Yesterday morning, I had the unique opportunity to enjoy breakfast and engage in conversation about my favorite topic (fashion) and my favorite store (T.J.Maxx). The discussion was led by panelists Dr. Hazel Clark, Research Chair of Fashion at Parsons The New School For Design, and Leslie Fremar, Celebrity Fashion Stylist. Exploring some very interesting new studies on how women feel about fashion and self-expression, it was an informative and enlightening experience. It was so much fun to gain the insights and perspectives of my colleagues that work as writers and editors across major fashion periodical platforms.
One of the topics we discussed was the finding that fashion plays an important role in giving women control over what they want to say about themselves. No longer identified as a “fashion victim,” nearly 9 out of 10 women agreed with the statement, “I control my fashion, fashion doesn’t control me.” And rightfully so. If style were a rigid concept with the expectation of women with varying taste and size to conform to what’s popular in that moment, it wouldn’t be fashion. Being fashionable is about identifying what works for the individual, suiting their personality and self-expression.
Some other interesting findings:
- According to 77% of women, more fashion options means more opportunity to self-express.
- 55% of women interpret trends with a personal twist.
- 88% of women agree that they dress for themselves, not for others.
These numbers really just confirm how I already felt; I don’t want to be told what my style is at a steep price- I want to decide for myself, put my creativity at work, have fun, and feel good about the price tag. I love T.J. Maxx not only for the designer finds at great deals, but because I can have fun pairing together an outfit, forming a completely unique look to call my own. I like to have my own personal style, and T.J. Maxx has always assisted in the delivery. Even as I write this, I am wearing a soft olive green button-down tank top that I bought at T.J. Maxx a few weeks ago for $12.99. I paired it with a long pocket watch necklace from last summer’s street fair, skinny jeans, and brown boots- and voila! This look is all my own. Mix and match made easy.
In the last few years, I’ve definitely taken notice of a shift in guilt and pressure from the fashion industry. I’m really excited about the current trends, but I need not conform to a T. As we celebrate our individual style and self-expression, I love that we can maximize it for our wardrobe and home, all under one roof. How do you like to express your own personal style? To learn more about these findings and great fashion without bounds, visit www.facebook.com/tjmaxx.
Written By Samantha Ewers