Individuals generally are interested in impressing others. An individual aims to create a positive image regarding his or her personality by using the most suitable dress. Thesis: Fashion is essential for people to have a good image.
First, a person obtains a positive impression by using the latest fashion. In this way, it is possible to create a positive picture concerning the behavior of the person. It is suggested, “ the fashion element is a prominent pointer while having on new dresses portrays a sense of belonging/an impression before another person. Dressing is considered as the factor for representing the social status of the person and many people of our culture and country believe in this view” (Subhani, Hasan, and Osman 185).
This statement implies that individuals are influenced by the approach of others towards fashion. Society has created particular standards related to dress and behavior. Individuals attempt to meet those standards. In the process, they wear the most fashionable dress. In this way, it is possible to obtain recognition from other members in the society. The person wearing a fashionable dress is perceived as efficient. At the same time, individuals who wear the simple dress are considered as incompetent and frail. There is no systematic and impassionate way of judging the behavior of individuals. In such a situation, members of the society judge individuals and their capabilities based on standard perceptions.
It is suggested, “…the youth of today’s era follows the current fashion trends … The youth of this era is quite status conscious …” (Subhani et al 184). By obtaining a positive image, it is possible for people to enhance their status in the society. Dress represents the social status of the younger generation.
Moreover, fashionable dress can make a person elegant and venerable. Such persons have obtained the leadership positions in the fashion world. It is suggested, For example, regarding the dress used by Iran Thorpe, it was stated, “His choice of outfits raised some eyebrows back home, but Ian Thorpe has received a resounding thumbs up in London for his commentating role during the BBC’s Olympic swimming coverage” (Daily Advertiser 29). Such studies have shown the important spot gained by individuals who exhibit an appropriate sense of fashion. Consequently, people imitate their dress, hairstyle, and mannerisms. Fashion leaders, naturally, have become subjects of research.
Thorpe was, “praised by some … for his expert knowledge, calm mannerism and ability to offset the unwavering patriotism of his fellow hosts” (Daily Advertiser 29). This statement demonstrates the difference between fashion leaders and fashion followers. Fashion leaders, like Thorpe, are confident of their personality and capabilities. Consequently, they are able to create new trends, which may challenge the prevailing notions concerning fashion. Followers, on the other hand, lack this self-belief. They are not able to set a new trend in the fashion world. Fashion followers, in a way, standardize fashion by imitating their role models. Fashion leaders always aim to enhance their leadership position in the fashion world. They invest in new dresses to look graceful and dignified. To obtain social recognition, fashion followers imitate their leaders.
Second, if a person wears a fashionable dress, the individual can obtain considerable attention. In this way, a person can obtain a distinct identity. It is suggested, “The modernization process has led to attitudinal changes, enabling consumers to become less critical in their self-evaluations, more open to new ideas, as well as developing positive attitudes toward self-expression and individuality” (Mandachitara 23).
Individuals attempt to show that, like others, they are also efficient. In the process, they evaluate their personality by comparing their dress and behavior with their role models. In this way, individuals are able to obtain attention of others. People, by using the latest fashion, are also able to improve their personality. Fashion gives identity to individuals “The symbolic meanings attached to fashion clothing change over time …
Women use fashion clothing to identify themselves with some groups of women while distinguishing themselves from others” (Mandachitara 39). People can have positive or negative perceptions concerning a person who wears a particular dress. Social recognition of a person depends on the dress that he or she wears. At the same time, a person may be criticized for his or her failure to exhibit the most acceptable sense of fashion. This discussion implies that people should be conscious of items that they wear. They need to improve their body image. Persons who are subjected to criticism may develop inferior views about themselves.
It is possible to reveal one’s creativity by wearing a fashionable dress. Selection of a fashionable dress is a complex process. It involves the study of personalities who wear the most fashionable objects. Individuals, who research on the latest fashion trend, are able to demonstrate their creativity. This discussion implies that individuals need to make a few modifications to the dress depending on the perceptions of fashion leaders. It is suggested, “Johnson, like some other fashion-conscious teens, makes clothes as a creative outlet. Television shows featuring fashion designers, and a growing number of celebrities launching their own clothing lines, have helped build interest in do-it-yourself wardrobes” (Dutton) The statement is significant, as it shows that individuals select fashionable items based on various criteria.
For example, one can note differences between the elites and the poor. Elites, generally, select their shops, which are famous for the latest fashion. The store owners should possess the knowledge concerning the taste of their customers. Dress taste also depends on demographic characteristics such as race, gender, and age. Males and females have different preferences, which depend on social perceptions concerning dress. Persons belonging to different ethnic groups can have their own preferences.
