Fashion, style and clothing choices have become important forms of self-expression for many, allowing people to show who they are through external means. Since style is a form of presenting yourself to the world based on your personality, there are bound to be many different clothing choices that are meaningful to the person wearing them.
Since there is so much diversity with fashion, it is easy to quickly judge or veto fashion senses that are not similar to your own. However, it is important and necessary to appreciate styles other than your own, whether you agree with them or not.
I am a person who does not yet have a fully developed style and I often look at others, envious of their styles. However, I often see people wearing clothing that I would not necessarily wear but I appreciate their clothing choice and how it looks on them.
An example of this concept in the media are celebrities, especially during red carpet events, award shows and the Met Gala. Often, after events like these, the media and society immediately share comments on the outfits worn by different stars. They can often very harshly judge them for what they were wearing. While it can be intended as harmless and fun commenting on different fashion senses, it is important to recognize that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and to be conscious of the commentary you are making, as it can be harmful to others.
Style gets tricky when you see someone wearing something you wouldn’t wear due to discomfort or dislike, but they seem to wear it perfectly. When I was younger, I used to create fashion designs in a small sketchbook. I designed clothing that I wouldn’t necessarily wear but that could suit someone else’s style. I think that is what needs to be happening more in today’s world. There is so much judgment on what other people choose to wear, but even if you would not wear something, that does not mean others shouldn’t.
There is so much more that goes into this topic than I could fully reflect on in this short piece. However, I implore everyone to reflect on their own place in the fashion world. I suggest you find your own fashion sense, or keep adding to your current one and appreciate fashion on others, regardless of whether you have the same style or not. This is not to shut down any expression of opinions on fashion – opinions are important. Rather, I am suggesting a base level of appreciation and respect of fashion senses that differ from your own. If you like someone’s outfit, compliment them. If you don’t, try to appreciate that it is their choice. Whether you’re a fashionista or someone who has little care about what they wear, try your best to appreciate different fashion senses, whether you love them or not.
