. I do not have to worry about anything. It is comfortable; at least the shoes are (Lauren).
Because Lauren can wear the same outfit at work or while going out for drinks with friends, she then enters these social interactions with a feeling of comfort as she has already established her spatial position in each social realm. She knows who she is, and in this outfit she does not enter social interactions with as much trepidation as others who are not as comfortable as her. By locating her role through previous social interactions that occurred while she was wearing this outfit, Lauren can feel like this outfit provides a continuation of her social position.
Another way to discuss this notion of role location achievement through one’s favourite outfit is the theme of confidence that a few other participants mentioned. For example:
Whenever I think of this outfit, I feel really good. I feel super-confident. With that confidence, I feel like I am in this position of power. I am definitely standing out (Elizabeth).
With that I am sociable, I am cute, but I still feel powerful. I am relaxed, but I still feel confident (Ashley).
Similar to comfort, Elizabeth and Ashley perceive their favourite outfit as providing them the confidence to enact certain social roles because they are assured of their sense of self. Similarly, several other participants described their favourite outfits as relaxing in that they feel at home in whatever social setting they find themselves in. For example: