WHAT ALL DOES FASHION COMMUNICATE?

WHAT ALL DOES FASHION COMMUNICATE?

           Communication is not just verbal. In more recent years, people have begun to broaden the definition of the term to include forms such as art, music, poetry and dance and the body as a whole has become a tool with which we create, convey and represent messages. Fashion, just as any other language, has its own language. There are given rules about what matches, what is appropriate, what to wear in certain situations and what is inappropriate. While every language has different accents, styles and dialects, so does fashion. Different cultures, religions, races and groups of people have different ways of constructing outfits to communicate their beliefs, customs and history. Similar to spoken language, these rules are learned from our family, friends, groups and society to which we belong, and the media. 

             Choosing the right words to express your thoughts is important in making sure you get your message across the way you want it to be understood. Similarly, fashion has its own ways to communicate. Certain outfits, hair styles or make up may be appropriate at specific occasions and places, and offensive at others. You may wear one thing in front of your parents, and another thing in front of your friends. For example, a mini skirt, high heals and heavy eye shadow are perfect for going to a bar or a night club, but may be detrimental to a job interview at a law firm. Choosing the right attire to give off the impression you desire is just as critical as finding the right words to deliver a message. 

            Often times people use slang or curse words to emphasize a feeling, get attention or express emotions. While this type of speech is increasingly accepted in our culture, it is still disapproved of in many situations. There are also ways of dressing that can be compared to curse words. The attire of the punk movement, which consists of bold hair, ripped clothing and dark colors, can be seen as the curse words of fashion. In verbal speech, slang and curse words often become accepted parts of the language, and the same applies for clothing. While jeans were once worn as clothes for work, they are now a staple item in most people’s wardrobes, and can be dressed up or dressed down for almost any occasion. Similarly, the mohawk, which used to be associated with punk culture, has meshed into the “fauxhawk” and is a popular hairstyle for teenagers and young men today.

            Clothing serves a lot of functions. It is worn for modesty, to protect the body against the unsuitable elements and to provide comfort. Perhaps the most interesting purpose clothing serves is to communicate with others. It allows us to express parts of us that we want people to see, and we can reveal different aspects of our character every day. Just as verbal language, fashion has the power to express emotions, tell a story, convey a message, reveal an identity and form a community.