By Takina Walker
Fashion is an expression; It’s an opportunity to speak to the world without having to open my mouth.
When it comes to clothes, certain colors or patterns will explain how I’m feeling. For example, when I am feeling deep emotions or in a pensive mood, an all-black ensemble expresses my innermost feelings. When I’m feeling fun, I’ll grab my favorite concert T-shirt with Lil Kim with a pleated skirt to let people know I’m feeling more expressive that day.
Another piece of fashion that allows me to express myself are my shoes. Shoes have always been my favorite addition to my fashion. It’s always a difficult decision to pair shoes with my outfit perfectly. For example, sometimes I think to myself: should I wear my combat boots to express how much I don’t care, or am I feeling sporty? If I’m feeling sporty, my Jordans will help with that.
Fashion is physical, and it can be political. Afro hair has become a political statement, sometimes, adding my afro to my outfit changes people’s perception. I didn’t decide this, and I don’t always like it, but if I wear all black with my combat boots and my large afro, I’m often considered aggressive, and some will associate this fashion statement with the black panther party. That’s the power of fashion. It reminds people of moments in history, and it associates fashion with political views.
I take great pride in my fashion statements, and I pick them with intention. I want my physical expression to be the first impression. Whether I’m wearing a t-shirt and combat boots, or polished fall layers, I choose each outfit with meaning.
That is what fashion is to me. It’s a conscious decision that I make to express my inner thoughts to the world.
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