20 Key Terms Every Fashion Enthusiast Should Know
Whether you are a seasoned fashionista or a newcomer to the world of style, understanding the language of fashion is essential. This guide will introduce you to twenty key terms fundamental to navigating the fashion world. These terms cover various concepts and styles, from the intricate art of appliqué to the ever-popular athleisure trend. So, let's dive in and expand our fashion vocabulary together, enriching our appreciation for the craft and creativity that makes fashion such a dynamic and exciting field.
1. Androgynous: A style that blurs the traditional lines between women's and men's fashion (source: YourDictionary).
2. Apliqué: A technique in which pieces of fabric are attached to a larger piece to form a picture or pattern (source: WWD).
3. Argyle: A knitted fabric pattern that features diamonds in a diagonal checkerboard arrangement, often used in socks and sweaters (source: Zalora).
4. Armseye/Armscye: A term used in sewing and tailoring that refers to the armhole, the fabric edge where the sleeve is sewn (source: WWD).
5. Athleisure: A fashion trend where clothes designed for workouts are worn in non-athletic settings like workplaces or casual occasions (source: Fashinza).
6. Avant-Garde: This French phrase is used in English to describe fashion that is innovative, experimental, or revolutionary (source: YourDictionary).
7. Bespoke: Refers to custom-made items tailored to the buyer's specification, often used for men's tailored suits (source: YourDictionary).
8. Boho: Short for bohemian, this style is characterized by layers of free-flowing clothing, vibrant and earthy colors, and abundant accessories (source: YourDictionary).
9. Capri Pants: A style of pants longer than shorts but shorter than full-length pants, typically ending between the knee and the ankle (source: WWD).
10. Carrot Leg Jeans: A style of jeans characterized by a high waist, roomy at the hips and thighs, and tapered down to the ankle, similar to the shape of a carrot (source: InStyle).
11. Color Blocking: A technique that pairs two or more bold colors together in a single outfit. The colors often contrast, creating a vibrant and eye-catching look (source: The Trend Spotter).
12. Draping: Creating clothing designs by manipulating fabric directly on the dress form (source: University of Fashion).
13. Empire Waist: A style where the waistline is raised above the natural waist, often just below the bust, creating a flowing and feminine silhouette (source: Zalora).
14. Haute Couture: French for "high sewing," it refers to high-end, custom-fitted clothing that is usually made from high-quality, expensive fabric and sewn with extreme attention to detail (source: University of Fashion).
15. Monochrome: A style that involves wearing outfits composed of one color or varying shades of one color (source: WWD).
16. Patchwork: A fashion technique that involves sewing together pieces of fabric into a larger design, often used in quilts, but also in fashion clothing and accessories (source: Britannica).
17. Peplum: A short flared, gathered, or pleated strip of fabric attached at the waist of a woman's jacket, dress, or blouse to create a hanging frill or flounce (source: MakersValley Blog).
18. Pleats: They are folds in fabric that provide a garment with shape and volume. There are many types of pleats, including box pleats, knife pleats, and accordion pleats (source: MasterClass).
19. Pret-A-Porter: Another French term meaning 'ready to wear.' These are factory-made clothes sold in finished condition and standardized sizes (source: MakersValley Blog).
20. Silhouette: This refers to the outline of a garment or the garment's overall shape. Silhouettes can vary greatly, from the structured, angular lines of a tailored blazer to the flowing curves of an A-line dress (source: The Balance Careers).
