This month is still very fresh and it is a perfect time to add more words to your vast fashion vocabulary.
Today, our Commonly Misused Fashion Words column would be looking into a common pattern that we wear often and two adjectives that we never stop hearing people use. Without further ado, let’s get to it!
Flounce
“I don’t use flounce too often, but I do think they are really nice.”
Yindie, Fashion Designer.
Flounce is a particular type of fabric manipulation technique that creates a look similar to a ruffle. It is however less bulky than a ruffle. It has a wavy effect that is achieved without gathers or pleats. You simply cut a piece of fabric into a curved strip and attach the inner edge to the garment.
The depth of the curve and the width of the fabric will determine how deep the flounce will be. A godet —a circle wedge – can be inserted into the flounce to further deepen it without making it look bulky.
Flounces are usually found at the neckline of outfits. It is however not unusual to see them on other parts like the sleeves or hemline.
Dapper
Dapper is an adjective that is usually used to describe stylishly dressed men— usually in their middle-age. Its history can be traced to the 15th century where it was borrowed from Dutch. In Dutch, it means “strong” or “quick”. In German, it could mean “heavy” or “stout”.
So many strong adjectives up there. However, dapper refers to outfits that are “neat and trim in appearance”
Vintage.
Vintage is an adjective that simply means “from the past”. Jackets that have been around for quite some time, styles that were worn in the past that are beginning to trend again and outfits that you have had for ages. Vintage wears are often rocked by fashionistas with alte fashion preferences. It is however very possible for any stylish person to own and wear them.
How These Terms Should Be Used.
Dapper is the right term to describe top-notch and clean outfits. It is however perfect for menswear alone. For womenswear, chic is a more appropriate term. So, next time you tell your clients you would make them look dapper, be sure your client is a man, emphasis on man because dapper is used for adult men.
Flounce is similar but not the same as a ruffle or gathers so they shouldn’t be used interchangeably. As a professional, you must be explicit and sure about every single style you create. If you were called upon to talk about a look you created, for example, it would be inappropriate to refer to your neckline as a sleeve, in the same light, you should call a flounce a flounce and nothing else.
Vintage refers to classic outfits, it is quite unprofessional to call them old school clothes.
Be conscious and sophisticated with your fashion vocabulary. If you want to be esteemed and regarded as a boss in the fashion industry, watch your vocabulary.
Do let us know what you think about these words and if you’ll be using them in the comments section below.
1 comment
Very efficiently written article. It will be helpful to anybody who employess it, as well as myself. Keep up the good work – for sure i will check out more posts.