The term “statement” is one of the most oft-heard (and maybe slightly overused) words in fashion, whether it’s via an email subject line that promises “10 Statement Bags To Fall In Love With Right Now” or coming out of your own mouth when talking to a friend about what to wear tomorrow night. “Statement piece” has become a buzzword for sure and with NYFW starting this week I can guarantee you will see your fair share of “Statement pieces”, “Statement outfits” and “Statement people”!
The concept of “making a statement” in fashion can be attributed to the rise and popularity of street style blogs. Street style is the simple concept of seeking inspiration not from the runway but from the street. Street Style didn’t make a hit stateside until Scott Schuman started taking photos of stylish New Yorkers he would see on the street and posting the photos to his blog back in 2005. Despite his skyrocketing success, the common denominator of his subjects remains the same: They dress themselves in a way that captures attention or shall I say make a statement.
Wearing something attention-grabbing is not new. Similarly, statement pieces have always been around, but street style photography gave them a name because they’re what captured the photographer’s, and the internet audience’s, attention. First and foremost, statement pieces, be they jewelry, shoes, or a jacket, pull an outfit together, which matters if you dress for yourself or if you dress for others. Statement pieces define your personal style. They give an identity to your personal brand.
Clothes are a form of self-expression, and how we dress impacts how we feel about ourselves, and vice-versa. So if adding something bold makes you feel better, then voila, proof that making a statement isn’t a shallow “look at me, look at me” concept. Statement pieces may have risen to trend status in fashion because street style blogs put them on the map, but they’ve maintained a staying power because of their ability to pull outfits together. So the next time you think something is “too much” say screw it and wear the ‘ish out of that statement piece.
Shop The Look:
Tank: Rag & Bone Thatch Tank
Jeans: American Eagle Mom Jean
Shoes: RAYE Smith Heel (Pink is sold out)
Photo Credit: Alana Peoples