13 fashion words to know

It’s not always easy to keep up with the fashion world! As trends, styles, and silhouettes change, the language and terms in the fashion world change too. There’s a whole realm of ‘fashion words’ that are immensely used in glossy magazines and blogs. While these terms and terminologies seem quite interesting, at times they can get confusing. Some words might have a different meaning when it comes to fashion than when used as everyday vocabulary.

In this article, we decipher some of these terms (some English, some French, maybe even Latin) so that the next time you read an article, want to describe a pattern or watch a fashion show, you can put your fashion reporter cap on. Whether you are fascinated with fashion and style or love words in general, here’s your chance to familiarize yourself with some interesting fashion words. 

À La Mode

This fashionable term essentially means fashionable, In vogue, trendy or up to date. 

Androgyny

Androgynous silhouettes aim to break gender stereotypes through fashion and style. Androgyny fashion combines masculine and feminine elements and is currently having an important moment in fashion. 

Beaumonde

A French word that literally translates to “beautiful people,” the term is used to describe the fashionable elite or a stylish member of high society. The characters on the hit show ‘Bridgerton’ are an excellent example of Beaumonde.

Brocade

Brocade is a richly woven fabric, often made in silk with gold or silver threads to create embossed motifs and patterns. The term comes from an Italian word ‘broccato’ which means ’embossed cloth. 

Capsule Wardrobe

If you’re looking to follow minimalism, a capsule wardrobe is just what you need. It refers to a small collection of clothing that can be styled in various ways and complement one another. It was brought into the spotlight after Marie Kondo’s decluttering technique became a trend, along with minimalism coming into play.

Co-ords

The new and trendy category in clothing is co-ord sets. Shorthand for coordinates, co-ords is a set of a matching top and bottom, that makes up an outfit. 

Furbelow

If you’re someone who likes to sweeten up your outfit with a romantic touch, this word’s for you! Furbelow is a gathered strip added to the end of silhouettes to introduce a ruffle, frill, or flounce to the design.

Haute Couture

The widely misused term Haute couture is basically clothing that is custom-fitted, made-to-measure or high-quality clothes, made with impeccable detail. 

High-Street

Something that most of us wear every day, high-street clothes refer to ready-to-wear designs that keep changing from season to season, rather than occasion-specific designs that are custom-made by designers.

Passé

Greatly feared in the fashion circle, the term is used to describe something that is no longer fashionable or trendy.

Prêt-à-Porter

Designer clothes that are ready-to-wear and not made-to-measure are known as prêt-à-porter in french and in fashion. 

Upcycled

Giving products a second life, which is what upcycling entails, is not a new concept for those who grew up in an Indian household. It refers to the transformation of pre-loved products into something new after they have been modified. Want to start your sustainable journey? Check out upcycled creations by Doodlage on our site.

Y2K

An acronym for ‘Year 2000’, it is currently having its moment in the fashion industry. It refers to recreating clothing trends and aesthetics that existed in the mid-’90s and early 2000s, such as low waist jeans, tiny bags, velvet tracksuits, and more.