Self-Expression Through Tees: The Power of Clothing & Fashion

12 Sep Self-Expression Through Tees: The Power of Clothing & Fashion

“Fashion is about something that comes from within you.”

– Ralph Lauren

Yes, clothes are functional – a.k.a I’m pretty sure security would escort you from work if you showed up flaunting your birthday suit. But, truly, clothes are so much more than that. Like the words we use to communicate, how we choose to dress is a form of self-expression. Style is representative of your character, spirit, mood, confidence, and more.

Inspiration can be derived from popular culture, music, celebrities, nature, politics, you name it. Over the years, the American fashion scene has been dominated by lifestyle brands, like Calvin Klein or Ralph Lauren, who have a knack for showcasing a diverse portfolio of garments – from lavish evening gowns on the runway to your average t-shirt on the racks of T.J. Maxx.

Whether your guilty pleasure is watching live runway shows, or you’re a purely unconventional fashionista who scours boutiques for indie labels, style is a universal language that can be used to express your thoughts, feelings, or views without ever uttering a word.

From the ’60s till Present Day: A Look at Fashion Trends

The ‘60s represented a time of political and cultural upheaval; a theme that shaped the iconic fashion characteristic of that decade. The anti-establishment and hippie movement gave way to long, loose-fitting clothing and Pocahontas-style headbands. Mod fashion became highly popular, with geometric patterns, psychedelic prints, bright colors, and shift dresses entering mainstream fashion. Oh, and let’s not forget those far out knee-high go-go-boots – can you dig it?

Peace out loose-fitting hippie clothes; hello ‘70s fashion.

This decade was define by bell-bottom jeans, exotic fabrics, and flashy apparel. Off-the-shoulder necklines, blouses with lace trim, peasant-style clothing, and skirts with embroidery were some of the hottest trends of the time. From there, came the emergence of disco fashion, defined by tight-fitting clothes and brightly-hued patterns.

Like Skee-Lo, if you wish you were a little bit taller, the ‘80s has your name on it. Platform shoes were a hot commodity, worn by both men and women, with some styles elevating the wearer over 4+ inches.

But, the effervescent disco trend sparked a counter-movement – one steeped in punk and inspired by bands like the Sex Pistols and popular designers, like Vivienne Westwood. The rise of punk culture – namely the spiked leather jackets, dyed mohawks, body piercings, and combat boots – was marked by aggression, rebellion, and political outspokenness.

The punk rock style was a way to exercise speech and shed light on political and social concerns, like war and nuclear threats, lower-class oppression, unemployment, and mental/emotional matters, like depression. In contrast to the decadence and glamor surrounding mainstream disco culture, punk rock was a form of expression; a way to communicate to masses that everything’s not peachy and not everyone is treated as equals.

As I’m sure you’re well aware, fashion is cyclical in nature. But, I gotta say, I love a good revival. And guess what? The fashion world is feeling the 70s vibes right now, with a clear resurgence in its popularity. Just ask Zendaya (and co-designer Tommy Hilfiger), who recently unveiled their Zendaya x Tommy collection. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the collection of “70s-inspired pieces uphold Zendaya’s bold style infused with Hilfiger’s classic twist,” which they are calling a “full-circle moment.”

E.T. and The Golden Girls – absolute 1980s staples.

The 80s ushered in another upheaval in the fashion world. It was a decade that embraced ‘big and bright’ – vivid colors, bright patterns, big hair, padded shoulders. Women donned miniskirts made from knit, denim, or leather fabrics, which they paired with leggings. After the popularity of the movie, Flashdance, leg warmers, ripped sweatshirts, and dancewear entered the scene.

And, let’s not forget the legendary and influential stylings of Madonna, who made fishnet stockings, exposed undergarments, layers of beaded necklaces, and gloves the new must-haves for women. Other fashion trends of the decade included jean jackets, parachute pants, high-tops, polo shirts with the collar popped, and baggy blazers.

‘90s fashion was far more tamed than the loud and frenzied style that ruled the ‘80s. Overalls (unfortunately) were worn by both men and women and bands like Nirvana brought about the grunge look – picture: plaid flannel shirts with rock-concert tees underneath, ripped jeans, and greasy hair. Goth style also became popular after stars like Marilyn Manson and Nine Inch Nails sported studded bracelets, black clothing, eyeliner, and black combat boots.

