We asked women what fashion means to them

To some of us, clothing can be a form of expression as articulate as a poem or equation. It can be a way of life, and even a profession. Fashion is an art form, a glimpse into someone’s personality. Fashion is full of seriousness, playfulness, a conception of distraction, entertainment, exhibition. Fashion is an individual’s statement of self-expression.

Of course, the meaning behind fashion is not a simple question to answer. What fashion means to one person will be completely different than the next.

We spoke to different women about what fashion means specifically to them.

Claire

Fashion is so hard to put into words. It can entail so many different aspects of everyday life. Fashion manifests itself in more than clothing, but also in feelings. Fashion has the power to make us feel something; it can be an outlet for self-expression and empowerment, it can inspire ourselves and others. It can be used to convey not only the conceptions we have of ourselves, but also the image we want to portray.

Fashion is so hard to put into words. But if I had to choose words they would be “imagination, innovation, expression, and fantasy.”

Stacey

Fashion, to me, is one of the most fascinating subjects. A person’s wardrobe can often reflect his or her personality. I believe it plays a significant role in our transformation and development as human beings. There is so much history and so much to be learned about its evolution. Not only is it relative to my professional career, but it’s something I find myself indulging in and becoming inspired by within all other aspects of my life.

Sarah

Fashion is a way of introducing yourself without having to say a word. You can tell the whole world about your personality just by the type of clothes you wear. It is also a way to express yourself. It provides us with a creative outlet that we can constantly change and improve.

Annabelle

To me, fashion is a way to express yourself and discover yourself. You can challenge yourself to go out of your comfort zone and try new things and thus give yourself confidence. Fashion is how I give myself confidence, because I always feel better when I look my best and feel my best.

Erica

Fashion, to me, is a way of expressing your feelings. If I’m feeling classy, I’ll wear a skirt and nice blouse or dress. If I’m feeling sporty or want to convince myself to work out, I’ll wear activewear. Some days I wear heels, some days I wear stylish sneakers like Adidas or my hightop Nikes. It also depends on the wash of my jeans. If I’m feeling happy and summery, I’ll wear light wash. On days that I’m feeling professional, I’ll wear dark wash. I’m a mood dresser, but always with style. White looks good with almost anything and adds brightness. I love white jeans or blouses with other colors mixed in!

Bianca

I think fashion can have so many meanings and uses. Not only is it a form of expression that can make you feel so good about yourself but it is a way for you to feel comfortable in a setting with people that have the same purpose as you in that setting, yet helps you standout. On the other hand I think it is a way people can make you feel left out and uncomfortable. As a woman who is a hardcore “fuck you and what you think of me kinda gal” I wear what I want where I want in just about in situation.

I am top heavy and it took years for me to get these pups and now I will let them free, so I wear low cut quite often, nothing extreme but you will see the cleavage crease. But I am constantly getting the whole there is a time and place, that’s not lady like, you’re just looking for attention, etc., etc. I personally have no problem arguing my case that women should be able to wear what they want because men walk around as pleased and we say nothing. Some women are not comfortable and feel attacked. So I guess all in all it can be empowering if you can be confident and stand your ground, but I also feel it can be something used against women.

“Don’t be into trends. Don’t make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way you live.” – Gianni Versace