fashion
term
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "fashion" is /ˈfæʃ.ən/.
fa: /ˈfæʃ/
shion: /ən/
Word Form Variations
Noun: fashion (singular), fashions (plural)
Verb: fashion (base form), fashions (third person singular present), fashioned (past tense, past participle), fashioning (present participle)
Adjective: fashionable, old-fashioned, new-fashioned
Adverb: fashionably
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Fashion
A popular or the latest style of clothing, hair, decoration, or behavior.
Synonyms: trend, style, vogue, mode, craze, fad
Antonyms: timelessness, classic (as a concept), outdatedness, antiquity
A manner of doing something.
Synonyms: manner, way, method, style, mode, form
Antonyms: (no direct antonyms for this sense)
Verb
Fashion
To make (something) into a particular or desired form.
Synonyms: create, make, construct, mold, sculpt, form, shape
Antonyms: destroy, dismantle, deform, break
Adjective
Fashionable
Conforming to the current popular style; trendy.
Synonyms: stylish, trendy, chic, modish, voguish, in vogue
Antonyms: unfashionable, outdated, old-fashioned, passé, dowdy
Old-fashioned
No longer in current fashion or use; dated.
Synonyms: archaic, dated, antiquated, outmoded, obsolete
Antonyms: modern, contemporary, current, trendy, fashionable
New-fashioned
Of a recent or novel style; modern.
Synonyms: modern, contemporary, current, up-to-date, novel
Antonyms: old-fashioned, archaic, dated
Adverb
Fashionably
In a manner that conforms to current popular style.
Synonyms: stylishly, trendily, chicly, modishly
Antonyms: unfashionably, outdatedly
Examples of Use
Books
Non-fiction (History/Sociology): Authors often discuss the evolution of "fashion" through different eras. For instance, The History of Modern Fashion might explore "the changing fashion sensibilities of the 20th century" (Thames & Hudson, October 2023). Management books might discuss how companies "fashion their strategies."
Fiction: Characters might be described by their adherence to or defiance of current "fashion." "She always dressed in the latest fashion." A craftsman might "fashion a delicate piece of jewelry."
Newspapers
Lifestyle/Style Sections: These sections are dedicated to reporting on current "fashion" trends, designer collections, and celebrity fashion. A headline might read, "Sustainable Fashion Takes Center Stage at Paris Week" (Vogue, March 2025).
News Articles: Journalists might comment on how events "fashion public opinion" or how policies are "fashioned to address new challenges."
Advertisements: Retail ads frequently showcase the "new season's fashions" or invite customers to "discover their personal fashion sense."
Online Publications
Fashion Blogs/Websites: Sites like Who What Wear or Fashionista are entirely dedicated to discussing "the latest fashions," "street style fashion," and providing tips on how to "fashion a cohesive wardrobe."
DIY/Craft Blogs: These might offer tutorials on how to "fashion homemade gifts" or "fashion custom accessories."
Social Media: Influencers showcase their "outfit of the day" and discuss new "fashion trends." Users share tips on how to "fashion stylish looks on a budget."
News Aggregators: Articles on current affairs might be headlined, "How technology is fashioning the future of work."
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
Movies/TV Shows: Costume designers use clothing to reflect the historical period or the character's personality and their adherence to fashion. A character might be seen as "a victim of fashion." Reality shows like Project Runway revolve around designers creating new fashions.
Music Videos: Artists often use elaborate costumes and styling to set or reflect current fashion trends.
Video Games: Many games allow players to customize their characters' appearance, often reflecting different "fashion" styles or allowing players to "fashion unique outfits."
Podcasts: Lifestyle podcasts might include segments on "what's in fashion now" or how artists "fashion their sound."
General Public Discourse
Conversations: In daily conversation, people discuss "fashion" choices, saying, "That's a lovely fashion statement," or "Is that still in fashion?" "He has a strange fashion of speaking."
Workplace: Discussions might involve how to "fashion a compelling argument" for a proposal or how internal processes are "fashioned to improve efficiency."
Social Events: People dress "in the latest fashion" for parties or events.
Idiomatic Use: Phrases like "after a fashion" (in a way, but not perfectly) or "in a timely fashion" (promptly) are common. "He completed the task, after a fashion."
10 Quotes Using Fashion
"Don't be into trends. Don't make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way you live." (Gianni Versace)
"Fashions fade, style is eternal." (Yves Saint Laurent)
"Fashion is what you adopt when you don't know who you are." (Quentin Crisp)
"Fashion is architecture: it is a matter of proportions." (Coco Chanel)
"Fashion is about dressing according to what's fashionable. Style is more about being yourself." (Oscar de la Renta)
"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view ... until you climb into his skin and walk around in it. And then you understand why he acts in that fashion." (Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird)
"Fashion is a language that creates itself in clothes to interpret reality." (Karl Lagerfeld)
"Fashion is an art form. You can express yourself." (Cindy Crawford)
"Good taste never goes out of fashion." (Common Saying)
"All things are created twice; first mentally, then physically. The key to creativity is to fashion that mental image first." (Stephen Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People)
Etymology
The word "fashion" comes from the Old French word "facon" or "façon," which meant "make," "form," "shape," or "style." This, in turn, derived from the Latin word "factio," meaning "a making" or "a doing." It's essentially about how something is made or done.
The first known use of "fashion" in English, with the meaning of "the way in which anything is made or done; the make or shape of a thing," dates back to the late 13th century. It appeared in texts referring to the form or manner of something. Over time, its meaning evolved to specifically include popular styles of dress or behavior, which is its most common understanding today.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Fashion
After a fashion: In a way, but not perfectly or completely. "He completed the report, after a fashion."
In a timely fashion: Promptly or quickly. "Please submit your request in a timely fashion."
In fashion: Currently popular or stylish. "Those wide-leg trousers are really in fashion right now."
Out of fashion: No longer popular or stylish. "That hairstyle went out of fashion years ago."
Set the fashion: To start a new trend or style. "Her unique look helped to set the fashion for the season."
Fashion plate: A person who dresses very stylishly according to the latest fashions. "She's always been a bit of a fashion plate."
Fashion statement: An item of clothing or a style that expresses a particular idea or identity. "His bold tie was a real fashion statement."
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of fashion from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
