The lesson from John Travolta’s dramatic new look: always dress for the job you want

The first-time director admitted he wore a beret to channel ‘old school’ auteurs at Cannes – though mimicry can only take you so far

The lesson from John Travolta’s dramatic new look: always dress for the job you want

TL;DR

  • John Travolta wore a beret at Cannes to emulate past film directors, a move that went viral and sparked online discussion.
  • The phenomenon of using clothing to influence perception or signal identity is called 'enclothed cognition' and is seen in various fields, including fashion, entertainment, and politics.
  • Politicians like Andy Burnham, Wes Streeting, and Angela Rayner are cited as examples of 'method dressing' to project a desired image or ideology.
  • The article argues that while dressing for the part can be effective, it has its limits and does not guarantee success or competence.