The difference between style and fashion? Let’s start here: a stylish and fashionable woman – who do you think of when you hear these words? Some kind of well-dressed lady, maybe with a Channel logo here and there?
Or maybe somebody who wears such unique clothes that you would recognize that it’s them from a long distance?
These two terms might be confusing, that’s why in this post I will not only clear out what is what and tell you the difference between style and fashion but also give you a guide to finding your style while still being fashionable. Ready?
Difference Between Style and Fashion – What Is Fashion?
The basic difference between style and fashion is the scale. Fashion is everything that is happening in the big world of designers. New shapes of clothes, trendy colors (and they change so fast), outfits that are repeated in different varieties. Fashion trends are usually temporary and change from season to season so it is hard to catch up.
Remember the time when massive amounts of girls were buying galaxy leggings? Maybe that was not necessarily the case in your country, but it certainly was in Poland. Yup, you guessed right, I had them too 🙂
See? Fashion is something that many people follow (since style can belong to one person only, that’s the difference between style and fashion) and there is nothing bad in it. If somebody had a great idea, why wouldn’t half of Earth follow it?
Yet, of course, I need to mention that if somebody follows fashion blindly without having a style, then it is not the best. That’s why it is perfect if fashion and your style align. They do not need to (and they shouldn’t!) be the same, but you want to find a sweet spot.
And I’m here to help you 🙂
Difference Between Style and Fashion – What Is Style?
Another difference between style and fashion is that style is way more unique and individual than fashion. Fashion blends people, style makes them stand out. Style is more long-lasting – this is probably a crucial difference between style and fashion.
Style collects the colors, shapes, and vibes of clothes that you usually wear. Ideally, they say something about you and your character.
If you are still searching for your style, then hey, in a moment I will give you some tips that helped me to discover my style without falling out of trends too much.
Excellent style happens when you use your brain and if, let’s say these poor galaxy leggings are trendy, but you are not into space patterns that much, you can say no and choose flower leggings instead.
How to Be In Fashion?
As long as figuring out the difference between style and fashion is not that hard, staying trendy and being fashionable in every season is not easy. But fear not! Jump on the ship to Fashionland with me.
Oh gosh, this sounded so cringy, didn’t it? 🙂
Before I’ll shower you with tips, I want to tell you something important. Fashion is only good and connecting people when it is taken with balance. Following fashion just for the sake of following fashion is not the smartest decision.
But hey, I know you are smart and you simply find a healthy amount of interest in a big fashion world. So I’m not keeping you waiting longer, let’s jump into it:
Read Magazines and Fashion Blogs
There is nothing more relaxing than sitting in a bathtub, surrounded by smelly candles and going through new Vogue magazines for inspiration.
New collections, fresh designers, and of course dramatically posing models 🙂 This can give you more or less an idea of what is happening in the fashion world, but treat it only as an inspiration.
Let’s be honest, sometimes the biggest fashion gurus once in a while come up with something that does not cover enough skin to go out of the house, is simply not affordable enough, or… well, let’s call it as it is – WEIRD.
Fashion blogs offer way more variety – you can find fashionistas in every category – from modern through elegant to retro housewives.
Important note: Remember that the photos in such places are photoshopped and filtered millions of times. You do not have to be skinny or plus size (see, even I do not know which silhouette is trendy now haha) to be fashionable.
Fashion was invented to express souls through what we wear on our bodies (admit it, I put it into some nice words – surely better attempt that with “Fashionland”😂).
Yes, in some cases it became a privilege for super (like super super) rich people or people with certain looks. Nah, I want to go against that!
I hope you too 🙂
Look Around (And Ha, You Will See the Difference Between Style and Fashion)
The best way to see many fashion inspirations is by simply observing people around us. You can notice everything.
From super feminine diva in high heels to “I don’t care what I’m wearing” guy. And I LOVE the variety.
Yet, you can see here and there that these elegant ladies rather than a sporty jacket usually pick a long coat tightened at the waist. See? That’s a trend. If you like it, keep it. If you don’t… look around some more 🙂
It should not become an obsession to stare at people’s clothes, but doing it in moderation can be pretty educational. You can see a person’s character through the clothes they picked.
These regular observations made me realize that people who wear vibrant colors are usually happier. They smile more and they walk confidently on this earth.
See, that’s another difference between style and fashion – style expresses individuality way more visibly, yet fashion connects individuals.
Also, high-value women wear modest, yet elegant clothes. And somehow that always stays trendy!
You can notice so many things and find out much about local fashion.
Go Shopping
When you walk around in the city, it is impossible not to see these shiny stores and the clothes on mannequins peaking from the other side of the glass. Nowadays even thrift stores have glassy exhibitions!
They change every season, maybe even every week, but you can see the pattern.
You can see which color appears more often, which cut of clothes, what combinations… pretty much everywhere there is a unique twist, yet what connects all the clothes stores is this – they all want to be in fashion.
Plus, looking at clothes and figuring out what you like and what you don’t about trends makes the process of shopping easier – when you decide you want to buy something, you already know what to look for!
Social Media Are Your Friends
There is a bunch of fashion influencers and some of them are keeping up with fashion while having excellent, recognizable style.
