Fashion looks different for people.
From a hobby one can explore to the jeans, t-shirts or sweatshirts that someone likes, there are many forms it takes.
The divide between the “art” of fashion and the practicality of it is nuanced; to our warped standards of beauty, what is useful for us to wear—function or aesthetics?
Like it or not, fashion is indisputably a mark of individuality. Even those who throw on clothes to wear each day still express themselves, albeit in a non-specific, subjective manner. Furthermore, even when we dress our best, we still dress to arbitrary and imbecilic tastes— what’s it matter to put one’s “best foot forward” when people still judge others for things they cannot control?
It matters quite a lot, in fact. It matters quite a lot to understand the absurd yet deep need for humans to express themselves.
Our clothes speak for us, they tell others what groups we belong to or wish to be in, such is the pragmatism of our dress.
But they tell a story in more ways than one; they may provide a glimpse into your interests (ever worn a sports jersey or merchandise from your favorite artist?) or let others know how you’re feeling (like wearing pajamas to school after a rough night of sleep).
Suffice to say, we all need to acknowledge the truth of fashion: it’s shallow and artificial, but simultaneously complex and genuine—like most art. There’s no harm in seeing art as absurd, for we can love it anyway.
The same holds true for fashion.