The Search for Style 7: The Distinction Between Fashion & Style

I was contacted by a reader, David Glass, who has very succinctly defined the difference between fashion and style both for the older man and indeed a man of any age. This is something very familiar to me and his e-mail reminded me that I'd forgotten to mention it so far in this series (there's a link to the series below). With David's help I now put right this omission. 

Winston Churchill - natural style

This is what he says:

Dear David, 

Enjoying your blog posts this month! Your most recent post on capturing the essence of what we mean by style is something everyone should read. 

I think men often are confused about the difference between fashion and style. To me they have a very different meaning. A man must know himself in order to have a personal style that harmonizes with both who he is and his surroundings. He also must know something about style over the years. Successful style (whether others like it or not) is a non-verbal way of communicating sans words who we are. I believe that is the whole point of style, it’s a form of personal expression to the outside world. 

By comparison, fashion seems more about the clothing and the trends than the wearer or his surroundings, and therefore it is far less interesting to me. 

Just some quick thoughts off the top of my head. 

Warm regards,

David

I'd only add to this, although it's implicit in what David says, that fashion is something that is imposed from outside. Style, on the other hand, is more complex. It is influenced by exterior factors,  but the final result comes from us, reflecting our personality and inspiration rather than that (as in fashion) of others.

I'm receiving many comments. All influence what I think and write here on the blog about The Search for Style, so please keep in touch by commenting here or through my e-mail.

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