Most people are fine fitting in with the latest styles. Others want to make a statement. And if you’re just now getting comfortable with the idea of making a statement, it’s helpful to know where to start.
What is a Fashion Statement?
Contrary to popular belief, wearing the latest trends and making a fashion statement is not the same. In other words, if everyone else is wearing yellow shoes with a blue dress, it’s not a fashion statement – it’s trendy. There’s nothing wrong with being trendy by choice, but let’s call it what it is.
“Following a trend to make a style point isn’t really your own, it’s kinda like being with the ‘in crowd’, which isn’t a bad thing,” fashion blogger Natonya Medford writes. “But if you want to shine bright in the spotlight, you have to take that risk and do the opposite of everyone else.”
Making a fashion statement is doing the opposite of what everyone else is doing and bringing an original look to the table. It’s unique, unknown, and – most importantly – it’s you.
5 Ways to Make Your Fashion Statement
Every fashion statement will be unique. However, if you’re looking for some new ways to think about fashion statements, here are some thoughts:
- Spread Awareness
We often think about fashion statements and high fashion as being one and the same. But you can make a statement without wearing designer clothes or styles that are super “out there.”
Sometimes making a fashion statement is as simple as wearing apparel that sends a message. Nine Line Apparel is a great example for those who want to spread a message of personal rights, freedom, and independence. If you’re big on the idea of sustainability and saving the planet and, the Happy Earth clothing line is pretty unique. No matter what you believe – politically, religiously, or otherwise – there’s almost certainly a clothing brand that will help you make a statement.
The great thing about a t-shirt with a slogan is that it’s versatile. When making a statement, you can wear it with a casual outfit or even something more formal (like a blazer). It’s totally your call! You’re the one making the fashion statement.
- Mix and Match
One of the best ways to change up your look is to mix and match. Take two popular/trendy clothing items that don’t go together and incorporate them into the same outfit. Or, perhaps even bolder, take clothing that’s too “matchy-matchy” and wear them together.
You never want to mix and match just for the heck of mixing and matching, but if you like the look, go for it!
- Wear Statement Jewelry
If you’re looking for a way to express yourself, statement jewelry is one of the best options. It can instantly bring an otherwise traditional or bland outfit to life. Best of all, it allows you to create bold outfits on the fly.
Generally speaking, statement pieces are best introduced as a part of a “less is more” approach. In other words, if you’re wearing a big statement necklace, you don’t need exciting earrings or bracelets. But again, that’s just a rule of thumb. If you’re making your own fashion statement, you have the freedom to reinvent the rules.
- Play With Colors
Most people play things very conservatively. They stick to whites, blacks, and other neutrals. They’ll occasionally wear a bright color, but it’s typically dulled down with something else. (Like wearing white pants with a red blouse.) One of the easiest ways to make a fashion statement is to combine two different bright colors (like pink and green, blue and yellow, etc.).
- Be Confident
Finally, you have to be confident. Other people are going to raise eyebrows and think what they think. But if you want to make a powerful fashion statement, you have to stick the landing. Be confident in your choices and avoid the temptation to see yourself through the eyes of other people. Be comfortable being you!
Adding it All Up
Making a fashion statement is about being bold and showing the world who you are. It’s an act of courage, strength, and total transparency. And while most people won’t get it, you aren’t doing it for them. Once you get clear on the fact that your opinion is the only one that truly matters, you’ll find it easier to make a statement.
