Ball Gowns to go Grocery Shopping

Society presents us with a number of methods through which we can communicate to the world who we are. Accent, body language, possessions, and of course, clothes.

These powerful mediums allow us all to physically manifest our intangible identities.

To some, the clothes they choose to wear are a passing thought, maybe even an inconvenience. But to me, fashion is as an expression of self. I am aware of how appearance dictates the split second judgements we all make on meeting a person. Therefore, I choose my clothes with intentionality.

However, I am acutely aware of how my taste in clothes often doesn't reflect my true identity.

We are all to some extent conditioned to attach certain values to material styles. This is the basis of Bourdieu's concepts of habitus and cultural capital, in which he argues that our preferences in culture (art, food, music, fashion etc) are not just a matter of innate personal preference, but a socially learnt expression of our positions in society. In other words, the clothes we chose to wear are not random. Rather they are careful expressions of our desired social identity.

This theory clearly manifests in fast fashion. In our desire to belong and be included, many of us scramble to keep up with the latest fashion trends. This autumn's trends demands us to clothe ourselves in polka-dots, leather tote bags and knee-high, boho style boots. I don't think the majority of us really like polka-dots, we've just convinced ourselves we do. But come next season, we will be listing our polka-dot tops on Vinted (as you can tell, I have a personal vendetta against polka-dots).

As I've explored and formed my own personal style, I have often found it difficult to decipher what is an accurate expression of my identity, versus what is 'trending'. This journey has taught me that unless you live in a cave (which is totally fine - the troglodyte life has always appealed to me), you will be somewhat influenced by the culture you exist within. I think its difficult to fully escape this pressure of conformity.

This said, I hope that one day my personal style truly reflects my identity. And I hope that I am brave enough to embody it. So, if you ever see me wearing a ball gown to the grocery store.. mind your own business.