Personal style is often seen as an outward expression of who we are—our tastes, our moods, our identities—something deeply personal. But in relationships, those identities can blur, evolve, and sometimes shift dramatically. One person who exemplifies this fluidity is Bella Hadid, whose style transformations often mirror her romantic relationships. It took me some time to notice, but with her newfound Western style, it became quite obvious.
What I find even more interesting is how her sister, Gigi Hadid, stands as a counterexample—someone whose fashion remains steady, no matter who she’s with. And what makes this contrast even more intriguing is that they’re family, raised by the same parents, in the same environment. This highlights a larger truth: no matter how you were raised, your identity, your essence, are inherently your own.
So, why do some people’s personal styles change with their relationships, while others remain unaffected?
Bella Hadid: A Style Shaped by Relationships
When Bella was dating Marc Kalman, her look was distinctly vintage and geek-chic, often pulling archival pieces that sent shivers down the spines of fashion lovers. She mastered the siren-meets-intellectual vibe, using glasses and braids to balance out her otherwise overtly sexual persona. Bella wasn’t just wearing clothes; she was performing a particular identity—one that leaned into the subversive, avant-garde energy of the fashion world. Her wardrobe became a curated statement, blending sex appeal with early 2000s nostalgia. I personally miss this era quite a bit.
Now, in her relationship with Adan Banuelos, a professional horse trainer, Bella’s style has shifted dramatically—she’s gone full cowgirl. Her look is rugged, earthy, and far removed from her high-fashion archival pieces. Belt buckles, cowboy boots, leather, denim shorts, and wide-brimmed hats now take center stage, with her past style and persona seemingly left behind. In this era, she’s embracing a laid-back sex appeal, her hair curlier and freer than ever—no more braids. Her curves have become her boldest accessory, no longer shying away from her sensuality, but fully embracing and enhancing it.
This transformation reflects a deeper psychological shift—Bella appears to immerse herself in her partner’s world, blending her identity with theirs, not just emotionally but sartorially.
Emotional Convergence and Style Fluidity
Bella’s transformations are prime examples of emotional convergence, a psychological phenomenon where people in close relationships begin to mirror each other’s emotions, habits, and even facial expressions. Over time, this can extend to behavior and personal presentation, including fashion. Bella may reflect an open, adaptive personality—someone who thrives by merging her world with her partner’s. Her identity seems fluid, and her style reflects a willingness to embrace new environments and lifestyles. going as far as moving to Fort Worth, Texas, no light decision im assuming.
This fluidity suggests that Bella uses fashion as a form of creating intimacy. By adopting elements of her partner’s world—whether Marc’s intellectual chic or Adan’s rugged cowboy culture—her wardrobe becomes a bridge between two identities.
Gigi Hadid: Unwavering Style
Now, let’s consider Gigi Hadid. While Bella’s fashion changes with each new relationship, Gigi remains a rock of sartorial consistency. She’s maintained a chic, yet effortlessly sporty style through all of her relationships, from Zayn Malik to Bradley Cooper. Gigi’s fashion remains cohesive, reflecting a strong, self-assured identity. Her quirky, down-to-earth style and consistent color palette stand unfazed by the passage of time and trends.
This consistency suggests Gigi has a much more grounded sense of self, especially when it comes to her style. Fashion for her is likely an extension of her personal and professional brand. She doesn’t use style as a form of bonding or mirroring but rather as a means of asserting individuality. Gigi’s style is about self-possession rather than adaptation.
The Psychological Aspect: Boundaries and Personal Identity
Gigi’s unwavering style highlights a different psychological approach to relationships—one that involves clear boundaries and a solid sense of personal identity. Psychologically, she might be considered someone with a more individuated self-concept, meaning her sense of self is firmly rooted and less influenced by external factors, including romantic partners.
For Gigi, relationships don’t require a transformation of identity but rather a coexistence of two separate worlds.
Brad Pitt: The Chameleon Counterpart
A broader example of someone who mirrors Bella’s adaptive nature is Brad Pitt, proving that this phenomenon isn’t exclusive to women. Throughout his relationships, Pitt’s style famously shifted to resemble that of his partners. With Gwyneth Paltrow, he embraced minimalism, even going so far as to share matching blonde haircuts.
With Jennifer Aniston, his look became laid-back and a bit shabby, with longer hair and a bohemian, sporty vibe. Brad, like Bella, seems to embrace emotional and aesthetic mirroring as a form of connection, reflecting a willingness to adapt and a fluidity in identity.
In Conclusion: Fluidity vs. Stability in Personal Style
Bella Hadid, Brad Pitt, and Gigi Hadid offer us opposing perspectives on the role of relationships in shaping personal style. It’s deeply tied to how we see ourselves in the context of our relationships. For some, it’s a way to merge with others; for others, it’s a boundary that keeps their core identity intact. Fashion becomes not just about aesthetics but a psychological tool for navigating human connection. After all, what’s more personal than sharing your life with someone else? And isn’t every choice we make, in some way, personal?
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