5 things I've learned about Fashion

I've always been somewhat drawn to Fashion - even as a kid. I always had a vague idea of what I liked but I couldn't pinpoint what exactly I found stylish. Moreover, it was hard experimenting with Fashion because I found myself stuck with limited options. That all changed when I moved to Toronto. It's gotten easier for me to pick out clothes that do a better job representing who I am simply due to a wider selection of products - both online and in-person. However, even with so many options, I often found myself paralyzed with decisions and still couldn't figure out what I truly liked. It was around two years ago that I finally committed to figuring out what I like and slowly curating a wardrobe that I found myself genuinely happy with. I've made some mistakes but also learned a lot of things along the way, and I'm happy to share them with you!

1. DO YOUR RESEARCH

Let's be honest. We all tend to go to stores first and then make a decision on the spot. "Should I buy this? Is it within my budget? Is it cute? Ok fine, I'll get it". This isn't a terrible method of shopping and it works for a lot of people but it just doesn't work for me. There are so many cuts, colors, details, prints of clothing to choose from!

So I stopped making decisions on the spot and started shopping smart. I make a list of things I want to add to the wardrobe each season and then check out the options available in my area. That way, I know exactly what I want and where to get it from. The only thing left to figure out is the fit of the item.

2. FIGURE OUT YOUR STYLE

I don't believe in the idea of categorizing Fashion into separate boxes like "boho chic", "grunge", "streetwear", "normcore". You can blend and fuse elements from various aesthetics and express yourself however you want to. That being said, it's important to have a general idea of what you like - especially if you're starting out. When I started my fashion journey, I made so many mistakes. I bought clothes that I thought represented me well but later realized they're just not my cup of tea. I would buy items that other influencers tell me to wear only to realize I'm jumping on trends and not being true to myself. It took me some time to figure out what my aesthetic was. I went on Pinterest and pinned everything that stood out to me. Eventually I noticed patterns and repetitions in the pictures.

3. PAY ATTENTION TO QUALITY AND FIT

Two things you should never compromise on: quality and fit. I learned just how important it is to invest in well-made pieces. Pay special attention to the texture and stitching of the fabric, notice whether the fabric looks sheer against lighting, think about whether it would stand the test of time, take a look at the care instructions on the label...you get the gist. Given the trade-off between quality and price, it's tempting to get multiple cheap and trendy items each season. However, this leads to wardrobe confusion and you may end up with pieces that you just don't love. Instead, consider buying items that you see yourself wearing for a good number of years and don't compromise on its quality.

Similarly, pay close attention to the fit of the item. I once read on a blog that Parisienne women are always on point because they don't compromise on fit. With gritted teeth, I have to admit that this is *the* most challenging area for me, as a petite woman. It doesn't matter how gorgeous that top is. If it doesn't look like it was made for you, it's got to go. It may look great on that mannequin and that influencer, but if it doesn't fit you well, is it really worth it?

4. DRESS ACCORDING TO YOUR LIFESTYLE

Man, oh man. When I'm on Pinterest or Instagram, I come across so many styles that catch my eye. I see beautiful fitted jumpsuits and blazers, jaw-dropping ball gowns, and gorgeous tulle skirts. Unfortunately, they have no place in my life. There's no point buying outfits that don't suit your lifestyle and I no longer find myself purchasing items for hypothetical scenarios.

My outfits depend on the weather, my mood, and the occasion. With the pandemic, most of us are staying at home and going out for essential tasks only. As a result, I've found myself gravitating towards outerwear, casual-wear or loungewear. Yes, I'd love to wear dramatic sleeves and wide-legged pants, but freezing Canadian temperatures and current events just don't call for it. And that's okay!

5. USE FASHION AS AN EXPRESSION, NOT A MASK

What are your reasons for getting into fashion? Are you trying to express yourself or trying to impress others? Sometimes, there's a fine line between the two concepts and it's easy to cross over and get into it for the wrong reasons. Throughout generations, fashion has been an indicator of social status and wealth, and it's very easy to get caught up in the superficiality and materialism. I believe that this is an unhealthy approach to fashion that can leave you feeling empty, unsatisfied, detached from yourself, and also in debt. Fashion should be used to express how you feel on the inside - not to pretend to be someone you're not or fill a void in your life. Let your clothes flow with your personality and show the world the best version of yourself.

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The more I keep up with Fashion, the more I'm drawn to it. I find it fascinating how clothing can represent not just individuals but entire societies. Fashion can represent thoughts, feelings, and political climates behind various points in time and teach us something about human behavior. I'm curious and excited to see how it evolves in the future.