Fall is my favorite season to play with fashion. The crisp air, mild temperatures, and golden leaves signal a time of transition, perfect for experimenting with my wardrobe. As the layers pile on—hats, scarves, and cozy knits—so does the opportunity to reflect my mood. Some days, I crave a carefree, casual look. Other days, I lean towards a chic or polished style. But above all, it needs to be practical for the weather.
For me, fashion has never been about impressing others. It’s a personal expression of joy and confidence, a way to feel good about myself. Dressing up is fun, a celebration of who I am. On days when I need a confidence boost, fashion does the trick. After spending four years studying it, fashion, to me, is more than trends—it’s a language. And from here on, I hope you’ll allow me to simply refer to how we dress as fashion.
Fashion speaks without words. It can capture attention, earn respect, and build connections, or even set us apart. Today, I want to focus on how fashion can foster connection.
Most of the time, we dress to blend in. We choose outfits that help us feel accepted, which is why terms like “uniform,” “style,” and “trend” exist in fashion. Yet, while we seek acceptance, we often dress in ways that make us fade into the background. Isn’t that counterproductive to building genuine connections? As Mollie Kaye said in her TED talk, “We are terrified to be noticed but we are dying to be seen.” This quote resonated with me deeply, and it was the inspiration behind this article.
Mollie Kaye, a fascinating woman who embraces vintage 1950s fashion, shared her journey in her TEDx talk “Is The Cure For Loneliness Hiding In Your Closet?” She believes fashion is a powerful tool for self-expression and connection. Known for her “Turned-out Tuesdays,” she dresses in head-to-toe mid-20th-century style as a way to engage with her community. For Kaye, fashion became more than just clothing—it was a catalyst for deeper human interactions and a stronger sense of belonging.
Her story reminds me of my own experiences. There have been days when strangers approached me just to compliment my outfit. Those small interactions brightened my day, and I know I’ve done the same for others. Even my teenagers, who rarely agree with me on anything, admit that people who stand out and dare to be different deserve recognition, not just for their style but for their courage.
Fashion is a simple way to invite conversations, to break the ice, and to say “hi” to a stranger. Although we’re more connected online, loneliness and anxiety seem to be on the rise. We express our thoughts freely on social media, but many of us are too shy to make small talk in person. It’s worth asking: Are we truly happy this way? Do we really want to blend in so much that we disappear? Perhaps the key to reconnecting with those around us lies, quite literally, in our closets.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to go unnoticed sometimes. Not every day calls for making a fashion statement, and introverts, in particular, may find the idea stressful. But if we’re seeking connection, even a small change can make a difference. I once met a man who wore two wristwatches—one on each arm. When I asked him about it, he smiled and said, “We wouldn’t be having this conversation if not for these watches, right?”
As someone who loves fashion and believes in its power to express who we are, I wholeheartedly agree with Kaye’s sentiment: “You are the special occasion, dress for it!” The time to feel good about yourself is now. The time to bridge connections with others is now. How you choose to do it—and how often—is entirely up to you.
P.S. I have the tendency to take photos of my surroundings rather than of myself. And when I do, it’s mostly just the selfie of my face and the background. For this reason, I will bookmark this post with beautiful images taken during some hikes in Fall for now. Enjoy! 🙂
Here is the link to the TEDx Talk
