Fashion: Me or You?

It is a form of self-expression. It is a reflection of the self that the world cannot see. It is you, illustrated in the fabrics, design and intricacy of the material. This is what we hear when it comes to describing fashion. It is all about you and your desires, but is it truly? Is our fashion not motivated more so by others than ourselves?

In a world where looks carry much relevance and your substance is usually judged by your appearance, I believe clothes have become less about your preference and more about social conformity. Society advocates uniqueness and individuality, prompted by changing times; but once you remove the layers of words you see that, once all the purchases are rung through, we all look the same. The punk-rocker donning the studded boots is similar to the preppy cheerleader, dressed in plaid. They both dress to appeal to that which they wish to become a part of. They are dressing not to show who they are, but to find themselves. Because wherever they find acceptance, they find validation.

 Undeniably there is an element of self-gratification in the image we portray with the clothes we wear, but more resounding now than ever before, is the incessant voice of popular opinion, dictating what or what not to wear (pun intended). Fashion ceased to be about you when terms such as “heroin chic”, “understated elegance” or “inspired bohemian” emerged. Other people, experts on your style telling you the meaning of what you are wearing. So now do we wear clothes for us, or to be labeled by phrases that we find “apt” and to our liking? I know that at some point in the week, I am going to walk in a store and try on a couple of items. The one I will buy is the one that will elicit the biggest reaction…in those around me. So ponder on it, without restraint. Who is your fashion for?