Fashion is a dynamic phenomenon that changes with time and varies across cultures and regions. But at its core style is about self-expression and creativity. The history of fashion dates back centuries with clothing styles evolving in response to cultural social economic and technological factors. Whether you are looking to update your closet with staple pieces or wanting to learn how to dress in an entirely new way, the secret to mastering a signature look lies in understanding what works for you and applying a few key guiding principles.
The first major trend we see in women’s fashion is the shift away from a structured and streamlined silhouette towards a more relaxed and comfortable fit. This translates into dresses that are looser around the waist and hips with shorter lengths. We also see a shift away from oversized or bulky shapes to more fluid and lightweight fabrics. Colour is another significant influence in the new season, with a range of earthy tones emerging such as deep khakis and greens alongside bolder shades of petrol blue and fire engine red. The classic black and white colour pairing is also back in a big way.
Developing your personal style is like learning a foreign language, it takes time and practice to develop fluency. Start by actively seeking out styles, colours and silhouettes that are outside of your comfort zone. This will force you to pay close attention to details like seaming, finishes and buttons that you might not otherwise notice when judging the fit and look of an outfit. Once you have done this for a while you will start to develop an intuitive sense of what works and what doesn’t for you.
It is impossible to say when exactly the process of converting trends into clothing started but the earliest evidence of continual change can be dated back to the late medieval period. Historians including James Laver and Fernand Braudel have traced the beginning of rapid change in Western clothing to that time period.
Today, fashion is closely linked with culture and reflects the political, economic and social climate of the times. Throughout the pandemic, we have seen designers take on a range of political and ethical stances by using their platform to make statements.
Many people wonder if you’re born with a sense of style or if it can be learned. While it’s true that some people have a natural eye for putting together an outfit that looks pulled-together and polished, for most women it’s much more about understanding what works for them and following a few guiding principles.
There are countless resources available to learn the basics of designing your own wardrobe, from online courses and books to in-person workshops. Once you have a strong base of knowledge you can experiment with mixing and matching different shapes and colours to create your own unique style. There is no right or wrong way to dress, just be sure that your wardrobe reflects your personality and the values you hold dear.