STYLE
The style of clothing refers to the characteristics and qualities that pertains to what a piece of clothing looks like, how it feels, or what kind of aesthetic it belongs to.
Below are a list of different kind of clothing styles and a history of how they came to be.
*Bold text information is sourced. Light text information is interpretation.*
ACCESSORIES
ATHLEISURE
BASICS / ESSENTIALS
BEACHY
BOHO
CAMP
CHIC
CITY GIRL
CLASSIC
COUNTRY GIRL
COZY
DESIGNER
EDGY
EVENING
FORMAL
GIRLY
GOTH
GRUNGE
INTIMATES
MATERNITY
MINIMALIST
MIXED
MODEST
OUTERWEAR
PREPPY
PUNK
REGENCY FASHION
RETRO
ROCKER
SEMI-FORMAL
SEXY
SHOES
SPECIALIZED
SPORTY
STREETWEAR
SWIM
THRIFT
TRENDY
VINTAGE
WESTERN
WHIMSICAL
Y2K
KEYWORDS BELOW:
ACCESSORIES
Anything that would be an extra addition to an outfit aside from the base clothing. Items include jewelry, sunglasses, bags, tights, belts, scarves, and more.
ATHLEISURE
A majority of people sport athleisure daily for its comfort and flexibility. Leggings, running shoes, and a sweater basically summarize a sporty style.
BASICS/ESSENTIALS
Items that can be worn time and time again, whether it be as the item itself or utilized as layering pieces under a more intricate outfit. I.e: a plain white t-shirt or bodysuit.
BEACHY
These outfits can include pieces that are comfortable to wear by the pool or at the beach. Beach fashion examples are flowy dresses, crochet tops, maxi skirts, or linen sets. Essentially, anything lightweight that makes it easy to take on and off and exhibits details of the tropics.
BOHO
"Bohemian" was originally a term with pejorative undertones given to Roma gypsies, commonly believed by the French to have originated in Bohemia, in central Europe. The Oxford English Dictionary's definition mentions someone "especially an artist, literary man, or actor, who leads a free, vagabond, or irregular life, not being particular as to the society he frequents, and despising conventionalities generally."
Typically, boho clothing centers around a bohemian or hippie nature, away from "traditional society." Lots of loose clothes, earth tones, and natural materials with vibrant patterns. Think long, printed maxi dresses with a bunch of chunky jewelry.
CAMP
"Susan Sontag's definition begins, "Camp is a certain mode of aestheticism. It is one way of seeing the world as an aesthetic phenomenon." Her numerous examples — Oscar Wilde, Tiffany lamps, Flash Gordon comics — emphasize what she calls "the essence of camp": an embrace of all things exaggerated, artificial, and over-the-top. Today, Merriam-Webster's definition is "something so outrageously artificial, affected, inappropriate, or out-of-date as to be considered amusing." Sontag writes that the concept of camp goes back to the late 1600s, "because of that period's extraordinary feeling for artifice, for surface, for symmetry." However, the word camp wasn't used in that sense until the early 1900s. [Additonally], it's impossible to discuss camp without looking at the influence of queer folks, particularly queer and trans people of color. QTPOC have always been a driving force behind camp, from creating ballroom culture to innovating the arts like camp icons from Josephine Baker to RuPaul."
Camp strongly showcases an exaggerated, flamboyant style that mixes art and fashion to make a bold statement. The Met Gala famously presented this theme one year where celebrities went above and beyond a traditional outfit. Think of Lady Gaga, even predating the Met, where she wore a dress made out of meat. Following this, her Met Gala presence entailed a whopping four outfits where she kept changing into various looks.
CITY GIRL
Coined from Tik Tok, fashion pertaining to a city girl are often fashionable, elevated basics and include staples like leather pants, blazers, gold, hoops and a chic hair clip. A city girl is someone who looks effortlessly put together and could be seen on the streets of New York City. Think Andrea's and Emily's outfits from The Devil Wears Prada.
