Fashion

What Are The Meaningful Elements Of Real Style?

woman wearing brown floral print coat and pants sitting on car

“Style” is an interesting term. It denotes how we like to dress and present ourselves to the world of course, but also the method by which we do things. We might refer to someone’s acting or cooking “style” for example, or even note the differences between handwriting expressions. 

For that reason, style isn’t just about our aesthetic, but the principles from which that aesthetic was formed. For example, we tend to think of formal workwear as being quite simple – suit pants, shirts, blazers, ties, but that didn’t come out of a vacuum, and in no way shows the full extent of what people work in on a day to day basis.

So, it can be helpful to question the root of your style from time to time. Why do you make certain decisions? What does your fashionable buying power actually go to? And how can you make positive adjustments for the future? In this post, we’ll discuss all of that and more., let’s dive in.

woman holding a straw basket with flowers on a street

Voting With Your Wallet

Depending on how you spend your money, you will fuel different fashion practices. Fast fashion, such as those we’ve seen from Shein and others, can have an impact on waste and also some brands may use exploitative labor practices abroad. That’s why it’s wise to wear clothing that inspires your values and helps you feel good about what you wear. That might include bright clothing from ethical stores run by people hoping to change the industry for the better.

Norms You Push

Everyone knows the basics of how we’re supposed to dress. If you wanted, you could wear a simple pair of trousers and plain t-shirt for the rest of your life, and likely be quite comfortable. But it’s fun to push norms, to go against the grain, and to explore. Think of fashion and style as less a puzzle to be solved, and more a creative passion to enjoy as and when you can. So, if you want to experiment with body art or accessories, wear clothes that feel best on your skin, or experiment with full styles that make you happy, that’s great. Just don’t feel like you should conform – you don’t have to at all.

Sustainability and Care

Now, it’s important to acknowledge that not everyone can afford expensive or mid-range items that last. To assume you can as a matter of principle would be dismissive of that reality. That being said, where you can, it’s good to focus on sustainable materials that are ethically sourced and can last for a while. If you focus on repairing your old garments, you may find you can save money and the environment. Sustainability and care enables you to feel your best, while also knowing you have completely counterbalanced your consumption. That doesn’t have to be your full wardrobe, but taking little steps really can have a positive impact.

With this advice, you’ll be certain to enjoy the meaningful elements of real style and feel free to enjoy these principles without being bound to specific clothing or styles.

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