Madgeylou: My original intent was to ask if 'creating' a style for yourself or following fashion was a viable pursuit. But creation of fashion or helping people with this is certainly an interesting aspect of it too!
While having a style certainly is not about owning expensive brand clothes (Gucci, Prada, Dior etc), it's not always mutually exclusive. A lot of unique and interesting designer clothes (not talking about those above however) are expensive as well. Since they are made in small series.
I'm ambiguous in this. On one hand, I guess following fashion is ultimately appealing to your ego at some level. Selling a lifestyle, I'm unique/better since I care about clothes. This would be more true for people who exclusively buy the big brands in my opinion. Sometimes it's the same thing as everything else, but with another logo on it.
On the other hand, creating a style (see
facehunter or
hel-looks for reference of what I mean) for yourself can be a way of self-expression. At least for me. I'm not exceptionally good at it but I think have improved wardrobe from following fashion blogs etc. Learning about classic looks as well, not just what is the latest. But by getting inspiration from those you are a part of the whole consumerism wheel.
I actually do buy expensive clothes a lot of times. But not because they are a special designer brand (at least not consciously) but more because I'm tall and kinda skinny. So the one-size-fits-all often look a little off on me. I like clothes that _fits_ as well as are appealing to me.
So, Madgeylou, I can relate to what you say! I feel better, more confident when I know my look creates a whole that is appealing to me. Even knowing that I have underwear, t-shirt and socks (which nobody hardly ever sees) that matches is soothing. Even if that happens by accident rather than me thinking about it in the morning. That may be narcissistic but it works. At the same time I don't look down upon others who don't care. That is their choice.
One reason I ask this as well is that Steve once wrote that he is "fasion impared" (or something of the sort), so I was curious if that is something he sees as a worthy pursuit for Personal Development for himself. Because sometimes I'm not so sure myself.