The Art of Expression: Fashion and Style (FAS 101) Lecture 2

  

By Akano Aishat

Over the years, the internet has served as a place for millions of people to teach, and millions of people to learn. Recently, thanks to social media there has been a trend of differentiating just wearing clothes from styling them, popularly referred to as ‘wearing versus styling’. This trend has spread across a wide range of people and has influenced them especially those who take fashion as a tool that can cause a change. If wearing an outfit can be done very carefully with an exquisite mindset, you can use it to achieve anything, build your confidence, make a statement, express yourself or even shut your enemies up. Wearing is just a simple act of putting on cloth for them to serve the first role they are made for - to cover our body, and our nakedness and probably to protect us from some natural elements like the cold, sun, etc. Wearing is a basic act anyone can do but should be improved on. So, improvement and elevation are what styling is.

 Styling is where the beauty of fashion comes out. It is the art of not just putting on clothes but making the perfect combination of outfits and fashion accessories to achieve a visually pleasant look and unique artistic expression. “Fashion is what you buy, style is what you do with it” is a phrase that talks more about how styling is a conscious effort to turn clothes into an outfit that turns heads. Styling isn't about going all out; you don't have to empty your pocket ‘to style’. You don't have to spend your money to buy an outfit every time just to achieve a look that has popped up in your mind. It is about buying smarter and dressing stylishly. It is about knowing what is in your wardrobe and knowing how to combine each one of your clothes and accessories. Styling is personal and can be a visual representation of how a person is perceived. Here are some steps you can take to start your journey into styling your wear: Know your style. Styling begins with knowing and acknowledging who you are and what you are. You should only wear something you are comfortable with. Be self-aware and know your taste. Are you okay with a classic look, baddie vibes, streetwear or minimalist chic? Knowing all this will let you know the aesthetics you should comply with. Focus on your body and give it a proper fit. Achieving a well-styled outfit comes from wearing clothes that fit perfectly into your body type and shape. Know when to wear tight or loose clothes. You should also consider proportions, pairing a fitted top with wide-leg trousers with a fitted top. However, this is an exception. Some are okay with pairing a loose top with a loose bottom. However, something I'm very sure of is that a tight top never goes well with a tight bottom unless you are going to hit the gym. Laying of outfit. A combination of clothes is very important, and knowing which comes before the other is functionality. Combining blazers, scarves, vests, and belts adds depth and dimensions to the outfit. They must be done effectively. A crisp sleeveless yellow sweater can go over a white shirt that is thigh-light. Use of accessories. The use of accessories can make or break an outfit. There are rules and there are no rules. A pair of bold earrings, a stunning necklace or a classic belt can transform a basic outfit into a stylish and exceptionally beautiful one. The key is to always aim to achieve a balance, do not overfeed your outfit. Colour combination. Styling always offers freedom to experiment with whatever one likes. You can pair complementary colours to achieve a chic or classic elegance look or contrasting colours to achieve vibrancy. Mixing patterns and textures. Patterns should always be mixed carefully. To be on the safer side, I always avoid mixing a pattern with another because it usually requires caution. No matter how you style your outfit, the ultimate accessory you need is confidence. Confidence is one of the key elements of styling. It is not just about what you wear, but how you carry yourself. Your walk should be filled with poise, your expression should be smart and assertive. With all these, you will be the stylish queen that you are. Styling requires mindfulness, creativity and the willingness to experiment. By focusing on your fit, accessorising thoughtfully and embracing your personality, you can turn every look into a ‘unique you’.