In Defense of Fashion

1. Self-expression: Fashion allows people to express their individuality and personal style. It can be a way for people to communicate their values, interests, and personality to the world.

2. Social cues: Fashion can also be used to send social cues and signals. For example, clothing and accessories can be used to indicate a person's profession, regional or cultural background. This can be an important part of someone's identity. For example, having grown up in a beach city in Southern California, where casual fashion is part of the lifestyle, even though I've moved to Utah, I still feel most like myself wearing flip flops, a bathing suit, and a baseball cap on a beach in the summer. 

3. Empowerment: Fashion can also be empowering. Clothing and accessories can be used to create a sense of confidence and self-assurance, and can also be used to challenge societal norms and stereotypes. My counter culture phase in high school was empowering in a way. I was proving to myself that my self-worth came from myself and my inherent value to God, not by impressing others. 

4. Cultural exchange: Fashion also serves as a means of cultural exchange and can play a role in shaping global trends and cultural identity. Sometimes people want to make new friends because they see others who dress like them and they wonder if they have more things in common. 

5. Economic significance: The fashion industry is a major contributor to the economy, creating jobs and driving economic growth through the production, design, and sale of clothing and accessories.

6. Personal care: Fashion also serves as an important way for people to take care of themselves and their physical appearance. Dressing well can make you feel good about yourself and boost your self-esteem.

One of my favorite things about fashion is how versatile it can be. And based on a recent Vogue article that said "fashion is in flux," it was pointed out that fashion rules are very fluid right now and several different styles are being celebrated. Not to say that anyone can't just dress for themselves and ignore what's "in style." My point is that what's "in style" has never been less rigid. Going shopping with my teenager, I'm seeing influence from the 70's (shorter tops and flared jeans) and from the 80's (mom jeans). The crop top and wide leg jeans trend from the 70's was repeated in the 90's when I was in high school. 

It's also common for people to avoid really trendy styles and just dress in a way that looks best on their body. Especially when it comes to dressing professionally. Fast fashion is less celebrated in most professional work environments and classic styles that are flattering are more common.

With so many options available, my favorite way to dress is based on my mood for that day. Some days I want to be more casual, for comfort, and other days I feel like dressing up more. Casual styles, like sweats and matching sweater tops, are completely acceptable to wear out, like to go shopping. Gone are the days, like in mid-century 1900s, when it was looked down on to not "dress your best" and "dress to impress" out in public. But if you feel like dressing your best, go for it. Do whatever you feel like. 

At this stage in my life, fashion is a form of self-care. Allowing myself to dress based on my mood and daily preferences is important. Also important is allowing myself to buy something new every once in a while. I like to keep my closet options fresh and fun. When I haven't worn something in a while, I decide if it's time to donate it to make room for something new that I'll get more use from. 

When you're in the mood for something new, whether it's for a specific event, or just for self-care and the fun of shopping, take a look at our cute new arrivals. They are updated more than once a week, so there's always something new to see. We have new modest dresses and tops introduced every few days. 

If you are curious how fashion trends that aren't always super modest can be modified to be more modest, take a look at our collections. For example, peasant style dresses are in style right now, with the elastic square back and the close-to-the-shoulder stretchy neckline. We have options that are cut more conservatively and offer more coverage. Check out our modest dresses to see the variety we offer.