My Notes on Style Today

Notes on Style Today

Topics:

Individualistic culture vs. Community-based culture

Listening to yourself

Many question or raise their eyebrows at the statement “you can get anything you want in life, if you dress for it.” I think the root of that statement is fashion identity. Fashion is who we are, and it is our Identity. That is how tribes distinguish themselves. In other words, you can identify a tribe based off of one’s attire. Today in an individualistic society, we can do the same—individualistically. Celebrities often do this to create their own “style” and to be easily recognized. On the contrary, human evolution causes us to crave belonging, gaging us to want to follow trends. It is safe. Which is the point of tribes; to feel and be safe. It makes sense. However, we loose our essence and ability to be a gem in a society that applauds and seeks individuality and those who “stand-out.” One can go on to say it is connected with money and consumerism. I choose to be original through my clothing. I am my own tribe who curates its attire. Decorative clothing, accessories, and the shoes I wear are all based upon my influences from media, family, art, and the voice and spirit within me. To know your style is to listen to yourself. You do not have to know yourself. We are ever-changing and influenced! One may be influenced by the colorful pizazz of Diana Ross and at the same time fascinated by the western grunge of John Wayne cowboy movies. It is possible to not fit in a conformed idea of “correct” combinations. You like what you like, whether it be clothes, movies, music, food, people or attraction. That being said, one should ask themselves, how do I make all the parts of me into my own sense of fashion? Does this require me to be a stylist? No, this does not. Take all the parts of you and acknowledge them. Heritage, background, colors, comedy, sexuality, literature, trauma, obsessions, passion, music, food, destinations, history, etc. A fashion pioneer, Coco Chanel, once said “fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” (Harper’s Bazaar, 2017) Listen to what you love, and make it you. When you FEEL like YOU in what you are wearing, people will SEE it. When something is forced, it is obvious. When something is effortless, it is authentic. So just be authentic.

Reference:

https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/fashion/fashion-news/news/a31524/the-world-according-to-coco-chanel/