CHIC
"The word as we now know it is said to come from the old French term, "chicanery," casually defined as "legal quibbling, and sophistry." 1860: The Oxford Dictionary claims that around this time, the word "chic" as we now know it started appearing in the English language. The variation "chicly" also appeared. 1925: During the height of the jazz age in America, being chic was all the rage in fashion circles. 1966: Chic goes back to its French roots. Yves Saint Laurent redefines it by creating the Le Smoking tuxedo suit, pioneering strong minimalist styles for women and solidifying the chicness of androgyny. 1993: Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell define "model chic" and create a brand new era of chicness still coveted today: model off-duty style."
Chic style represents monochromatic pieces that are well constructed. Tan, white, gray, and black are the most popular color preferences. Many people associate this style with the french and know it as Parisian style. It's elegant and sophisticated and always looks well put together.
CLASSIC
Throughout the years, a classic style is one that really never goes out of season. It's pieces that can always be utilized and are good staples to have. Examples of this would be a basic white t-shirt, a good pair of denim jeans, a black pencil skirt, a tan blazer, and more. Pieced together, they're nothing special but will be presentable for everyday occasions.
COTTAGECORE / COUNTRY GIRL
Seeing that a City Girl exists, a Country Girl should too. Instead of a Western vibe though, think of Country Girl as more of the French or English country-side chic. A good term coined for this would be Cottagecore fashion. This vision includes a picnic in a field of flowers with a white baby doll dress and a satin bow as a hair accessory. Lace, maxi dresses, and big hats are a central focus of this aesthetic.
COZY
Anything soft, comfortable, and easy to move around in. This could be a good pajama set, an oversized hoodie, or loungewear for around the house. Whatever makes it easy and relaxing to wear.
EDGY
Black is heavily utilized for this style and incorporates sharp angles and silhouettes for each piece. It combines styles like grunge, punk, rock, and goth to help showcase a tough exterior that's usually on the more experimental side.
EVENING
For women, this pertains mainly to a gown. Eveningwear caters to an event so special it surpasses even the formal dress code. The garments can be very extravagant at times, and in the past, the gowns went with matching gloves.
FORMAL
The formal dress code details an outfit suitable for special events like weddings, prom, fancy dinners, etc. Usually, this consists of long dresses, jumpsuits, or suits. They're noticeably more sophisticated than the average outfit and aim to go above and beyond the norm.
GIRLY
The emphasis on girly is all things traditionally feminine. When I think of girly clothing, it's usually pinks, pastels, florals...you get the gist. The apparel can range anywhere from cute to sexy and has an emphasis on showcasing female features.
GOTH
"Extensive links are sometimes drawn between goth style and various "gothic" movements and individuals throughout history associated with themes such as elegance, decadence, and death. A selection of British bands that appeared prior to, during, and after the late 1970s punk era set the tone for the goth subculture that was to emerge. Crucial ingredients were provided by the deep-voiced feminine glamour of David Bowie, the disturbing intensity and eclecticism of late 1970s Iggy Pop, and the somber angst-ridden despair of Joy Division. Consistent with this emphasis upon sounds and appearances emerging from the music industry, the goth scene has consistently been focused, first and foremost, around a blend of music, fashion, pubs, and nightclubs. In spite of its variety of influences, goth fashion is a contemporary style in its own right, which has retained significant levels of consistency and distinctiveness for over two decades. Put simply, since the mid 1980s, goths have always been easily recognized as such, both by one another and by many outsiders to their subculture."
The color black is easily associated with Goth culture, but isn't always the case. Much of the clothing elements stem from influence from an older time. Major components of the style include corsets, fishnets, and tops with prominent collars. These items often uphold a romantic, antiquated look to them. It's easy to dress this style up or incorporate more casual pieces.
GRUNGE
"Grunge refers to a genre of rock music that emerged out of the Seattle area in the mid 1980s. Those who exemplified the grunge movement shared a general feeling of disenchantment with society, and a "who gives a f*ck" attitude that was carried over in their music and also how they dressed. When you think of grunge style, Kurt Cobain is easily one of the first who comes to mind. Without even trying, he pioneered a style of oddball dressing that was so against the norm that it became its own fashion trend, characterized by ripped denim, baggy flannels, mis-matched prints and colors, old oversized sweaters, beanies, and dirty sneakers. Yet somehow it works, and the statement – of being a complete individual who can't be bothered by what is trendy or considered 'normal' – became a trend in and of itself."
