Why should anyone care about fashion? Isn’t it just a pastime of the idle class?  Part of the reason I write a weekly column here on AmazingGoodwill.com addressing that subject is to dispel the negative connotation that fashion is something that only other people know and care about. At its core, fashion and design have more in common with anthropology than fancy, high-priced designer clothing. From its earliest incarnations, starting with cavemen and women, clothing was about function, protection from the elements and not much more.  Then later, as social hierarchies developed, clothing became all about defining the wearer. Such as, the chief of a tribe of Native Americans would not wear the same garments as his followers. The outfit was a way of defining who they were, what they do, or what tribe they were from. But today, in many cases an outfit defines who an individual would like to be. As I prepare to attend my 11^th season of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York City, I ponder the relevance of these pieces of cloth and how they do more than just provide basic coverage of our bodies. They can also be powerful tools for communication. Isn’t it amazing to see pictures of movie stars looking just like us in their jeans and t-shirts while out getting coffee, when just a few days before we saw photos of them on the red carpet looking unattainably beautiful and perfectly groomed? Hard to believe they’re the same people right? That is the clout of fashion, plain and simple. It is both functional AND transformative. I always look forward to not only seeing what comes down the runways, but in addition what people who attend see fit to wear.  Here are a few examples of personal style that I snapped. I will leave it up to you to provide the story of who these folks are…

Bright and bold would be an understatement as well as the central theme in this gal’s ensemble (shown above). She knows that with her deep skin tone, playing up the bright colors and loud prints work! She seemed to be very joyful to me, and I really like the confidence that she exudes here. Obviously she is not afraid at all of being herself and of attracting attention to her playful spirit.

This gentleman is showing us some classic menswear with a little twist. He has some basic elements here, with the chino pants, fitted olive green blazer and button down shirt, but he also has just a little pop of the orange in his tie and in his choice of footwear. A soft suede messenger bag keeps all his papers and other stuff in check. While he comes across as serious on the outside, the use of the orange tells us just a little about his fun side.

Simplicity rules in this little black dress look. Why does she look so great? She has confidence in who she is, so the bronze envelope clutch and metallic gladiator sandals are all she needs to set off her strapless ruched front black dress. Accessories often make or break an outfit, and she definitely makes it here!

Jackets are an important piece for everyone to have. They give you a polished look no matter what you pair them with. For example these ladies are rocking some pretty cool blazers. The sequined gold one goes daytime with her shorts, tank top and simple sandals. The other gal goes classic contrast with black dress with side slit under a structured leather jacket.The big cluster of pearls at her throat, add interest to the neckline and the hat, sunglasses, and short booties give this look an 80’s vibe. They look happy and ready to take on whatever the day brings them.

This is only a small illustration of the power that clothing can bring to us in every situation we may find ourselves in. I do not know the people in these photos personally but I liked what I saw! Putting some thought into your attire is exactly what the take away from this column is. Whenever you’re out shopping at Goodwill, think about the message you’d like to leave people with as they see you out on the street or at work. That blazer or blouse you purchase not only helps the Goodwill mission, but can also paint a brilliant picture of the kind of individual you are!