Fashion is more than just a cute outfit; it’s a means of communication. Fashion is the “what?” for our “why?” It is our attempt at a physical representation of our ideal selves. Foundation gives us clearer skin; a pair of TOMS shows off our desire to give, and the cubic zirconia ring on our finger helps us identify with the higher echelon in an affordable way. You will often hear people tell you to dress for the job you want. As far as fashion is concerned, better advice could not be given. When you wear the same costume as other workers in your desired field, you are nonverbally requesting entry into their community. When you wear this costume comfortably and convincingly, you are showing them that you understand them on a very foundational level. Trust and comfort are important to relationship building, or as the Chinese say, “guanxi.” What easier way is there to give someone this trust and comfort than to literally step into their shoes and show them you understand them?
Fashion is your first impression. The first thing people notice, the most superficial part of you, is a culmination of the many things with which you’ve chosen to adorn yourself. From your lazy bun down to your sweatpants and flip flops, or your diamond earrings around your shawl-shrouded shoulders and down to your new black flats, this is the icing to your cake.
Being maybe overly enthusiastic about Chinese culture, I find myself drawn to the unkempt “preppy boy turned dancer” look that the younger crowd seems to enjoy, due to the dramatic effect that Korean pop culture has had on them. With a one-sided undercut, I give myself the ability to mock any number of G Dragon’s hairstyles, G Dragon being one of the biggest names in Korean pop music. Cross patterns, as seen on the earrings, are relatively common amongst the Korean “bad boys.” A light green button-down is worn to imply a soft and collected side, but left open to display my knowledge of and familiarity with Western culture—alluding to possible similarities between the daytime and nighttime lifestyles of myself and Bruce Wayne. The pulled-up jogger sweats function as an implication of both Korean fashion and break-dancing savvy. Finally, the low-top Polo shoes are simply comfortable to walk around in, as driving is not a per capita commonality in Shanghai.
Fashion is a story. Any person’s outfit is riddled with interesting stories, memories, secrets and desires. It’s up to the onlooker to figure these messages out. What does your fashion tell about you?