Grunge fits outside the norm and creates a mix of clothing to cast a casual but edgy appearance. Think of outfits that you'd pair doc martens with - maybe an oversized black tee and a flannel over it.
INTIMATES
Undergarments such as underwear, bras, or lingerie. This could also extend to intimates apparel like nightgowns, coverups, robes, or a loose nighttime dress.
MATERNITY
Pretty self-explanatory. Any piece of clothing that a pregnant person can utilize during their pregnancy.
MINIMALIST
"The term originates from the artistic movement that appeared in 1960s in New York when a group of artists including Donald Judd, John McCracken, Agnes Martin and many others, "rejected the traditional representations in painting and sculptures and chose to pursue the new mode that owed as little as possible to the physical existence of an object". Deriving from reductive aspects of Modernism, Judd described his work as "the simple expression of complex thought", which sums up the aesthetic as it exists within fashion, too. Minimalism was always the indicator of economic cycles and teChnological development. In fashion context minimalism concentrates more on the form and fabric than on the function of the clothing. Through the process of reductivism that strips the design object to its necessary elements, the minimalist designers often play with lines and geometric shapes in monochrome palette. While minimalism of the past was always connected to various social, political and cultural shifts, the movement of the 21st century is more impacted by the economics."
Minimalist clothing leaves off everything unnecessary and only presents what's needed. Typically, items are monochromatic and play with lines and geometric shapes to utilize interesting silhouettes. Many people can attribute the 90s as an excellent example of minimalist fashion.
MIXED
Stores with a wide variety of options ranging from casual, sporty, trendy, chic, formal...and so forth would be considered mixed fashion. This style applies more towards the large corporations that can afford to supply so many different options.
MODEST
"There's not a single definition to it because everyone has their own varying explanations of what modest fashion means to them, so it's a broad idea that gets very narrow inside those two words. Shortly, modest fashion is the act of covering up on purpose. The decision to do so can be religious/ethnic fulfillment or to attain a certain aesthetic and level of ease."
Modest fashion centers around showing less skin. People wear items that are longer in length and can vary depending on preference. Some like to dress in more vibrant, bold colors, and others want to keep it more neutral. It's all about what makes you most confident.
PREPPY
"Back in the late 1890s and early 1900s, "preppy" style was a sort of status symbol, worn by wealthy guys who went to preparatory and Ivy League schools— hence the name. In the 1950s, the trend expanded even more. Just think about your favorite movies based in that decade, whether it's Grease or Pleasantville. Once we reached the '80s, preppy style as we now know it really began to happen — thanks to a book called The Official Preppy Handbook. Originally, it was meant to be humorous and tongue-in-cheek, but it sold more than a million copies, inspiring people to start wearing khakis, plaid blazers, and knotting sweaters over their shoulders unironically."
A perfect example of modern prep includes a majority of the outfits on Gossip Girl. Tennis skirts paired with a button-down underneath a knit sweater would be an ideal combo. You can get creative with it, similar to Cher in Clueless with the iconic yellow plaid suit.
PUNK
"The counter-movement was a backlash against the etherealness established by the late sixties' Summer of Love ethos – all waves, flares, drapes, peace and love. In its place came super tight jeans, leather jackets, ripped tees, sweat and anger. Soft lines were replaced with sharp cuts; 15-minute prog-rock jams struck down by two-minute distorted bursts. The clothes, as is always the case, reflected the music. Punk band The Ramones would command their sharp sound with a new sharp look and a 1-2-3-4! They ripped up their jeans just like they ripped up the sixties. Sneakers and leather completed the look. Their iconic band t-shirt – synonymous with teen rebellion – is still worn by college kids today."
Much of the style centers around tight black clothing, but there are pops of colors with punk, especially hairstyles. Layering is crucial, and accessories are what help generate the signature for punk. Plaid bottoms, a sturdy leather jacket mixed with a band tee, and silver accessories could complete a modern punk outfit.
