Fashion: An Individual's Preference

Fashion: An Individual's Preference

( by Suhana Ahmed )

Fashion is a manner of doing a thing and turning it into a particular form; starting trends, among which some gain mass popularity and the others turn into a blunder. The way one dresses, carries themselves around, their body gestures can be called extensive parts of fashion.

There have been different types of fashion, and they generally lead to assumptions about the personality of a human based on the way they carry themselves. Some collective fashion trends are emo, gothic, casual, rock etc. The difference majorly lies in the kinds of clothes they wear, the accessories they carry and the way they behave to a certain extent.

Some recent fashion trends, being the chokers and ripped pants, showed us that fashion changes from time to time and mostly people of one era do not find the fashion of other era appealing, at least not enough to incorporate it in their daily life. What is trendy and fashionable at one particular time doesn't have any importance in the present of another era.

It is a very subjective thing and it's appeal rests solely on an individual's preferences and interests. For example, one person might love bold makeup, whereas the other would prefer light ones, or even some do not prefer using makeup at all.

There are trends that become such a massive hit that people feel the fear of missing out if they don't follow it. For example, when the movie 'Tere Naam' starring Salman Khan and Bhumika Chawla came out, boys were so interested in Salman's hairstyle in the movie that they grew their hair into the same style.

In the beginning of the time, humans (ancestral species) walked around naked and then came a time when they started using leaves or animal skins to cover their bodies from the weather. Thereafter, clothes became a part and parcel of their lives. It initially started as a form of protection, but as time went on people started doing experiments to make something different and appealing out of it; to make something different of something really common.

The thing about fashion trends is that they're dynamic and short-lived, they keep on changing. What was a fashion merely five years ago seems almost antique to people in the present situation. Human minds like the changes, and they're accepting of it, almost feeling a certain thrill in that.

But even amidst this, there are certain fashion elements that remain longer than generations. This happens when those particular looks become the identity of the community they want to belong to. For example, the Indian politicians have a certain way of dressing themselves up- formal and traditional. Even the religious authorities like priests, monks and nuns have a different way of dressing themselves. This shows that a trend lives as long as it has importance in depicting identities. A choker barely has anything to talk about one's identity.

Modern fashion has made people go out of their comfort zone to try many rebellious things, like, dyeing hair, tattoo and multiple piercings, breaking the gender stereotypes etc.. The fashion trend turning into a gender-neutral and gender-fluid one slowly is an impressive thing. Certain guys wear makeup, get piercings, girls try bold looks ("tomboy look") etcetera.

Culture and tradition also impact fashion sense in many aspects and merging of cultures bring a difference. Pre-colonial India was filled with people wearing khadi, drapes, basically what today people like to refer to as 'Indian Clothes', but when the British influence layered on the country, many changes in the fashion trends were brought, resulting in today's fashion, like denims, skirts, leathers etc..

Therefore, one can say that globalization has brought a major change in the way people dress-up and carry themselves. All the fashion brands that are household names come from different parts of the world.

Although fashion is not a bad thing, and has brought many changes in the world and the way people look at themselves, also having made people concentrate more on hygiene, it isn't flawless at all.

To begin with, centuries ago, it had divided itself based on sex. There were accessories and clothes different for men and women and there couldn't be any exchange unless they wanted negative attention. It created a barrier and took the choice from an individual.

Fashion industry, that is, the modelling industry, tends to choose tall and slim girls, and tall boys with abs and glorifying them which makes others feel really insecure. The industry in a way body shames and sets unrealistic beauty standards, which are harmful for an individual and the whole society. The models often fall into the pressure of 'maintaining their figure' under every circumstance, which is a threatening burden to bear. Body shaming leads to multiple mental health issues and eating disorders.

Fashion trends come with an extensive price, it's commercial, and the fact that a trend makes one look 'cool' affects the poor family a lot. There are millions of parents who cannot afford keeping up with the trends, and others calling them out for it creates inferiority complex.

Also, following one fashion trend isn't comfortable at all times. For example, sports with tight mini skirts or skinny jeans is restrictive and uncomfortable. So, there are certain trends to be followed only during suitable times.

Being fashionable isn't a harm in itself, the social and mental stress it brings on is the actual problem here. One should never be obliged to follow any trend that goes viral. The way one carries themselves should be an individual choice and there shouldn't be any judgements or difference of treatment. Fashion doesn't have to speak about the behavior and personality of a person.

It's high time we understand that it's not a wrong thing to break these stereotypes set by the society and acknowledge individual choices and interests and respect everyone irrespective of their clothes, accessories and hairstyles.

Disclaimer:-

The opinions expressed in this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of Light de Literacy and LDL does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.