Conformity in Fashion

Conformity in Fashion

"Conformity is the act of matching attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours to what individuals perceive is normal of their society or social group. This influence occurs in small groups and society as a whole, and may result from subtle unconscious influences, or direct and overt social pressure. Conformity can occur in the presence of others, or when an individual is alone. For example, people tend to follow social norms when eating or watching television, even when alone."

"fash·ion

[fash-uhn]

noun

1.

a prevailing custom or style of dress, etiquette, socializing, etc.: the latest fashion in dresses.

2.

conventional usage in dress, manners, etc., especially of polite society, or conformity to it: the dictates of fashion; to be out of fashion. "

Okay, maybe fashion by it's very definition is "conforming" to what society feels is appropriate. But what happened to clothing being an expression of self? Yes, I love the runway looks and I do add pieces of what's "in style" in my wardrobe (if I like them, mind you! Not because EVERYONE is wearing them!) However, maybe it's just me...but I really hate to see so many women everyday, who may be wearing different colors or pieces...but essentially have the same outfit on!

Please love the outfit you're wearing but do not mimic the exact same outfit you saw on someone else or on an advertisement! Is society decaying to the point where there is no originality? Coming off of the DC Metro, I saw 10 women, with the same style of hair, same style of shirt, same style of leggings and similar boots. Some had nice bags, nice sunglasses or other jewelry but they were basically carbon copies of what Lucky Mag said was in style. Some of the women looked nice. They did. However some of them, even with an identical outfit, did not look so stunning because the style of clothing was not made for their bodies...Believe me I understand lumpy and bumpy...but please do not wear anything that conforms to your cottage cheese butt and thighs-even if it is in style!

The other frustrating aspect of this lack of originality by the everyday fashionista, is even in cultural subgroups, that you could count on for wild and different clothing are conforming as well! Even self described "punk rockers" are doing their best Chrissie Hynde or Blondie (circa 81) impression. (Think Avril Lavigne) While people like Chrissie and Blondie could and should inspire, it doesn't mean you should mimic the outfit exactly! Where is your personality? Does this truly reflect your style? Furthermore, does it flatter your body?

Think about the creative designers we love so much who design the newest and latest items...They did not go copy what everyone else was doing on the runway! Their fashions are unique and original...maybe inspired by someone or something, however, they expressed it in their own way. I believe we should all be inspired and express ourselves in our own words and in our own style.

Besides, the way individual, everyday people dress (who consider themselves fashionable but look like everyone else) is revealing where society is going in general. With the suppression of originality (and anything different) and everyone on the street wearing the exact same outfit...we all look like lambs marching into the slaughter. *Sigh*

Life is too short to try to be someone else or EVERYONE else.