Fashion and style seem to be all over, all the time, and they are often used interchangeably. It can cause a little bit of a confusion, but they do not mean the same. This article will quickly explain the concepts, using the Victorian Era as an example and provide style references.

Fashion is both an industry and a means of self-expression, where aesthetics and cultural context intersect. It refers to the dominant style within a given culture at a certain time. Fashion has to do with new trends: It refers to popular ways of dressing during a specific era.

The Victorian Era, for instance, can be described as a captivating blend of elegance, opulence, and societal norms in fashion. Women’s hourglass silhouette was accentuated by tight corsets, that shaped the waist and emphasized a slim figure. Victorian fashion embraced ornamental elements: ruffles, lace, draping, embroidery, pleats, and flounces.

These elements left a lasting legacy in the world of fashion. On the streets, we see corsets, puffed sleeves (sometimes even combined), lace and jewelry. The richness of Victorian-preferred fabrics as velvet, silk and brocade remain relevante in modern fashion.

Dress, Alexander McQueen, Autumn/Winter 2009, UK. Victoria and Albert Museum, London. — **Victorian Haute-Couture**

Alexander McQueen’s collections were characterized by their extensive historical influences. For instance, his 1995 “Highland Rape” collection drew inspiration from his Scottish heritage, specifically referencing the Highland Clearances—a period during the 18th and 19th centuries when Scottish Highland tenants were forcibly evicted. McQueen’s fascination with the 19th century led him to frequently incorporate Victorian Gothic elements into his designs. Throughout his career, he continued to present radical reinterpretations of historical narratives, emphasizing his desire to challenge conventional views of history.

The fashion industry revolves around current trends. Fashion shows by houses showcase clothing that embodies a future fashion vision. Bloggers, editors, and influencers respond with their own ideas, while retailers leverage this information to sell clothes. The dissemination of trends happens quickly through social media and fashion magazines. Fashion can influence a person's style, as individuals often incorporate current trends into their personal way of dressing.

This overlap between style and fashion can get confusing, but in summary, style is related to the individual and it is timeless whilst fashion is a timely collective phenomenon.

Personal style is an individual's form of self-expression. Whether this individual is a fashion designer like Karl Lagerfeld or someone outside the industry, how they dress and express themselves constitutes their personal style. In contrast, fashion encompasses global trends and the business side of the industry, as the collections launched by (the brand) Karl Lagerfeld. While models on the catwalk represent the fashion world, their attire at home reflects their personal style. When an influencer's unique style becomes iconic, they might even launch their own clothing line, effectively turning their personal style into fashion.

Fashion is timely, it depicts a certain culture in a certain era. Style is timeless. A fashionable person follows closely the latest fashion trends and wear designer clothing. A stylish person keeps their own aesthetic, whether following fashion trends or not. Having personal style means you developed a sense of self, of identity, rather than just absorbing trends.

Street style, as captured by photographers outside fashion shows, bridges the gap between fashion and personal style. The individuals photographed—often models, stylists, and fashion editors—wear designer clothing from the shows they attend. However, they adapt and style these garments for everyday wear, seamlessly merging fashion and personal expression.