Exploring How Clothing Shapes Identity, Self-Esteem, and Social Interaction
Clothing, hairstyles, makeup, and accessories influence the first impressions people have. Have you ever stopped to consider how the clothes we wear influence our sense of identity, self-esteem, and social interaction? Because a person’s wardrobe says a lot about the person’s personality and who they are as an individual. 'You’re wearing something because you love it, not because someone else loves it.'
He entered Art and Vintage, a charming, snug coffee shop in the heart of Edinburgh. Dressed in an all-black ensemble with a sizable black bomber jacket and a cap that revealed his blonde locks, he took a seat beside me. We placed our coffee orders with the friendly barista. As Ian savored his first sip of coffee, I began to explain the reason behind my message to him, inspired by his captivating talk at the Scottish National Museum's 'Little Black Dress Night
Ian Tod, now in his forties, hails from a small town in Scotland. In his early years, his hometown boasted limited shopping options, but Ian's passion for experimenting with different styles always shone through. He reminisces, 'I didn’t have a massive exposure to the world, so I always frequented the local shops.' In 2001, he made the significant move to Edinburgh to pursue an art college education. 'When I moved to Edinburgh,' Ian explains, 'I began to encounter a vast array of styles, from vintage to street fashion, and so much more. Everything changed—my personality, my style, my hair, my entire being.'
​
Today, Ian's work as a fashion stylist takes him all over the UK, where he contributes to numerous magazine projects and installations. He reflects on the transformation he has undergone over the years, including the evolution of the people he associates with. 'Numerous factors come into play,' he notes. 'The desire to fit in yet stand out. One's mindset undergoes a transformation, but my love for clothing has always remained constant. I gradually fell in love with wearing black over the past decades. There are various reasons behind my affinity for black, and it's not just the color itself; I combine it with furs, sequins, and other fabrics. I wear what I love, and it just so happens to be black.'
"I began to encounter a vast array of styles, from vintage to street fashion, and so much more."
Fashion is a powerful medium of self-expression, allowing us to convey both our inner and outer selves. It serves as a canvas for expressing identity, beliefs, and personal style. By embracing their individuality through fashion, people distinguish themselves in ways that make them feel unique. What truly matters is how a person feels in what they wear, rather than striving to conform to the ever-changing trends dictated by society.
In today's world, societal judgments based on appearance, particularly clothing choices, have become increasingly prevalent. People often assess others through first impressions, which can lead to misjudgments when it comes to getting to know someone on a deeper level. When we judge solely based on looks, we may overlook the fact that someone could be going through a challenging phase in their life.
Unfortunately, the societal habit of passing judgments based on appearances has far-reaching consequences. It can lead to feelings of isolation, low self-esteem, and even discrimination. People who are unfairly judged based on their clothing or style may find it difficult to connect with others or face prejudice in various aspects of life, from the workplace to personal relationships.
Consider the idea that fashion serves as an extension of one's self-expression. Could this imply that we have the right to judge someone based on their fashion choices since they are a deliberate form of self-expression? Instead, what if we encouraged empathy and understanding before rushing to judgment? What if we made an effort to challenge our preconceptions and acknowledged that a person's clothing represents only one aspect of their identity? Perhaps by looking beyond appearances, we open ourselves to deeper, more meaningful connections that transcend the limitations set by societal fashion stereotypes.
The emotional toll of dressing uniquely is draining, Ian explains. Negative comments, judgment, and unsolicited attention can be frustrating and disheartening. Over time, these comments build up, making it tempting to avoid dressing up. Even positive comments can be unsettling, as they single you out when you're just trying to enjoy your time with friends. Anonymity is often preferred when going out, but unique styles can make it challenging to blend in. 'I will have my good days, my bad days, my pretty days, and my off days. But I just think have fun, because life is hard enough. If you can get some joy from clothes that you can express who you are and who you want to be, that you feel better and stronger. Just go for it!' It's essential to remember that personal style is an individual choice and should be respected.
Everyone has a story. You may not know what someone is going through right now. There could be a lot more of underlying issues that you are not aware of. Furthermore, there’s more to them than ‘meets the eye’, and discovering their real story might be a surprise to you! This is why it’s so important to never judge a book by its cover.