Modern society and modern generations use the phrases "fashion" and "style" quite frequently. And when asked, "What sets fashion and style apart from one another?" They couldn’t really come up with an exact answer because they never really considered the difference between the two or just thought that fashion and style were one and the same since the phrases are frequently used interchangeably.
But allow us to break your fantasy by highlighting the significant differences between your own fashion style and the ongoing fashion trends below.
What Is Fashion?
Fashion, generally termed "fast fashion," refers to the popular clothes and designs that everyone else is wearing at the time, depending on what's trendy and fashionable. In another major view, Fashion is the newest creations made by designers.
Fashion reflects trends, and these trends shift throughout time. A specific period and society's fresh and popular trends are what fashion is all about. It doesn’t really give you style— it gives you something to wear that is either very much on trend like fancy crop top, vibrant modern classy knee length dresses or a more classic fashion like skater dress, shirt top, and button-down shirts.
Fashion is a collective and very popular industry that is always featured everywhere. Today's fashion is characterized by clothes that convey a vision for the future of fashion. It is heavily influenced by how the current trends are transmitted, whether through fashion runways, social media or high-end fashion magazines.
What Is Style?
In the most universal sense, style refers to what YOU prefer and love.
There are two different forms of style. One type relates to a person's unique means of self-expression, such as their writing, dancing, or speaking style. And when we use the word "style" in the context of fashion, we often mean a person's "personal style," or the way that person expresses themselves through external aesthetic choices such as their clothes, makeup, hairstyle, and the way they dress up. Style may be adapted, but not everything that works for one person will work for another. Being oneself in terms of style is more essential than anything else.
In a different light, style may be seen as a division of fashion that does not change as frequently as a trend. Moreover, if you know your style, you will be less tempted to purchase fast fashion, which is always influenced by current trends. It will make more sense for you to invest in a few high-quality clothing pieces that complement your own style and provide you with comfort.
Fashion vs Style
Style is what you do with the fashion (clothes) you purchase. Despite the fact that style and fashion can occasionally link up, it's generally agreed upon that style relates to the personal while fashion is more general and widespread. Like, for example, buying a fancy crop top because it was trending would be fashion, and wearing that crop top with flare pants or with a cotton midi skirt and delicate accessories would be your style.
Now that we've defined both terms, let's look at the what are the difference between fashion and style.
- A few of the current trendy fashion trends include biker leathers, cult kilts, neon outfits, sheer dresses, cargo pants, and cut-out dresses and trousers.
Fashion is timely, and its success is determined by its acceptance by consumers. It's comparable to when someone tries and others follow, but not everything that works for one person will also work for others. Wearing low rise jeans on the runway or on celebrities and influencers may seem so impressive, and someone who closely follows the latest fashion trends and wears designer clothing will only follow this trend, but in reality, others will prefer wearing and investing in ankle length pants because they are more comfortable, versatile, and can be styled in multiple ways. Fashion is concerned with worldwide trends and the clothing industry, but dressing for comfort is entirely up to you. For instance, if you're a cotton tunic person, it makes little sense for you to stock up on trendy crop tops; you’ll end up not wearing them often as they don't match your own style or comfort.
- There are so many different types of styles, but the prominent ones include classic style, streetwear style, business casual style, retro style, minimalist style, chic style, and ethnic style.
Style is adaptable, timeless, and personal—something that belongs to an individual as a means of self-expression in how they dress and express themselves. The unique feature of style is that it can adapt to certain fashion trends but also let you put a unique spin on them. Someone who is stylish may or may not follow fashion trends, but they always stay true to their own aesthetic. If they like specific weaves and fabrics that are both comfortable and healthy for their skin, such as organic cotton and natural dyes, they will consistently choose those garments over trendy items made of synthetic fabrics and chemical dyes. In the end, personal style is about developing a sense of self rather than simply just absorbing trends.
Everybody is creative in their own unique way, and we all display that creativity in the most common ways possible, including through our individual styles. Instead of being preoccupied with keeping up with new trends in order to be equal to the masses and contributing to a pile of fashion and textile waste, we should be more concerned with how we could evolve to represent ourselves in the most sustainable and original way possible.