Are you cheugy or do you ooze drip? All that Gen Z argot has its own set of challenges, and add to it the overwhelming need to attain the right fit check. And no, we are not talking sizing issues here!
A vibe check, truth be told, is not just by the zoomers. Whether you are a baby boomer, a millennial, a senior screenager, or a soigne from the silent generation, the need to look good, wear the best, is usually a given. For some, however, this could translate into peer pressure and a lot more. How does that impact a person’s psychological being!? In very many ways, say numerous studies.
While the look good, feel good is known, what is now also acknowledged is how the imprint of colour, new wears, a trendy purchase, fashion as a form of self-expression or a distinct identity, plays on an individual’s mood and personality. I clearly remember falling prey to some terrible office politics more than a decade or two back (Yeah, am that old!). I don’t think I knew as much about colour symbolism then, but I instinctively chose a solid red top to work the next morning. Needless to say, everyone steered clear!
When does fashion trigger social anxiety? Studies talk about social media influenced body image issues, insta-perfect mien, peer pressure, social signalling, FOMO or the fear of missing out, compulsive buying and a lot more that both men and women go through. In these espresso times, when even a dress could be just 20 minutes away, when ads beckon at every click, it is important that you do not become a thoughtless bait. Keep a steady head, do not allow yourself to be swayed with irrational acts. Pause before you go click-happy. Ask a few questions. What can you rewear? Why can you not repurpose a wear? Are you letting social media prey on you? Do you really require that extra pair of denims? How good or bad is your sustainable footprint?
Questions that will help you work out your fashion identity. You know, if you wanna be the fire, define ‘your’ trend.
