Reading
Read 5 opinions about fashion and fill in the missing words:
Tom
Honestly, I don’t give a damn about fashion and style. As long as I can move freely and feel comfortable in what I’m wearing, that’s all that matters to me. When I had to wear a suit for prom, it was like being trapped in a torture chamber the entire night.
Sarah
Fashion is my passion! I adore expressing myself through clothing because it allows me to show off my unique personality. Whenever I put on something that makes me feel confident, it’s like I can conquer anything. There was this one time when I wore this stunning dress to my friend’s wedding and everyone kept complimenting me on how fabulous I looked.
David
I have mixed feelings about fashion and style. Sometimes I want to look sharp and stylish, but other times I just throw on whatever is clean and call it a day. It really depends on my mood. Although today, I decided to rock my favorite hat, so maybe I’m slowly becoming more fashion-forward.
Andrea
OMG, fashion is everything to me! It’s not just clothes, it’s wearable art that lets me express my creativity. Ever since I was young, I’ve loved designing outfits for my dolls, and now I get to manifest those ideas into my own wardrobe. Fashion is where my heart truly lies.
Emily
Ugh, fashion is so not my thing. Why waste money on fancy clothes you’ll only wear once or twice? Give me comfy sweats and a t-shirt any day. I remember having to dress up for my sister’s wedding and it was pure agony. My feet were killing me in my heels and the tight dress made me feel like a stuffed sausage.
Speaking
Answer some questions about yourself:
1 What is your favorite type of clothing to wear and why?
2 What kind of clothes do you feel most comfortable in?
3 How important is fashion to you, and why?
4 Have you ever had a fashion disaster? Can you tell about it?
5 What is the most expensive piece of clothing you own?
6 Are there any particular colors that you like to wear more than others?
Vocabulary
Match the halves to build phrases.
Now you are going to read an article. Based on the vocabulary in the previous exercise, what do you think the article is about?
Reading
Read the article and put the paragraphs in the correct order:
1 However, one must consider the environmental impact of fast fashion. The fashion industry is one of the largest polluters in the world, with clothing production contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and waste. Buying clothes just because they are trendy and cheap contributes to this problem.
2 On the other hand, some would say that fashion is a form of art and creativity, and following trends is a way to stay up-to-date with the latest styles. They argue that wearing trendy clothes can boost one’s confidence and make them feel good about themselves. Additionally, they claim that following fashion trends can be a way to connect with others who share similar interests.
3 Many people believe that fashion is just a way to conform to societal norms and fit in with the crowd. They argue that following every trend is not only unnecessary but also a waste of time and money. Moreover, constantly chasing after the latest fashion trends can lead to an unhealthy obsession with appearance and create a negative body image.
4 In conclusion, making a fashion statement should not come at the expense of our values or the environment. It is important to find a balance between expressing oneself through fashion and being mindful of the impact of our choices. Instead of blindly following every trend, we should focus on developing our own personal style and investing in quality pieces that will last longer. This way, we can make a statement without sacrificing our values or the planet.
5 Fashion has always been a way to express oneself and to stand out from the crowd. But is it really necessary to follow every trend in order to make a fashion statement?
Answers
The correct order of the paragraphs in this article: 5 – 3 – 2 – 1 – 4
Which title fits best? Why?
- The Impact of Fashion Choices on Personal Values and the Environment
- Why Following Fashion Trends is Essential for Social Acceptance
Vocabulary
Fill in the blanks using vocabulary from the article.
Additional Discussion
Read 5 surprising facts about clothing. What’s the most unexpected fact in this list? Why?
- During the Victorian era, women’s dresses could weigh up to 40 pounds (18 kg), thanks to layers of petticoats and heavy fabrics.
- The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions and 20% of wastewater.
- Jeans were originally designed for miners and were made with a special dye from the French city of Nimes, called “denim”.
- High heels were originally made for men to help them keep their feet in stirrups while riding horses.
- Until the early 20th century, pink was considered a more suitable color for boys because it was a version of red, a “masculine” color.
Writing
Comment on this quote:
“Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.” – Rachel Zoe
To what extend do you agree or disagree with this statement?