This past weekend, I spent sunrise to sunset at Phoenix International Raceway interning at the NASCAR races. Not only did I have the experience of a lifetime, I got to witness some of the best people-watching imaginable.
From army-camo bucket hats to more Wrangler jeans than I can count, the fans made my weekend. With the spirit of the race-goers still in my memory, I wanted to write about American fashion and how it’s developed in the heart of our country.
There is a reason the “All American Girl” usually refers to a cute, but simple or plain girl. When people first settled in America, many women were forced to make their own clothes due to lack of resources and retailers. Parisian, elegant, and couture-like clothing was the social norm in Europe, so American fashion was automatically regarded as “unsophisticated.” The upper class could afford European imports while the majority was stuck mimicking their designs or making different moderations entirely. (Here is an interesting timeline of America’s Fashion History.
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Menswear for women was a huge leap for American fashion as European women wouldn’t be caught dead in anything but a dress. But when the elements and survival hit newly settled Americans, women were forced to pick up the plow and adapt their male counterpart’s wardrobe.
Based on basic American culture, it is no surprise why the “values” of American fashion can be described as comfortable, casual, sportswear, jean, practicality, etc. (For a full list, check our Eurbanista.) Denim (jeans) became a basic wardrobe necessity to both sexes and has forever since been dear to our closets.
Another way to look at the birth of American fashion is through American born-designers. A clear example is Ralph Lauren. Known for the Polo brand, Lauren was inspired by making English Aristocracy more sporty and changing it from “a moneyed style” to the average American.
For comments or to ask style questions of your own and possibly be featured in a future blog, contact me at amlarso2@asu.edu. Or to hear more from the mind of a fashion blogger follow me @soamandawaslike.