In a year where we all spent more time than usual sitting on the sofa in sweatpants, shops were closed and fashion week was cancelled across the world, on paper 2020 could go down as the most unfashionable year in history. Yet, I’d be quick to argue that this would be a big mistake. Spending more time at home has allowed many to reignite a creative side of themselves they haven’t recognised since school – and one of the truest creative expressions is fashion.
The clothes you wear are much more meaningful than simply what you look like, but they are one of the greatest ways to truly express yourself to the world. What you choose to put on each morning can reflect your current mental state, mood, anticipations and excitement.
We recognise that fashion is still inaccessible to so many, but whether it’s shopping second hand, digging deep into the contents of your wardrobe or treating yourself to that outfit you’ve been eyeing up for months, here are 10 ways fashion can help you to express yourself.
Take a walk on the wild side.
In a world with constant communication, we are all guilty of too much work and not enough play. Fashion allows you to take a break from the stress of daily life and take a walk on the wild side. Experiment with different colours and combinations to your heart’s content.
Pick yourself up when you’re feeling low.
There’s no other word to describe it, some days you just feel a bit bleurgh. Whether you’re leaving the house or staying firmly put, sometimes it does you good to pick out your favourite outfit and allow yourself to feel fancy.
Wear your values.
Whether it’s clothes that are kinder to the planet, or companies that pay their garment workers a fair wage, you can now truly wear your values – plus you’ll be able to tell others about your outfit with a clean conscience.
Show a different side to yourself.
As a society, we’re very quick to pigeonhole people. Perhaps you work in a professional job and are accustomed to wearing suits day in, day out – yet fashion gives each of us the opportunity to show a different side to ourselves.
Reflect your thoughts.
Fashion allows you to encapsulate exactly how you are feeling. Some days you’ll feel more comfortable staying in your pyjamas, others you’ll go to the supermarket in heels. Both are entirely acceptable, as long as it makes you feel good.
Dress smart, think smart.
If you’ve got a big interview or exam coming up, dressing smart can help to get you in the right mindsight to smash the day full steam ahead.
Wear your heart on your sleeve.
In decades gone by, fashion appeared to be more homogenous, with less room for self expression. With the multitude of options on offer nowadays, you can truly wear your heart on your sleeve.
Share your story.
In recent years, fashion has also become a medium for people to share their story, particularly at events like pride which have given us some of the best fashion moments in history.
Dress for you.
Flicking through pages of magazines or scrolling endlessly on Instagram will have you believe that to be fashionable, you have to keep up with the latest trends. In reality, the best way to express yourself through fashion is celebrating your individuality. Let your personality shine through.
It’s an act of self-care.
Self-care and finding coping mechanisms is vital for anyone that has suffered with mental health problems. Whether it’s popping to the shops, swapping outfits with friends, or simply having a mini fashion show in your bedroom, fashion can be a great way to take your mind off of things and practice self-care.
I’ll finish with a quote I like from philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson: “to be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” In other words, don’t dim your own light in order to please others.
