If you look beyond the fabric, you will see that fashion is more than just clothing. It is a silent language that can communicate ideals, beliefs, values, and personal and societal narratives. Fashion is more than just looking great; it’s about making a statement and confidently telling a story. What story does your fashion tell?
Fashion Communicates your Beliefs
One gift of fashion is it offers a great way for you to express your identity, feelings and thoughts.
Fashion is an art form where you have the freedom to be as creative as you like. You can experiment with different color schemes, shapes, textures, and styles to create outfits that fit your inner self.
For example, colors can communicate feelings and emotions according to research. So, a person who wears bold and unconventional clothing could signal that they are a creative person.
Fashion can also be used as a medium for advocacy and empowerment! It allows you to express your authentic self and communicate messages that can create positive changes in your community.
If you’re sporting a Semicolon shop crewneck sweatshirt that reads “Your Journey's Not Over Yet“, you’re sending a message to support mental health conversations. Conversations that greatly need to happen in our society.
When we wear clothing that conveys messaging, we turn our bodies into walking billboards, giving us the opportunity to spark conversations with total strangers.
Fashion, Culture & Societal Norms
Fashion and culture are deeply connected. Fashion is a way to communicate unique features of your culture to the outside world without speaking.
Fashion designers are often ambassadors of their culture and create pieces and garments influenced by those cultures.
In addition, fashion is a powerful platform for social change. Brands are able to use fashion to advocate for issues like inclusion and diversity. One example could be the rise of gender-neutral fashion or sustainability in fashion to protect the environment.
Fashion and First Impressions
How often do you hear first impressions are everything? On a personal level, fashion allows you to communicate individuality. From the first moment you see someone, their clothing, and fashion is communicating a message to you.
The style, the color of the garments, the fit of clothing, or even the name of the brands can offer insight into a person’s personality, interests, and even their social status. Before we say hello, our clothing has already communicated a message.
For example, during a job interview, you will typically wear professional attire like a well-tailored suit. This is to aid in presenting a professional persona and communicate to the interviewer that you are ready to start employment with their company.
Whether it’s through the choice of color, style or accessories, your fashion is your first impression, and it speaks before you do!
Fashion sews together identity, values, beliefs and social norms. It is a reflection of a language not spoken; however, when used strategically, can communicate a great message.
When it’s time to decide your next outfit, remember you’re not just getting dressed, you’re telling the outside world a story of who you are and what you represent.