Fashion is more than just the clothes we wear. It can reflect our attitudes, beliefs and values. It also reflects social change and depicts historical periods. By exploring different styles and trends, we can gain a deeper understanding of past societies.
Developing a sense of style can feel like learning a new language. It is challenging and time consuming, but it is possible with practice. Start by consciously trying out outfits that are outside of your normal comfort zone. Take notes (either mental or physical) of what you like and don’t like, and try to replicate those looks with your own clothing. You can also look for inspiration on Pinterest or fashion blogs, and go into stores to try on outfits that you would normally never buy – just for research purposes.
When you’re ready to commit to your personal style, make sure your clothing is clean and well pressed. It’s a subtle but powerful way to communicate that you respect yourself and your belongings. A well-maintained wardrobe can also be a great confidence booster. If you want to appear elegant, avoid clothing with large logos and choose pieces that are timeless, versatile and well-crafted. It’s also important to have a good understanding of the life cycle of fashion trends. This is important for both retailers and consumers, as it allows us to identify when a trend is beginning to lose popularity and is ready to be retired. By doing so, we can prevent ourselves from wasting money on an unfashionable item that will soon be relegated to the clearance section.