Aligning with the Rising: When Astrology Meets Wardrobe Psychology
Behind the Mic: A Conversation with Francesca Vuillemin
What does your outfit say about who you’re becoming?
In my recent episode of the Style My Mind podcast, astrologer and wellness guide Francesca Vuillemin explored this question with me through an unconventional but compelling lens: the natal chart. Her perspective offered a fresh interpretation of style—not as performance, but as alignment.
This conversation examined the ways astrology can illuminate personal identity, challenge emotional patterns, and enhance self-expression. At its core was a simple idea: that style is not just worn; it’s lived. And when approached with intention, it becomes a mirror of our inner atmosphere.
Meet the Guest: Francesca Vuillemin
Francesca Vuillemin is an astrologer, model, and wellness educator known for bridging the intuitive and the embodied. With a background in fashion and a passion for human development, she helps individuals use their astrological birth charts as tools for alignment, empowerment, and personal evolution.
“The chart is our unique fingerprint in the universe,” she explains. But she emphasizes that astrology is a map, not a mandate. “Free will and courage play an indispensable role in fulfilling our destiny.”
Her work integrates archetypal astrology, planetary transits, energetic frequencies, and mentorship. Francesca believes the wardrobe is one of the most immediate, tangible ways to express our cosmic blueprint.
You can follow her inspiring content on Instagram @francescamv or visit her site at francescavuillemin.com
Francesca is additionally happy to connect with anyone on LinkedIn.
The Chart in the Closet: Beyond the Sun Sign
Many people are familiar with their sun sign but unaware that their full chart—including rising, moon, and Venus placements—can offer more relevant insight into how they dress and present themselves. The rising sign, or ascendant, represents how we appear to the outside world and often correlates with physical appearance and stylistic cues.
“People tend to dress more like their rising sign, especially when they want to make a positive impression,” Francesca explains. For example, someone with Virgo rising may favor well-structured, clean lines that signal competence and care.
This outer-facing energy parallels the idea of symbolic self-presentation in psychology, where dress becomes a social signal that helps manage identity and perception (Kaiser, 1997).
The moon sign, by contrast, reflects emotional needs and comfort—which might explain why certain garments feel like emotional support. Venus, the planet of magnetism and pleasure, reveals what attracts us and can shape what styles, textures, or aesthetics we feel most drawn to.
Planetary Transits and Style States
Francesca also emphasized the impact of planetary transits on wardrobe behavior. Retrogrades, in particular, are known for bringing up past themes and creating emotional tension—which often shows up in what we choose to wear.
“There’s an osmosis effect,” she notes. “We unconsciously align our outfits with cosmic energies, even if we’re not aware of it.” For instance, during a Venus retrograde, those with strong Aries placements may feel a stronger pull to reassess their appearance or reconnect with old style phases.
She draws attention to larger cycles too, like Saturn returns (ages 27–29, and later in our 50s), which bring themes of maturity, responsibility, and legacy. “Saturn is the boss,” she says. “You want to lean into clothing that reflects that—blacks, navy, structured pieces that help you step into rooms with older generations.”
By contrast, Uranus influences awaken questions of individuality. “Am I dressing like me or what society expects me to be?” becomes the guiding inquiry.
These observations align with fashion psychology's view of clothing as both an emotional regulator and a tool for navigating change (Baumeister, 1998).
The Archetype in the Closet
Every astrological sign carries archetypal energy—Leo with bold visibility, Pisces with fluid grace, Capricorn with precision and polish. Francesca points to the work of Liz Greene and Jungian psychology, where archetypes become active elements of the psyche.
She suggests exploring the archetypes that appear in one’s chart to inform conscious styling. If the Sun represents the heart, then dressing in a way that lights up that part of us can be an act of courage (coeur, in French).
This archetypal approach overlaps with findings from Slepian et al. (2015), who found that clothing choices can influence cognitive processes and encourage greater self-concept clarity.
Archetypes & Planetary Influences on Style
Below is a breakdown of planetary associations and how each one might influence wardrobe decisions, energy, and symbolic style cues.
☿ Mercury – The Messenger
Mercury rules communication, intellect, and adaptability. In style, this can show up as clear, expressive prints or pieces that feel clever and versatile. Mercury-heavy charts may favor items that help express nuance — especially during Mercury Retrograde, which can influence how we perceive and convey visual cues.
♀ Venus – The Lover
Venus governs beauty, pleasure, and sensuality. It’s connected to fabrics that feel good on the skin — soft silks, velvets, rich textures. When Venus is activated, we may be drawn to indulgent or romantic styles. It also influences magnetism and how we attract attention.
