15 Inspiring Fashion Quotes to Rediscover What Fashion Means to You

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Fashion used to intimidate me.

Did anyone else feel that way?

Fashion has always had a certain allure—dreamy, mesmerizing, and mysterious. Yet, it was also a subject I avoided discussing.

I harbored a silly fear that people, especially those stylish fashionistas, would judge me as not cool enough to discuss it. This feeling was particularly amplified during my years in New York City, where fashionable individuals seemed to populate every street corner. Before moving there, "Fashion" existed solely in magazines and movies. But in New York, it became an everyday reality.

Over the past few years, I've been on a journey of self-discovery, prioritizing self-care, and embracing my true self. Letting go of societal expectations and embracing who I am has become a lifelong practice.

Coincidentally, as I've embarked on this journey, my relationship with fashion has transformed. What once seemed unattainable has now become a part of my identity. I may not be fashionable, but I love fashion—and that's perfectly okay.

I want to wear clothes that I genuinely like, which makes me feel good. I want to experiment with new styles and become the person I aspire to be. I've realized that fashion can be a powerful tool for self-expression and empowerment.

What does fashion mean to you?

Here are some quotes that have reshaped my understanding of fashion. 

Fashion is not about trends or high-end label brands. It's about expressing yourself and telling your story:

• "Fashion is not about trends or high-end labels. It's about expressing yourself and telling your story." — Gianni Versace

• "Never confuse what happens on a runway with fashion. Fashion is only when a woman puts it on." — Oscar de la Renta

• It's horrible when people are only interested in buying labels, because it doesn't bring them the happiness they think it will. — Miuccia Prada

• "You must never confuse fashion with style. Fashion is an industry, style is an expression." — Vera Wang

• “There's no such thing as trends. There's no such thing as style, even. It's just whatever you feel.” — Zendaya

• “Fashion is about expressing your individuality, not conforming to trends.” — Gigi Hadid

• "You need, in your closet, clothes that you can use in many different ways. Clothes that make you feel comfortable, clothes that make you feel 'you.'" – Diane von Fürstenberg

• “Fashion is not just about clothes; it's about self-expression and storytelling.” — Naomi Campbell 

Fashion designers aim to empower through their designs:

• "To me, design and style should make you look and feel good without a lot of effort." — Donna Karan
  

• "Fashion should be fun and accessible." — Anna Sui

• “My goal, my dream, my passion, is to create clothing that makes, enhances, and empowers women. If you love something, it will work. That's the only real rule.” — Vera Wong.

• "I don't design clothes. I design dreams." —Ralph Lauren

Fashion can be your support system:

• "Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life." — Bill Cunningham

• "Shoes transform your body language and attitude. They lift you physically and emotionally." — Christian Louboutin
  

• “I believe in surrounding myself with beauty and luxury, but not for vanity, rather for the pleasure it brings. It’s about cherishing yourself and the world around you.”  — Diana Ross

• “Fashion is that thing that saved me from being sad.” — Lady Gaga

Fashion is all about being true to yourself:

• "Fashion you can buy, but style you possess. The key to style is learning who you are, which takes years. There's no how-to road map to style." — Iris Apfel

• "When you don't dress like everybody else, you don't have to think like everybody else." — Iris Apfel
  

• "You can't try to be somebody you're not; that's not style. If someone says, 'Buy this — you'll be stylish,' you won't be stylish because you won't be you. You have to learn who you are first, and that's painful." — Iris Apfel

• "Create your own style—let it be unique for yourself and yet identifiable for others." — Anna Wintour

Fashion is an ever-evolving art form:

• "Fashion is an ever-evolving art form. Don't be afraid to reinvent yourself and embrace change." — Naomi Campbell

Now, how do you feel about fashion? I would love to hear...

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