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Fashion is often said to be the outside expression of inner creativity, passion, and beauty. Some might argue that it is just an unnecessary vanity, but it is cannot be denied how ubiquitous fashion has become. The world of fashion has some of the most creative and diverse slang, most probably stemming from the creative and out-of-the box people in it.
Here are some of the slang words for fashion and other fashion-related stuff. Read and learn about the history, usage, and meaning of these creative slang words.
Slang Words for Fashion (in Alphabetical Order)
A La Mode
Meaning:
- (Adjective) A French term some may associate with dessert. Literally translates to “according to fashion” and means that someone or something is fashionable, stylish, or up to the trends.
- Example: Thick eyebrows are becoming a la mode as they are experiencing a revival among women.
Aesthetic
Meaning:
- (Noun) Refers to the vibe or theme of the outfit. Aesthetic refers to the overall style and impact or impression of the clothes or accessories.
- Example: These pink nails match the overall aesthetic of the outfit and boosts the sophisticated look you were going for.
Brick and Mortar
Meaning:
- (Noun) In the world of fashion, or business in general, brick and mortar is the actual physical store or shop of a brand or company.
- Example: Even luxury brands like Versace are investing in online shops since many don’t want to go to brick and mortar shops anymore.
Clobber
Meaning:
- (Noun) Clobber is a British slang for clothes or outfits that people wear.
- Example: Jennifer’s clobbers were from last season but she wears them elegantly.
Cool
Meaning:
- (Adjective) When something is cool, it means the outfit or style is hip, nice-looking, and fashionable.
- Example: Perry’s fedora is always cool. He always pulls it off.
Cycle
Meaning:
- (Noun) A fashion cycle is a period of incline, peak, and obsolescence that styles and theme experience.
- Example: These hat collections are end of cycle and will be discarded.
Depeche Mode
Meaning:
- (Noun) A French slang from the 60s popularized by the band of the same name. It means “hurried fashion.” Mainly, it just references magazines that write regarding fashion.
- Example: I got this look and this accessory from a depeche mode in the dentist’s office.
Doors
Meaning:
- (Noun) Doors are the stores in which a specific fashion designer’s collection is displayed and sold.
- Example: The doors for her designs are mainly in Paris and so expensive.
Ensemble
Meaning:
- (Noun) Ensemble is the totality of a fashion look, including the clothing, accessories, and others.
- Example: Cara’s ensemble for the competition is just stunning. Her designer should get an award.
Fad
Meaning:
- (Noun) A trend that suddenly becomes popular but soon goes out of style.
- Example: The mullet haircut is a fad that I think is stupid. The look is just so unappealing to me.
Fast Fashion
Meaning:
- (Noun) The mass production of popular fashion trends targeted to the masses.
- Example: I think fast fashion is killing the environment because of all the waste and surplus.
Fierce
Meaning:
- (Noun) Fierce is the look of models that denotes boldness, brilliance, and sexiness.
- Example: As Katie walked through the runway, her fierce look captivated the audience.
Flats
Meaning:
- (Noun) Short for flat sketches. These are sketches, often in black and white, of garments and designs in the fashion industry.
- Example: Edna’s flats are so realistic that you can visualize them completely.
Fresh
Meaning:
- (Adjective) Similar to cool, Fresh is an adjective that describes one’s fashion as new and appealing.
- Example: John’s looking fresh tonight for the prom.
LBD
Meaning:
- (Noun) Coined by Coco Chanel and is short for Little Black Dress. It generally describes an evening dress that is long and versatile.
- Example: The LBD they brought for her debut was just jaw-dropping.
Lewk
Meaning:
- (Noun) A look or theme specifically selected for its appeal or mood.
- Example: The lewk she posted on Instagram was bomb.
Moda
Meaning:
- (Noun) Spanish for the French "mode" simply meaning “fashion.”
- Example: The moda today is dominated by minimalists, which I personally hate since it reduces the outlandish and creative designs.
Off-The-Rack
Meaning:
- (Noun) Non-designer clothing that is made in bulk and readily available in retail stores.
- Example: I think there is no shame in off-the-rack clothes. It’s just complicated sometimes to style your look.
On Fleek
Meaning:
- (Noun) Means “on point” or describes a look that is perfect.
- Example: Jessica went to homecoming, looking on-fleek for her dream date.
OOTD
Meaning:
- (Noun) Short for Outfit Of The Day. A look or outfit that is instagrammable or just plain amazing.
- Example: His OOTD is composed of a three-piece suit.
Out Of The Ark
Meaning:
- (Adjective) Something that is no longer fashionable because it has become outdated.
- Example: It’s been so long since Raver went shopping. Most of his outfits and shoes are out of the ark.
Out-Of-Date
Meaning:
- (Adjective) Old-fashioned or outmoded.
- Example: Grandpa wears out-of-date polos because it was what Grandma liked.
Pimp
Meaning:
- (Adjective) Acts similarly to cool and fresh. It just means the style is modern and right for the times and trends.
- Example: Jake’s schoolwear is just pimp. It’s mostly because he has a rich dad who buys him anything he asks for.
Slay
Meaning:
- (Verb) To slay means to dominate or exhibit confidence while wearing an outfit. It comes from the phrase “dress to kill” and often means fiercely wearing an outfit and pulling it off.
- Example: Tricia was the start of the party; her outfit slayed!
Swag
Meaning:
- (Noun) Famously used in hip hop culture, swag is a fashion style that uses trendy and unique looks to show confidence and individuality.
- Example: Paul is dressed in a swag makes heads turn.
Vogue
Meaning:
- (Noun) Fashion that is popular or trending at a particular time.
- Example: Retro looks are getting a revival, making them vogue for today’s culture.
Yoke
Meaning:
- (Noun) A shaped or patterned piece, usually around the neck or hips, that may help secure and design a piece.
- Example: The yoke on her dresses really accentuates the shape of the body.