For practical purposes, there’s little distinction between “style” and “fashion.” Most of us use the terms interchangeably.
But thinking about them more rigorously and distinctly yields a helpful perspective regarding how we present ourselves and how we spend our money and energy. I also think it can help create a more palatable mindset for some of the fence-sitters out there who instinctively think there’s something wrong with valuing personal presentation. (Ahem, that’s you, men!) Consider the following thoughts:
Style is organic; fashion is prescribed. Style comes from within; fashion comes from without. Style is personal; fashion is impersonal. Style is about independence; fashion is about conformity. Style is long-term; fashion is temporary. Style is an energy; fashion is an artifact. Style develops as it builds upon a solid foundation; fashion is schizophrenic.
All of these thoughts turn on a singular understanding: that “fashion” is about trends that cannot take any given individual’s situation into account, whereas “style” is unique for each of us, taking into account personal body type, complexion, social needs, and aesthetic preferences.
As I’ve mentioned, in the real world, these definitions are not so distinct, and not just in our linguistic use. Plenty of designers in the fashion industry really do design from a place of “style” as we’ve now defined it. And without the efforts of people in fashion, we wouldn’t be able to achieve style.
But more important for the purposes of this post, these distinct ideas about style and fashion make it seem a lot less futile (and, to some, a lot less douchey) to work on one’s style. You’ll still notice me using “fashion” and “style” interchangeably sometimes, because we all generally understand these words in broad terms, but I think there’s a lot of empowerment to be gained when we realize that developing our personal presentation in terms of “style” is a genuine way of expressing our true selves — and of leading the lives we wish to lead.
–Cross-posted at The Ethical Man Style Blog.
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In November 2010, Dan launched The Ethical Man (Facebook | Twitter) — the first-ever vegan clothing and apparel shop dedicated to men. In 2006, Dan graduated from UPenn with Honors in Philosophy (and hundreds of hours of activism under his non-leather belt). As he had always intended, Dan soon moved to New York City. He did not intend, however, that New York would move him as much as it has — catalyzing a deep passion and respect for personal style and presentation. After going vegan six years earlier, and after working for nearly four years in marketing and media sales for Spin Magazine and Yahoo!, Dan founded The Ethical Man to bring style, value, and peace of mind to men around the world. He also drums for vegan band HERE (set to release their first album in Winter 2011) and manages an underground art space, The Yolk.