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The word “Fashion” is a word that can be found in your typical Webster dictionary, however when approached and asked how would you define fashion, have you ever realized that the word might be easily definable, yet defined so differently by every person? To me, fashion goes far beyond what the latest trends are and is a way of expressing “yourself” and showing off to the world who you truly are. I believe fashion can be expressed in multiple ways because it exemplifies what you think is trendy or chic, regardless of what the latest magazines are illustrating. Fashion is an expression of one’s self, not a reflection of what someone else wants you to be. It’s both a lifestyle, and a language in itself.
Have you ever caught yourself rummaging through your closet wondering, “Will people like this outfit?” I can definitely say that you could have caught me multiple times doing a 360 in the mirror wondering if my peers would consider the outfit I had on as fashionable. Throughout my high school years, I always wanted to make sure I “fit in” with the latest fashion trends, which did not take long for me to come to the realization that I spend way too much time reading fashion blogs and magazines. This led me to believe that I was spending more time worrying about what I thought I should wear, rather than wanting to wear what I felt comfortable in. In our society, it is considered normal to be wearing the stereotypical North Face and UGG boot when winter emerged. It wasn’t until college, when I finally realized it was time to find myself, and see myself as a blank canvas. I stopped trying to wear what everyone else was wearing and decided that instead of being a replica of my classmates, I was going to be different. It took me a while to figure out that this is how it should have been all along. I wish I figured it out sooner, but then again, don’t we all just want to be accepted?
Nowadays, when I see a whole spectrum of girls wearing the latest outfit featured on the store mannequin, I think to myself, “How boring”, which is true! People do not realize that it is important to be an individual and stand out, not be clones of one another. Fashion should be something enjoyable; like a form of art. If you are just like one of the “typical girls” then what fun is that? Fashion is about experimentation; finding what you feel comfortable in and can feel the inner model within yourself. I can’t tell you how many times I will go into the dressing at Forever 21 or H&M just to find the right type of shirt I am envisioning in my head. It is important to always remember, changing up your style once in a while never hurts either; you never know what you will suit you best until you give it a chance.
Fashion is the one-way people can get to know you, without having to verbally speak to you. With fashion, you can intimidate others, or be easily admired. If you are well dressed for an interview, you are most likely going to be considered before the other interviewees who dressed poorly. Your fashionable wardrobe giving you a one-up on your competition can’t get better than that, right? If you are having a bad day, or just feeling lazy and want to spend the day watching movies or lounging on the couch, you may walk out of the house in sweatpants, no harm in that. Contrary, if you woke up feeling great, you typically will spend more time getting dolled up in the mirror. Fashion allows one to express their emotions, without having to verbally say how they are feeling.
It has become more apparent that people are becoming wrapped up in weight, trying to resemble the models often featured in magazines. I cannot voice enough how strongly I believe that women should wear whatever they feel they look good in, regardless of their weight. Everyone is their own person; personality wise and physically, no two people are exactly the same. This is who I am, this is how I feel, are two phrases that emphasize a form of self-expression. Just because you might not be a size 0, does not mean you have to avoid the cute clothes in the store. Nowadays, designers are making their clothing in multiple sizes so they can fit all shapes and sizes. Seventeen Magazines always does a feature, which I admire, that gives advice on what type of clothes might look good on different body shapes. If you haven’t already, I highly recommended picking up a Seventeen Magazine and reading this section!
All in all, after being asked what fashion means to me, I myself realize that my definition is quite different than my friends, peers, and even family members. I think the crucial aspect to get out of reading this article is to be your own fashionista. Don’t follow the trends and go out of your way to buy what magazines portray as the latest must have clothing item or accessory. Dress how you want and most importantly, don’t be afraid to show it! As Coco Chanel once said, “In order to be irreplaceable, once must always be different.”