Fashion | Why IS fashion so important?

Fashion, why is everyone so obsessed with it?
I have adored fashion ever since I was a little girl. I remember rushing to sit in front of the TV to see Gok's Fashion Fix, I used to 'umm' and 'ahh' in awe of the end of the show Fashion Showcase where he and Brix Smith-Smart would go head-to-head to see which was better: High Street or High End? Gok would cover the high-street whilst Brix covered High End. From then onwards, Fashion has been a big part of my life.

I myself, mainly purchase High Street fashion as I don't have the advantage of having thousands of pounds in the bank that I can splash on luxury trends. I do have a few Designer items, which I'm lucky to own but otherwise High Street clothing and the additional thrifted item is what my wardrobe consists of.

So, why is fashion SO important to me and the rest of the world?

Fashion is a way that we, as individuals express ourselves; from colours, to patterns and styles to brands - but why is expression an important factor of life in this day and age? Many of us would have endured some form of bullying by adulthood and a great escapism from this is creativity and for many of us that translates into fashion itself. Whether you express yourself by wearing bright colours and prints or by wearing short skirts and crop tops; fashion is a way of life and if you choose to follow fashion it should be because it empowers you to be the best person you can be.

 I use fashion as an expression, a shield almost, a way to stay strong, grounded and fierce. I dress to impress myself - nobody else. Some people dress to impress the opposite sex, others dress to impress their friends and some people power dress - whatever the reason for YOUR dress sense - be confident and stay true to yourself!

Fashion isn't just about empowering yourself, fashion is about livelihood too. Many people rely on fashion to make a living - fashion designers, shop owners, sales assistants and magazines - fashion is in everyone's day-to-day life, even if you're not directly in the forefront of it, like myself. Clothing is a necessity, therefore, fashion is too if you choose it to be. From the articles we read on blogs, to the photographs we like on Instagram and the clothes we purchase from shops such as Primark, River Island and Topshop - fashion is with you, constantly, whether you like it or not and if you're reading this, the chances are; you love it!

"Fashion is what you buy, Style is how you wear it"

Personally, for me, fashion is about confidence and happiness. I do what I do to fill my heart with joy, whether it be writing this article or dressing up in my favourite dress, heels and handbag - fashion isn't just the clothes we wear - fashion is a way of life, an expression, a career.

I'd love to know what fashion means to YOU, let me know in the comments below!