This is part two in a series on the cognitive functions. Last week I talked about Extraverted Sensing and this week I’m talking about Introverted Sensing style. If you prefer to listen, this is episode 39 of the Signature Style Systems podcast! (Also available on YouTube.)
Whether you have intuitive or sensing preferences, 100% of people have either introverted or extraverted sensing in the cognitive function stack. Not sure which flavor of sensing you are using? Have a conversation with me and we’ll figure it out together! Book your Personality Profile & Palette.
I’m Rebecca Mielke, your Visual Identity Coach on a journey of self-discovery, so you can align your inner and outer self, show up confidently, and contribute your gifts to the world.
Introverted Sensing as a Cognitive Function
Introverted Sensing (Si): learning through sensory experience (of self and others) in rumination; post-processing. Personality Hacker uses the nickname Memory.
Introverted Sensing is the dominant function for ISTJ and ISFJ, and the second function for ESTJ and ESFJ, meaning that for these types it should be a major influence on your style. As their third function, it is also influential in the style of INFP and INTP, and may flavor the styles of ENFP and ENTP.
Also, introverted sensing always comes paired with extraverted intuition.
Introverted Sensing Style in Your Wardrobe
Here are some ways that you can use the qualities of introverted sensing in your wardrobe:
- Introverted Sensing generally has a feel/preference for what is timeless. You can choose from current styles in more traditional/expected shapes what works best for your body.
- timeless doesn’t mean you never need to update. You will need a strategy to avoid buying enough clothes that you never wear them out, so you never need anything new, and end up stuck in a decade.
- anything unexpected will be a very dramatic look for you.
- Introverted Sensing is attuned to sensory information. Fit and fabrics are important, as is functionality. Anything that takes work to function is probably gonna be annoying.
- Introverted Sensing tends to notice and enjoy comfort. You know, I believe comfortable clothes are a basic human right!
- Introverted Sensing can be nostalgic. It can be fun to play around with nostalgic, vintage, or retro looks, but don’t let sentimentality keep you from passing things on when the time comes. Or taking them to a sewist who can transform it into something you will use.
- Introverted Sensing does really well with a uniform (as in an outfit template) and is generally tidy.
An Example of an Introverted Sensing Template
This was the hero’s dominant process. He worked in architecture and had a slowly-evolving uniform for work.
- He wore twill pants (back then they were called “Dockers” chuckle), a button-down shirt (meaning button-down collar, not button down the front, although it was also that), and a tie.
- Then he went to an office where ties were not required, but the rest of the uniform remained the same.
- For a season, on casual Fridays, he and a couple of friends wore African shirts. This exotic look worked for him because of his extraverted intuition, which is all about combining concepts.
- Eventually, he discovered that he looked dressy enough for work in a nice, solid color t-shirt, and took to wearing that with his twill pants.
- During Covid, he had multiple of the exact same charcoal grey t-shirt and just wore those, mostly with workout shorts.
How to Use Introverted Sensing by Personality Type
My formula for signature style, that I talked about last week, includes the first four functions,
- Your first (or driver) function is the part of you you most identify with. If you are ISTJ or ISFJ, what I described is probably already a major component of how you dress.
- Your second (or copilot) function is a really important strength that many people fail to communicate visually. If you are an ESTJ or ESFJ, you should lean in to your introverted sensing style to communicate visually who you really are.
- Your third function is a place of playfulness. If you are INFP or INTP, you can add introverted sensing flair to your everyday signature style or you can have a separate introverted sensing look for fun times. I know people of this type who have alot of fun playing dressup!
- Your fourth function is a position of aspiration. ENFPs and ENTPs don’t need to look traditional at all, but tidiness is a good goal.
Homework for Introverted Sensing
Do you know your type and your functions? The thing about Myers-Briggs is it points to the cognitive functions a layer deeper than just the dichotomies. Discover your type, and get a digital palette too, right here: Personality Profile & Palette.
Next week, Lord willing, I will be talking about extraverted thinking.
And here’s your homework: go through your closet and just consider getting rid of anything that’s over 5 years old.