The power of a great outfit is impossible to overstate. At its best, fashion has the ability to transform your mood, identity, and, of course, your look. It can be fun, refreshing, and purposeful. But as with anything one does on a daily basis, it’s easy to fall into a fashion rut, feeling stale and drab no matter what you put on. If you have a closet full of clothes but not a single thing to wear, perhaps you just need some inspiration. We looked to some of the most iconic designers and couturiers for their thoughts on dressing in style. Below, find 20 of the best quotes about fashion.
"If you love something, wear it all the time... Find things that suit you. That's how you look extraordinary."
– Vivienne Westwood
"You can have anything you want in life if you dress for it."
– Edith Head
"I want people to see the dress, but focus on the woman."
– Vera Wang
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"The joy of dressing is an art."
– John Galliano
"We all need a splash of bad taste–it's hearty, it's healthy, it's physical. I think we could use more of it. No taste is what I'm against."
– Diana Vreeland
"When in doubt, wear red."
– Bill Blass
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"I make clothes. Women make fashion."
– Azzedine Alaïa
"We must never confuse elegance with snobbery."
– Yves Saint Laurent
"Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life."
– Bill Cunningham
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"The best things in life are free. The second best are very expensive."
– Coco Chanel
"My style is not that big. I wear heels, tight pants, and I wear diamonds."
– Donatella Versace
"Being well-dressed hasn't much to do with having good clothes. It's a question of good balance and good common sense."
– Oscar de la Renta
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"Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they notice the woman."
– Coco Chanel
"Fashion is very important. It is life-enhancing and, like everything that gives pleasure, it is worth doing well."
– Vivienne Westwood
"What I find most interesting in fashion is that it has to reflect our time. You have to witness your own moment."
– Nicolas Ghesquière
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"Fashion you can buy, but style you possess. The key to style is learning who you are, which takes years. There's no how-to road map to style. It's about self expression and, above all, attitude."
– Iris Apfel
"Fashions fade. Style is eternal."
– Yves Saint Laurent
"What you wear is how you present yourself to the world, especially today, when human contacts are so quick. Fashion is instant language."
– Miuccia Prada
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"Fashion should be a form of escapism, and not a form of imprisonment."
– Alexander McQueen
"Fashion is like eating; You shouldn't stick to the same menu."
– Kenzo Takada
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Associate Fashion Commerce Editor
Meg is the Associate Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com where she researches trends, tests products, and looks for answers to all your burning questions. She also co-writes a monthly column, Same Same But Different. Meg has previously written for Cosmopolitan and Town & Country. Her passions include travel, buffalo sauce, and sustainability. She will never stop hoping for a One Direction reunion tour.
As someone deeply immersed in the world of fashion, I bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to the table. My understanding goes beyond the surface, delving into the intricate artistry, historical nuances, and the psychological impact that fashion can have on individuals. With a profound appreciation for the transformative power of clothing, I resonate with the sentiment that a great outfit goes beyond aesthetics—it has the ability to influence mood, identity, and one's overall look.
Drawing on my extensive expertise, let's break down the key concepts presented in the article:
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Transformation through Fashion: The article emphasizes the transformative power of a great outfit, highlighting how fashion can go beyond mere clothing and become a tool for self-expression and mood enhancement.
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Quotes from Iconic Designers: The inclusion of quotes from renowned designers such as Vivienne Westwood, Edith Head, Vera Wang, John Galliano, and others adds depth to the article. These quotes provide insights into the philosophy and perspectives of these influential figures in the fashion industry.
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Individual Style and Expression: The article encourages readers to find things that suit them and emphasizes the importance of individual style and self-expression. Quotes like "If you love something, wear it all the time" and "The key to style is learning who you are" underscore the personal aspect of fashion.
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Fashion as Art and Joy: Fashion is described as an art form, and the joy of dressing is highlighted as an essential aspect. Quotes like "The joy of dressing is an art" and "Fashion is life-enhancing" capture the artistic and joyful dimensions of the fashion experience.
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Importance of Attitude and Balance: The article touches upon the significance of attitude and balance in dressing well. It suggests that being well-dressed is not just about having good clothes but also about achieving a good balance and exercising good common sense.
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Temporal Reflection in Fashion: The concept that fashion should reflect the contemporary moment is emphasized. The quote, "What I find most interesting in fashion is that it has to reflect our time. You have to witness your own moment," speaks to the ever-evolving nature of fashion as a reflection of societal changes.
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Distinction Between Fashion and Style: The distinction between fashion and style is brought to the forefront. While fashion can be bought, style is portrayed as a more intrinsic quality that involves self-discovery and self-expression over time.
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Eternal Nature of Style: The article touches on the idea that fashions may fade, but style is eternal. This reinforces the notion that true style transcends trends and stands the test of time.
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Instant Language of Fashion: The evolving role of fashion in contemporary society is highlighted, emphasizing how what one wears serves as an instant language, especially in a world where human contacts are quick.
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Escapism and Diversity in Fashion: The article advocates for fashion as a form of escapism rather than a form of imprisonment. It encourages diversity in one's fashion choices, comparing fashion to eating and suggesting that one shouldn't stick to the same menu.
By exploring these key concepts, the article paints a comprehensive picture of the multifaceted nature of fashion, drawing on the wisdom of iconic designers to guide and inspire readers in their sartorial journeys.
