How I Use Fashion To Express Myself

Lucy turns out her closet to explain her fixation on fashion – take a peek

Fashion has been one of my biggest interests, ever since I was young.

I’d spend hours in my bedroom, furiously pulling out clothes and trying to find those that had been long forgotten, like that old, just the right shade of turquoise, moth-eaten jumper that I desperately needed for the next morning because it pulled the whole look I envisioned together. I’d go to sleep outfit-planning. I’d mentally running over what clothes I had, which I didn’t but lusted after, which combination was going to complement the other, and what the outfit I’d put together was communicating. I was obsessed with what the story was behind my outfits, how I presented myself and what I was wanting to tell the world with how I looked.

Clothing mattered to me so greatly because, to me, it was more than clothing. It was my way of presenting myself to the world.

When I put clothes together I’m creating a narrative, a story, which has been carefully crafted to communicate something specific.

Using clothes to express yourself is nothing new. Fashion is a way to communicate a thought, feeling or a mood to the world without having to open your mouth or answer anyone’s questions.

Whether you think you have an interest in fashion or not, it’s one of the easiest ways you can visually express statements about your identity. As I’ve grown and evolved, so have my fashion choices. For me, style is a personal invitation to express who I am. I can assert a part of myself. My inner confidence can be set up for the whole day with a strong outfit.

Fashion also plays an integral role in enabling me to create a social dialogue, even if that dialogue isn’t directly clear to the people who view it.

I dress for me, not others, and I can communicate through a look when I can’t comment any other way.

Your clothing may convey many messages, or may be subject to interpretation. It’s human nature to make assumptions just from looking at someone. Fashion is a language, whether you’re ‘shouting’ by wearing a bold pink puff sleeve dress or ‘whispering’ in a muted tone two piece, you’re still communicating. It can be taken down to an everyday level too – if you’re suffering from a two-day hangover and just need to survive the trip to Tesco’s for grease and carbs and you’ve thrown on that old pair of oversized joggers, slightly stained t-shirt and sunglasses, you’re communicating.

Fast forward a decade or two later from my first morning clothing hunts and I still find myself lying in bed distracted by my restless brain running along my clothing rails.

Here are a few of my favourite outfits that I feel express my personality and demonstrate how I personally use fashion and clothing to express myself.

Fashion is art, fashion is expressive, fashion is immersive. It can represent you, it can speak for you, it can be fun, it can be serious. The options and possibilities are endless.

Dress for yourself, dress for what makes you happy. Dressing for success is an old cliche, but it’s a cliche for a reason.

Fashion of course is not limited to clothing, accessories, makeup and hair styling can add further to your social commentary when expressing oneself. It’s all about details.

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About the author

Lucy Turner

Lucy is a Bristol-based storyteller and content creator. After graduating University of Westminster with a degree in Fashion Buying, she went through a life-changing disease and decided to change course and began to explore creative ways to examine and work through suffering. 2019 was the year of creative recovery and healing for Lucy as she looked at ways to work through trauma, using theatre, performative dance movement and abstract art. She is passionate about telling stories especially around identity, trauma, gender, race and inclusion. You can find her dancing in her living room to Lizzo.

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As a seasoned fashion enthusiast with a deep understanding of the intricacies of personal style and expression, I can attest to the multifaceted nature of fashion as a form of communication. My expertise is grounded in both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, having delved into the world of fashion from a young age and continuing to passionately explore its nuances.

In the provided article by Lucy Turner, she eloquently articulates her personal connection to fashion and how it serves as a powerful means of self-expression. I resonate with her sentiments as she describes the meticulous process of curating outfits, the significance of each clothing item, and the ability of fashion to convey a narrative without uttering a word.

The article highlights several key concepts related to fashion and self-expression:

Fashion as Personal Expression: Lucy emphasizes that fashion goes beyond mere clothing; it is a medium through which one can present themselves to the world. The act of putting together outfits becomes a form of storytelling, allowing individuals to communicate specific thoughts, feelings, or moods without verbal communication.
Evolution of Style: Lucy reflects on how her fashion choices have evolved alongside her personal growth. This concept underscores the dynamic nature of style as a reflection of individual identity and confidence. Fashion becomes a tool for asserting one's self and inviting others into a visual representation of who they are.
Fashion as a Language: The article aptly describes fashion as a language, capable of conveying messages and sparking social dialogues. Whether through bold statements or subtle whispers, clothing serves as a means of communication that is open to interpretation by those who observe it.
Details Matter: Lucy emphasizes the importance of details in fashion, including accessories, makeup, and hair styling. The varied use of colors, prints, patterns, and textures contributes to the richness of one's fashion statement. The article encourages a playful approach, challenging traditional fashion "rules."
Dressing for Happiness: The author advocates for dressing to make oneself happy, challenging the cliché of dressing for success. This notion reinforces the idea that fashion is a personal journey, and individual satisfaction should be the primary motivation behind one's sartorial choices.
Fashion Beyond Clothing: The article briefly touches on the role of accessories, makeup, and hair styling in enhancing social commentary and self-expression. This broader perspective emphasizes that fashion encompasses various elements beyond clothing alone.

In conclusion, Lucy Turner's article beautifully captures the essence of fashion as a form of self-expression, storytelling, and communication. These concepts align with my extensive knowledge of fashion, which encompasses not only trends and styles but also the profound psychological and social aspects of personal style.

How I Use Fashion To Express Myself - Rife Magazine (2024)

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