The following excerpt is from pages 15-18 of Theology of Style: Expressing the Unique and Unrepeatable You by Lillian Fallon. Lillian shares the difference between personal style and fashion and explains how she discovered her own style.
The words “fashion” and “style” are almost always used synonymously, and the muddling of these terms confused my own understanding of the purpose of personal style.
Take a moment to think about the term “fashion.” What images come to mind? Now think about “style.” What comes to mind? Most people think of “fashion” and imagine the fast-paced New York lifestyle we see in movies and television. We see luxury talen designer items made for runways, red carpets, editorial spreads, and the upper echelon. Fashion is an elite universe for the rich and famous (or those trying to be). For many of us, though, the word “style” brings to mind women such as Audrey Hepburn, Jane Birken, and Iris Apfel. That’s the difference right there. When we think about fashion, we think about an industry. When we think about style, we think of a person.
Expression of the Human Person
Fashion is the clothes, whereas style is the wearer. Style is and always has been about the expression of the human person. When we confuse the two, we end up losing the significance of personal style and its universality.
While the fashion industry exists for a select few, style is for everyone. A woman who shops at thrift stores can be more stylish than a woman who shops on Fifth Avenue. Style is significant to the individual and has almost nothing to do with the artistic pursuits of fashion designers.
Audrey Hepburn Versus Lady Gaga
A great example of the difference between high fashion and style is Audrey Hepburn versus Lady Gaga. Hepburn wasn’t cutting edge or over-the-top with her clothes. She wasn’t fashionable; she was stylish. She is considered a style icon because her spirit came out in the way she carried herself, spoke, and dressed. It was her style that visually communicated how special she was internally. Thus, we love the woman, not just how she dressed. Many women want to emulate the woman Audrey Hepburn by adopting some of her most famous outfits.
Finding Your Personal Style
When I decided to quit pursuing trends, my creativity exploded. Without the influence of trends, I was tapping into my imagination like a kid again. Why couldn’t I wear jeans under a dress? Ruffles with camo? Tasseled military coats with leather skirts? My inspiration had been turned on like a faucet and it was spilling out all over my wardrobe. Finally, I was wearing what I wanted to—not what an industry told me to.