Fashion as described by google.com, is a popular trend, especially in styles of dress or ornament. Each time you pick up a magazine you can’t help but notice what the model(s) are wearing. Some of it is cute, while others you wouldn’t be caught dead wearing. Like anyone else, I love to look cute, albeit in my non-designer wear. I’ve never really wondered what people thought about my outfits; but as I pay attention to what’s going on around me, I realize that the first thing people notice about you is what you’re wearing. “That’s a cute top, jeans, pants, skirt, shoes, nail/toe color, purse etc.,” is what I hear often said to others.

Keeping up with the Jones’

Most women want to keep up with the latest styles. For that reason they’re constantly changing up their look. And there’s nothing wrong with that unless of course you’re buying expensive items knowing you can’t afford them.

I once tried to keep up with the “Jones’”. There is nothing I hate more than when I compliment someone on what they are wearing, the purse they are carrying etc., and they turn to me and say: “yeah, but it’s expensive and you can’t afford it.” These comments make me determined to not only get what they have, but to get more, just to show that I can afford it. I know Vera Bradley is not Couture fashion, but I used to buy so many of her bags, with money I had no business spending, just to show a friend that she was not the only one who could afford to buy those bags. Yeah, they are not all that expensive, but when you live paycheck to paycheck, they can be pretty pricey.

So, is being over the top when it comes to fashion worth it?

I would have to say a resounding yes! Being over the top when it comes to fashion is worth it; but, only if you’re doing it to make yourself and others feel good. It is not worth it if it causes women, especially young girls, to exclude other girls because of what they are wearing.

Does it make you superficial to be into fashion?

I am all about fashion, and looking good. I don’t think it makes a person superficial to be into fashion. It’s perfectly normal to want to look good, wear the newest style clothing, paint your lips red, or whatever color looks best on you. I would ask any woman who claims being into fashion makes a woman superficial if she doesn’t feel good when she buys a new dress and puts it on for the first time. Doesn’t she spin in front of the mirror assessing herself, thinking she looks damn hot? I’m sure she does. All women want is just to feel good about themselves and more often than not how a woman looks affects how she feels. So fashion is not about being superficial. It’s about feeling good.

As long as a woman doesn’t go overboard…

Don’t misunderstand me, all of this is good, but within reason, and with taste and class. My personal fashion sense could be likened to Cinderella before she got all dressed up for the ball. But even so, I like to look good. I try to create the outfits I see in the magazines. I wear the newest line of make-up products, I get manicures and Pedicures, I get my hair done, and I buy the latest faux fashion jewelry. It’s not excessive. It’s just enough to boost my confidence.

But shouldn’t confidence come from within?

Some of you might say that if you have to dress nice to have confidence, then you need to reassess how much self-esteem you really possess. I don’t agree! I don’t feel that I or anyone who is overly concerned with fashion, lack self-esteem because we like to dress up to resemble the girls in the magazines, or the stars on TV. You have to put it all into perspective. The majority of girls like to look their best, so they dress nicely from head to toe. They want their best appearance put forward to the world, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. It is only when women engage in competitive behavior and use fashion as a way to one-up each other that it becomes a problem. There’s no need for women to try to outdo each other and try to undermine each other’s confidence over concerns like who’s wearing what high end designer label and who can only afford to shop at K-mart.

So, do women take fashion too seriously?

Unless you are wearing ten-inch toenails, as I saw in a picture on a social media website, my answer would be No! Wanting to look good, wanting to dress in the latest fashion styles from dress to accessories is not something for which a woman needs to be criticized. Fashion can positively define who you are if you use it with class, grace, and tact. Fashion can become the window to one’s soul. Having an interest in your appearance doesn’t make you superficial. And finding a style that enhances your appearance can potentially transform your life. So if you’re not currently happy with your look, assess your style, and change one thing at a time. Don’t change who you are, just change what you wear. Believe me, you will feel better about yourself. Don’t see fashion as being like the masses; see it as an expression of your individuality. Try on that vibrant orange the designers are saying is in, you just might be surprised at what it does for your complexion. I must finish this by just noting that in my opinion, the rule of thumb when it comes to looking good, and being fashionably trendy is, make sure it looks good on you, and make certain you don’t have to file bankruptcy after that shopping spree.