Fashion & its Impact on Society & Individuals, Part II

The Trend is Dead; Long Live the Trend!
by George A. Miu

For a society that is materialistic and, for the most part, highly deconstructionist, we appear to ignore our modern inclinations when it comes to assessing the overall character of other human beings with regard to appearance. It is one of the few aspects of life in which we seek to understand in general terms, rather than in particulars. In other words, we no longer care about the internal processes and the causality that brought about the external factors that account for the umbrella term “fashion”.

Those around us, as per social norm, are clothed. They style their hair (or maybe not), wear a variety of artificial scents and substances and, depending on personal preference, are liable to cover (or not) specific parts of the anatomy (just think turtlenecks or cleavage).

Since we have been mass-producing clothing for a fair chunk of time, our trends have evolved in several different directions; consequently, unanimous agreement within the parameters of “good” and “bad” fashion taste is as rare as a non-scandalous Lady Gaga outfit.

So we have cliques, offshoots, rebellious movements and a lot of hilarity. There are really only very few distinct standards of universal fashion – things like color matching, for instance. But for the most part, we are free to dress however we like without incurring the wrath of society as a whole.

Note carefully: that we are free to do something (and not get crucified for it) does not mean that it will necessarily engender any admiration. Au contraire – outside the workplace (and formal occasions), a suit draws question marks as to intent, dressy-shirts bring about glances and baggy outfits do not exist. Just kidding – we only wish they didn’t. Yet, having clothes that fit well and are carefully arranged in an ensemble will, most likely, bring about good things, irrespective of the newest, red-hottest trend.

Seasons come and go; popularity is, by definition, short lived. Perhaps the most secure way of expressing oneself is not through threads, but rather through the content of character. I mean – if you think Lil Wayne is the Second Coming, and that the hood holds miraculous depths that society is not yet ready to understand – that’s fantastic. Really. But it would be substantially more rewarding if I could get this message in a more sublime way than through how you dress. The same goes for those who believe that Queen Victoria, or maybe even Casanova, or whoever else you so choose, was the aforementioned Second Coming.

My advice is to be neutral. Dress well, and by all means accentuate your blandness with small-but-noticeable items that are seen by the acute and astute investigator. But to overdo it is to simplify, dilute and overstate your message about life and society. Then, you lose your individuality and become the symbol of a caricaturized notion that most of us don’t really care about, anyway.

Fashion & its Impact on Society & Individuals

Fashion is a virtue yet to be discovered.
by Neal R. Karski

It would be undeniably difficult to exert any sort of judgment of a person or group of people that we meet without taking into consideration his, her or their outfits. Our clothing has virtually become a part of our appearance – the way we look and present ourselves. It may complement our physical appearance or take away from it and it is up to every individual to make a decision for him or herself [of course, only if the individual cares to do so]. Although many motivational speakers say “Feel comfortable in your own skin,” the fashion trends have become the numerous different skins we put on – either because we are attracted to the trend, want to satisfy ourselves or others, or plainly because we’ve been brainwashed by the immensely-budgeted marketing and advertising campaigns. In any case, we’ve come out of the comfort zone and taken on an ideal image of the “good look”.

But fashion in itself does not come as a freebie. It’s largely dependent on the incomes of individuals and the prices of the markets of stores, boutiques, designers and big corporates. Here is an example. A person with high expenses, a median income, and a taste for high fashion faces a conflict of financial management – a person has to make a choice between fashion and obligation. On the other hand, a person with a very low income and a keen interest in fashion cannot possibly further develop that interest into a daily activity of dressing up in desired clothing and apparel. So has fashion become for the rich and the famous? Or can we rid ourselves of the financial restraints and explore fashion on its pure level of individuality and uniqueness?

No one can disregard the fact that being fashionable (whatever that may mean nowadays) brings other’s attentiveness and admiration [or critique] to the overall presence of the individual. People, especially in the United States, are drawn to appearance, as it is the major component of first impression, which overlooks the intelligence of the individual and focuses on the visual aspect more intently. But… it’s true. I’ve always told my friends that the way they dress and look will matter in a variety of environments (social, educational, occupational, etc.). And thus, they took some time to improve certain elements of their “fashions,” and progressed.

Although fashion brings artificiality, social class divergence and not-always-so-beneficial marketing schemes, it is a way for all people to express themselves – in a way that their finances permit them to. Some say “You look good, you feel good.” This statement is very subjective. Try and explore your own fashion, and see what satisfies you and those around you the most… because fashion is a virtue yet to be discovered.

God Bless.