On our 70th Independence Day, we discuss why today is the best time to express your style, your personality and freedom with fashion.
Remind yourself what Fashion Is.
It’s so easy to get caught up between price tags, brands and status symbols that we forget the essence of it. Fashion is also an artistic expression: a designer’s inspiration through any facet of life that makes an entire collection come true to life. While fashion trends come and go, that is the basis of fashion. That’s what it has always been.
The clothes you wear, the bag you carry or the shoes you walk in, not only become your second skin but also an extension of your personality. Be true to that.
Remember what style means.
Style is what you have; each of us do. So embrace it, experiment with it, and keep changing it till you’re as comfortable in your skin as you can be. Being comfortable and happy with yourself is what style is.
Dress for the job you want.
I think it was back in 2006 when Condoleezza Rice was called out as a Fashion icon for her black ‘dominatrix’ boots. And international media fell in love with the First Lady of France, Carla Bruni Sarkozy for her love of skirt suits, and colours besides black and gray. Be it Queen Rania of Jordan, or Michelle Obama, or Amal Clooney, women in important profiles have time and again, proven to change mindsets with their work, and their dressing. It’s time you do the same, don’t you agree?
You’re responsible for your decisions and your safety
We live in a somewhat patriarchal society. Until recently, the men of the house have always had a say over what a woman wears. Over time, the men of the house have changed, and so have we. This is 2016.
While I completely agree that every woman should wear what she likes, it is your responsibility to take care of your safety.
We can and we are trying to change the way other people think. But given the crime rate in India, it wouldn’t take too long for someone to say your crop top encouraged him to harass you. Dress up appropriately and adapt to the environment you’re in. Finally, take care of yourself and other women around you.
Make the most of online shopping.
It’s one thing that it’s convenient to shop online but have you noticed a change? You don’t have to buy a designer dress and max out your credit card. You can head to an online store and look for it. It’s become so much easier and accessible to sport your favourite fashion trend.
My favourites are Amazon, Jabong and Myntra.
Make the most of Digital Media
You don’t have to be a supermodel strutting down Milan Fashion Week to be noticed for your sense of style. You could be a taking a picture on the side of your house and being admired at from another corner of the world. That’s the power of Bloggers and Facebookers and Instagrammers, Snapchatters and Periscopers. Go on, put yourself out there. But remember, you get liked or criticized. And you should be OK with that. Just one thing: be true to yourself.
A version of this feature was published on Myntra.com
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