Being from Latin America, I have grown up with a deep appreciation for artisanship, craftsmanship, materials, and textiles. These values are ingrained in the fabric of our culture, which has always placed immense value on nature, color, and architecture. In my life, this cultural foundation has formed a strong connection to the art of clothing, which has always fascinated me more than technology or gadgets. When I’m visiting my family in Costa Rica, when I’m not eating churchills, picking mangoes and hanging with stray dogs, I’m admiring the beauty of nature all around me and finding creative inspiration. Clothing, after all, is an incredible art form, made not only from nature’s materials but also from nature’s aesthetic inspiration. 

I think what people dont realize is that fashion is more than clothing and runways (although I do love those things). Fashion literally shapes the world around us in every discipline possible. It intersects with history, psychology, sociology, science, and even business, often in ways we don’t immediately recognize. I recently wrote about Vivienne Westwood’s revolutionary clothing that single handedly gave rise to the punk movement of the 1970s. Through her designs, she expressed the class struggles of the time and spoke to a generation’s frustration with social norms. Fashion has always had this power. The power to comment on social issues, challenge conventions, and spark movements. 

On top of this, it is seen throughout history that clothing is ingrained in the social institution of class, as it acts as an indicator and catalyst for social mobility. Class struggles are often illustrated through clothing, and more often than not, dress codes serve as an implicit method of enforcing or challenging power structures. One of my favorite examples is The Zoot Suit! The Zoot Suit was more than just a fashion statement, but a symbol of empowerment for Black men in the United States during the 1930s and 1940s. The bold, exaggerated style of the Zoot Suit was a direct challenge to the dominant culture’s perception of Black identity and authority, giving Black men a sense of pride and elevating their status in society. Have you ever worn anything to give you a sense of pride, belonging and social status? 

One of my other favorite examples as a woman is the transition from long skirts to shorter skirts in the early 20th century! This change not only mirrored and illustrated women’s changing societal roles but also created it in a way. The introduction of shorter skirts signified a newfound freedom and autonomy, marking a sharp contrast to the more restrictive clothing of previous generations. I know when I wear a short skirt, I feel empowered! 

Fashion’s power to reflect class and societal movements also extends to the world of institutions. My favorite podcast, Avery Trufelman’s “Articles of Interest” has a fantastic series of episodes on the Ivy style. The Ivy League style of the 1970s was a statement of exclusivity. Though the look was only present within Ivy institutions, the look globalized into what “American” fashion was supposed to be. It associated American students with wealth and prestige. To this day, the Ivy League look still carries an implicit code that signals social status and academic success. I’m always looking around for markers of a Rice student’s style that demarcates them as Rice students. Perhaps a “Be Bold” shirt… 

Clothing is so powerful in its ability to communicate who we are without a single word being spoken. When we walk into a room, the first thing people notice is what we’re wearing. Clothes are a form of silent communication that convey our identity, our status, and our values. Fashion is the first impression, and it’s one that’s often immediate and lasting. Hopefully, people have a good first impression of me based on my clothes! I dress incredibly colorful with lots of patterns and textures, which may give people the first impression that I’m outgoing and fun. The way we dress speaks volumes about how we want to be perceived by others. It’s like putting together a puzzle, where each piece of clothing contributes to the image of who we are or who we wish to be.

The puzzle aspect comes in when we are discussing this combination of clothing pieces that one chooses to mix together. It could be the particular mix of designer items that tells a story of if you’re conveying “quiet luxury” or want to convey that you can afford designer items. One wearing a combination of thrifted clothing could be saying that they want to be seen as someone who is less materialistic and cares about the environment. Accessories also play a significant role in this process. For example, I love pairing floral shirts with bohemian accessories and it speaks to my personal style and the uniqueness of my heritage. Each individual can curate their look to reflect who they are or how they wish to be perceived by the world.

Fashion is the best way to communicate how you want to be perceived in the world. There are no rules when it comes to how one should dress, and that’s what makes it special. Perhaps theres so many rules about what is ‘flattering’ or ‘chic’, but ultimately the most fashionable people are those who choose to wear what they love despite these ‘rules’. Whether it’s creating cultural movements or reflecting individual personality, fashion remains one of the most powerful and beautiful forms of self-expression.