♂ Mars – The Warrior
Mars is all about drive, physical energy, and action. In fashion, this translates to bold cuts, structured silhouettes, or athletic-inspired choices. During Mars Retrograde, it’s common to feel blocked or unsure in decision-making — including with wardrobe.
♄ Saturn – The Architect
Saturn reflects responsibility, maturity, and structure. Think tailored blazers, clean lines, and strong neutrals like navy, black, and brown. During Saturn transits, people often dress to reflect seriousness and legacy — aligning with traditional or career-oriented aesthetics.
♃ Jupiter – The Sage
Jupiter expands whatever it touches. This can mean maximalism, bold patterns, or an abundance of accessories. It’s connected to joy, optimism, and generosity — but can also lead to stylistic excess or impulse dressing if not grounded.
♆ Pisces – The Dreamer
Pisces rules the feet and the subconscious. Footwear may become especially important, as comfort in the feet grounds the energy. Pisces-aligned fashion tends toward soft, flowing materials, iridescent fabrics, or dreamy, ethereal silhouettes.
☉ Sun – The Core Self
The Sun represents your central identity. Clothing choices aligned with your Sun sign often feel most empowering — these pieces help you embody your vitality and personal truth, especially in moments when confidence needs a boost.
☾ Moon – The Nurturer
The Moon rules emotions, daily habits, and comfort. “Cozy clothes” often link to the Moon — garments that regulate emotions or create a sense of safety. These are the items we instinctively reach for when we need grounding.
♅ Uranus – The Liberator
Uranus is about rebellion, individuality, and breakthroughs. It inspires fashion risks and unexpected combinations. During Uranus transits, people often question: “Am I dressing like myself, or who I think I should be?”
♇ Pluto – The Transformer
Pluto governs transformation, release, and rebirth. It’s linked to deep wardrobe purges, simplified style eras, and garments that represent psychological evolution. Style becomes a tool for symbolic shedding and renewal.
Francesca was clear that while archetypes are useful guides, “you are your own archetype” — and style should ultimately be self-authored. This aligns with the philosophy of individuation (Jung) and is core to fashion psychology: the symbolic use of dress to narrate identity across time and context.
A Practice in Conscious Styling
Francesca offered several entry points for those new to the practice:
Begin by reading about your rising and Venus signs.
Reflect on how your moon sign may guide your emotional comfort in dress.
Consider planetary transits when reassessing your wardrobe.
Clothing can act as both talisman and container. As Francesca shared, “Wardrobe comes from the French ‘garde-robe’—to guard the body. We need that buffer when facing the world.”
She believes our clothing holds memory and meaning—from the ballgown worn during lockdown to the sweater that feels like a hug. These garments don’t just cover us; they protect, ground, and reflect us.
The Takeaway
Astrology, like clothing, is interpretive. Both offer opportunities for reflection, resonance, and expression. By treating style as a language of the inner self, we begin to dress with greater clarity, depth, and intention.
And when we approach transitions—whether Saturn returns or career shifts—with this alignment, the wardrobe becomes a form of readiness.
“We are always being prepared for the moment we’re in,” Francesca reminds us. “Clothing helps us meet it.”
If you want to find information and your star chart, Francesca referred to astro.com
# Style My Mind Challenge
This week, we challenge you to celebrate your rising! Here’s your challenge this week:
Find your rising sign. Choose one item—a color, fabric, or silhouette—that reflects its core qualities.
Dress intentionally this week and observe how it shifts your sense of presence. Bonus: explore your Venus sign and consider how it informs what you find beautiful or magnetic.
Post it with the hashtag #StyleMyMindChallenge so we can make you rise too.
Because the world needs your full presence — not your muted version.
Ensure to tag Francesca and I, so we can share some love as well. Instagram Handles: @francescamv & @style.my.mind.
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References (APA 7)
Adam, H., & Galinsky, A. D. (2012). Enclothed cognition. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 48(4), 918–925. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jesp.2012.02.008
Baumeister, R. F. (1998). The self. In D. T. Gilbert, S. T. Fiske, & G. Lindzey (Eds.), The handbook of social psychology (4th ed., pp. 680–740). McGraw-Hill.
Kaiser, S. B. (1997). The Social Psychology of Clothing: Symbolic Appearances in Context. Fairchild Books.
Slepian, M. L., Ferber, S. N., Gold, J. M., & Rutchick, A. M. (2015). The cognitive consequences of formal clothing. Social Psychological and Personality Science, 6(6), 661–668. https://doi.org/10.1177/1948550615579462
This is truly brilliant. What an honor to be part of your community. I love the way you write!!!