Fashion is inevitably inspired by popular culture. Wherever popular culture exists is where we will exist. It is truly a magical thought that everything is survived by each other. Rather than popular culture being seen as corrupt or unimportant, I enjoy looking at it as the way each person individually becomes a part of something larger: connection. In a world like ours, the only way we will ever have peace is to live within each other – while still being independent. 

In a small town like Shippensburg, it may seem unrealistic for popular culture to impact those who associate with that form of simplicity. However, popular culture helps us be who we’ve always wanted to be, and shows us exactly what our capabilities are.

There’s a quote that I have always lived by from designer and photographer Cecil Beaton: “The truly fashionable are beyond fashion.” The quote has always reminded me that fashion is highly intellectual. Several people look at fashion as clothing, jewelry, accessories and shoes; however, others look at fashion as a way to express themselves. 

Popular culture amplified this idea when designers learned to break free from societal standards on the basis of dressing. Fashion shows such as Paris Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week and the Met Gala became popular, and it became an integral moment for events such as the Oscars, Golden Globes, Emmys and Grammys. Though many people do not understand the meaning behind these shows or the message they’re trying to convey, it is interesting to see people dressed in clothes that express how they are feeling, or how their designer is feeling. 

Popular culture is an enormously growing industry, and it is entertaining to be involved with it. It is so large that everyone can benefit from it; moreover, the fashion used within the industry is pushed into everyday life all around the world. For example, in Shippensburg, hot commodities of clothing used in high fashion include blazers, intricate metal decals, asymmetrical accessories and tops, long coats, high-heeled boots, monochrome outfits, fur coats, black leather and perspective pieces that are mixed in color. 

It is easier to dress in outfits inspired by high fashion in warmer weather, so witnessing stunning winter outfits while combating the cold can be uncommon. Nevertheless, it does happen when people wear items like coats, scarves, gloves and maximalist jewelry, which is currently growing tremendously. Fashionable people can exist on any campus, and I’ve seen plenty at Shippensburg University. I enjoy seeing people in maxi skirts with patterns, platform boots, interesting glasses and aesthetically pleasing hairstyles. Fashion will always be more than clothing. Nothing is better than walking along campus and watching people express themselves, possibly without even knowing. 

It is a common assumption that people in college only wear sweatpants, sweatshirts, leggings and sneakers. This assumption stems from the idea that people like to be comfortable while traveling to classes and other areas of campus. However, people have different ideas of dressing for comfort. I, personally, am a mixture between fashionable and the stigmatized “comfortable.” I often wear nice coats, knit pants, jewelry, Dr. Martens and have my hair done. I appreciate looking good but also feeling fully mobile. This is just my preference; people have their own definitions of security on campus or everyday life. 

Similarly, there are new ideas of high fashion growing exceedingly: high fashion no longer discounts sweats. Sweat-sets have become a large staple for many to have, as they’re easy to plan while also creating a fully assembled look. Designer brands such as SKIMS, Prada, Ralph Lauren, Gucci and Chrome Hearts have kept up with the sweatsuit trend and have made it a commodity for everybody to enjoy. Due to the fact that they’re keeping up with the latest trends, other brands have followed suit, making it possible for college students to purchase products in relation to the idea of high fashion. 

Fashion will always exist in one way or another. It is an important factor of self-expression, growth of humanity and peace on earth. Though it may not seem critical in the eyes of many, it is an innovative way to leave a mark on the world and express who you can be. Anybody can design, and anybody can appreciate the interpretations that fashion can convey. I encourage you to look deeper than fabric the next time you see a piece that makes you think. If it doesn’t look like anything you’ve ever seen before, try to interpret meaning within it. After all, the truly fashionable are beyond fashion. Make it a statement.

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