Is Fashion a Language?

While there are hundreds, probably thousands of languages; I believe that there are very few that transcend languages barriers. One of those is fashion. While you, like many others may think that I’m crazy because, well clothes can’t talk. While that is a valid point, you don’t always have to talk to get a point across.

I believe that fashion can be a language. A visual language. What you wear is a way of speaking. Certain garments have specific connotations with it. They can help express the feelings of how someone is feeling whether it be the designer or the buyer.

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Certain garments have specific connotations. This is an example of how fashion can be a language. When you think of a white gown, what is the first thing that pops in your mind? Wedding gown, would probably be the answer most people would answer. You don’t even have to say wedding to associate a white gown to a wedding. This is how fashion is a language. It transcends verbal communication to be just in the know.

Moreover, this can also be seen outside of the fashion realm and be seen in everyday life like in “uniforms”. Whether it be a police officer in his uniform or a judge wearing his robe. What they wear speaks on what they do. Because they wear official uniforms to separate them from everyone else, they are held to a higher respect. Additionally, this is applied in any job with a required uniform. From scrubs, steel toe boots, and non-slip shoes; Wearing that uniform tells people “Yes, I work here.”

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Fashion can also help as a way to express yourself whether it be the designer or the consumer. Some designers like to show that beauty is only a perspective and that anything can be beautiful because it is found within. Designers like Alexander McQueen and Yohji Yamamoto are perfect examples of this. They create beautiful garments that show something doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful. This is another way that fashion transcends language.

For the consumer, how we wear and style the clothes we buy is a way to speak. For example, some days when I’m feeling great I’ll wear a cute outfit and get dressed up. I don’t need to tell anyone why I’m getting dressed up but as soon as anyone see me they ask “Ohhhhh, where are you going all dressed up?” I didn’t even have to speak and my outfit already spoke for me that it might be a special occasion because I’m wearing a nice outfit. (Unless you’re Mariah Carey and always wear a gown. Lol)

Furthermore, it can also be seen when you just wear sweats and a hoodie or just your pjs to the store or anywhere in public. You are indicating to people that you wear what you want and you don’t care what they think. Comfortablility over fashionability. (But it is possible to be fashionable and be comfortable.) Like “Yes, I’m at the grocery store in Pj’s so ?”

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Overall, I believe that fashion is a language that many people can understand. While not ALL fashion is understood at first as some designers do avant-garde work, like any language with time and actually wanting to understand it; everything will make sense. Do you think fashion is a language? Let me know in the comment.