Women are diverting individuals. Throughout their lives, they absorb different characteristics and dressing choices. Outfits are a critical part of our identities.
Who we are is ingrained in our stylishness. What you put on reveals what you think about yourself and what you want others to think about you.
In other words, fashion shapes our identity and you can make a bold statement with what you wear. Your dress speaks volumes about you – it shows your likes and dislikes, traits and personality and character.
A person wearing a tight short denim skirt communicates something different from another wearing a long lace dress. In the same manner, getting body modifications like tattoos, multiple piercings, and hair dye is okay for some people and not for others.
Our dress code is influenced by certain elements that shape our individuality. So, how can you express your identity through fashion?
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Keep it Age-Appropriate
People in different age groups dress differently. Your outfit can represent your age – whether the actual one or how you feel inside. And, fashion sense tends to change as you advance in age.
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Women in their late 50s’ and teenagers’ outfits are a world apart. While a teenager can confidently rock denim shorts and a tube top, an elderly lady in her fifties or sixties may feel uncomfortable with such.
Nevertheless, this rigid trend is changing. Today, it’s normal to meet an elderly person confidently rocking a slim pant with a halter top and pink hair.
According to a paper published by the University of Manchester, the older generation is down to wear everything and shops in the same places as younger people. There should also be no negative expressions around sexuality and appearance.
In simple terms, even the elderly lady should feel comfortable rocking any outfit without feeling judged. Her dress, her choice, the saying goes. And whether we like it or not, what we wear remains a personal choice. So, don’t be surprised if you see an older lady dressed like a teenager. As long as they’re comfortable with what they’re wearing, their fashion preferences shouldn’t be your concern.
Casual can be Chic
You can dress up casual wear fashionably. There is no better way to achieve a laid-back look than with simple jeans and a t-shirt.
You don’t have to look old-fashioned in a tee. You can wear it and still be chic. You only need to know how to style and match it.
If you tuck it in, fold it up or tie a knot on a simple t-shirt, it transforms its look into a fashionable one. Tousle your hair, tuck the shirt in your favorite jeans, add a pair of sunglasses, a hat, and a sling bag, and you’ll be in a completely different fashion lane.
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Choosing a t-shirt with an inspirational message can be that spice needed to transform a dull look to a dashing one. Wearing I can do all things through Christ shirt is a classic way of rocking in casual while still displaying your personal convictions. The message is a source of inspiration, while the design of the t-shirt gives you that cool look at any time.
On the other hand, if you’re a member of the LGBTQ community, you can also wear a custom pride t-shirt with other trendy accessories to show support and make your pride voice heard. Many t-shirt designers can make a pride shirt for you. Whatever design you like, they can help you stand up for what you believe in through the t-shirt designs they create. Remember that as part of the LGBT community, wearing a pride t-shirt even on ordinary days is one way of expressing your identity through fashion. Besides, we use fashion as a form of self-expression of opinions, whether actual or desired.
Can Occupation Dictate the Outfit?
Yes. It’s usual to spot an actor or a musician in a flashy cloth and not a bank teller. The extravagant bright outfit with a screaming color and awkward style draws attention and exclusiveness to them. And that’s their goal – to get peoples’ attention.
On the other hand, a bank teller looks calm and collected in a grey suit and little makeup. This classic style displays seriousness, which is ideal for the workplace.
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Outfits reflect priorities, character, and even social standing. While classic style shows a more serious and traditionally-inclined personality, an extravagant and bright attires reveal non-conventionality and artistic drive.
Class and Culture Matter
Our income levels can also determine the clothes we wear, the brands we can afford, and the place we buy from. An outfit reveals the wearers’ lifestyle.
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A person in the upper-income level can afford branded clothes and handbags, luxury items, and even cosmetic procedures. However, a person on the opposite spectrum would instead stick to cheaper items.
Don’t confuse cheap with ugly though. You can still look stunning and trendy in budget-friendly outfits. Many thrift stores sell nice but inexpensive clothes and other items. All you have to do is pick the perfect one for your outfit needs.
Whether you shop Gucci collections or in the thrift stores, one thing remains, our clothing is a stark reminder of our identity. You can choose items that flatter your body in either shop and look stylish.
Picking an outfit that does not impeccably complement your figure, whether cheap or expensive, shows a lack of personal taste. On the flip side, someone who rocks an oversized outfit may look trendy and fashionable if they perfectly mix and match the clothes. For instance, tight jeggings can be perfectly matched with an oversized top. So, don’t hesitate to experiment with your clothing to have the best look you desire.
What Others Think
Other people’s opinions influence our choice of clothes. While we should never let what others think of us dictate our choices, psychology says that’s impossible.
Psychology determines our clothing choices according to clinical psychologist Dr. Jennifer Baumgartner. And, the disposition of our outward look comes from our environment. For example, if you’re a designer brand dresser, people around you would think you’re successful, choosy, and materialistic. If you’re a sloppy dresser, others will label you as someone who doesn’t care about your appearance or how others see you. If you’re a business casual dresser, people tend to look at you as a confident and well-mannered person.
Generally, whatever choices we make in life, whether good or bad, are a collection of many little things we pick up along the way. And this shapes our identities.
The outfit you put on demonstrates your personality. The ability to rise above the crowd by dressing differently is bold. Normal appears boring, and fashion is passion.
Parting Shot
Based on these notions, there is no doubt that fashion’s impact on our identities is significant. Fashion is broad and bold. Your clothes communicate more than you can imagine. Start wearing clothes and other accessories that reflect your true identity if you want to use fashion to show who you are. If you’re fighting for a good cause, wear clothing that supports that. This is why it’s vital to choose outfits that will pass on what you want to say to the world.
