The Difference Between Fashion and Style

By 5 years old, I was a self-proclaimed fashionista & consumed as much fashion media as I could growing up. This naturally included watching “The Devil Wears Prada” on repeat.

You know that scene where Andy laughs over how two turquoise belts “look exactly the same”? Miranda tells Andy that she isn’t exempt from fashion since the sweater she wears was chosen for her by fashion tastemakers. This insightful scene inspired me to reflect on the nature of fashion versus style.

Fashion is cyclical

Fashion is defined as “a popular way of dressing during a particular time or among a particular group of people. A certain style of clothing that is currently desired by many for a limited period of time.” Trends last for a limited period of time, but they inevitably return to be re-adopted by a new generation, usually in 20-year cycles (like our renewed love for all the 90s & early 2000s fashion on Friends). ⁣

Fashion is curated by others

Notice how each period of time has iconic fashion that comes to mind immediately. When we think of the 50s, we recall leather jackets & swing skirts. Or remember velour tracksuits in the early 2000s? Recently, we’ve seen animal print & lime green reign supreme. Before these trends became iconic, they were curated by trendsetters (like Miranda). ⁣

Fashion encourages innovation

It inspires us to invent & improve. For example, women in the 1900s wore wool dresses as swimsuits that weighed 8 lbs when wet. When spandex was invented, it revolutionized sportswear. It contributed to the modern athleisure we know & love today.⁣

Fashion gives your wardrobe new updates and inspiration

As your personality & lifestyle changes, your style will evolve too. Fashion gives us new inspiration to incorporate into our wardrobe so we feel modern & free to pivot in our style. It adds excitement to our clothing as we anticipate what will trend next. ⁣

Learning the difference between fashion & style was very freeing to me. It helped me release expectations of myself to follow fashion rules, let go of the pressure to keep up with trends, & develop a personal style that truly reflects me. I realized fashion is found all around us, while style is found within us.

Style is timeless

Just because something isn’t considered “fashionable” anymore or a trend is fading doesn’t mean you have to give up what you like. Your style isn’t limited by fashion cycles since it’s completely your own & you can reinterpret past trends in a modern way.⁣

Style is curated by you

Style is the lens through which you see fashion. It is very personal to you & exclusively curated by you. Your memories, role models, personal experiences, personality, color preferences all contribute to your style. ⁣

Style encourages authentic self-expression

Style doesn’t follow every fashion trend or give into the pressure to fit in. It urges you to lead with your own self-expression. We all have a personal style, it’s just a matter of solidifying it through self-reflection, outfit experimentation & dressing with intention.⁣

Style gives your wardrobe more consistency and ease

Style is about figuring out what works best for you. When you have a clear, cohesive style, it is easier to mix & match clothes since they fit the same visual narrative you’re aiming for. Being confident in your style helps you create outfits you love consistently. ⁣

There is beauty in both fashion and style. They work together and support one another!

We can fall into style ruts or get bored with our clothes without fashion to give us new perspectives, revamp our wardrobe & spark inspiration. Fashion can be overwhelming without our personal style guiding us to optimize our closets, discern what we love while shopping & express ourselves authentically.

Both fashion and style are integral to curating a wardrobe you feel fresh & authentic in that evolves with you over time.