The
Bizarre
What Does Fashion Mean to Me?
Northernstar
Northernstar@excapethematrix.com
An individual’s style is an important attribute because it reflects who they are and how they perceive things. Style doesn’t necessarily make or break a person, but it sometimes create stereotypes in some cultures/ social groups. For example, there can be a girl walking down the street with her head hung low with eye-glasses, an old neutral colored sweater with gray stockings and black flats; and an on-looker might consider her a “nerd”. In reality, that “nerd” style is becoming a trend and many people follow it. I am a person who’d rather slip on a simple t-shirt, skinny jeans, and vans; many people would consider that “punk-ish”.
There was a time I could care less about fashion, but I became interested in it after viewing “E! Live on the Red Carpet” many times, and found myself being inspired by- the females. I’m a male, but it’s something intriguing about seeing female celebrities arriving on the “red carpet” in their gowns, blowing kisses to the audience and posing for the cameras. It makes me want to be a better man style-wise because the guys in Hollywood dress like their still walking the streets of New York and have nothing to show for their wealth and sensibility. It’s boring to see guys dress the same in a black tuxedo, white shirt, and bow-tie; therefore, the women offers the glamour, flashiness, and charisma people like to see. When I observe these women, I instantly think of ways I could incorporate into my style to create something masculine and fitting for my personality. I tend to wear loud colors on “stormy” or “foggy” days because it seemingly lifts my spirits and makes me feel better about the day. Opposed to if I dress in all black on a “stormy” day, I feel awful and depressed. Maybe, it’s all in the brain- but it works for me. I also don’t like to follow trends or purchasing the hottest labels such as True Religion or Seven jeans, which is too expensive for my taste. I can buy a pair of Levis and be absolutely fine with it, or even buy clothes from the thrift store—yes, the thrift store!
What fashion means the most to me is being comfortable in my own skin- and of course, in an outfit. There’s nothing like leaving out the house thinking “do I look bad” or “do I look good” because if a person has a negative attitude towards the outfit, then it’s going to come across that way. Confidence is also a major key of fashion. For example, R&B singer Rihanna, wore a black leather Fendi dress to an event in Paris, and the dress was undeniably ugly. But Rihanna’s confidence and posture brought elegance to the dress; and that is the importance of fashion. If I wore a shirt and tie receiving many compliments, but felt uncomfortable then I will not wear it. If I don’t receive any compliment at all, but feel comfortable then I will wear it. Many people may say I’m crazy for operating the way I do, but if I don’t feel comfortable or confident… then it’s not for me!