Impact of Female Consumer Self-Image on Pursued Fashion Style

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of female consumer self-image on pursued fashion style. A survey was carried out among 717 women between the ages of 20 and 60 living in Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi. Analysis was conducted in the following manner: SPSS 18.0 was used to perform an Exploratory Factor Analysis (descriptive analysis, principal factor analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, frequency analysis, and reliability analysis) and AMOS 21.0 was used to carry out a Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Based on a Structure Equation Model, results show that ideal self-image and realistic self-image, which are factors derived from psychology, affect pursued fashion style. By contrast, social self-image - derived from social contexts - does not. Therefore, the female consumers’ self-image influences pursued fashion style; this is opposed to the relationship between the realistic self-image and ideal self-image of women, which is more unconscious and self-satisfying. The presented results indicate that we should respond to changes in the fashion industry and develop a deeper understanding of consumer niches to discover the factors that predict purchasing behavior. This knowledge can then be applied to establish market strategies. This study contributes to the literature by producing preliminary data that can help support such strategy formulation in the fashion and clothing industry.