2008 Woodie Awards
Functional fashion
Razorback Runway
Natalie Johnson
Issue date: 4/16/08 Section: Life & Style
The primary function of clothing is to protect us from the elements, but function does not exclude fashion these days.
For most people, motives for purchasing clothes are probably a combination of function and fashion. Although we might choose clothes for a specific purpose, such as boots for hiking, the wide variety of choices we have in retail stores and on the Internet leave plenty of room for style preferences.
When I think of utilitarian clothes, I initially think of the outdoors and occupational clothing; but less noticeable functions are in all clothes and fashion items.
Wind, rain, snow, cold, and heat are just a few physical conditions we must consider when purchasing clothes and dressing for the every day. The large market of protective gear allows us to find styles we love without forfeiting protection. The local retailer Lewis and Clark is a good example of an outdoor outfitters store that carries very functional clothing.
Hiking, camping, climbing, canoeing, biking, and running are some of the outdoor activities available in Arkansas. Clothes, shoes and accessories are available for all of these sports in Lewis and Clark and other outdoors stores. Natural colors and plain designs are expected from such clothing, but I am surprised at the variety of design in the clothes. Bright colors, patterns and designs make each article of clothing unique and stylish.
Not only do obvious functional clothes provide style, but stylish clothing always adds some kind of role.
"My favorite functional fashions are swim suit cover-ups and cute sunglasses," said sophomore Emily Toole. She likes that the cover-ups are modest and also comfortable. Manufacturers have made them practical for more than a day at the pool, and they are able to convert into a fashionable shirt or dress. Toole accessorizes with sunglasses not only to protect her eyes, but also to match her outfits, she said.
Large frames or designs on sunglasses do not serve any additional function other than stylistic purposes. Hats are similarly functional pieces that protect people from the sun. The tops of hats cover the skull and the bills shield light. People have adopted the trend of hats and caps regardless of the degree of sunlight - they have become functional fashion.
"I love my Chuck Taylor shoes - they are very functional, comfortable and I like the way they look," said Jonathan Williams, a journalism major.
All shoes serve some purpose aside from fashion. Flip-flops can be slipped on and off quickly during summer days. Heels give height. Tennis shoes are used for physical activity. The trend of functional fashion has made plain white sneakers very rare and detailed Michael Jordan tennis shoes very popular.
These are just a few examples, but the list of functional fashions is endless. Embrace both and enjoy your clothes.
For most people, motives for purchasing clothes are probably a combination of function and fashion. Although we might choose clothes for a specific purpose, such as boots for hiking, the wide variety of choices we have in retail stores and on the Internet leave plenty of room for style preferences.
When I think of utilitarian clothes, I initially think of the outdoors and occupational clothing; but less noticeable functions are in all clothes and fashion items.
Wind, rain, snow, cold, and heat are just a few physical conditions we must consider when purchasing clothes and dressing for the every day. The large market of protective gear allows us to find styles we love without forfeiting protection. The local retailer Lewis and Clark is a good example of an outdoor outfitters store that carries very functional clothing.
Hiking, camping, climbing, canoeing, biking, and running are some of the outdoor activities available in Arkansas. Clothes, shoes and accessories are available for all of these sports in Lewis and Clark and other outdoors stores. Natural colors and plain designs are expected from such clothing, but I am surprised at the variety of design in the clothes. Bright colors, patterns and designs make each article of clothing unique and stylish.
Not only do obvious functional clothes provide style, but stylish clothing always adds some kind of role.
"My favorite functional fashions are swim suit cover-ups and cute sunglasses," said sophomore Emily Toole. She likes that the cover-ups are modest and also comfortable. Manufacturers have made them practical for more than a day at the pool, and they are able to convert into a fashionable shirt or dress. Toole accessorizes with sunglasses not only to protect her eyes, but also to match her outfits, she said.
Large frames or designs on sunglasses do not serve any additional function other than stylistic purposes. Hats are similarly functional pieces that protect people from the sun. The tops of hats cover the skull and the bills shield light. People have adopted the trend of hats and caps regardless of the degree of sunlight - they have become functional fashion.
"I love my Chuck Taylor shoes - they are very functional, comfortable and I like the way they look," said Jonathan Williams, a journalism major.
All shoes serve some purpose aside from fashion. Flip-flops can be slipped on and off quickly during summer days. Heels give height. Tennis shoes are used for physical activity. The trend of functional fashion has made plain white sneakers very rare and detailed Michael Jordan tennis shoes very popular.
These are just a few examples, but the list of functional fashions is endless. Embrace both and enjoy your clothes.
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