We are who we are and fashion makes us
The word fashion is very ambiguous, and means something completely different to each person. For the average “man on the street,” fashion could be anything from a black Topshop pea fur coat to a pair of primark ripped jeans - a pair of savy DMs or your boyfriend's t-shirt that is about three sizes too big. Or for the more prestigious, high flyers, a bin liner turned Gucci dress, or a multi-coloured patchwork jumpsuit could be the outfit of the season. Attires sitting at two different sides of the handle but all standing under the same umbrella.
When it comes to defining ‘style’ it is often very difficult. You have your regular millennial terms like 'indie', 'goth' and I’ve even heard the word ‘vanilla’ get thrown about, when someone is seen to not be ‘quirky enough.’ The early 70s saw the tie dye t-shirts, Hungarian blouses and ponchos, the 80s spanned from ripped tights, to leather and oversized blazers and the 90s saw that real vintage feel with high waisted jeans, dungarees and slip dresses. With such a change in fashion and style over these eras, how do we describe today’s fashion? What’s hot and what’s not?
I must say that the turnaround of ‘what’s in’ is increasing. More styles are coming into play for a shorter amount of time and more people are attempting to make their mark in the world of fashion. However, sometimes as followers we like to keep up with the trends (I know I’m guilty). But does this mean we are spending more money, becoming more conscious and trying to compete with the person next to us on who looks the best? Or are we adopting our own styles, embracing social media for outfit inspiration and in essence creating our own brands? I don’t think there is a solid answer for any of these questions, nor do I truly believe we are following one trend in this decade. With so many different styles, platforms to share our views and opinions, as well as a real growth in online shopping, no two people’s style can be exactly the same. We are who we are and fashion makes us!
Although I completely understand that social media has its negatives, I would very much agree with the latter. I love scrolling through Instagram looking for outfit inspiration (and slightly obsessing over hot girls and their makeup - we’ve all done it). I pick up some really great ideas and then think how I can wear that outfit but to suit my own tastes. So thank you to all you girls who tag your outfit dets!
Even brands have started hash tagging, consistently posting pictures of their new stock and engaging with us consumers, so we feel we are actually a part of their brand success. I’ve actually seen recently short phrases of empowerment for women on packaging. Telling you indirectly that you look amazing even before you’ve tried the outfit on. I love that! I got an Oh Polly order delivered yesterday and was obsessed with their packaging. I didn’t want to chuck it away.
When it comes to defining ‘style’ it is often very difficult. You have your regular millennial terms like 'indie', 'goth' and I’ve even heard the word ‘vanilla’ get thrown about, when someone is seen to not be ‘quirky enough.’ The early 70s saw the tie dye t-shirts, Hungarian blouses and ponchos, the 80s spanned from ripped tights, to leather and oversized blazers and the 90s saw that real vintage feel with high waisted jeans, dungarees and slip dresses. With such a change in fashion and style over these eras, how do we describe today’s fashion? What’s hot and what’s not?
I must say that the turnaround of ‘what’s in’ is increasing. More styles are coming into play for a shorter amount of time and more people are attempting to make their mark in the world of fashion. However, sometimes as followers we like to keep up with the trends (I know I’m guilty). But does this mean we are spending more money, becoming more conscious and trying to compete with the person next to us on who looks the best? Or are we adopting our own styles, embracing social media for outfit inspiration and in essence creating our own brands? I don’t think there is a solid answer for any of these questions, nor do I truly believe we are following one trend in this decade. With so many different styles, platforms to share our views and opinions, as well as a real growth in online shopping, no two people’s style can be exactly the same. We are who we are and fashion makes us!
Although I completely understand that social media has its negatives, I would very much agree with the latter. I love scrolling through Instagram looking for outfit inspiration (and slightly obsessing over hot girls and their makeup - we’ve all done it). I pick up some really great ideas and then think how I can wear that outfit but to suit my own tastes. So thank you to all you girls who tag your outfit dets!
I wouldn’t really know how to define my style (well like I said we can’t define it), but I guess you could say it’s a little edgy and ‘out there.’ I love experimenting and outfit recycling. Switching up my outfits and wearing with different garments and accessories. I think it’s one of the easiest ways to save money, but to also look like you have a gigantic wardrobe content. Another good tip is to buy two piece sets. They look fab together but then make a whole new outfit on their own.
Skirt: Missguided
Blazer: Missguided
Skirt and top: Pretty Little Thing
My boyfriend tells me he’s never seen me in a pair of blue denim jeans and plain t-shirt and I say, “well I guess that’s not me.” I do like a pair of ripped jeans however, as you can wear with a pair of fish nets underneath and they really make for a night out in Shoreditch, or day trip lunching.
Shop ripped jeans at: Missguided
Another thing that has caught my eye is the real oversized look. You see some of the Kardashians papped in their extremely oversized puff jackets and fur coats, still looking glam and ‘on point.’ I love this look, as it’s just so comfy and casual. Sometimes I like to go oversized to dress up, sometimes I like to go oversized to dress down. Depends on what I have planned that day.
Wearing my boyfriend's extra large coat (Primark) which I have now stolen from him (going to watch him play footy so not quite looking like a Kardashian).
I still love to rock the 90's dungarees, however wearing a more slimming fit, with rips at the knees to fit in with the ever-changing styles of 2017.
Dungarees: Missguided
I am also LOVING the new #BabesOfMissguided campaign. A fabulous idea – putting ordinary people of any age, size, gender or ethnicity in the spotlight, allowing them to show off some of their most unique styles, with a edge of self-empowerment. After watching the video, I have a new found respect for these online retailers. Growing their business using the likes of everyday individuals to promote their brands. Collaborating the consumer with the company. It really moves the industry on from old school regimental photoshoots, where models were told to look stern, stay still and pose in a particular way. The video captures the true happiness surrounding high street fashion; embracing what they love with the motto #KEEPONBEINGYOU. Follow the Missguided Twitter account to keep up to date with their latest campaigns and fresh trends @Missguided.
I could probably ramble on for days over this debate around fashion and style. But this is just a snippet of my thoughts. I am aware this post is very female focused, but I’m sure for any of you men reading it all sounds very applicable. Unless you’re someone who really doesn’t care about what they wear - well then you fall into your own ‘fashion’ category.
It’s great to see that so many old school styles have been reworked and reworn to suit our generation. And even better to witness a growing industry of enpowerment and self-confidence. Just goes to show fashion is a cycle that simply can’t be broken, just embelished and embraced.
Thanks for reading!
Jess x
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