SEMI-FORMAL
*Not the same as "Semi Formal." Please see the "Events" page.*
The blend between informal and formal. It's not quite casual, but it's not too sophisticated either. There are fewer restrictions, and you can be more playful with your outfits. You can utilize this style when attending a nice dinner, a ceremony of some sort, a fancy club, or a wedding. Just avoid jeans and a t-shirt.
SEXY
I'll start by saying that almost anything can be sexy because it begins with confidence and what makes you feel good. However, this style will stem from the traditional sense of what sexy clothes are. This includes items that emphasize cleavage, curves, and lots of skin.
SPECIALIZED FASHION
You know those brands that have pieces where you can immediately tell who makes it? Specialized fashion focuses on clothing stores with a signature design or feel to their products that make them easily identifiable. Most stores don't carry a wide variety of products and like to hone in on their craft.
SPORTY/ATHLEISURE
"Sportswear of the late 19th and 20th centuries referred to the interchangeable separates worn by both players and spectators. [4] They were made in response to a more active lifestyle led by women, who were riding bicycles, playing tennis and dancing in nightclubs. This kind of clothing was often made of knits or jersey and exposed arms and legs for freedom of movement. What really sets today's athleisure apart from its history is technology. The athleisure that we know of today developed because of advanced textile science that allowed for the advent of improved performance fabrics."
A majority of people sport athleisure daily for its comfort and flexibility. Leggings, running shoes, and a sweater basically summarize a sporty style. Workout sets can double for the perfect outfit to run to the grocery store. More brands are incorporating some kind of athleisure items because of their high rise in popularity.
STREETWEAR
"Streetwear isn't a new phenomenon—it has actually been around for nigh on 40 years. However, it's over the past few seasons that the once humble aesthetic has successfully moved into the higher echelons of fashion, establishing itself as a retail force to be reckoned with. But how did it turn out that what was once a subversive, subculture movement only followed by surfers and skateboarders now influences the whole of the fashion industry, from the high-street to the luxury market? Originally, streetwear was a way to describe comfortable clothing, predominantly worn by people following skateboarding and surf culture in Los Angeles. Shawn Stussy, who made surfboards, also started making T-shirts (with the now iconic logo) and selling them. He is often credited with being the originator of the entire streetwear movement. After California, the look became popular with youth culture scenes, especially within skateboarding and hip-hop circles in New York. But it was brands such as NYC-based Supreme, which started in 1994 as a skateboard and clothing shop, that propelled the trend further. While Supreme can definitely be credited with helping to move the streetwear trend forward, there are other aspects at play. Matt from Provide reckons that a "democratisation of fashion has made it possible for more people to participate in an industry that has historically had high barriers to entry." And he's right. With less emphasis on having to wear certain designer labels and anyone being able to launch their own fashion line, it's meant the traditional gatekeepers no longer dictate the rules."
Streetwear combines various elements from several subgenres of fashion to generate a complete outfit that makes casual wear edgy and noteworthy. The kinds of clothing like baggy pants, oversized jackets, sportswear, flannels, and such all stem from the skateboarding and hip hop communities. This fashion is fun because there are no strict rules, and people continue to push the boundaries for what streetwear is.
TRENDY
This style caters to anything that you see a hundred times on Instagram or Tik Tok. It's "trendy" because everyone's wearing it. You can still find cute pieces that suit your style but go quickly because these items tend to be in one minute and out the next. Trendy is ever-changing because it's constantly trying to keep up with the times.
RETRO
"Retro style is a style that is imitative or consciously derivative of lifestyles, trends, or art forms from the historical past, including in music, modes, fashions, or attitudes. In popular culture, the "nostalgia cycle" is typically for the two decades that are 20–30 years before the current one."
"Retro is not original but is inspired to appear like the original. Vintage refers to something original, aged between 20-100 years, is rarer and therefore has more value than its retrocounterpart."
Typically, retro applies to clothing stores that bring back certain styles from a particular decade and incorporates the look and feel into modern pieces. It's similar to the original, but it's created as a new piece and differs entirely from vintage.
