Developing Clothing Literacy

When I first started to really analyze the clothing in my life and what I saw in the world I realized that it is a language, just like all art. Since it is a form of communication it is important to have a certain amount of literacy in clothing and to some extent fashion. To become literate is to have autonomy, and in autonomy we can really be ourselves.

When it comes to clothes and the journey to finding our own “Style” I believe that it is just like anything else in life. There will be “mistakes” and it takes time and patience. I think that finding literacy and autonomy in clothing is something that runs parallel to the journey of finding ourselves and this is why it is an expression of who we are, a tool of communicating.

I am not here to write or give advice on the subject of style, but I think we all have interests and things that guide us. I think it is important to pay close attention to the movies we like, the fabrics we are drawn to, the people we admire, characters in books, people in our lives. As we investigate these things and the clothing associated we will build our vocabulary and knowledge. This vocabulary and knowledge will shape your world and how you view and express clothing.

*notes (some things to keep in mind when purchasing clothes)

-I think it is better to buy things of quality, even if it is “trendy”.

-I don’t think it is good habit to throw away clothes, which is why I mention quality. There is always something that can be done with a garment to make it fit your voice of expression, you just have to find a way, or find someone who can help you (i.e a tailor or designer)

- Learning to sew and mend can increase your autonomy. Your clothing/design vocabulary will increase exponentially. You will also be able to distance yourself from the ever changing fashion industry. There is also a lot of satisfaction and confidence to come with sewing.

-The cost of something really only hurts in the moment, but if you take care of your clothes and they are of good quality 5-10 years later you will either forget how much you paid for it or think it was totally worth it.

Good luck.