Mindless scrolling is not a good idea, but finding influencers in your fashion niche can be inspiring and motivating to play around with the art of clothing.
Instagram and Pinterest are full of inspiring fashion – and believe me, not only luxury fashion. There is something like local, affordable fashion when not the brand of clothes matters as much as the design and material do.
Speaking of luxury brands, let me make a side note.
Christian (Wearing) Dior
If you are reading this post (checked), you are managing your finances well (checked, I hope :)) and you are a Christian (if this one is checked is up to you) you probably want to be careful with the way you dress and not only find out what is the difference between style and fashion.
By no means do I approve of the fashion that goes further and further into revealing. Clothes should cover our body and express our soul – anything that goes against it should be avoided by Christian women.
I promote modest fashion and for many of you, it is clear that clothes should also glorify our Creator.
Yet, what might not be clear for many of us is the relationship between luxury brands and Christians. Should a Christian woman wear Dior?
Maybe I’ve just started a hot discussion since I’ve met people who say “Yes, why not?” and “No, not at all!”.
So Who Is Right?
For sure, Dior, Channel, and Louis Vuitton are masters in their craft and they can make some beautiful things. Yet, and I hope nobody gets offended, some of the luxurious brands step back from the originality of fashion and create casual pieces of clothes, and the only thing that makes them “original” is a huge logo of the brand.
In my opinion, such a piece of clothing is not supposed to express originality and new ideas but rather communicate “I bought it because I am rich enough”.
It all depends on the attitude behind wearing a piece of clothes. I would buy a decent, original piece from a local store (or even a thrift store, I don’t mind) than spend a bunch of money just for a logo.
I stand for fashion being for everyone, not only the richest – at the same time being in awe and admiration of Dior’s dresses.
How to Have Your Style?
Another difference between style and fashion? Style is a unique touch that you add to fashion. You can categorize it and choose elements that you like to create an original masterpiece.
If you are still looking for your style, I am here to help you. It took me a while to figure out what my style is but now I know – it’s colorful, modest, and a little bit crazy 🙂 I know what I like and what I don’t and I bravely experiment with fashion in the frames of my style. And you can get there too!
These tips will clear things out for you and you will be able to play around with fashion while still having your own, extremely cool style. Ready?
Find the True You
Okay, that’s a cliché, yet the whole idea of style is to dress to… express! To do that you need to know yourself. And I believe you are at the point of your life when you already made acquaintances with yourself.
But maybe you want to use clothes to strengthen your advantages. Maybe you want them to give you more courage so you overcome your shyness. Or maybe you’re tired of wearing what everybody else is wearing and you could use a dramatic change. Whatever it is – you know best.
Do you imagine a rock star wearing sweet, vintage clothes? Me neither. Sure, sometimes people create versions of themselves that are not truth by clothes, but I stand for “dress to express, not to impress“.
What Does Your Style Tell About You?
Style can speak of you alone – that’s also the difference between style and fashion. To make it easier, I’ve made a quick list of basic styles and what they can say about a person. Your job is to determine which one is you. Ps. Mixing is recommended!
– vintage style – I like this one a lot! It is connected to old times and has this rustic vibe to it. This style communicates gentleness, kindness, and value.
– elegant – this is a very classy style and it speaks graceful, refined, tasteful
– streetwear – this style is more chilled and it communicates freedom, youth, and fun
– Boho – nature aesthetics lovers often dress in this style. It speaks about nature, clarity, light
– chic – this style certainly knows what sophistication is, having balance, and simplicity
The list goes on and on. See, these categories break the main one and show the difference between style and fashion. There is a lot to choose from. You should consider two things while choosing your style out of existing ones OR creating a brand new variation.
First – your style gives people the first impression of you. You can give people (even those who you just pass on the street!) a peek into who you are just by picking the right outfit.
Second – you need to LIKE what you’re choosing. Yes, people associate French berets with elegance, class, and formality which does not align with my vision of my style. Yet, I love them and wear them in vibrant colors. See? I take what’s in fashion (classic French beret) and add my style to it (vibrant colors).
Do Not Be Afraid to Experiment
Finding your style can take some time – especially when you are not entirely sure what style you want to achieve. Yet, the journey is worth it.
In the end, you will save yourself SO MUCH trouble while shopping because you will know exactly what to look for.
You won’t be buying a bunch of clothes and ending up never wearing them.
You will feel good in your clothes and your closet will look better and better – no more “I do not have anything to wear!” days.
See? Finding your style seems to be economical. 🙂 While only focusing on fashion not really (another difference between style and fashion discovered!).
Normally, your style will change over the years – I mean, you’re changing too, and praise God! Staying in one place is not fun for too long.
That’s why I want to encourage you to experiment and play around. Only this way you will know what clothes are truly you and you will be able to send people any message just by your outfits.
Now, if you know the difference between style and fashion…
Have Fun!
Fashion and style are fun if we have the right approach to them. If you liked this article, understand the difference between style and fashion, and are looking for daily fashion, style, and color-combining tips, let’s be friends on Instagram!
I wish you lots and lots of fun in finding your style while staying in fashion. 🙂
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