Wearing VS. Styling; The art of making fashion your own.

Fashion is what is offered in stores. Styles is what you choose to wear.

Imogen Lamport.

Have you been on TikTok? Then you have probably come across videos of creators on wearing vs. styling. It is very satisfying to watch because then you notice how an outfit goes from clothing/garment to style. However, most of the creators have missed the true definition of how the whole styling vs. wearing argument comes about. To some it’s been a matter of tucking in blouses, adding belts and others it’s just the shoe and bag addition.

Fashion is a powerful means of self-expression, and it encompasses two essential aspects: wearing and styling. While these terms might seem interchangeable, they carry distinct meanings and play unique roles in the world of fashion. Wearing refers to the act of putting on clothing and accessories to cover our bodies and protect us from the elements. At its core, wearing is about functionality and utility. We choose our clothing based on practical considerations like weather, comfort, and occasion. Wearing serves as the foundation of fashion, as without this fundamental step, there would be no canvas upon which to build a style. However, wearing doesn’t exist in a vacuum; it forms the base upon which the art of styling is constructed. The clothes we wear create the initial impression, but it’s in the realm of styling that we truly breathe life into our fashion choices.

Styling is where the magic of fashion happens, it’s the art of combining various clothing pieces and accessories to create a coherent and visually pleasing look. Style is how you translate fashion into your language; what is the story you’re telling with your outfits? Who is this person we are seeing considering your choice of style, how are you showing that through your clothing? A lot of outfits are generic, anyone can pull off any outfit without too much work but how are you fusing your authenticity or who you uniquely are into the clothing as a creator? Fashion is something we consume. It is the garments, we buy fashion but style is who you are, It’s in your DNA. The story you tell by transcending mere functionality and venturing into the realm of personal expression through clothing. Let’s discuss some key aspects of styling.

Creativity; Styling is an art that requires creativity. Creativity, however, is more personal and subjective. What is creative to one person, won’t be creative to the other. It involves mixing and matching colours, patterns, textures, and silhouettes to convey a specific message. You want to tell a story of a stud, an African Icon, and a self-made billionaire all in the creativity of style.

Personalization; Styling is deeply personal. It reflects our unique tastes, preferences and personalities. It’s a means of expressing who we are to the world without saying a word.

Trend adaptation; Styling allows us to adapt easily to current fashion trends to our style. We can incorporate trendy pieces into our wardrobe while still staying true to our fashion identity.

Attention to detail; Styling is often about the little details. It involves selecting the right shoes, accessories, hairstyles(that is why we get to see signature hairstyles from stylish people change to the suitability of their style choices) and even perfume to complement the overall look.

The relationship between wearing and styling is symbiotic. Wearing provides the canvas, while styling adds the brushstrokes. Without the foundation of wearing, styling would lack substance, and fashion would be reduced to a superficial endeavour. Conversely, without styling, wearing would be a mundane chore rather than an opportunity for creative self-expression. However, you cannot pull off fashion in terms of wearing and styling without considering the important aspects.

Know yourself; Understanding your body type, colour preferences, and personal style is crucial. This self-awareness forms the basis for effective styling.

Experiment; Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and combinations. Fashion is a dynamic field, and your style can evolve.

Learn from others; Look to fashion influences, magazines, and social media for inspiration that resonates with your individuality. While trends can be a starting point, remember to adapt them to your style and not the other way around.

Invest in versatile pieces; A well-curated wardrobe consists of versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched for various looks.

In a world of fashion, wearing and styling are two sides of the same coin. Wearing provides practicality and functionality, while styling infuses creativity and personal expression into our clothing choices. By understanding the distinctions between these two aspects and mastering the art of styling, you can make fashion not just something you wear, but a true reflection of who you are. Step out of your comfort zone, and let your fashion journey be an exciting exploration of self-expression through wearing and styling.