The Art of Expression: Fashion and Style (FAS101)

 

By Aishat A. Akano

Fashion and style are often used interchangeably, but they hold distinct meanings that shape how we present ourselves to the world. While they may overlap, understanding their differences can help clarify how each contributes uniquely to self-expression.

What is Fashion?

Fashion is a collective expression, an ever-evolving wave that reflects society’s current tastes, beliefs, and moods. It is a language spoken globally without uttering a single word. When you see a runway show, a new collection, or even the latest trends in magazines and social media, you are witnessing the pulse of fashion. It’s the manifestation of creativity through clothing, accessories, and design that changes over time. This temporal nature is why the fashion industry is such a recognized and influential force—it’s always in motion, always adapting.

Fashion can be likened to the broader canvas on which designers, influencers, and trendsetters paint their visions. From high fashion in Paris and Milan to streetwear dominating urban culture, fashion embodies a shared experience. Yet, as enticing as trends can be, they often come with an unspoken pressure—a silent nudge to conform, to fit in, and to follow.

What is Style?

Style, on the other hand, is deeply personal. It is an expression of who you are, rooted in your choices, preferences, and experiences. Unlike fashion, style doesn’t shift with seasons or trends. It is your constant signature—a reflection of your identity and voice without speaking. As the saying goes, “The way you dress is the way you will be addressed,” and style is how you speak that language with authenticity.

Where fashion is a collective term that embodies popular trends, style is the individual’s adaptation of those trends—or the choice to reject them altogether. It’s the blazer you pick out for a meeting because it makes you feel confident, or the sneakers that have seen you through countless adventures because they’re undeniably you. Style is about comfort, aligning with who you are on the inside, and letting that shine through on the outside.

The Peculiarities of Fashion and Style

Fashion is bold, dramatic, and constantly shifting. It calls out to be noticed and admired. It is what celebrities showcase on red carpets and what magazines rave about as the “must-haves” of the season. Yet, its transient nature can sometimes feel impersonal. The trend that makes waves today may become outdated by tomorrow.

Style, however, is timeless. It doesn’t bow to the ticking clock of fashion seasons. It’s built over time, curated through trial and error, and defined by personal moments rather than popular approval. This doesn’t mean that style cannot embrace fashion—it can and often does—but it does so on its terms.

The Interplay Between Fashion and Style

Fashion gives you the tools—the clothes, the colours, the patterns—but style is how you wield them. You might see a trend taking the world by storm and decide to incorporate it subtly into your wardrobe, making it your own. Or you might pass on it entirely, sticking with the pieces that resonate with you most. This is where the magic happens. Fashion provides the structure and the spark, but style breathes life into it.

So, when you think of what you wear each day, ask yourself: Am I following fashion, or am I staying true to my style? The answer doesn’t have to be one or the other—it can be both. Fashion might influence your choices, but your style defines them. Choose what makes you feel confident, comfortable, and authentically you. After all, the best statement you can make is one that tells the world exactly who you are.

Remember, while fashion may invite the world’s eyes, style ensures it never forgets what it se

es. Always do you.