Fashion terms to know-the dictionary of fashion

As a fashion lover and an aspiring designer, I am always interested in learning more about the industry through books, youtube videos etc. And one day as I perused through Amazon, I felt the need to search for something that would help me understand fashion terms. I have never been a fashion student, and all the things I knew came from all my favourite magazines. As the search continued a book that caught my eye was The Little Dictionary of Fashion by Christian Dior.

Fashion Terms to Know

I have picked and compiled a few fashion terms from A to Z, from the fashion dictionary that you might or might not know. These terms will be shared in three different posts, so that we are not overwhelmed, this is including myself. So if you are a fashion lover like me, continue reading to find out the fashion terms that you may need to know!

A picture of the cover of the little dictionary of fashion

A: Accent

A: Accent. According to this fashion dictionary, an accent is that little personal touch. Which makes a dress designed by a couturier your own dress, and that is is of great importance. Dior mentions that the accent must have a touch of your own personality, so embracing who you are should always be expressed the fashion choices that you make.

B: Black

B: Black. You might all know this one, and the colour black for me remains timeless. According tho Dior, black is the most popular, most convenient and the most elegant of all colours. Dior states that it is the most slimming of all colours and unless you have a bad complection (which I believe nobody does!), it is one of the most flattering colours.

Check out a post where I am in all black! http://theebelovedamour.com/the-black-mesh-coat_the-all-black-look/

A page open at A: Accent, which is one of the words defined and explained in the book.

C: Crepe

C:Crepe. NO not the yummy strawberry and cream filled dessert… This is a silk, wool or synthetic fiber fabric with a distinctively crisp, crimped appearance. But according to Christian Dior, for a time crepe has been out of fashion. But now it is back again because it is a very convenient and has sometimes the look of wool, but not the warmth.

D: Dècolletè

D: Dècolletè . This is a simple and graceful neckline to a black silk afternoon frock, according to Dior. The tips that he give about this is that if you are tall, choose a wide dècolletè. And if you are a bit plump, or should I say more voluptuous, a deep dècolletè is a good one for you.

E: Emphasis

E: Emphasis. This is a lovely collar emphasis, which Dior says this is emphasis for a lovely face. This is about the emphasis of all of one’s outstanding features, and Dior states that it is a good thing. So from today remember to emphasis all the best things about you.

Red flowers surrounding the fashion dictionary

F: Faille

F: Faille. This is one of the terms that I didn’t know, and there are probably more that I don’t know. But this is a learning process for both you and I. Faille according to Dior’s little dictionary of fashion, is a lovely silk material that is less shiny than satin and a little more easy to wear and more slimming. I hope this means we don’t need to be wearing a pair of spandex underneath this particular fabric. I just want look and feel snached, like women would say today (LOL).

G: Grooming

“Grooming is the secret of real elegance. The best clothes, the most wonderful jewels, the most glamorous beauty, don’t count without good grooming.” -Christian Dior

So I for one agree with this statement, no matter what look you are going for, the execution needs to be done well, or your whole outfit looks unfinished. No matter how much effort you put it, your efforts will be lost if the grooming part is not done. I always say that what you wear says something about you before you even utter a word, so why not command the room the right way and execute your look the right way. Fashion is about self expression, so don’t hold back, give us who you are in full force.

H: Handbags

H: Handbag. According to Dior’s little dictionary of fashion, this is a very important accessory and used with not enough care by too many women. Dior further states that you can wear the same suit from morning to dinner, but to be really perfectly dresses you cannot keep the same bag.

I feel like this a sign of validation for the many bags I have hahaha…And having the need to shop for more is not a crime! (LOL *Crying Emoji face*). Certain looks need you to switch up bags, especially a particular occasion, but honestly its okay to have one bag that works with all your looks, and looks great even when you are switching up looks from morning to evening. But Remember pick something black, because after all it is an elegant colour! not my words but Diors’ and I second that.

Points to take away!

This is obviously a lot of information to take in, but absolutely exciting and informative. I hope we all clear about black being so elegant and learn to emphasise the greatests parts of yourself. I know a lot of people are tired of hearing that things are a journey, but finding your personal style is truly a journey. As you discover more things about yourself, find a way to express it in every way possible.