We all wear clothing for their practical use but what we put on demonstrates much more than we think. Like the cars we drive or the movies we own, the clothes we wear affect us. Fashion has become inextricably implicated in the construction and reconstruction of our identity. We illustrate who we are or what we are trying to be through our personalized sense of style. Moreover, it also expresses who we do not want to be or become. Fashion has layers literally and figuratively, but you must be conscious of what you display when making your fashion choices.
Fashion visually expresses our multiple overlapping identities. This includes but is not limited to: gender, race, ethnicity, social class, sexuality, age, national identity, personal interests, aesthetics, and politics. For example, if you saw someone wearing a casual Balmain dress, you could make the following assumption: They are a young upper-class woman who has an interest in luxurious garments. Putting all the pieces together is not always easy, but it proves fashion’s power over our expression.
Not only does fashion express our identities, but it also expresses our emotional and mental state. When you put minimal effort into coordinating your outfits, such as wearing torn clothing or mismatched patterns, it could be assumed that you are not in a healthy mental or emotional state. Moreover, if you consistently make an effort to show off designer logos, this could come off as someone who needs or likes attracting attention.
Fashion is an influential resource people use to express themselves. It is a tool that can uplift you and help you create a better sense of self—taking the time to ensure that everything genuinely represents you will signal a strong message. It will communicate that you are comfortable, confident, inspired by the clothing you choose.
Fashion is not always about what brands are popular or what trends have taken off but how it is being used in our daily lives. Fashion expresses, disrupts, and creates conversation. That is why we must make an effort to create a personal style to present everything we are
Doaa Dashoush is an experienced businesswoman in the fashion industry. She currently serves as the President and CEO of GFASHION, a global luxury brand currently based in New York City. GFASHION prides themselves on their unique approach to the industry. They don’t follow trends set by others. The Luxury brand focuses on innovative design through their work with the top designers on collections that reflect the company’s craftsmanship.