Also noteworthy in the ‘90s were thigh-high stockings (as if!), babydoll dresses, belly shirts, chunky platform shoes, and spaghetti-strap slip dresses. As hip hop began dominating the music scene, baggy jeans (and I mean, full boxers exposed) became the definition of cool among men.

And that, my friends, brings us to the 21st century – an era defined by technology, connectivity, and individuality.  

Today, fashion not only continues to be influenced by pop-culture but it also remains a reflection of society and current events. We continue to see new trends emerge, but you’ll notice they are merely inspired by decades past and revamped to appeal to modern tastes.

So, what kind of styles are we seeing as we people-watch in Times Square or peruse our Instagram feeds? Here’s a look.

Hip Hop & Urban Wear

From military printed cargos to customer sneakers to graphic tees, this style is all about self-expression and making a statement. It all stemmed from a music genre that went against what was considered “mainstream.” Whether you wear a baggy t-shirt and a baseball cap or a shirt with a political stance that resonates with you, you can let your clothes do the talking with urban wear.

Geek Chic

I’m looking at you World of Warcraft-playing comic book-lover. This style is about being comfortable while still making a statement with your clothes. Geek chic is typically defined by loafers, slouchy pants, fitted tees, neatly groomed hair, and don’t forget to accessorize with a pair of oversized, yet trendy glasses.

Activewear

Ok first and foremost, I want you to crack a smile and laugh a little, so I’m sharing this golden nugget of hilarity with you: Activewear Video

…activewear 🎶activewear 🎵

You’re welcome for getting that song stuck in your head. Sorry, I digressed a bit there. So, as Sporty Spice showed us, sport-specific clothing stems beyond just pumping iron, going for a run, or any kind of sweating caused by exercising. It can be worn as a fashion statement too. Tennis shirts, tracksuits, polo shirts, or tees displaying some of your favorite motivational quotes, like “Good things come to those who sweat,” are a casual and comfortable way to get those sporty vibes going in the morning.

Vintage

Believe it or not, any second-hand clothing made before 1990 is considered vintage. Retro or antique-style clothing encompasses anything from the 1920s era or earlier. There’s a lot of boutiques that have modernized vintage styles, so you can add a statement piece to your closet without sitting in on an auction for one of Audrey Hepburn’s iconic dresses.

Preppy

What started as a trend solely reserved for prep school students, has evolved into a popular style of attire. Many iconic designers have set off to shape the prep look, delivering clothes that are perfect for mixing and matching on any occasion.

Bohemian

While bohemian fashion really took root in the ‘60s and ‘70s, the style has seemed to prevail throughout the decades. In essence, the bohemian look is all about the free-flowing fabrics, whimsical styles, and a touch of free-spirited allure. From exotic textures to layering different patterned fabric, boho fashion usually consists of jackets, scarves, skirts, and vests, all worn on top of each other.

Goth

The Gothic clothing style can be characterized by dark, mysterious, and even antiquated features. The style of dress encompasses dark clothing, dyed black hair, heavy eyeliner, and black lipstick.

Grunge

Grunge is the “I-don’t-care” sibling in the family. Based around the grunge music scene, clothing is all about comfort, emulating an “unkempt” look and pairing pieces of clothing together that don’t match. This fashion is also strongly steeped in flannel that’s thrown on carelessly – because remember, this style is about not caring.

Punk

If you’re an edgy, anti-materialistic type of guy or gal than the punk style has your name on it. Leather, spandex, wrist bands, chains, and t-shirts sporting different bands is typical to this type of fashion.

Street

Street style has greatly evolved over the years, transitioning from the sidewalks to runway shows and designer fashion. Seen most often in urban areas, street fashion is unique because it’s not defined by one style of clothing. Instead, it encompasses a range of styles and is all about seeing clothing as an extension of one’s self.

Clothing has the ability to bring people together, start conversations, and boost how we feel about ourselves. It surpasses race, religion, sex, political preference, and background to connect all different types of people on a meaningful and relatable level.