For example, a few ethnic groups may have an aversion towards ethnic dress. At the same time, others may like ethnic dress. Individuals can select a dress, which exhibits features of traditional and modern fashions. Such a combination exhibits the creativity of an individual. There are people who prefer to create their own dress. It is suggested, “Lincoln High students make their own dresses … The girls love the chance to show their personalities in clothing …” (Dutton). Individuals select their dresses. They aim to present positive features of their personalities in the form of clothings.
Finally, people are more likely to make friends or do business with the people who demonstrate an acceptable dress sense. People who always use the fashionable dresses can influence their friends to dress in the same way and help them to present themselves in the most appropriate manner. Individuals are influenced by the dress and fashion of their friends and relatives. This development can be seen particularly in the case of women. It is suggested, “The three most highly endorsed functions of comfort, assurance and fashion replicate in a younger unselected sample the previous finding with female shoppers” (Tiggerman and Andrew 411).
In this case, shoppers can be considered as fashion leaders. They popularize and develop new fashion trends. They have the ability to inspire their friends and followers to imitate their example. Followers obtain information from their friends concerning the store, price, and pattern of the dress. Fashion leaders can convince the followers to buy a particular dress by revealing their experience with the costume. Gradually, fashion followers also can become fashion leaders, as they exhibit their personality in the form of the dress. It is suggested, “women use clothing for many purposes … as a means of self-presentation to manage and improve their appearance …” (Tiggerman and Andrew 409).
In this case women emerge as fashion change agents. They take considerable risks while selecting a dress. At the same time, they can impress their friends by starting a new trend. It is true that in some cases, fashion leaders may suffer losses by selecting a fashion that is not supported by social perception. This discussion shows that fashion leaders attract attention of others by wearing a new dress.
(Disclaimer) On the opposite way, if people want to dress in a fashionable manner, they have to spend a lot of money. Therefore, simple and ordinary dresses can be a good way to save money. Elites generally act as fashion leaders. This fact has shown the importance of money for a person aspiring to become a fashion leader. Persons who lack wealth cannot invest a large amount of money to purchase new clothes and accessories. People have tried to save money on shopping. It is stated by a consumer that, “My best buying opportunities, which admittedly pale by comparison, were in the fall of 2008 after the stock market swooned and retailers were caught off guard.
I’m still enjoying several handbags that Hayden-Harnett unloaded that year at deep discount” (Jacobs 4). The implication of this statement is that fashion leaders have money to spend on shopping. In many cases, they may not need expensive clothes and related accessories. Fashion followers cannot afford to invest a large amount of money in this venture. Many fashion followers who belong to the low-income group cannot afford to splurge on the latest fashion.
This fact is illustrated by the statement, “Before you spend a penny … When surfing multibrand sites, filter your search by category and size but don’t be too wedded to particular brands When surfing multibrand sites, filter your search by category and size but don’t be too wedded to particular brands …” (Jacobs 4). In this way, difference between fashion leaders and followers can be noted. Fashion leaders are capable of investing in latest fashion, including dress. Fashion followers invest in the dress and other objects recommended by fashion leaders.
People can become popular by using the socially acceptable dress. Persons who wear dress according to the latest fashion are able to attract others. They obtain a positive response from other members in the society. Consequently, one can note the emergence of the close relationship between fashion leaders and fashion followers. By imitating their leaders, fashion followers are able to impress others. Social comparison theory and social learning theory can be used to appreciate the importance of wearing fashionable dress and other accessories.
Works Cited
Daily Advertiser. “His choice of outfits raised some eyebrows back home”. Daily Advertiser. 2012: 29. Newspaper Source Plus. Web.
Dutton, Melissa Kossler. “A Dress Like No Other: Some Creative Teens Design, Sew Their Own Prom Get-Ups”. The Canadian Press (n.d.): Newspaper Source Plus. Web.
Jacobs, Deborah L. “How To Dress Well Without Breaking The Bank”. Forbes.Com (2013): 4. Business Source Premier. Web.
Mandachitara, Rajirutana. “Professional Women’s Variety-Seeking Behavior in Fashion Clothing: New York City and London”. Academy of Marketing Studies Journal 15.1(2011): 23-43. Print.
Subhani, Mohammad Imtiaj, Syder Akif Hasan, and Amber Osman. “New Article of Clothing Translates the Mood of the Individual”. International Journal of Business and Social Science 2.3(2011): 183-185. Print.
Tiggermann, Tiger and Andrew, Rachel. “Clothing Choices, Weight, and Trait Self- Objectification”. Body Image 9(2012): 409-412. Print.