What Makes Fashion “Good?”

The fashion industry is currently valued at nearly 1.5 TRILLION dollars so to say that it doesn’t reach the majority of the population would be a lie.  Some people don’t even care to buy into fashion, but we’re all a part of it, subconsciously. Let’s talk about the difference between wearing clothes and being fashionable. Disclaimer- Good fashion is definitely subjective (which isn’t news to anyone), but here’s my take on it. I think that good fashion isn’t just about what you wear, but how you wear it. Ultimately, I use 3 guidelines to style outfits that help me to achieve my version of good fashion. Let me explain what they are and how to utilize them.

It’s critical to know how to decipher between a good fit and a bad fit — Check out Mood’s Ultimate Fit Guide for more in-depth tips regarding fit. Pieces that are too big or small or too baggy or tight are not going to flatter your figure, look good, or feel good. No one wants to do the pants dance to fit into their jeans only to be in extreme stomach pain a few hours later because they feel like they’re cutting into some organs. You’re going to feel awful, and the chances that you’re going to look good in that pic you wanted to post on Instagram are slim. Look for pieces that flatter your shape and make you feel confident and stick to them. It’s also okay if those styles need a little fine-tuning. A tailor can help, or better yet, you can make any needed adjustments yourself by using Mood’s Ultimate Alterations Guide. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Take a body-type quiz to get to know more about how to make it look its best, and don’t be afraid to show off the features of your body that you love. A properly fitted outfit is step 1 in achieving good fashion. 

Good quality garments are going to take you much further in the long run in every aspect. Invest in quality staples that will translate well seasonally. Why? Quality items are typically going to fit a lot better because they are generally made with more care. The high standards for quality items mean that more thought and time go into the designs. Quality items are made with fibers that will hold their shape. The details are just as important, the hardware is going to be sturdy and attached well (ie. buttons, rhinestones, zippers, etc. won’t fall off or break easily). How do you identify quality items? Research brands and take a close look at garments before you buy them if you’re shopping in-store. While an expensive price tag sometimes means good quality, that’s not always true. Quality brands come in an array of price points. Spotting quality isn’t hard. Here are a few tips: Check the fabric content and familiarize yourself with common fabrics (and their characteristics). Items with high contents of natural fibers like silk and wool are going to come with a price tag but the quality of the item will be worth it. Wide waistbands, decorative stitching, serged seams, and linings are going to increase the longevity of the item.

Must-Have Quality Staples You Need:

• Neutral tanks and tees
• Crew neck sweater
• Holy grail jeans
• Neutral colored turtleneck
• White button-down
• Denim jacket
• Staple suit
• Black dress
• Pencil skirt
• Leather jacket

We’ve covered proper fit and quality, so where do you go from there? This is the step that takes fashion from good to great. Your quality pieces will be your base, while your accessories and trendy items can be a lot less expensive. These will be the pieces that will be rotated out frequently, keeping you on-trend with minimal effort. This is because you won’t have to replace your wardrobe every time a dodgy shirt rips or shrinks in the wash. Your trendy accessories are going to be where your personality can shine through. Opt for accessories with pops of colors, current prints, and styles. It’s also important to note that when styling pieces, you should always look for a balance. Most often, a baggy garment needs to be offset with a nicely fitted one which goes back to owning items that fit well.

My general rule of thumb is if you are consistently covering a mix of these 3 points, then there’s a good chance that your fashion is on track. Good fashion varies from one person to the next for endless reasons. Each person’s take on good fashion is different, body types are different, and opinions about fashion are different. Good fashion boils down to wearing the right things for yourself in the right way at the right time. If you’re making clothing you’ll want to, also, invest in quality sewing materials like good thread, quality fabric, and reliable sewing tools that are going to help you produce the best product possible.