Fashion has changed. Long gone are the cumbersome rules that have invisibly governed personal style. As of late, the often-rigid restrictions of dressing have mostly disappeared, allowing for true freedom in expression of style.
Those at the helm of fashion can be tough critics. Despite many people thinking it's frivolous, the wide world of fashion is nothing if not cutthroat. Perhaps Heidi Klum says it best on Project Runway, "One day you are in, the next day you are out."
These so-called fashion leaders and experts no longer exert as much influence on us as in the past. While I do love my monthly issues of Vogue and Elle there are other resources to consult when pressed with an outfit problem or looking for inspiration.
But why this change?
Of course, the Internet has played a huge role in eliminating staunch fashion rules. Most women can admit to having more than a few outfits pinned on their Pinterest boards.
Blogs, too, have helped, serving as personal tomes of style and inspiration. Leandra Medine, also known as The Man Repeller, has a blog dedicated solely to fashion that repels men. According to the website, her sartorial choices "include, but are not limited to harem pants, boyfriend jeans, overalls, shoulder pads, full length jumpsuits, jewelry that resembles violent weaponry and clogs." Talk about creating your own style.
The rise of "street style" has proven to be a popular way to express personal style. For those unfamiliar with the term, "street style" it is exactly what it sounds like-what a person is wearing when they are walking down the street, going about their normal day. Websites like Street Peeper document the style of various fashionably inclined pedestrians in cities like London, New York and Tokyo.
The beauty of being online is that we can post anything we want. Nothing has to be approved by an editor or analyzed by a stylist. It's realistic, relatable and a wonderful melting pot of style.
Further aiding in breaking down barriers is fast fashion, retailers like Forever 21, H&M and Asos have huge inventories that supply the most fashion-forward clothes with the current season's looks straight from the runway. It's about accessibility and affordability-two factors that have before been a hindrance. Trends are readily available, and we no longer have to shell out a whole month's worth in paychecks to get the newest Alexander Wang jacket.
Most recently, whites in a form other than cream have emerged as a big trend for winter. The advent of the chambray shirt has brought back the once-taboo denim on denim, evoking a better version of the unsightly 90s look. Color blocking has been popular during the past few years, allowing us to pair two, three and four colors together in whatever palette we wish.
Thus, fashion has changed. It's no longer the institution of exclusivity, but rather inclusivity. We do, in fact, all have to get dressed every day.
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