By: Lauren Webber

Clothing, something fabricated by mere strands of varied materials and an array of colors, has been a pinnacle statement for humans since we knew to dress ourselves. The evolution of fashion has undergone tremendous transformations-- consider Victorian gowns to modern sundresses. The subjectivity of what is acceptable and fashionable arguably makes fashion one of the most diverse and inclusive industries to admire. The clothes in which one adorn himself is both a conscious and subconscious indicator of his self-concept, self-expression, goal and activity. One cannot assume that someone who wears athletic leggings to an office meeting is less intellectual than his or her formally dressed colleague, but s/he may be unaware of how that appearance may undermine one's qualification considering the institutionalized association between clothing and message.

Popular culture exalting a clean, well-groomed individual has evolved into something a little less domesticated. The untamed style may reflect a more counterculture individual, though that style has also become a trend. Although clothing does not define one's identity, its expressive capabilities may portray an image that contrasts the true skin and soul underneath the sleeves. The spectrum of what is considered acceptable attire has been exponentially expanded as modern pop-culture has incorporated previously demonized adornments as commonality. In addition to numerous piercings, tattoos and expressive facial hair, it has made frayed jeans, sneakers, hoodies and messy hair into something formal. This transition has positively allowed individuals who find comfort in more relaxed attire access to engagements and activities previously reserved for business casual. However, it has also exaggerated causal wear's role and neglects the positive consequences of a sharper look.

The modern business casual, more notably in younger and newer establishments, embodies a simpler take on slacks and button-ups. What may have once been cautioned as errand clothing, or even sleepwear at times, has become a welcomed office wardrobe. This is also being exemplified elsewhere, as many progressive or newer churches have begun that transition into modernity by making streetwear a pulpit standard. None of the latter transitions necessarily undermine its prior, but it is important to examine how a formal attire influences societal impression as well as serves as a reflection of one's self-concept.

While many highly-confident and thriving individuals may choose a t-shirt over a blouse, those with lowered self-concepts may opt for a lower-maintenance wardrobe due to a stifled sense of pride. Sweaters and sneakers are no longer a sole indicator of a workout or low self-esteem, though. Fashion standards have adjusted accordingly to society's perspectives. As attire has grown more casual, so has the standards of acceptable attire. Still, even subconsciously, many revere a cleaner attire over one rather untucked. Though one's worth, persona and qualification exists beyond the fabrics that cover one's skin, the system that exists inherently tends to attribute greater respect and regard to those that present themselves well, in all manners. That societal and professional grading scale is becoming increasingly more lenient, and one's entire classification of clothing is something that should be deeply examined. However, society still places value on fashion, sometimes unreasonably so, but nonetheless prominently. This qualification based on clothing, or link between dress and message, may be reason enough to swap out of the pajamas in which we have been studying, working and living for the past several months. It could be an encouragement to change into something slightly more formal on the next grocery run. Even though formal attire does not qualify one's humanity, it may boost one's confidence enough to keep that motivation flourishing.

High Fashion