“Fashion is more than just how many colors and patterns you can put on at once. Being a great dresser is not necessarily about the colors you put on. It is about putting things together in the right way and then trying different things.” -Dwayne Wade
Self-confessed fashionistas live, breathe and figuratively eat fashion. They do not only strive to look fashion forward and sophisticated, but they try to keep themselves constantly updated with the new styles and trends that come out every season. However, what distinguishes a self-confessed fashionista from a true blue fashionista? What sets a real fashionista apart? Well, they similarly love fashion, but while the former loves to shop and just try out a myriad of clothes, the latter’s view of fashion extends beyond what they can see in clothes, bags, and shoes. For true fashionistas, fashion is an art form whose various details and aspects are translated into what we see in various fashion items. True fashionistas have this distinct propensity to be a little more meticulous on the details than their self-confessed counterparts. Style details such as sleeve styles, embellishments, hems and the like are of paramount importance to them—far more than the label that merely created it. In their eyes, fashion is the physical manifestation of a designer’s creative eye.
These are the individuals who have spent extra time and went the extra mile to do some extra studying as regards fashion. Unfortunately, while we all do love fashion, a lot of the style and fashion terminology will sound a lot like jargon if you have never been to fashion or designer school—or at least brushed up on a fashion course. There is no reason to fret, however, as this article has collected some of the most common and often used terms in the fashion world which you could start using today.
1.) Balloon Sleeves
Balloon sleeves have been around for quite a while, and today, they have been making waves in the fashion world—both in wholesale clothing and in retail branded buys. Ballon sleeves are sleeves of any length that have a bulbous and exquisite effect. If you are looking for an absolute fashion forward look, go for this season’s hottest trend and flaunt your balloon sleeves.
2.) Knife Pleat
Knife pleats can be seen anywhere from long skirts to ankle-cut culottes. In one way or another, you can see it as a type of fold on the fabric itself which creates a unique texture on the clothing itself. Knife pleats are sharp and narrow folds which are formed by doubling the material back upon itself. If you want more dimension to your clothing, adding knife pleats to your full ensemble would be your best bet.
3.) Choker Tops
As of late, choker tops have been all the rage, and almost every major celebrity was seen sporting it. However, why not take it up a notch and go for choker tops instead. Let go of that choker necklace and don on a choker top which closely resembles a top combined with a choker sans the choker necklace’s many details. If you are pressed for time, then skip the accessorizing part of your dressing routine and combine your clothes with your accessories with a simple choker top.
4.) Bustle
Skirts that flare out are incredibly chic and girlish. Unfortunately, not every one of us has the time to insert a petticoat underneath our skirts nor do we want to contend with the persistent itchiness of the fabric and material used. So, instead of the usual and rather outdated petticoats, women can now alternatively use a bustle which functions much like a petticoat. However, while petticoats would usually pouf out the entire skirt, bustles are frames or pads designed to support and expand the fullness of the back of a woman’s skirt. Regardless, however, the wearer can still achieve mainly the same effect of a fuller and flared out skirt.
5.) Dress Gloves
Dress gloves are appropriate for any formal functions and wherein the dress code is designated as formal or gowns for the ladies. These are gloves that extend way beyond the wrist and would give your formal ensemble a bit of glamor. Although they can be used casually, they look more at home and appropriate in a formal setting. Audrey Hepburn was an iconic person who popularized the use of dress gloves in her movie, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”
6.) Epaulet
Epaulets more mostly reserved for high-ranking individuals in the military, navy or aviation service. Otherwise, they are famously seen in many costumes and dress pieces singers would wear on stage. Today, most individuals would wear them as a fashion statement. An epaulet is an ornamental shoulder piece characterized by its many tassels that dangle over a wearer’s shoulder. It is typically seen in a military-style coat or jacket.
7.) Fanny Pack
Several years ago, a lot of individuals who swear by fashion would not be caught dead wearing a fanny pack. Fanny packs were considered as an absurd and obsolete piece of fashion mostly worn by merchants selling wares as it is a convenient storage room for their profit sales. However, fashion is circuitous, and just now it has come in a complete circle. Fanny packs are no longer considered unfashionable, and they are given even better and modern upgrades that fashionistas would no longer snub them on the aisles. Fanny packs are convenient alternatives to small purses which tie around your waist. It is both a functional and stylish accessory ideal for carrying daily essentials and going hands-free. Lastly, a well-designed fanny pack cinches the waist and can do wonders to your silhouette.
8.) Minaudiere
While small purses are chic and cute, minaudieres are all the rage now. Their function is mostly decorative as they are small and without handles and straps, but they give any outfit that extra oomph with its elegant design. Minaudieres are characterized by the heavily embellished designs which are mostly made of metals or rhinestones and fancy stones.
So, whether you are going from chic to casual fashion term, here are some of the most common fashion terminologies you can now finally add to your vocabulary so that you can finally say that you are a real and genuine fashionista.