REGENCY ERA
"Women's fashion in the Regency era started to change drastically. It popularized the empire silhouette, which featured a fitted bodice and high waist. This "new natural style" emphasized the beauty of the body's natural lines. ... Women often wore several layers of clothing, typically undergarments, gowns, and outerwear."
A an example of this would be the looks featured in Bridgerton. The staple is a long, flowy dress with a high featured bust. In today's world, we've made modern adaptations to the era, but many clothes still embody the same essence as Daphne Bridgerton.
ROCKER
"Elvis Presley (1935-1977) was the first enduring rock 'n' roll idol, and his look was as popular as his sound. As he performed such hits as "Jailhouse Rock," "Hound Dog," "Heartbreak Hotel," and "All Shook Up," Elvis swiveled his hips and wore wide-shouldered jackets and loose, lightweight slacks that moved with him. Teens who embraced rock 'n' roll began looking and dressing in ways that veered from the accepted norm. Teenage boys wore tight-fitting blue jeans and white T-shirts: an outfit that represented the essence of rock 'n' roll rebellion. Or they adapted the "greaser" look favoring tight T-shirts and dungarees, a type of jean, along with black leather jackets."
The rock look today consists of a good pair of jeans and a great leather jacket. Many might also add a band tee and black boots to complete the look. This style centers around black, white, and denim and utilizes the leather jacket as a staple piece of the outfit.
VINTAGE
"Vintage" is a colloquialism commonly used to refer to all old styles of clothing. A generally accepted industry standard is that items made between 20 years ago and 100 years ago are considered "vintage" if they clearly reflect the styles and trends of the era they represent."
Y2K from the 2000s would be the earliest example of vintage clothing. People can acquire these items through thrifting or having items passed down to them. Vintage covers all styles and relies on the era that the clothes were initially produced.
WESTERN
"In the United States, we typically think of Western Wear to be the sort of clothing worn by cowboys and cowgirls. Such as cowboy hats and cowboy boots. This style of clothing can include Stetson hats, large belt buckles, duster coats, etc. Another well-known Western accessory is the bolo tie, which was a pioneer invention reputedly made from an expensive hatband."
To add onto the Western style, other than cowboy boots, a modern perspective of fashion includes fringe jackets, leather accessories, vests, big buckle belts, a wide brim hat and more. Casey Musgraves and Lil Nas X incorporate this style very well into their looks.
WHIMSICAL
"In the Whimsical style type's closet, you'll find loads of playful prints and accessories. Whimsicals love a full skirt, tulip shaped dresses, and quirky prints such as polka dots, paisleys, florals, and other painterly patterns. A statement coat is a must in the Whimsical wardrobe, and her shoe shelves are lined with flirty, colorful heels. The Whimsical style type isn't afraid to stand out, in fact, she thrives in the spotlight and enjoys having all eyes on her and her fanciful sense of style."
Whimsical fashion caters to clothing that's made to stand out. Either with fun prints, oversized silhouettes, or mix n' match patterns, these can be elements that help define this style. Typically, these clothes are some of the most fun and exciting pieces of fashion that people can find. Whimsical fashion is similar to Camp fashion in that they both take a playful approach to clothes but differ in the sense that Whimsical pieces are much more toned down.
Y2K
"The Y2K aesthetic is radically distinctive and inspired by the mid-'90s and early 2000s when the internet became more popular, during the dot-com boom. This style is typically quite futuristic with a slightly retro edge – think shiny materials, chunky sneakers, pleated skirts, baguette bags, and colorful sunglasses. With the massive peak in the advancement in technology, viewers were both optimistic and cautious about the future, and how it could transform our lives. This came through with changes in music, films, decor, and, of course, fashion. Some of this era's biggest influences include Carrie Bradshaw, Bratz Dolls, and films like The Matrix and Mean Girls."
If your outfit resembles that of a Bratz Doll you've understood the assignment. Y2K outfits extend beyond the clothes. The accessories are just as essential as the base clothing and takes a mixed match approach with a futuristic twist. Items are bright and bold, often on the tinier side, and can be glammed up or dressed down depending on the other components. If you're still confused, reference anything Paris Hilton wore in the 2000s.