Fashionable Self

Style and fashionable sense of self is definitely something which matures over time and this is very closely linked to ones growth as a person.

Fashion reflects society. It reflects global change and in some movements in particular it can be an influence for change itself. One of the clearest examples of this is the link between women’s freedom and the manner in which gender defines clothing.

When the suffragettes first demanded the right to be acknowledged as full and equal member of society with the same right to vote among other aspects of life that men had at the time the only method they had at getting attention was by being somewhat provocative. This meant breaking social norms like … wearing pants (#gasp). At the time women and men dressed in entirely different ways and this enforced the divided between them. Today it might seem odd that a woman simply wearing pants was worth social outcry (possibly as odd as a woman not being able to vote?). Today there are still places in which women are prevent from voting or taking part in politics, namely Saudi Arabia and the Vatican City (oh and monarchs, dictatorships etc but that hardship is at least gender equal). One would not be surprised to note that in the mentioned areas along with restricted political freedom women’s dress code is also highly limited… guess what? No pants.

Another example of dramatic change occurred in and around the periods of world war where an emphasis on practicality and movement overruled elegance and delicacy as money disappeared and efforts were required from every person regardless of gender or wealth. Fabrics changed to decrease costs and women’s dress code evolved as they were forced into previously male dominated professions. This was reflected by pioneering men and women like Paul Poiret a Parisian designer who left behind strict corsets for free loose fitting clothes (on the very runway). He reflected the societal changes that were occurring in his designs and in doing so influenced massive change in the fashion industry.

Whenever a revolutionary step is taken whether it be in the liberty of a specific group of people, political unrest, religious rebellion or even global weather changes, fashion will simultaneously evolve.

This can even be seen in the role fashion plays in one’s life as an individual.

Being someone who is only 19 my style is definitely not absolute and has a very long path before reaching a stage of surety and until I get to that point the role my clothes play in my life is going to change as I change. How could I possibly have a set style when I haven’t even determined my internal set of morals or my position in society? What I am on the outside needs to reflect and build on what I am on the inside.

I was doing an interview in which one of the questions was “what is the most consistent colour in my wardrobe” and, although those of you who are regular readers will know that the answer is quite obviously black, it was not an answer which came to me so readily. This is not because I hold any resentment against black but rather that this colour is relatively new to me. When I originally showed a sustained interest in the fashion world I don’t think I owned a black item of clothing. To me colour was important and I believed quite heavily in the myth that pale people can’t wear black (this is very, very, VERY, false by the way). I wore lots of bright colours and plane blue denim jeans. I contrasted patterns and textures and focused on investing in interesting statement pieces.

At the end of last year however I rediscovered the beauty and power of basics and as this year has progressed most of those basics have been in the shade of black.

I don’t think that this has coincidentally transpired alongside my personal transformation as a young woman in society. I grew up, moved into a new place, and most importantly I actually started to confront my socially prescribed beliefs.

I have grown my knowledge on the world and have taken a step up as someone who speaks out and gets involved. This requires one to be assured of oneself, passionate and brave (the last of which I am still working on) and as I step up and represent myself and the ideals which I now stand for a larger more impressive stage I needed to be wearing something worthy of this and this new look is somber and dignified. Simple and composed.

But the clash and the craziness (and the passion) still holds a prominent place in who I am and how I dress.

All images by Justice Machaba (@justicemachaba)

What I am wearing:

Knitted Polo Neck Jumper – Woolworths (last season)

Black Over-sized Coat – Woolworths (last season)

Black textured stockings – the bottom of my sock draw

Rose Gold Chain – Vintage

Black (oh dear I can’t remember the name of these) Shoes – Edgars 

Black Gypsy Dress – MrP Clothing

“Fashion is about dressing according to what’s fashionable. Style is more about being yourself.”

Oscar de la Renta

x J